Gemma’s new career in caring

A new career in mental health nursing awaits Gemma Barker, thanks to her Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Mental Health) from the University of Teesside. Gemma, 24, from Eaglescliffe, starts her new post as Staff Nurse at Hartlepool General Hospital in September, working in an acute psychiatric ward.

Gemma has always been attracted to the caring professions. After leaving Eaglescliffe School at 16 with five GCSEs, she worked as a care assistant in several nursing homes in Yarm, Eston and Middlesbrough. Following the birth of her son James, now five, Gemma started to think about returning to study. She enrolled on an Access course for entry to vocational caring professions at Teesside Tertiary College, which paved the way to the University’s Advanced Diploma.

Gemma said: “The course has been hard work, combining my family and study, but I’ve really enjoyed the placements, they were the best part and very rewarding. I’ve worked in a range of settings, including acute psychiatric wards and with the drug and alcohol service. I’ve also spent time with a Community Psychiatric Nurse, and in the area of elderly mental health.

“I also enjoyed the Enduring Mental Health module, taught by Sheila Arnold who was a brilliant, inspirational lecturer. The module looked at individuals who suffer from serious mental health problems, such as schizophrenia, and how to help them through psychological treatments, family interventions and psycho-education. I’ve always wanted to work in the Mental Health field, I think sometimes people don’t understand the illness as it’s not visible. There’s sometimes an unfair stigma attached to individuals who are experiencing mental illness and I hope I’m going to make a difference by working in this area.”

Gemma is the first in her family to go to University, and parents Jennifer and Vincent, who are based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, will be flying back to the UK in November to attend Gemma’s graduation ceremony at Middlesbrough Town Hall. She said: “I haven’t seen them for six months and will be going over in the summer for a break. When I told mum over the phone about my new job she started to cry.”

For more information on Diplomas/Advanced Diplomas in Nursing at the University of Teesside please call 01642 384110 or 01642 384113, or check the University of Teesside’s web site at www.tees.ac.uk

---