Celebrating Mental Health Nurses Day 2022 | News and events

Monday 21 February marks the fourth annual 'Mental Health Nurses Day' – an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and importance of Mental Health Nursing and share stories and experiences to raise awareness of this profession throughout the UK and beyond.

To mark the occasion, we asked some of the highly experienced and skilled Mental Health Nurses working in our Trust to share what they value most about their role – read their thoughts below:

"I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMHN) and Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) working in the Primary Care Networks, recently starting in the Clinical Services Lead role for the South and West Norfolk area.

"I love being a Mental Health Nurse and I couldn’t think of my life or career having been so rewarding in any other role.

"I enjoy helping others and I get my job satisfaction from doing that, from seeing, speaking, and supporting people on and with their recovery.

"It’s a privileged position, to be allowed in, to know peoples stories and to be told, to share what this means for them, a place I never take for granted. It can be challenging, stressful and demanding, but it’s never boring, like people, no two days are ever the same.

"It’s this that I value about my role and working in the NHS and NSFT. I cannot imagine a profession or workplace where treating yourself and your colleagues compassionately, having the support and culture of non-judgements and where we can all learn, and grow is as high on the agenda.”
Lisa

“I am the Chief Nurse at NSFT. I started my nursing career 40 years ago as a Nursing auxiliary then as a ENM and then finally as an RMN. My lifelong love affair with nursing continues, the absolute privilege to be a part albeit a small part of someone’s lives when they need care is something very special and I have learnt so much from those I have cared for, which has shaped, challenged, and nurtured me.

“So many special moments, so many wonderful stories, lifelong friendships made and a career I never want to end, it is this that holds me during these challenging times.”
Diane

“I am a Homelessness Advanced Mental Health Practitioner, integrated with homelessness services in Ipswich as well as mental health services.

“I think the role is extremely important as the people I work with have often suffered numerous traumatic experiences throughout their lives and have multiple and complex needs but are often marginalised not only by society in general but also by services. I feel honoured to be able to give mental health support and treatment to individuals who otherwise would probably not be able to access any and help them throughout their journey of rebuilding their lives and recovery from the adverse life experiences they have had.

“I love being a mental health nurse, I remain passionate about it after nearly 20 years being qualified and still look forward to work every day. Although my particular job can be stressful and quite emotional at times, I know that I am doing my best to help people that really need it and seeing people move out of homelessness with improved mental health, physical health and gaining some positivity in their lives, makes all the hard work worth it. “
Jonathan

“I am a Matron in a Forensic Community Mental Health Team.  What I value most about my role is, the being able to empower staff through compassionate, inclusive leadership and management to promote high standards of care in the community, making a positive difference to our service users and their families.

“I’m privileged to be in a position where I am able to make a difference in people’s lives as they go through their recovery journey by building effective relationships with patients and their relatives.”
Percy

We also asked our service users how mental Health Nurses have made a positive difference in their lives. Here’s what they said:

"Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I gave up on myself. You met my every “I can’t keep fighting” with “you’re stronger than you think”

"You encouraged me to live, rather than simply exist."

"I will always be thankful for your kindness and commitment to helping me to stay safe whilst I regained my ability to see that there was and is a future."

"The greatest gift they give me is their time to listen to me, support me and empower me to see beyond the dark clouds and difficult experiences that come with my illness."

"No matter how despondent I felt, you never ceased to lift my spirits. I found your patience and empathy unfathomable."

"Thank you, for saving lives, including mine – every day."

If you'd like to find out more about how to get into Mental Health Nursing, check out the NHS Careers website!