Today, Friday 21 February, is Mental Health Nurses' Day. Gemma Smith shares her story of how 20 years ago she was inspired, by the people she worked with, to change her career from a housekeeper on a dementia ward to a mental health nurse.
Whilst studying for my A levels, I worked as a housekeeper on a dementia ward. There was something really special about witnessing the compassion and care demonstrated by staff and the demonstrable impact this had on the lives of the patients and their carers/families. This really touched me and from then on I knew I wanted to work in this field.
I trained as a mental health nurse 20 years ago and have remained in old age services throughout my career, an area I am passionate about and have always found to be incredibly rewarding. Over the years I have completed a Masters degree in clinical research and trained as an advanced clinical practitioner, and more recently am in training to be a consultant practitioner.
Along the way, I have had the privilege of working with exceptional staff that show dedication and compassion every day. They come to work to make a difference and despite periods of increased pressure they show resilience and never falter. I am incredibly proud to work alongside my mental health nursing colleagues and to call myself a mental health nurse.
Gemma Smith
Foundation Nurse Consultant, Older People's Mental Health (OPMH)