Dear Reader, The CMHNN are proud to present UK-based Andrew Hanson's nursing story. We believe this kind of long-view is rare and important to us as a profession. Many times on this website we have re-asserted that critical thinking is not new in mental health nursing. The thought-provoking account below especially speaks to the idea... Continue Reading →
Mark’s Story
The following is an interview, conducted with Mark Evans. The Network would like to thank Mark for this comprehensive and personal piece, which explains why he has chosen to leave the profession immediately after qualifying. At our recent conference, it was noted that one of the problems with teaching students a more critical outlook is... Continue Reading →
My Journey to Becoming a Critical Mental Health Nurse (Part 1)
I’ve just completed my second year of nurse training, but my journey began many years ago. I’ve always been known amongst friends and family for being both a deep thinker, and a little eccentric; I have a natural tendency to dig deeper and resist the status quo. I had the “6 Cs”, as we all do to varying degrees, but I believe my questioning nature was key to developing them. I would rather show than explain how I feel this happened, so what follows is narrative, rather than analysis. My parents split when I was three, and in a decision practically unheard of in the seventies, custody was awarded to my father. My mother’s lack of emotional stability was cited as the main reason, something I was more reminded of by people other than herself. I accepted this and got on with growing up. What seemed like an outward course leading away from childhood began.
Karen’s story
The following post is written by mental health nurse Karen Taylor. It is possible that some readers will know something of Karen already, although others will not. She has been interested in this network for a long time and as you read on you will see the hopes that she has for it. We feel... Continue Reading →
Critical Mental Health Nurses' Network 