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Rita Buah-Mensah BN (Hons) Bachelor of Nursing (Mental Health), 2016

Mental Health Nurse

Rita Buah-Mensah's Photo

Hi, I'm Rita Buah-Mensah and I studied Mental Health Nursing at the University of Southampton.

I am indeed very proud of what I have achieved and most grateful for the support I received from my tutors, lecturers, colleagues and the school as a whole. Without this support my dream of becoming a Registered Mental Health Nurse would have been unlikely, if not impossible.

What made you select the University of Southampton for your undergraduate study?

I chose the University of Southampton because of its excellent academic record, for being part of the Russell Group of universities and its commitment to research, education and innovation.

What did you enjoy about the course?

The course provided me with a good network of support and developed my critical thinking, reflective and evidence based practice. I enjoyed most of my lectures especially the interactive sessions and the field specific ones.

Were there any parts of the course you particularly enjoyed?

The areas that stood out for me were: the anatomy and physiology lectures, interactive sessions and the field specific lectures.

How useful did you find your clinical placements?

Clinical placements gave me the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge in practice. It gave me the opportunity to perfect my clinical skills and competencies, to undertake clinical roles and develop as a practitioner. Working with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) provided an opportunity to learn from others and share knowledge and ideas.

What is your current profession?

Registered Mental Health Nurse.

How do you feel that your course prepared you for employment?

My course has fully prepared me to be a practitioner adequately equipped to deliver a high standard of care, aimed at promoting good mental and physical health of individuals, and to promote positive patient experience and healthcare outcomes.

Do you have any plans for your future career progression?

Learning for me is a lifelong experience and does not stop when one qualifies, hence, I will continue to learn and to develop myself in my chosen field of practice.

What tips would you give to current students looking to start a career in your sector? What could they be doing now to make themselves more employable when they graduate?

It is possible to achieve anything when given the opportunity and remember to choose a course or a career pathway that you are passionate about. Perhaps, undertake some voluntary or paid jobs in your chosen field of practice to gain some level of experience. This could be beneficial prior to starting the course as it offers you first-hand experience if you haven’t had any job in the health and social care industry before. Remain focused and learn to work within your limits of competencies and seek the right support when necessary. My guiding principle has always been the Chief Nursing Office Agenda for Nurses and Midwives, the six Cs: compassion, communication, commitment, competence, courage and caring.

What advice would you give to a student starting their undergraduate study at Southampton?

As the adage goes ‘nothing good comes easy’. Work hard and continue to challenge yourself to explore your potentials. Adequate planning and organisational skills are key to success. ‘Procrastination so they say is the thief of time’ – never leave your assignment to the last hour as the consequences can be great and detrimental to your progression in the course, an added stress which can be prevented!

What are you most proud of?

Having graduated with a First Class Honours and receiving the Dean’s List Award for exceptional performance for 2 consecutive academic years, for me is a huge achievement. I started this course feeling inadequately prepared and felt I was going to struggle greatly as English is not my first language. This was one of the few obstacles I faced and felt it will be difficult to progress in this course but, with hard work, perseverance and determination I completed the course successfully. I am indeed very proud of what I have achieved and most grateful for the support I received from my tutors, lecturers, colleagues and the school as a whole. Without this support my dream of becoming a Registered Mental Health Nurse would have been unlikely, if not impossible.

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