Career Stories: Leanne
MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health is a fantastic course that can give theoretical grounding to experienced professionals. Leanne talks here about her journey in the sector.
I initially completed a qualification in childcare and education after leaving school and worked in various childcare settings over the next few years, by this time I had become a mum myself and alongside the guilt of leaving my own child, I also felt ready for a new challenge.
Based on my experience within childcare and education I had decided that I wanted to pursue a career in CAMHS working with children and young people experiencing difficulties associated with their mental health and well-being. I completed a mental health nursing diploma which I later topped up to a Mental Health Nursing degree.
Unfortunately at this time there were minimal job opportunities for nurses within CAMHS and so I worked within adult mental health services, both on acute mental health wards and later within day treatment services. This was a role that I enjoyed immensely although I hadn’t lost sight of my aim and desire to work within CAMHS and when an opportunity arose for a 12 month secondment post as a band 6 CAMHS Practitioner I jumped at the chance!
After six months of working within this post I had found my niche and had no plans to return the adult mental health services, converting my secondment to a permanent post.
Although I had an abundance of experience working within both mental health services and with children and young people, working with children and young people within a CAMH service was new to me. I was building this experience day by day although I didn’t feel that I had a specific qualification providing the theory to support this.
This is what led me to explore the options available in relation to CAMHS specific qualifications and then I came across the CAMH MSc at the University of Northampton which I applied for and was successful in gaining a place.
I joined the course as a part-time student in September 2017 alongside a full time job with the support of my employer who funded the course and also allowed a study day in order to attend and also the on-going support of the course lead, teaching staff and my dissertation supervisor (all of which I am very grateful for).
I have now been working within CAMHS for four years and I am currently in the process of completing my dissertation following successful completion of all the course modules. It feels like the journey is coming to an end and what a journey it’s been!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme and feel that each module has been relatable to my practice. It has furthered my knowledge and allowed me to gain confidence in my own ability and enhanced my clinical practice. My experience at the University of Northampton has been a positive one, from which I will have gained not only a valuable qualification that will further my career but have also been inspired by people and gained some valuable friendships along the way.
On completion of the course I am aiming to progress to a band 7 clinical nurse specialist post within CAMHS and am currently in the process of applying for this post. I feel that I will have the relevant experience and the relevant qualification to match! But of equal importance, the self-confidence that I can fulfill the requirements of this role.
I would recommend other people interested in working with children and young people with mental health and emotional well-being difficulties to apply for this course and if unsure have a further conversation with the course leader or the staff working within the programme who are happy to help and support.”
