I Fell Into Nursing By Accident...

Today Shona shares why she became a nurse. Shona is Clinical Team Leader on our Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit.

Shona’s story Why I became a nurse…

To tell you the truth, I fell into nursing by accident. I finished my a-levels with disappointing grades and I thought that I had thrown away the ability to choose what to do with my career. I took a year out to regroup and try and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted to help people, but not in the capacity of a nurse as I am squeamish of everything to do with a human body.

I volunteered with Rethink and was sent on a wide range of basic courses in regards to mental health and volunteered at my local school in the behavioural support team. I gained a real interest and passion towards mental health and challenging behaviours and wanted to be part of a change in someone’s life.

I picked up a few prospectuses and read the description for mental health nursing and thought “great, doesn’t sound like a nurse at all”. Applied for the course, got an interview and subsequently was offered a place at university.

Little did I know that mental health nursing would involve the one thing I’m petrified of… needles!

Three years of training and perseverance later and I get a job as a staff nurse, a further three years later and I am a clinical team leader on a ward with a patient group that I have so much passion for – without a fear of needles!

There is not job like nursing, the stress and the laughter combined is enough to keep me on my toes. I have laughed and cried and questioned if I can do this on many occasions, but I have built great relationships with staff, patients and carers!

Most importantly, I leave my shift each day with my heart full knowing that I have helped someone in a time of crisis.