Samantha Halliday

I currently work on a low secure forensic ward for adult males with autism. I have a full time position on the ward and carry out "named nurse" duties for 2 of our 8 current patients. My current duties are as follows but not limited to;

• Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
• Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
• Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
• Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
• Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
• Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
• Mentored nursing students during clinical rotations at the psychiatric facility, sharing knowledge and expertise while promoting their professional growth.
• Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
• Built trust with patients from various cultural backgrounds through culturally competent care practices tailored to individual needs.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of mental health nursing.
• Raised awareness about mental health stigma within the community by participating in outreach events and educational programs.
• Streamlined documentation processes to maintain accurate patient records while maximizing time spent on direct care activities.
• Promoted a therapeutic environment by establishing rapport, maintaining boundaries, and fostering open communication with patients and families.
• Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
• Developed strong working relationships with mental health community partners, facilitating seamless transitions of care for patients upon discharge from the facility.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients dealing with complex mental health issues.
• Working specifically with forensic patients with a diagnosis of Autism.
• Co-ordination of shifts (charge nurse/nurse in charge)

Alongside my current full time position on a forensic mental health ward for patients with Autism, I also work various bank shifts on numerous different wards including;

• Acute mental health (mixed gender 26 bed)
• Dementia (mixed gender, 22 bed)
• Learning disability assessment and treatment (mixed gender, 10 bed)
• Low secure forensic mental health (male only 15 bed)

My duties are similar to those on my own ward however this is not full time.

Alongside my nurse training I worked as a bank support worker across numerous wards. This Allowed me to gain skills and knowledge of each ward prior to qualifying as a nurse.

Wards I have worked on;

• Dementia (22 Bed Unit)
• Learning disability assessment and treatment unit (10 Bed Unit)
• Acute mental health (26 Bed unit)
• Low secure forensic mental health (15 bed unit)
• Low secure forensic Autism specialist (10 bed unit)

My duties included but are not limited to;

• Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
• Adapted quickly to changing work environments while maintaining high levels of productivity and professionalism under pressure.
• Established trusting relationships with clients and their families through empathetic communication and active listening.
• Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.
• Promoted independence among clients through skill-building exercises and goal-setting initiatives.
• Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
• Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
• Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Supporting patients to carry out daily living tasks; washing, dressing, toileting etc.

As my prior work experience is not necessarily relevant to the positions I now hold I have chosen to join them together in this section. Since leaving school I have worked in the following environments.

• Bar's & Restaurants.
• Hotels.
• Community domiciliary care.
• Prison health care support worker. (contracted through community care)
• Residential care home for Autistic adults.
• Residential care home for dementia.