Learning Disability Nursing graduate excels since graduation
Thu, 19 Dec 2013 13:16:00 GMT
An insight into the successes of Ian Stevenson, Nursing (Learning Disability) BSc(Hons)
Ian Stevenson graduated from Nursing (Learning Disability) BSc(Hons) at the University in 2013. He tells us about the successes he’s had since graduating including the recognition awards, his exciting contributions as a steering committee member for the Department of Health and NHS, as well as his new role as a qualified Clinical Practitioner.
How it all started
Ian is a local Huddersfield lad, who beams from a world wind of experiences. Talking fondly of student life and the encouragement he received from his teaching staff, he talks us through the stages and steps in his life that has lead him to this very moment.
“It’s funny how I got into Learning Disability really”, Ian confesses. “I had studied Psychology BSc(Hons) at the University and was working as a manager in a local cinema. I got talking one day to one of my friends who was studying Mental Health Nursing at Huddersfield and he asked me, ‘Have you ever thought about becoming a nurse yourself?’”
This one question sparked a curiosity, one that Ian couldn’t stop thinking about. Although Ian had no nursing experience, he noticed a growing fascination and intrigue around nursing, in particular Learning Disability.
“Looking back I realised a friend had a learning disability and I always wanted to look out for him. Also, whilst working at the cinema we had regular showings specifically for autistic children so I had worked briefly with people with learning disabilities”.
Ian’s collection of life experiences from his friendships, cinema managerial responsibilities, Psychology studies and along with his caring personality, allowed Ian to take the first steps in to the field of Learning Disability Nursing.
“I applied to Huddersfield as I had been a student there before and I loved it. I didn’t have any real experience so I was worried about getting on the course. I went along to the interview and I was really surprised. They must have seen my keen interest as they were very supportive and I secured a place”.
The teachers gave me confidence and taught me to believe in myself
The support from academic staff is something in which Ian speaks very highly about, with high regard and appreciation. “It’s the teachers that really make you believe in yourself, they give you the confidence to try things, to succeed and just go for it!”
In early 2013, Ian and fellow student Becci Haydock (pictured) attended the Student Times Nursing Awards in London, as nominees in the category of Learning Disability Nursing Student of the year. With only four finalists selected nationally in each category, their nominations highlighted both Ian and Becci as truly outstanding students in their field. Ian commented at the time, “It’s a real confidence boost. I think the achievement reflects all of my hard work over the last few years – it doesn’t look bad on the CV either!”
It was from this confidence boost and further encouragement from the University’s teaching staff that spurred Ian and Becci to put themselves forward for the Positive Choices in Leadership scheme in June 2013, resulting in a place secured by each of them. As only two can be selected out of a possible 30 nationwide, both Ian and Becci were again highly recognised as promising leaders in the field. The initiative involves leadership events, which explores ways to support and nurture emerging leadership within learning disability nursing. Each student is allocated a coach, who offers mentorship throughout the beginning of their career; fundamentally, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Not only did Ian learn promising leadership skills and gain highly regarded praise and recognition, he also had the opportunity to network. It was at this very event when Ian began talking to Dr Ben Thomas, Professional Adviser for Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing, at the Department of Health (DH).
Working with the Department of Health
“I got talking to Ben Thomas one evening and shared my opinions on the use of restraint in nursing”, Ian says casually. “I have a real passion to reduce restrictive measures, specifically in learning disability. We started discussing the Winterbourne View report and it was then that Ben mentioned a project the DH was undertaking, which would investigate suggestive measures in regard to reducing restrictive practice”.
It was from this conversation that Ian was then invited to be a member of the steering committee for the DH, overlooking a project on various aspects of restrictive practice such as the various forms of restraint across a wide range of areas.
It is clear Ian is immensely proud of his achievements and extremely appreciative to have been given the opportunity to contribute to the committee surrounding issues in which he is so passionate about, yet Ian still remains so very modest about it. Ian says, “If it wasn’t for the support and extra push from my tutors, I would never have put myself forward for the National Leadership Initiative. They’ve taught me to believe in my own abilities and I also won the Chancellors Prize for Outstanding Achievement for Undergraduate study in 2013”, he modestly mentions!
Ian talks about his work experience whilst studying at the University and how his placement at Newton Lodge Hospital in Wakefield has led to his permanent role there as a qualified Clinical Practitioner. Newton Lodge is a medium secure hospital, working with people with learning disabilities and mental health issues who have offended or have the potential to offend.
My typical day as a Clinical Practitioner
A typical day in his role involves supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health issues, enabling them to manage life skills, managing behavioural distress, recovery and preparation for their return to the outside world.
Alongside his day job, Ian is also on another steering committee for the NHS Trust, as part of the ‘Safe Wards’ scheme. He is working with the NHS to deliver safer wards in hospitals which will involve setting up a trial ward.
When asked about any challenges he has faced, he admittedly says it was moving from being “the student to the qualified carer with responsibilities. In my role you have to be responsible and accountable for your actions. You also need to be reflective and frequently with my manager, I will discuss how a certain shift had gone and how I can improve. It’s imperative you become a reflective practitioner and this is instilled throughout your students”.
Building on the future, with the University of Huddersfield
Ian shows great charisma and commitment, really striving to do well in the world of nursing. When discussing his future plans, he talks about his current role and the taste to gather as much experience as possible but he doesn’t stop there. “I want to build my experience in various environments and in the future, would like to undertake a PhD. I’d love to get into lecturing as well, become a mentor first of course”, he says humbly. When asked if the University of Huddersfield would be his first choice, he replies, “without a doubt”.
He goes on to say, “If I was to give any advice to anyone considering a career in Learning Disability Nursing, I would just say, ‘go for it’. There may be people out there considering it but think they can’t due to lack of experience. I didn’t have much experience either but if you have the passion for it, you really need to do it”.
Additional information
The report in which Ian has contributed alongside the DH will be released in March 2014 and will include suggested measures to support the reduction of restrictive practice throughout various care services. Further information on the Nursing (Learning Disability) BSc(Hons) course is available and you can also join the Nursing community on-line via Facebook and Twitter.
