70 stories for #NHS70: Celebrating Mental Health Nursing’s Contribution in Scotland - #70mhnursingstories Name: Mark Richards Current Job: Director of Nursing and AHPs/Deputy CEO NHS Board Area/Trust: The State Hospitals Board for Scotland Your Story What was your journey in to mental health nursing? (700 words max) Growing up in Perth, I had no family history or connection to nursing, in fact, I was brought up in and around the family bike shop and had always thought that my working life would have had some connection to the bike trade. I also had a neighbour (Ian), who was a good friend of the family, and who was a Mental Health Nurse. I can remember as a wee boy during the school summer holidays being told to keep the noise down because Ian was sleeping and wondering what on earth he did staying up all night! And how could a man be a nurse? Perhaps some natural curiosity at an early age. Looking back at leaving school, I really had no idea on career choice as a 16 year old. I thought I would follow in my Dad’s footsteps (who was a tool maker to trade) and pursue a career that was focused on the mechanical side of things. I applied for an apprenticeship with the Royal Navy as an aeronautical engineer, focused on helicopter engines. Having been through the recruitment selection process, I was asked to apply back again the following year, which necessitated a complete rethink of what career options were in front of me. Cue a chance conversation with Ian, who spoke to me about a career in Mental Health Nursing. He painted a picture of fantastic, rewarding career and talked through some the experiences he had had, working in Scotland and in Canada. I was sold. A total change from caring for helicopters to caring for people, but it felt like something I really wanted to try. 3 months later, there I was, a nervous 17 year old, sitting in front of a recruitment panel at Perth College of Nursing and Midwifery, and was offered a place on their Mental Health Nursing programme, starting on 9th May 1988. It was a complete step into the unknown for me and I really had no idea about the rewarding career that was in front of me. I had to wait 6 months before I was old enough to start my training, so I also took on a part time job working in a local clothes shop. This was a good opportunity to develop my interpersonal skills, and to display unconditional positive regard in the face of some dubious fashion choices by customers… I loved my modular training, spending time on placements split between Murray Royal Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary. I trained in a class of 12, and when we split into our branches 18 months in, we became a class of just 3. I was touched by the care and support offered to us as students, particularly when working at Murray Royal Hospital, and started my career as a registrant in forensic services at Murray Royal in 1991. Induction into new Staff Nurse roles was a little different back then. I was in charge of the ward on my first night shift. I received the hand over report, was handed the medicine keys, and told ‘start as you mean to continue son - see you in the morning.’ Induction complete! I have felt privileged to work as mental health nurse for 30 years. My career has been varied, and I have had the opportunity to work in multiple, varied roles throughout my career. It has often been challenging, occasionally emotional, but always rewarding. I hope I have been able to make a small difference throughout my years of service. Looking back, I’m glad I chose the career path that I did and that I can call myself a Mental Health Nurse. What does it mean to you to be a mental health nurse now?(300 words max) I’m proud to be a Nurse. Always have been and always will be. Irrespective of what role I have held in the NHS, I have always considered myself to be a Nurse first and foremost, even when I’ve been working in ‘non Nursing’ general management roles. Mental Health Nursing is a proud profession that makes a genuine and lasting difference to people’s lives. I have been fortunate to be involved in developing Nursing over the past 30 years, a time in which we have seen the profession gain a stronger professional identity and gain confidence in articulating what the unique contribution and value of Nursing is. There are more opportunities than ever before for Mental Health Nursing to flourish, particularly linked to transforming roles in response to public sector reform and major changes in our population demographics. There is also a clear role for our Mental Health Nurses to improve the physical health and wellbeing of people with mental health problems and to reduce harm. There is much greater awareness and visibility of mental health more generally, and of parity of esteem as it relates to mental health care. I see a greater political awareness and understanding of the importance of high quality mental health care. I have watched with interest the development and articulation of organisational values across the NHS in Scotland. Values such as care and compassion, and dignity and respect are core Nursing values, and care and compassion must be at the heart of everything we do irrespective of the role or level of authority we hold. One moment in my career that exemplifies this was a conversation I has with two patients in Leverndale Hospital several years ago. The conversation turned to what made a difference to them in terms of their recovery. While both recognised the importance of medical and psychological interventions, the single most important factor was feeling that staff took the time to listen, to seek to understand, and to care. We must never lose sight of the power of caring. I have the privilege of being the Director of Nursing and AHPs at The State Hospital and from that, the opportunity to help ensure there is a strong mental health voice heard through Scotland’s Executive Nurse Directors. I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement of many of my colleagues and the influence of the many remarkable people who I have met over the past 30 years. What would you say to someone to encourage them to consider mental health nursing as a profession?(250 words max) Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career. I’ll be honest and say that it can be tough, and it can be frustrating. I’ve left work on many occasions questioning the difference I have actually made. There are also numerous times in my career when I have seen the difference that Nurses can make and the power of the profession. It’s rarely been the ‘big stuff’ but instead it been those deceptively simple moments in care such as listening with fascination to someone’s story, or offering comfort and support during time of upset or grief. These are the powerful, rewarding moments. It sounds a little twee, but working as a Mental Health Nurse fundamentally changed me as a person. For the better. I have met people throughout my career who have been remarkable in many different ways, and who have shaped my values and beliefs which extends well beyond my working life. I’ve mentioned privilege a couple of times in this submission, but it truly is a privilege to work as a Mental Health Nurse and to work skilfully, attentively and compassionately with people to make a positive difference. The opportunities for Nurses today are significant. At a national policy level, there is a more equitable focus on mental health and wellbeing. Public sector reform is creating space for Nurses to lead, innovate and excel. Finally, the acid test for me in considering this, is would I encourage my two daughters to become Mental Health Nurses? Yes, I would. I think it is an exciting time to be a Nurse and to be working within mental health services. It offers a brilliant, fulfilling first (or even second) career to anyone who is seeking the rewards this can offer. Signature : Mark Richards Date: 1st July 2018. Please complete the attached template and return to [email protected] by the 8th May 2018. Please note: By submitting the completed form you agree for your story to be used for publication and other activity in promoting the mental health nursing profession. .