Mental health care inspires woman to become nurse

Rosie Thorpe's time as a mental health inpatient led her to consider becoming a nurse

A woman is training to be a nurse after she was inspired by those who cared for her on a mental health ward.

Rosie Thorpe, 23, decided to enrol on a mental health nursing course at the University of Derby after her third admission to the Radbourne Unit in Derby in April 2023.

Ms Thorpe vowed that the next time she set foot on the ward, she would be wearing the same uniform as those who looked after her.

She said: "I thought it would be a nice way to give back and help people who struggle like I do."

Rosie Thorpe was discharged from the Radbourne Unit in July 2023

Ms Thorpe, from Derby, already has a degree in security and offender management but said mental health nursing was the "missing piece" in her career path.

"Two different staff members at the Radbourne Unit spoke to me about becoming a nurse, which I had never thought about before," said Ms Thorpe.

"My brain has not shifted at all since I got told I would be good at mental health nursing; I thought 'oh my gosh this is the missing piece I’ve been looking for'."

After being discharged from the Radbourne Unit in July 2023, Ms Thorpe said she loves "getting stuck in" on her work placements and to finally wear that nurse’s uniform.

"I am really proud of myself", said Ms Thorpe, who is about to start her second year at university.

"Uni is really helping me to keep myself accountable for my own mental health by focusing my mind."

After losing two friends to mental ill health, Ms Thorpe said their loss gave her another reason to keep fighting when she felt like giving up.

“I kept thinking, if you are ever in doubt, you should think of the people who need you to be a voice for them, as they are no longer able to be a voice for themselves."

'A real inspiration'

Ms Thorpe said taking her second degree would be a "big step" but she was determined to finish it.

Lee Doyle, managing director at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Rosie's personal experiences coupled with her enthusiasm to support those with immediate mental health needs is what will stand her in good stead to become an exceptional nurse one day.

"Rosie's story is a real inspiration, and we are pleased and proud of how far she has come and what she has already gone on to achieve.

"A special thank you also to our brilliant Radbourne Unit team for supporting Rosie through a very difficult time in her life. We wish her all the best as she moves into her second year of studies."

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, BBC Action Line has links to organisations that can offer help and advice.

You can also go to bbc.co.uk/mentalwellbeing for more stories, information, inspiration and tips around mental wellbeing.

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