Breaking Stigma & Changing Lives: Dawn Cropper on 25 Years in Mental Health Nursing
As part of our series celebrating Mental Health Nurses’ Day, we had the privilege of speaking with Dawn Cropper, Operations Director at Northern Healthcare. Although Dawn now plays a key role in overseeing operations, her heart remains deeply rooted in mental health nursing - a career she embarked on over 25 years ago.
From starting as an administrator in a community mental health team to embracing a secondment for nurse training, Dawn’s journey reflects a deep passion for breaking down stigma and empowering individuals to overcome their challenges. We sat down with Dawn to discuss her experiences, the changes she has witnessed in mental health nursing, and the incredible rewards that come with supporting people on their recovery journeys.
What inspired you to become a mental health nurse?
"Having completed a music degree at Huddersfield University I took some time out. I worked as an administrator /secretary within a busy community mental health team in Yorkshire where I had first-hand experience of individuals suffering from mental health illnesses who visited the CMHT teams. I started working as a support worker alongside this role and I was subsequently offered a secondment to undertake my nurse training. I embraced this opportunity having had experiences within CMHT and working on the acute mental health wards and wanted to help individuals feel empowered to overcome their challenges.
As this was 25 years ago there was a lot of stigma around mental health, I wanted to support in breaking this stigma whilst at the same time helping people with managing and overcoming conditions that can often prevent them from living the lives they choose."
What does a typical day look like for you?
"Whilst I am operations director for Northern Healthcare, I am still very much a mental health nurse and do get involved in clinical conversations, escalation calls, safeguarding meetings, and conversations about complex presentations, whether it is discussing referrals, medication support, or supporting colleagues with discussions about the people we support."
What’s the most rewarding part of being a mental health nurse?
"Working with other people and knowing that you are making a difference in their lives makes the rewards outweigh any challenges.
Certainly working in social care, we see individuals who have stepped down from being in hospital albeit acute psychiatric or forensic mental health secure wards, seeing them flourish in an environment they can call home with no restrictions is the most rewarding part. Also seeing their achievements, however big or small, is a daily reward and moving towards greater independence."
What are some common misconceptions about mental health nursing?
"Stigma continues to surround mental health nursing, however, as mental health professionals we’re greatly placed to challenge this and change the views of fellow nurses and the public.
In my experience one of the biggest misconceptions is that ‘mental health nurses experience violence as a daily occurrence in their jobs.’ Challenging stigma as it arises is the most powerful tool we have in changing these misconceptions."
How has mental health nursing changed over the years?
Positives:
- "Introduction of community-based nursing moving away from the ‘institutions’."
- "Increase in more talking therapies."
- "Introduction of integrated care, nurse prescribers, and nurse led care in crisis prevention."
Negatives:
- "Pre-registration nurse education has become too 'generic' (not focused enough on mental health)."
- "A lack of career development opportunities outside of managerial pathways (i.e. senior clinical roles."
- "Lack of understanding amongst the public and other professional groups around the role of mental health nursing, especially in social care."
What changes would you like to see in mental health care?
- "Improved access for children in need of mental health services – more support for schools with accessible mental health education that is taught from primary school onwards so that they could be more confident and better prepared to cope with the challenges of mental health in adolescence and adulthood."
- "Reduction in hospital admissions – more preventative care in the community – increased community/crisis provision."
- "More Government funding into mental health nursing in social care with an increased profile for social care mental health nurses."
How does working in mental health nursing impact your own well-being, and how do you take care of yourself?
"Understanding what good mental health is makes life a lot easier. Working as a nurse has equipped me with a greater understanding of how we cope with being upset, or experience losses, fears, and uncertainties in life. It has enabled me to have a greater insight into the power of great communication and how this can impact on life both professionally and personally.
I will take time out if I notice my stress levels are rising and will seek activities to reduce stress. I do find that connecting with people helps reduce any stress and supports a more positive outlook."
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about mental health nursing?
"The massive rewards of seeing positive journeys and outcomes along with transferrable life skills learnt. Also, how mental health nurses can help individuals understand their situation for them to achieve the best possible outcomes."
A standout memory from your career as a mental health nurse
"Coming to NHC and seeing an ex-patient who was well into her recovery journey at one of our supported living sites. I had previously nursed this individual on different wards including acute and PICU wards at different stages of her illness and when she was at her most unwell. Having seen her eight years later living in a supported living setting, being independent and having progressed was a pivotal moment as recalling how unwell she was having spent a considerable amount of time in hospital to now was truly inspirational."
If Dawn’s story has inspired you to explore a career in mental health nursing, we’d love to hear from you! At Northern Healthcare, we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Visit our careers page to learn more about our opportunities and start your journey today.
