Friday February 21, 2025
Mental Health Nurses Day (February 21) is a day to recognize the incredible work of mental health nurses and raise awareness about the unique role they play in healthcare.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Diana, has been working in the field for over 25 years and has witnessed the profound impact that she and her colleagues have on vulnerable patients within the community.
“We work closely with carers, families, and other support systems to provide holistic care. Our focus is on building therapeutic relationships with patients and seeing them improve and regain their true selves. It is incredibly rewarding.”
Diana’s extensive experience has allowed her to support patients throughout their entire treatment journey. Spending time getting to know them and learning how best to support their recovery.
Through the Safe Wards model, Diana and her team focus on interventions that prioritize the safety of both patients and staff. The goal is to minimize the use of restrictive interventions such as seclusion and physical restraints. This approach allows the team to better understand the patient, provide sensory tools, and engage consumers in activities and groups to support their recovery.
A significant part of Diana’s role involves teaching junior nurses on the ward. The stigma surrounding mental health can make this a steep learning curve for some.
“As long as you approach someone with respect, you can’t go wrong. It’s all about treating the person as an individual, which helps break down barriers and fosters a more supportive environment.
Diana also praises the junior nurses, saying, “They’re fresh eyes, eager to learn, and they put in the hard work to help patients return to their lives in the community. They are wonderful, and I can’t say enough positive things about them.”
