Introduction
This essay reflects on my experience as a nursing student during a community mental health placement at Berrywood Hospital, a psychiatric facility in Northampton, UK, managed by the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The purpose of this reflection is to explore the practical insights gained, the challenges encountered, and the relevance of theoretical knowledge in a real-world mental health setting. By drawing on personal observations and linking them to academic literature, this essay examines the importance of communication, stigma reduction, and collaborative care in mental health nursing. The discussion will be structured around key themes of patient interaction, professional development, and the application of evidence-based practice, culminating in a summary of learning outcomes and implications for future practice.
Patient Interaction and Communication Skills
One of the central aspects of my placement at Berrywood Hospital was engaging directly with patients experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Effective communication proved to be a cornerstone of building therapeutic relationships. According to Stickley and Stacey (2009), empathetic and non-judgmental communication is vital in mental health nursing to foster trust and encourage patient disclosure. During my placement, I observed how active listening—such as maintaining eye contact and acknowledging patient concerns—helped reduce feelings of isolation among individuals. However, I initially struggled with balancing professionalism and emotional involvement, often feeling overwhelmed by patients’ distress. Reflecting on this, I recognised the need to develop emotional resilience, a skill emphasised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards (NMC, 2018). This experience highlighted both the applicability and limitations of theoretical communication models in dynamic clinical settings, where adaptability is equally crucial.
Professional Development and Stigma Awareness
The placement also provided an opportunity to confront my own preconceptions about mental illness, aligning with broader efforts to reduce stigma in healthcare. Thornicroft et al. (2016) argue that stigma often hinders access to care and perpetuates social exclusion for those with mental health issues. At Berrywood, I participated in community outreach sessions where staff educated families on recognising symptoms and seeking support. Witnessing firsthand the impact of stigma—such as patients’ reluctance to discuss their diagnoses—underscored the importance of advocacy in nursing. Generally, these interactions enhanced my understanding of the social determinants of mental health, though I noted that systemic barriers, like limited funding for outreach, sometimes restricted impact. This observation reflects a broader limitation in mental health services, where resource allocation often lags behind demand (NHS England, 2019).
Application of Evidence-Based Practice
Integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) into care delivery was another key learning point during my placement. For instance, I assisted in implementing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques under supervision, as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for anxiety disorders (NICE, 2011). While the structured approach of EBP provided clarity, I noted that individual patient needs sometimes required tailored interventions beyond standard protocols. Indeed, this tension between standardisation and personalisation illustrates a complex problem in mental health nursing, where rigid adherence to guidelines can occasionally overlook unique patient contexts. Addressing this required collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists and social workers, reinforcing the value of interprofessional working as highlighted by Barr (2013).
Conclusion
In conclusion, my placement at Berrywood Hospital offered valuable insights into the realities of mental health nursing within a community setting. Key learning points included the importance of effective communication in building trust, the role of nurses in challenging stigma, and the nuanced application of evidence-based practice amidst individual patient needs. These experiences revealed both the strengths and limitations of my theoretical knowledge, particularly in navigating emotional challenges and systemic constraints. Moving forward, I aim to further develop my resilience and advocacy skills to better support vulnerable populations. Ultimately, this reflection underscores the critical role of reflective practice in nursing, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with professional standards. The placement has not only enhanced my practical competencies but also deepened my commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care in future roles.
References
- Barr, H. (2013) Interprofessional Education: A Practice Guide. CAIPE.
- NHS England (2019) The NHS Long Term Plan. NHS England.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2011) Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults: Management. NICE.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2018) The Code: Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses, Midwives and Nursing Associates. NMC.
- Stickley, T. and Stacey, G. (2009) Caring in Mental Health Nursing: Empathy and Engagement. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Thornicroft, G., Rose, D., Kassam, A. and Sartorius, N. (2016) Stigma: Ignorance, Prejudice or Discrimination? British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(3), 192-193.
