The need for skilled mental health nurses and learning disability
nurses has never been more important, Health Minister has said.
The Minister made the comments at an event organised to showcase
and promote the exciting and fulfilling career paths available
within learning disability nursing and mental health nursing.
Careers teachers, students, Further Education (FE) teaching staff
and careers advisers from the Department for the Economy's
Careers Service were among those who attended the event in
Parliament Buildings today, organised by the Department of
Health.
Minister Nesbitt said: “One of my key areas of focus since I
became Health Minister is addressing health inequalities.
“We must focus on those people within our communities who
disproportionately experience the highest rates of ill health,
that includes people with learning disabilities and people with
mental illness.
“This means that the need for skilled mental health nurses and
learning disability nurses has never been more important.
“Many of our young people are not aware of the rewarding career
opportunities available in these fields.”
The event in the Long Gallery was directed primarily towards
school careers teachers and FE teaching staff. It promoted
learning disability nursing and mental health nursing
pre-registration programmes in Northern Ireland, and provided
useful information on application requirements, student
experience, and career prospects for both fields.
Attendees heard from a range of speakers, including
representatives from Queen's University, Ulster University and
the Open University.
Frontline learning disability nurses and mental health nurses and
students also shared their insights and experiences.
“For me, I have the best job in the world,” said Claire Thompson,
a learning disability nursing student at Queen's University.
“Every single day is different. We hear time and time again that
we need to be somebody's voice, but actually, when you're a
learning disability nurse, you get the opportunity to be their
microphone and to champion that voice.”
Samantha Irwin, a nurse in Antrim Community Mental Health Team,
said: “Anyone who is thinking about mental health nursing, it is
challenging, but it is very rewarding. You're working with people
when they are at their most vulnerable and in need.
“The job definitely offers personal and professional fulfillment,
and I would encourage anyone to consider a career in mental
health nursing.”
Chief Nursing Officer Maria McIlgorm said: “Mental health nursing
and learning disability nursing are essential roles for both
tackling the health inequalities in our society and responding to
the changing health needs of our population.
“These are hugely fulfilling career paths, and for those who
embark upon them, you can make a lasting and meaningful
difference to so many people in our communities. The experiences
we have heard today demonstrates that.
“I therefore strongly encourage any young person considering a
career in nursing and healthcare to please look at the rewarding
fields of mental health nursing and learning disability nursing.”
