Charlotte Lawton

• Year of study: Second year
• Length of course: Three years

Your University Journey

Why did you decide to study at the University of Northampton?

I’m originally from the North East of England and chose the University of Northampton because of the positive student feedback on the course, as well as the beautiful Waterside Campus. The campus wildlife during the summer months is amazing and the views are spectacular. Also, the staff at the University will go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and to ensure a brilliant student experience.

What are your career goals/aspirations?

I’d like to qualify as a mental health nurse and possibly work my way up to manager some day. For the time being, I’ve just been successful in obtaining a newly qualified nursing position at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton for when I qualify.

How do you think your studies will help your career or personal development when you graduate?

Studying to be a mental health nurses has provided me with skills and knowledge that I can take into my career, such as evidence-based research and communication and listening skills.

Which, if any, skills and knowledge/understanding gained on your degree do you feel will be most useful in your future career?

Verbal and non verbal communication skills are a must for mental health nurses – we need these skills to effectively establish a therapeutic relationship with our patients, along with evidence-based knowledge to understand medications, treatments and treatments plans.

Your Placement

Have you completed a placement?

Yes, as a mental health student nurse we undertake three placements a year, all in different areas of mental health, to help us establish where we would like to work in the future and to give us a wide range of skills and knowledge.

As a student nurse you’re required to shadow the nurses on your placement and are expected to safely administer medication, help with co-ordinating the shift, and establishing skills and knowledge that need further development. You’re also expected to learn how to correctly create a care plan with the multi-disciplined team and be able to identify signs and symptoms of a variety of mental health illnesses.

Please describe how your placement benefitted you?

All of my placements have enabled me to develop skills and knowledge in a variety of different mental health illnesses, medications and treatment plans. I’ve also been able to identify areas in which I’m doing well and areas for self-development.

My placements have also allowed me to build therapeutic relationships with my patients and the wider team, and enabled me to visualise what my role would look like when I qualify as a nurse.

What employability skills did you develop during your placement?

Throughout all of my placements I’ve been able to develop my verbal communication skills, along with my evidence-based knowledge.

How do you think the placement will help you with gaining employment after graduating?

Placements enable you to experience a variety of different mental health settings, allowing you to identify where you would possibly like to work in the future.

During my previous placement I was able to develop my knowledge of medication, along with increasing my understanding of the Mental Health Act. This helped a lot when I attended an interview with the ward and I’ve just received a job offer from them for when I qualify.

Do you have any tips on applying for or getting the most benefit from your placement?

My advice to potential students would be to keep a notebook with you at all times to write down anything you haven’t heard of before or can’t remember. By doing this I’ve been able to expand my knowledge on medications, treatments, mental health illnesses and the Mental Health Act.

What advice would you give a student about to begin a placement?

I’d suggest going into any placement with an open mind. Make the most out of the placement and don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for bespoke days on different wards to increase your knowledge.

Extra-curricular activities

What extra-curricular activities do you participate in whilst studying?

I’m currently the course advocate for my cohort, which I’ve been for two years running. This role includes collecting feedback from my peers and discussing this with the University to try and make the overall student experience better and to establish areas for improvement.

I also help out with open days and interview days for new students, which involves potential students asking questions about the degree and the University, whilst also trying to make them feel at ease.

How do you think these extra-curricular activities will enhance your career prospects?

Being a course advocate has enabled my confidence to grow, which has allowed for career development when advocating for my patients. I’ve also been able to develop my communication and listening skills which will enhance my career as a nurse in the future.

Your Advice

In one sentence, what advice would you give to undergraduates interested in this career path or anything you wish you had known earlier?

For any potential mental health nursing students I’d suggest reading up on the Mental Health Act and different mental health illnesses.

In ten words, or less how would you summarise your UON experience?

Overall, so far, my experience has been brilliant.