Mental Health Nurses' Day 2022

21 February 2022

“Being a mental health nurse is a fulfilling, diverse and challenging role No day is the same and each story brings new trials and new rewards and job satisfaction”  - Celebrating Mental Health Nurses' Day 2022

Today is Mental Health Nurses Day 2022 and we are celebrating the amazing work our Mental Health Nurses do across the Trust, to not only thank them but to inspire others to join this incredible and rewarding profession. We would like to say a huge thank you to all our mental health nurses and everyone who works alongside them  – you are all heroes!

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Greg Hinds recently started working at our Trust and shares his story as an international Mental Health Nurse,

"I moved to the UK in July of last year, with all the hopes and aspirations of making a better life for myself and my family for generations to come. In the 1950s and 60s, thousands of Barbadians and other West Indians made similar decisions and eventually made the UK their home. Thus far, this remains the goal for me and it is becoming more achievable as the months go on.

This is my first visit to the UK and my first impression was the sheer vastness of the airport and surrounding buildings of London. The next impression was the long two-hour drive to Southampton - in Barbados you can reach almost any destination in an hour! That day was filled with so many emotions, less than 12 hours previously I was saying tearful goodbyes to my children, siblings, and friends and then I was suddenly embarking on my dream. I am sure that this is the story that lots of international nurses have experienced. It is not easy leaving your loved ones to start a life that is filled with the unknown.

My major consideration was always going to be the change in culture, people and food (I LOVE food)! I also considered the changes in practice and approach. I knew I would have to adapt to the new culture and lifestyle so mentally I was prepared for the challenge. What helped me to prepare for these challenges were the practice sessions with Southern Health's International Nurse Educator Lead. These were held with the other international nurses in my cohort, and it helped tremendously meeting others who were all experiencing the same challenges and emotions. Those sessions were informative and therapeutic and served to help us relax, bond and focus. I was also grateful for the Trust's plan to assist all their international nurses with preparation for the OSCE exams. Reflecting on this, I think this was crucial in passing those exams.

Since starting at Antelope House, it has been a positive experience, eye-opening and developmentally I can say that I have grown, personally and professionally. I have been granted the opportunity to work with patients with varying personalities and mental health challenges and with staff with varying backgrounds, beliefs and ethnicities. This melting pot of cultures allows for a greater appreciation of communications skills, group dynamics and empathy for others.

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Jessamy Vincent, Juniper Ward Manager at Parklands Hospital describes why she loves being a Mental Health Nurse,

“Being a Mental Health Nurse is a fulfilling, diverse and challenging role which requires a toolbox of many skills such as compassion, humour, creativity, knowledge and teamwork. No day is the same and each story brings new trials and new rewards and job satisfaction. Being a Mental Health Nurse is nothing without an amazing team to work alongside.”

If you are Mental Health Nurse o work with a Mental Health Team we want to hear about what you do, please e-mail communications@southernhealth.nhs.uk

If you are interested in becoming a Mental Health Nurse, please contact our recruitment team or visit our ‘work for us’ webpage to find out about some of the exciting opportunities we have within our mental health services across Hampshire.

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