What a question. In an attempt to answer this, I have been asking myself, ‘what do I bring to the nursing profession’. I think that I have been complicating this too much. It took a while for me to break this down, due to *imposter syndrome*. I asked myself if I felt like me being a nurse would shape the year, but in the grand scheme of things, I do, as I am a nurse, working in the NHS.
I am so honoured to work in such a varied team, with some fantastic individuals, who have such a positive impact on the care for our patients, and continually improve the care provided. In my current job role, I see patients who present in a mental health crisis, and this can be so varied, and we can liaise with a wide range of services and professionals. The image of the nurse remains very professional, and mainly includes a female in a nurses tunic, and in many services nowadays this is not the case. For example, in my current job, I wear no uniform, and have a lanyard with my ID badge on. I go out and about in the community, and in emergency departments. Do I need a uniform? Does the traditional image of a ‘nurse’ need to be challenged more?
In the next 12 months, I am expecting a lot of changes in my work and personal life, and this is exciting and nerve wracking, but its the joys of nursing! The last 12 months have been life changing, and I look back, and am in awe of how much I have developed in all aspects of my life. I feel so lucky to have worked with some amazing patients and staff, and cannot thank them all enough! (I hope that some of my old and new colleagues see this).
I aim to shape the year of the nurse and midwife by raising more awareness of what mental health nursing may include. This includes the general public, but also other professionals who work in different services. I also need to remember that I may not change the world, but I can help change the world for an individual.
Diary of a Mental Health Nurse 