Stories from the University of Nottingham

When Rachel qualifies she is idealistic, determined to help and fix her young patient. When circumstances mean that she cannot help her client reach the end of the journey, her resulting uncertainty and self-questioning are helped by the support and understanding of her professional peer group.

The human relationship between mental health nurse and client is one of the most powerful tools available to a mental health nurse. But when Gemma's carefully-nurtured professional relationship with a client breaks down, what other avenues are open to her?

As an enthusiastic, committed, newly-qualified nurse, Susanna values and acknowledges her patients’ own expertise in their conditions and care, but can she maintain her belief when the system seems to feel otherwise?

After qualifying, Vicky begins her career as a mental health nurse with excitement and enthusiasm, but when the therapeutic relationship with a patient breaks down dramatically, she is shocked and fearful. Is this the right job for her.

How should we break bad news? How can we train and prepare nurses for this situation? Early in her career, Rebecca is emotionally affected by a patient’s death. She is thanked by the family for her professionalism and friendly, caring manner – but her openness is seen by a colleague as wrong and unprofessional.