I completed my Mental Health Nursing degree in 2007. Over the last 18 years I have developed a wealth of clinical experience as working as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, in a number of different settings, from inpatient acute hospital ward environments to Community mental health teams to Primary Care/GP settings and have nursed in Children's and Adolescents Mental Health Team, Adult Mental Health Services and Older Adults Services within North Wales. I am confident and take pride in my clinical knowledge and my years of clinical experience are reflected in my clinical teaching to students. Hopefully providing nursing students with an authentic experience of working as a Mental Health Nurse in the NHS.
During my career as a mental health nurse, I have completed courses in Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-which have provided me with transferable teaching skills for i.e., I have used in 1:1 with service users looking at anxiety/mood management therapeutic interventions and delivering 6 weekly CBT online 2 hour sessions of OCD group work with clients/service users. I have also delivered bespoke training to health professional through hour long presentations on Stress and wellbeing.
I have completed the Trauma in schools (TIS), Trauma Informed Diploma Course, Friends Resilience Training, Circle Time Train the Trainer, TAP training and Enhanced DBT skills. All the training has enhanced my skills and knowledge in delivering training, learning outcomes to individuals, groups, young people, adult- educational staff and health professionals.
I am also a trained Mental Health First Aider in Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, and train covering a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, suicide, psychosis, and substance use.
I am born and raised in the local area and I am immensely proud to work for Wrexham University and support/develop mental health nurses of the future.
Outside of work, I enjoy walking my Sprocker and spending time with my family.
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing and Midwifery Council | Registered Nurse-Mental Health | 2007 |
Education
| Institution | Qualification | Subject | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wales, Swansea, | Bachelor of Economic and Social Studies | Social Anthropology and Sociology | 1997 |
| Jenny Mosley & North Wales CAMHS Schools In Reach Service. BCUHB. | Quality Circle time for Mental Health and Wellbeing Train the Trainers course | Quality Circle time for Mental Health and Wellbeing Train the Trainers course | 2023 |
| Wrexham University | Short Course-HLT431 | Creative approaches to wellbeing | 2024 |
| The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education | Diploma | Trauma and Mental Health Informed School (Practitioner Status) | 2022 |
| Agored Cymru-Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, | Level 6 | Using CBT in the Treatment of Common Mental Health disorders | |
| BCUHB, Wrexham Glyndwr | Practice Assessor & Practice Supervisor Preparation & Transition Course | Practice Assessor & Practice Supervisor Preparation & Transition Course | 2022 |
| TAP Learning Part of QA | TAP Certificate in Training Delivery- five day version for new trainers | TAP Certificate in Training Delivery- five day version for new trainers | 2023 |
| Mental Health First Aid Wales | Adult Mental Health First Aid Wales | Adult Mental Health First Aid Wales | 2022 |
| University of Wales, Bangor, | Bachelor of Nursing( Honours) | Mental Health Nursing | 2008 |
| BCU CAMHS Friends Resilience Training. | Friends Resilience Training- Foundations Accreditation course | Friends Resilience Training- Foundations Accreditation course | 2023 |
| British Isles DBT Training Team. | 3 Day Online Skills Training: Enhanced in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. | 3 Day Online Skills Training: Enhanced in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. | 2023 |
Teaching Interests
I enjoy teaching mental health conditions, mental health and wellbeing practices, for instance, 5 Ways to Wellbeing and mental health first aid strategies. I have a keen interest in trauma-informed approaches and practice. I endeavour to be the best I can be for my students, supporting them in their journey to achieve their full potential and excel in their professionalism as mental health nurses.
Programs/ Modules Coordinated
| Title | Subject |
|---|---|
| Meeting the needs of patients and families in acute and chronic illness (Mental Health field) | NUR519 |