Mental health nursing is a dynamic and deeply rewarding field, and at Northern Healthcare, we’re proud to have professionals like Stephen Speed leading the way in improving care. With a career that started in frontline support and evolved into quality improvement, Stephen is passionate about enhancing standards, empowering individuals in their recovery, and breaking down misconceptions surrounding mental health nursing.

In this interview, Stephen shares what inspired him to pursue mental health nursing, the challenges and rewards of the role, and how he works to ensure high-quality care across our services. He also reflects on the importance of community-based support, how the sector has evolved, and the changes he hopes to see in the future. Read on to learn more about his journey and the impact of his work!

What inspired you to become a mental health nurse?

I had always wanted to work in healthcare but was undecided on a particular sector. When I got a job as a support worker in a private mental health rehabilitation unit I became deeply interested in mental health and found great fulfilment in helping others. This experience ignited my passion to apply for my degree in mental health nursing and this then set me on the path to becoming a mental health nurse.  

What does a typical day look like for you?

Currently working in a dual role in Northern Healthcare as a Quality Improvement Facilitator/Mental Health Practitioner, I assist services with providing clinical advice and discussion, work to enhance compliance and quality across many areas. Complete audits and visit services in person to maintain high standards and identify areas for improvement.  

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

The most rewarding part of being a mental health nurse for me is helping those who are struggling with their mental health supporting them on their journey to recovery and assisting them in improving their quality of life. I also find it fulfilling to help people understand that everyone experiences mental health challenges at some point in life – some face more severe difficulties than others so I like to think that I help in bringing more awareness to others about mental health.  

What are some common misconceptions about mental health nursing?

One common misconception about mental health nursing that I have faced is that members of the general public who are not familiar with this sector believe all mental health nurses work in high-security hospitals working with those who have committed crimes due to their mental health, when this is far from the truth. There is a big emphasis on community care and empowering people to live as independently as possible.  

How has mental health nursing changed over the years?

There has been a big shift on treatment in the community, supporting individuals to maintain their independence. There is also a greater emphasis on person centred care, there is also evolving research and some more effective treatment interventions. There is also more focus on alternative treatments to medication such as psychological therapies.  

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

The stigma around mental health is slowly decreasing encouraging more open conversations about people’s mental health thus enabling early intervention. Having the confidence to talk to others about their mental health is a big thing, be supportive and nonjudgmental to your friends and families, sometimes one conversation can help change a person's mindset.  

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

It can become challenging sometimes knowing what people have experienced in their lives or what they are currently experiencing. I must ensure that I have time to myself to enjoy my own hobbies which are strength training and spending time with my family. Having my own outlets helps me to take care of my own mental health.  

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

That it can be extremely challenging or difficult on another level. It can change you, challenge your own views and sometimes be challenging emotionally. I have been assaulted in so many ways but I have never held it personally against the patient as I knew what they were experiencing or going through and that in most cases they were not in a mindset where they were able to clearly understand how or why they were acting in a certain way.  

A standout memory from your career as a mental health nurse

Helping young people who came onto the ward with complex risk profiles and presentations, helping them to reduce their risks whilst working with the multi-disciplinary team and other professionals involved externally to the ward, watching them progress on their journey of recovery, seeing them be discharged from the hospital and lead fulfilling lives, some stayed in contact for a short while after discharge. We heard success stories of them achieving places at university, to some getting married and having children.

If Stephen'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.