Naomi Hart is a lecturer working within the School of Health at Leeds Beckett. Here, she shares her story about how she got into the role and what she loves about working here. 

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a registered mental health nurse, having graduated from Leeds Beckett in 2017. This followed five years working as a Healthcare Support Worker, prior to which I had studied Psychology in Liverpool. In my clinical career I worked predominantly in an inpatient ward based in Leeds, supporting those struggling with their mental health to hold on to the hope that things could be different whilst walking alongside them in every step of their recovery journey. 

What led you to working within the School of Health? 

In my capacity as a mental health nurse in clinical practice, I was heavily involved in supporting nursing students with their learning and development whilst they were on placement. Being able to support nurses of the future develop their skills and grow in confidence was one of the aspects of the job I enjoyed the most. Then one day I received an email from the placement team in the NHS trust I worked for, advertising for lecturers at Leeds Beckett. At that point I had no “real” teaching experience – I had supported students and new staff on the ward, and I had done a couple of lectures at the university, but would I be able to teach full time? But having worked throughout the Covid-19 pandemic I was also ready for a change. So I applied for the interview experience, expecting feedback to get more experience and maybe re-apply… but I was offered the post. Eight weeks later I was introducing myself as a new Mental Health Nursing Lecturer. 

What makes you passionate about your work and why is it important? 

Nurses are inherently in a position of trust within our society. People often refer to it as a calling. Being able to support somebody who is going through one of the most difficult times of their life, see there is the possibility of a different and better future and take any steps on their recovery journey – it doesn’t get much more rewarding. But for me, supporting aspiring nurses to be able to develop and achieve their full potential so they can then go on and offer that essential support in future – there is nothing better.

How is collaboration integral to your work, and what are one or two collaborations that have been most meaningful to you? 

Working in healthcare, collaboration is central to our daily functioning. This is no less so in academia, where I frequently collaborate with colleagues and practice partners to develop and deliver content. I was particularly proud to be able to collaborate with my fellow mental health nursing colleagues in the delivery of simulation. The two days of RAMPPS (Recognising and assessing medical problems in psychiatric settings) simulation was really well received by students with them feeding back that they would like to have more of these days during the course and that it had positively impacted on their confidence in clinical practice.

What achievements have you been most proud of while working with the School? 

Having only been at the university for around six months, the thing I am most proud of is being part of such a dedicated, welcoming, and supportive team. Since my very first day, my colleagues have gone out of their way to support me in my own development, never failing to answer my many questions and checking if there is anything I need help with. This has without doubt helped me to settle into my new role quickly. Leaving my old job was a difficult decision and when I started at the University, I was full of worry and doubt but now I know I made the right decision and am excited to see what the future holds for me in this new step of my career.