Rhian Chalk
Originally born in Saint Asaph in North Wales and now living in Colwyn Bay, Rhian had been working as a psychiatric health care support worker, before she later took the decision to become a mental health nurse – as position she has been in for the last 12 years.
Rhian states:
"I originally became interested in mental health at quite a young age, as my mother was a deputy manager in a psychiatric residential home, in which I worked with her to gain experience in the field. I realised there was a stigma towards people with mental health conditions and that some people had less opportunities than others because of their diagnosis. I wanted to help change the narrative and hopefully make a little bit of a difference, so I decided to undertake the necessary training to gain a nursing degree at Bangor University. I found there were many perks in studying and staying in Wales, such as receiving additional grants to help me with my studies.
"I started my career working in the acute in-patient unit with women who have been admitted to hospital. I stayed there for around 18 months in the role of a band 5 Staff Nurse, until an opportunity came up for a temporary band 6, as a Deputy Ward Manager. I spent 12 months in that role, before I was made permanent. I have been fortunate to work both in the role of a Deputy Ward Manager and in the role of the Duty Nurse (Senior Nurse for the unit out of hours). Away from the workplace, I oversee the local Royal Air Force Air Cadets Squadron in the role of a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, which has allowed me to complete additional training to work as an Armed Forces Champion within my workplace. I have also moved into recruitment and help support the local Health Board in recruiting different disciplines, with particular focus on recruiting into mental health nursing as a mental health ambassador. I am passionate about increasing awareness around mental health, reducing stigma, shattering stereotypes and helping people to have a greater understanding the impact mental illness can have on individuals and their loved ones, while also being a leader in providing hope and support.
"I think my biggest accomplishment professionally is when I see someone leaving hospital feeling better than when they were admitted. This experience has developed my own skills and knowledge and gives me the opportunity to share these with junior staff and support them in their own development. I have also been able to gain a significant amount of experience of working with people who have a wide range of different mental health issues and symptoms, further expanding my professional development.
"Working in NHS Wales comes with many benefits, such as the significant amount of development and training opportunities available. You are really encouraged to take on any extra areas you wish to explore and follow your own personal career path. I have even had the opportunity to give talks at schools to help inspire the next generation and to also support NHS Wales by participating in a recruitment campaign. My workplace was incredibly supportive this campaign, and gave me the flexibility to participate as and when needed.
"I feel incredibly fortunate to live in Colwyn Bay in North Wales, which is just 5 minutes-walk from the most beautiful beach you will ever see. It is great for families and exercise, and I really enjoy joining in local exercise groups in the area. If you want something a little bit more challenging, the North Wales mountains are just a short distance away also. There are so many diverse landscapes in this area including lakes and valleys, which helps make it an amazing place to live - especially if you have a long day and just need a release.
"If you need a change of pace and want to visit a big city, then Liverpool and Manchester are close to North Wales, and offer a vibrant shopping, culture and nightlife, as well as international airports for longer trips. Local transport links are excellent also, and allow you to travel to the cities quicky and easily.
"One thing people always ask me is if you have to speak Welsh to work in Wales. While NHS Wales are very supportive to help develop the Welsh language, it is absolutely not necessary to speak Welsh to work here. However, as a proud Welsh person, I have learned the language and can now even use it daily. NHS Wales offers language courses should you wish to learn or develop existing language skills if it’s something you would like to try, which I have found really rewarding and fun.
"Living in Wales allows me to have an amazing work/life balance also, which I feel is important. I have an amazing job with great people around me and work in an incredible organisation. The beautiful country, scenery and activities makes Wales such a great place to live and work. I couldn’t recommend anywhere better.
"In the future, I see myself continuing to work for NHS Wales and live in the same area. I would ideally like to become a more rounded nurse by developing myself professionally to become a more rounded nurse. I aim to achieve this by evolving my critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence and leadership skills to enhance my nursing knowledge, and ultimately to ensure that I am always giving my patients the highest quality of care possible. I have no doubt that NHS Wales and my Health Board will do everything possible to make that happen. At the moment, I’m enjoying the role I am currently in, and aim continue to help my patients towards recovery."