Prior to doing my nursing degree, I worked for the civil services and used to investigate complaints about NHS funded care. I had the opportunity to re-train when I was 34 and applied to study my BN (Hon) Mental Health Nursing degree at Bangor University.
Claire Dean - My Career Journey
Prior to being accepted onto my degree course, I had gained my Certificate in Health and Social Care with the Open University some years previous and was not required to complete an Access to nursing course.
As a mature student, I spent three years studying from the School of Healthcare Sciences in Archimedes in Wrexham campus. I undertook a mix of clinical placements and academic work, which ranged from older persons, forensic and community-based nursing.
I qualified in August 2012 and spent 5 years working as a Mental Health Nurse at Ty Llywelyn Medium Secure Unit working with mentally disorders offenders. In January 2017, I moved to the newly built prison in Wrexham as a Mental Health Sister, working across the integrated Health and Wellbeing Team. I started my current role in November 2019.
One of my key reasons for wanting to come into this role is being to help and support others. Good listening skills and your ability to show empathy are key, along with being able to treat your patient as your first concern and without judgement.
When we nurse others who are in mental distress, it is important that we look after our own mental and physical health needs. There continues to be stigma connected to mental health and this can be magnified if that person has been exposed to the criminal justice system for whatever reason.
The most rewarding part of my role is ensuring that regardless of someone’s background or current situation, it is being able to make sure each and every one of us is entitled and receives the care we all deserve. It can be tough and challenging but it’s underpinned by never losing hope.