Mental health nursing is an incredibly rewarding yet often misunderstood profession, and Clare Bowler, an Assessment Practitioner at Northern Healthcare, plays a key role in bridging the gap between hospital care and independent living. With years of hands-on experience in frontline support and clinical assessment, Clare is passionate about helping people move forward in their recovery with the right support in place.

In this interview, Clare shares what led her to a career in mental health nursing, the challenges and rewards of the role, and the vital work involved in assessing individuals for community-based support. She also reflects on how the sector has evolved, the importance of breaking down misconceptions, and the changes she hopes to see in the future. Read on to learn more about Clare’s journey and the impact of her work!

If Clare’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.  

What inspired you to become a mental health nurse?

Initially, to make a difference in people’s lives who did not have the support or nurturing in early life, leading to mental health difficulties. I started as a support worker supporting adolescents on a medium secure unit which led me to complete my nursing qualification. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

The assessment practitioner's role involves screening paperwork and assessing individuals who are either ready for discharge into the community or to prevent further hospital admissions. I enjoy carrying out face-to-face assessments and often seeing individuals with complex mental health who I have worked with on the wards previously that are now ready for discharge. This is very rewarding. I also deliver training and support services with risk formulation meetings.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a mental health nurse?

As before, seeing people discharged from hospital and succeed in the community.

What are some common misconceptions about mental health nursing?

That we are not “proper” nurses, however I often highlight that while we are not physical health nurses, we need a certain depth of knowledge about physical health as this often impacts mental health and vice versa.

How has mental health nursing changed over the years?

More recently I think a change in the least restrictive practice and positive risk-taking (which has changed over the years) gives vulnerable people a chance to be supported in the community and reduces the likelihood of people becoming institutionalised (as previously).

What changes would you like to see in mental health care?

More streamlined approaches with other agencies such as police, adequate training for other agencies to understand mental health more, and how to approach/support individuals.

How does working in mental health nursing impact your own well-being, and how do you take care of yourself?

It can often lead to long hours, and I feel it is important to go that extra mile as a nurse. However, it is also important to be self-aware of burnout and be mindful of work/ life balance. I enjoy doing at least one thing on my days off “just for me” whether this be a massage, reiki, or meal out.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about mental health nursing?

How rewarding it can be, and that while people with mental health difficulties can often be perceived as “a risk” to others, they are often extremely vulnerable.

A standout memory from your career as a mental health nurse

Slowly building trust and rapport with an extremely vulnerable person who had not interacted with anybody for a long time, was displaying catatonic symptoms, had experienced trauma in prison, and slowly began to build trust with us as a team. 

If Clare'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.