“…sharing those highs and lows with a person, whilst difficult sometimes, is how we experience the real rewards from nursing”

Two members of passionate staff reflect on working in nursing for more than a decade.

I’m Vanessa, I love my job! (…that sounds a bit corny but it’s true!). I get to meet so many great people within our Trust and I learn so much about the different services – the challenges, the rewards, the service users – all so different and interesting. I’ve been nursing for over 12 years now and I’m still discovering new and interesting things! I feel very lucky…

I caught up with Louise recently, one of our senior community mental health nurses. What struck me most was that she’s been a nurse for 11 years and is still as committed now as the day she qualified – there was real interest and engagement there. I felt we had a lot in common actually – we’re both still really passionate.

Louise told me about one particular service user, a mother who was finding it difficult to cope. Louise said she worked hard to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and to build trust – it inspired her to continue working in the person centred manner that she found natural. It made me reflect – sharing those highs and lows with a person, whilst difficult sometimes, is how we experience the real rewards from nursing. It’s unique in that sense. I can’t imagine any career that’s more fulfilling.

I asked Louise why she chooses to work as a nurse in the community. She said it was the privilege of working with people in the local community. She felt that her understanding of mental health was so much stronger and she was able to apply that and make a difference to more people. It was also the support and bond that she felt from being part of a multi-disciplinary team. Despite being a largely autonomous role, she said support is always on hand.

“Positive, uplifting and forward thinking” was how she described her team. How nice, it made me wonder how many people could say that about their colleagues!

Yes, I really enjoyed talking to Louise. Her contagious laugh, deep sense of warmth, positivity and compassion – I can totally see why she chose to be a nurse. I think she’s an inspiring role model for the profession.

Thank you Louise…