Will Smith
“One can start as a nurse but there are many opportunities and avenues in the NHS, to become researcher, clinicians, academics and management.”
Read about Will’s experience as a Mental Health Nurse to discover what it’s really like to work for us.
Name: Will Smith
Job title: Programme Lead – Dignity at Work (Employee Safety and Inclusion)
Will began as a registered nurse in 1998, and later transitioned into corporate management. He is currently the lead for the Dignity at Work (Employee Safety and Inclusion) programme in Bath.
Will Smith
Lead, Dignity at Work (Employee Safety and Inclusion) programme in Bath.
What made you want to become a Mental Health Nurse?
I was interested in psychology and law. A relative who was already a Mental Health Nurse persuaded me to consider mental health nursing and I became a student nurse in 1995. I was able to study law many years later and learnt about psychology during my nurse training.
Have you overcome any challenges along the way?
I started my role as a registered nurse in 1998. At the time, I had decided to study for a degree, that was not popular and I was frustrated by those who did not believe such a level of education was needed. They said the job was manual not academic, they were wrong.
Transitioning from a clinical role into corporate management was great. But it brought its own issues such as experiencing bias and discrimination for senior posts. But I had many colleagues and friends who supported me.
What advice would you give to others considering a career in Mental Health Nursing?
Please join the NHS family as a Bank Nurse or Reservist and see what it is like. But please don’t be put off. There are many support networks. I am a member of Jabali, a network for senior black nurses and we support each other emotionally and in other ways.
One can start as a nurse but there are many opportunities and avenues in the NHS, to become researcher, clinicians, academics and management. I think that despite some of the issues we face, the NHS remains a great employer.
Where and when did you start your nursing journey?
I started my nursing journey in Carmarthen Wales in 1995 at the then University of Swansea.
How would you explain your role to someone who doesn’t know anything about it?
The best description a friend used once was “I sell hope”. We meet people who are at the depths of fear, frustration, anxiety and some want to end their lives. Mental health nursing is about forming connections, building trust and mutually finding a path to recovery, where that is possible.
What is the best thing about your job?
Variety, I enjoy meeting colleagues and patients. My role has been a springing board for many other things I have done including working with the police, media, police and crime commissioner, mayors etc.
Next steps / Where do you want to go next in your career?
I want to leave a legacy for the next generation. I enjoy coaching and mentoring and supporting those going through tough times both at work and at home.