Mary Peter

Caring, passionate and enthusiastic.

Prior to my qualification as a mental health nurse, I worked as a health care assistant in mental health services.  I attended my placements within hospital and community settings. Venturing into this career has enabled me to put my community care, counselling qualification and experiences into practice. I have had the opportunity of putting theory into practice by practising compassionate person-centred care which I will transfer to the the community setting.

I have had the opportunity to work in an acute psychiatric inpatient ward, psychiatric intensive care unit, elderly organic and functional wards, this has given me the skills and experience needed in supporting patients with various needs in the community setting. While working on the acute inpatient ward, I observe the impact quality nursing care has on patients. As a frontline worker involved in aiding the recovery of patients who are acutely unwell, I do witness the transformation made. Hence my determination to contribute and give my all to the nursing profession and especially to maintain independence to those patient in the community. The knowledge gained from the experience of the in-patient setting has given me more confidence into being competent and successful in working with people charicterised with various mental health needs, including  elderly with organic or functional cognitive disoder. My wide knowledge in applying equality and diversity practices has been enhanced by being involved in activities with other professionals, patients, their carers and families from various backgrounds. In addition to this, I have been involved in the delivery of therapeutic intervention and service development work.

Through my career as mental health nurse, my knowledge in supporting and facilitating the provision of seamless services for aged, sick and disadvantaged people within the community, institutions and one-one settings has also developed. I use this knowledge to inspire, motivate and support others to develop their skills. I possess excellent oral and written presentation, reporting and communication skills, which have been honed through my work and trainings.

Both theoretical and practical work positions have empowered me with great knowledge and insight into how to deal with people of varied backgrounds. Besides, I am courageous and committed to work effectively either independently or as part of the team. I have proven skills of effective time management as shown by my multiple work and education commitments. For example, the degree in mental health nursing studies I undertook while still working. I have excellent practical organisational skills, person centred care and management skills, which I will transfer into the community setting. This will also enable me to be extremely effective in caseload management by prioritising and recognition of my capabilities and limitations.

My competence in dealing with various clients group has given me the knowledge of physical and mental effects on a person’s health. This will enable me to create therapeutic relationships, work collaboratively with care staff at all levels in assessing and supporting the service users. This includes dealing with client’s families, carers, doctors and other supporting staff. I have gained more understanding of how to deal with issues arising within teams and the ability to work using own initiative. As proved by my career progression, I would like to enhance my skills through trainings and learning from the team in general. Recently, I completed Mental Health First Aid course (MHFA), these extensive skills and knowledge are greatly suitable for the mental health nursing post I have applied for.