Helen Bremner

Community Mental Health/Clinical Team Manager

NHS Tayside

In what way has the Queen’s Nurse programme made a difference to how you practice?

The programme has given me the opportunity to have a renewed sense of purpose and clarity of the kind of community nurse and leader I want to be. Spending time journaling, reflecting and seeking clarity on my own values has allowed me to truly recognise what is important to me as a person, a community nurse and a leader. I endeavour on a daily basis to mindfully live into these values so that my inner spark remains ignited allowing me to be courageous and grow.

It has helped me have a much more curious approach recognising that services are designed around assumptions, deciding for the people we serve without truly understanding what matters to them. By having this increased awareness and recognition I am striving to work in partnership with the people we serve by listening to their voices to influence and be part of the changes.

I am kinder to myself and challenge my inner critical voice that could previously hold me back.  Having the support to build on my self care and self compassion skills I now come from a place of kindness and accept my humanness, meaning I flourish as a person and a nurse.

Being a community mental health nurse is such a privileged position allowing you to truly connect with people and their families at their most vulnerable times to inspire strength and hope.