Nursing student shares her pandemic experiences in leading journal

A Mental Health Nursing student has shared her experiences of working for the National Health Service during the COVID-19 pandemic in a leading health publication, where she also sits on the editorial board.

Joanna Johnston, who is in her third year of study, described working through the pandemic as an ‘invaluable experience’ in a special student edition of Mental Health Nursing Journal, which focussed on the student experience. She detailed how she felt as she joined the team of an inpatient mental health hospital, which enabled her to see first-hand the impact that COVID-19 was having on society.

Joanna said: “When it was announced that the NHS was calling for student nurses to “opt in” during the pandemic I did not see this as a choice, but more of an opportunity.

“I saw it as my duty to my future colleagues and patients to help wherever I could whilst the NHS was under such a huge strain as a result of Coronavirus. I never once thought “oh no I can’t do that”, as when I am a qualified nurse I will not have the choice whether to go to work during a pandemic or not.

“At first it was quite daunting to think I was no longer going to the ward as a student, but as part of the workforce. However, I got to see first-hand how the pandemic was affecting people’s mental health and how the team worked so hard with one another despite the increased stress and pressure.”

Joanna added that thanks to the support of the team, her lecturers and practice supervisors she was able to manage working in the mental health service as well as completing her academic studies.

She said: “The feeling when I was signed off as a ‘competent practitioner’ was so overwhelming and satisfying that part of me couldn’t quite believe it. I will go away from this experience with the knowledge that I helped when I was called upon and would do it all again if required. Also, with the knowledge that regardless of who you are, your background and so on, Coronavirus is affecting mental health significantly and will continue to do so, in my opinion, for a long time to come. Therefore, understanding these affects and seeing them first hand will help support my application for the next chapter in my life.”

Joanna also sits on the editorial board of the publication, having heard about the opportunity from Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, Dr Matt Bowen, who explained that the journal was looking to include the student voice. She was interviewed by Professor of Mental Health and Director of International Health Steve Jones before joining the board in May 2019.

Joanna said: “Attending the board meetings initially was a very daunting experience as I was sat in a room with very experienced and successful mental health practitioners. However, there was no need for me to be nervous as everyone was very welcoming and made me feel that I was part of the team straight away. Being part of such a diverse group of people and feeling that my opinions and voice were of valuable input to the meetings was at times surreal. I do hope to continue my work with the mental health nursing association following my graduation, as I have learned so much from the team and would like to continue to do so.”

Joanna added that studying at the University of Chester has prepared her for her future career. She said: “Studying at Chester has helped me to experience a range of practice areas and this will no doubt lead me on to the next exciting chapter of my career.

“The best aspect of studying at Chester for me would be being taught by lecturers who have been Mental Health Nurses themselves previously and they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and examples to the lectures. The lecturers also arranged for people with lived experiences to attend as guest lecturers, which were amazing opportunities, and I learned so much from these sessions. Also, being given the opportunity to complete a ’Negotiated Practise Experience’ through the University of Chester, which I completed in Vietnam, was one that I will always remember and value tremendously. Lastly, the new simulation suites at the Riverside Campus are a brilliant place to learn and expanded my knowledge and skills immensely.”

Dave Mundy, Lead Professional Office (Mental Health) from Unite the Union, praised Joanna for her work. He said: "One of the great things about being involved in the Mental Health Nursing journal, including sitting on the editorial board, is the opportunity to work with our mental health nurse members in producing what we hope is agreed to be an excellent publication. Our student mental health nurse members are just as critical to this as our long-established front-line professionals and academics. Joanna has fitted so well into this group and has shown already a real commitment and dedication to her profession. She is a credit to the University of Chester and to the staff who have supported her through her studies."

Dr Steven Jones, Professor of Mental Health and Director of International Health at the University of Chester, said: “Joanne is a motivated and resilient Mental Health Nurse. I am sure will be a strong advocate for the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the University and those who she cares for throughout her career. She is a team player, evidenced throughout her time on the Mental Health Nursing editorial board. Nursing requires dedication, compassion and commitment towards those we care for, and strength of personality to overcome challenging times ahead. It is clear she possesses these attributes. I am sure as this pandemic continues the effects on individual’s mental health will be present for many years. I wish her every success in her career in mental health nursing, well done Joanne.”

Dr Matt Bowen added: “Throughout the three years of her training, Joanna has been an exceptionally conscientious student, who has always made the most of any opportunity that has allowed her to develop her knowledge and skills. I have no doubt that she will go on to be a great mental health nurse.”

Pictured - Joanna Johnston