MENTAL HEALTH FIELD NURSING SAMPLE CV This CV is one of a series of three (the other two are (1) Child and (2) Adult). Each is slightly different, so it would be worthwhile looking at each of these. The purpose of any CV is for you to sell your relevant skills within the context of your experiences. The CV should be personalised to the role you are applying for so you will need to consider (a) The Person Specification, and (b) the Job Description. Do include your degree classification if awarded a 1st. When describing your placement experience be careful how you word your duties. Promote your experience without exaggerating any responsibilities undertaken. You need to be prepared to be questioned, if offered an interview, on anything mentioned in your CV. Nursing applicants should try to ensure that they are seen as someone who: (1) Is able to work independently (2) Is a team player (3) has developed a knowledge and skills base but recognises their continued need to develop (4) can cope in stressful situations (5) Is not afraid to seek help (6) Is not afraid to challenge assumptions (7) Is able to work collaboratively with the patient and carer (8) Has skills in risk assessment and management (9) Is aware of the legislation surrounding mental health care Embedded in the above are value and behaviour based competences demonstrating compassion in practice which every organisation linked to the NHS bases its recruitment activities on. ASHLEY GILLNG Lappage Court, Tyler Green, Bucks, HP8 4JD Telephone: 01882 652349 Mobile: 07717 121824 E-mail: [email protected] Add in the type of job role you are looking for. PERSONAL PROFILE A newly qualified and registered mental health nurse, seeking a post in ..........where I can build on my experience to make a positive contribution to those with mental health problems as well as to the team. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 2012 – 2015 Buckinghamshire New University  B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) 2011 – 2012 University of West London (Formerly Thames Valley University)  Access to Nursing programme, passed with distinction. Add in the date PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP  Registered student nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, with full registration expected by …. Name the Trust where you gained the most experience, if you are applying there. NURSING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 2012 – 2015 COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH TEAM  Helped plan and negotiate care plans with the patient and carer and liaised with other health and social care professionals.  Visited patients at home, assessing the needs of the individual and assisting them to gain more independence.  Used computers to plan care and record patient progress, make referrals and completing risk assessment records. It is a good idea to mention how many beds are in the unit. ACUTE CARE (X Bed Unit)  Enjoyed meeting the challenge of caring for people with a range of illnesses and developed a knowledge base of different treatment protocols.  Assisted in the assessment of acutely distressed patients upon admission and during their stay in hospital.  Gained understanding of the issues around illegal drugs, alcohol and mental health problems.  Developed a knowledge of medication management including evaluating treatment protocols with patients as well as pharmaceutical and medical staff.  Supported healthcare assistants, patients/carers and new students as well as presenting to the multi-disciplinary team. FORENSIC CARE  Developed my understanding of a range of legislation affecting mental health nursing. Gained knowledge about issues of deprivation of liberties and the role of advocacy in a mental health care setting.  Observed closely the management of violent incidents including debriefing sessions, gaining an understanding of the importance of debriefing patients post incident as well.  Developed my understanding of Risk Assessment and management including therapeutic risk taking.  Helped to run therapeutic groups and worked with individuals with low self-esteem. CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT  Aiding with the assessment of physical health needs of individuals, gaining understanding of dementia and functional mental illnesses.  Used a friendly rapport building approach to help individuals to feel valued.  Became competent in administering medication.  Encouraged people to join the carers’ support group and effectively facilitated these meetings,  Supported staff working with groups of patients in reminiscence work and relaxation groups. RECOVERY UNIT  Encouraged and motivated patients on their journey to independence, For example assisted staff to move a couple into semi-independent living accommodation and then visited them a couple of times per week as they adjusted to their new situation.  Worked alongside allied health professionals including occupational therapists and psychologists.  Helped to run a clozaril clinic, booking and re-booking individual appointments. Also raised concerns with appropriate people e.g. if a patient did not attend for their blood test. MEDICAL WARD (X Bed Ward)  Helping to care for a group of terminally ill patients, dealing with their emotional and physical health care needs, whilst supporting their relatives as well.  Perfecting my understanding of infection control such as knowing the importance of good aseptic technique. Raising concerns when there were signs of infection, such as redness at the dressing site. LEARNING DISABILITY PLACEMENT  Involved in developing daily living skills, communication skills and emotional awareness in individuals. ADDITIONAL EDUCATION 1999 – 2006 Langley Grammar School  A Levels – Psychology, Sociology and English Language - all grade C.  GCSE’s – Maths, English, Biology, Psychology - all grade B. French, Chemistry, Physics and Information Technology – all grade C. OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE 2007 – Present Saint John’s Ambulance Volunteer with first aid certification.  Responsibilities include providing first aid at public events, leading a small team at some of these events and training/assessing cadet members of St John’s Ambulance. 2015 (Feb – Jun) Student Night Line Counselling Service  Volunteer Counsellor – providing advice to student callers over the telephone. Often these callers were in desperate situations, for example considering self-harming. 2009 – 2011 Managed the family home  Organised finances, improved time management and learnt about prioritising tasks. 2008 – 2009 Senior Care Assistant  Daily management of 24 clients, including training and delegating tasks to new Care Assistants. Also run group activities. 2007 – 2008 Care Assistant  Assessing daily needs of clients and highlighting any areas of concern to senior staff. Running group activities and providing personal care to individuals. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 2013 – 2015 Student Nurse Representative for B.Sc. Nursing Studies.  Represented the student body and raised any concerns at meetings with senior lecturers Organised mini-marathon and fun runs to raise funds for St John’s Ambulance. Driver’s license with no endorsements held since 06/2008 REFERENCES David Gill Senior Lecturer Buckinghamshire New University, Uxbridge Campus 106 Oxford Road Uxbridge UB8 1NA [email protected] Tony Laurence, Ward Manager, Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust, Pied Heath Road, Middlesex. UB8 3NN. [email protected]