Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing

I gained a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Edinburgh in 2013 during which time I worked as an assistant speech therapist for children with autism. I experienced the value of this work both to myself and those I worked with. Having graduated I then moved to Australia where I continued to develop my interest and skills in the care sector. This is when I decided to further my studies at the University of Melbourne to qualify as a registered nurse.

Having enjoyed my placement in a mental health community team I specialised in mental health nursing which, led me to complete the graduate mental health program with north western mental health in Melbourne. Working for Orygen health was a particular highlight of this period providing mental health support for young people.

In 2019 I moved back to the UK and have worked in a variety of settings including a community team. I joined the University of Bedfordshire in June 2020. I am excited about teaching in innovative and engaging ways, meeting the challenges of modern education.

I am a keen rock climber and am lucky to have climbed in many amazing places from Yorkshire to Australia. I prefer bouldering in general which is essentially climbing smaller rocks without technical equipment though climbing in the UK seems to be predominantly about dodging rain clouds! I am working towards getting my Mountain Instructor Award.

Qualifications

• Masters in Nursing Science (University of Melbourne)
• Bachelor in Biological Sciences, honours in Neuroscience (University of Edinburgh)

Teaching Role

• BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
• As a new member of the teaching staff I am enrolled on the academic professional apprenticeship

Research Interests

• Mindfulness practice and its application in treating mental health conditions and sustaining student well-being
• Drug use and aggression in A & E’s
• Exercise interventions

Recent Conference Presentations

‘Zen in the art of mental health nursing’ at the Collaborative Mental Health Nursing Conference in Melbourne

Contact Details

E: richard.west@beds.ac.uk