Therapeutic Nurse

Job/Role Summary

My role consists of providing therapeutic therapies for people with a diagnosis of dementia and for over 65 years of age with mental health difficulties. I provide a person-centred approach, seek out activities they enjoy and encourage participation in same. I have trained in Sonas which is dementia specific therapy and carry out regularly. also provide drop in sessions for families and carers and provide educational groups for patients and families, also signpost individuals to relevant groups .

Specific qualifications and experience required

Mental health training and experience

I have experience with HPA setting up a service

background of providing therapies, educational groups and on one to one,

post grad diploma in Therapuetic Communication and Counselling

Sonas training

Dementia Champion training

Career Milestones

Qualifying as a mental health nurse

Post Grad dip in therapeutic communication and counselling

setting up smoking cessation service for mental health

promotion to Band 6

What attracted you to this job?

The ethos of providing therapies to individuals over 65 with various diagnosis, spending time with patients and making a difference to their time spent in hospital, also we are unique the only one of its kind in Northern Ireland . The Lorem Centre Waterside Hospital

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

The patients faces when you see the joy in their faces and them laughing. Providing a listening ear to families.

Challenging aspects of the job/role

Funding, short staffed , getting the correct equipment.

Important success factors

We have already come second in best healthcare facility for our gardens. Our healthcare assistant has achieved a commendation for her work. We also have success with our patients.

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

It’s a great job, you should consider it.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

Further updating my communication skills, my knowledge of dementia has grown and most importantly job satisfaction.

Career Profiles