As a newly registered nurse fresh out of university, I was thrilled to be accepted into the specialist Mental Health GradStart program at the Lower North Shore Assertive Outreach Team (LNS AOT).
Beginning my career in LNS AOT of the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) service was an exciting and enriching experience. The AOT is filled with a multidisciplinary team supporting consumers experiencing acute and enduring mental health challenges in the community. The six months I spent in this rotation were both fascinating and filled with growth, laying a solid foundation for the rest of my nursing career in mental health.
A warm welcome and team spirit
From day one, I was warmly welcomed into a multidisciplinary team comprising registered nurses, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, junior medical officers, and psychiatrists. The variety of professionals and the collaborative environment were inspiring. Each team member brought their own unique perspective and expertise to the table, creating a holistic approach to consumer care that I found both effective and motivating.
One of the most remarkable things about the AOT was how seamlessly everyone worked together. Whether it was discussing care plans or coordinating home visits, there was always a sense of unity and shared responsibility for the mental health consumers. What made this experience truly special was how helpful every team member was, always ready to answer my questions and provide guidance. Their generosity with their time made the AOT an exciting place to learn and grow.
Exceptional leadership and support
In addition to the strong team spirit, I also had the privilege of working under an exceptional team leader and preceptor. Their leadership was not only inspirational but also deeply supportive. Whether it was providing guidance in difficult cases or simply offering words of encouragement, the team leader and preceptor consistently made time to ensure I felt supported in my role. Their mentorship helped me build my confidence as a new mental health nurse, and their willingness to lead by example left a lasting impression on me.
Learning from seasoned professionals
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in AOT was the chance to learn from highly experienced professionals. Many of my colleagues had been working in mental health for decades, with some possessing over 40 years of experience in the field. Their depth of knowledge and practical insights were invaluable, offering lessons that went far beyond what I had learned in the classroom.
These seasoned professionals not only helped me sharpen my clinical skills, but they also showed me how to approach mental healthcare with empathy, patience, and a deeper understanding of the individual complexities involved. They encouraged me to ask questions, think critically, and approach each consumer’s care with an individualised touch. Having such experienced mentors made this rotation one of the most valuable learning experiences of my career so far.
Engaging with mental health consumers
As a new grad, being assigned to support recovery for four mental health consumers was both a challenge and a privilege. These individuals had enduring mental health conditions that required long-term follow-up, allowing me to form meaningful, ongoing relationships with them. I quickly learned that providing mental healthcare is about more than just clinical treatment, it’s about engaging with consumers on a human level, building trust, and understanding their unique journeys toward recovery.
One of my key roles during the rotation was working as a depot nurse and conducting home visits. The home visits focused on monitoring consumers’ mental state and providing support to enhance their wellbeing. Long-acting medications, however, were administered at the community mental health centre where our depot clinic was located.
This combination of clinic-based care and home visits allowed me to connect with consumers on a deeper level, ensuring they received the support needed to stay on track with their treatment plans. It was both challenging and rewarding to see the positive impact of our care on their recovery journey.
A memorable six months
Reflecting on my six months with the AOT, I feel incredibly fortunate to have begun my nursing career in such a supportive, dynamic, and educational environment. The experience was not only exciting but also deeply rewarding, equipping me with the skills and confidence I need to succeed in mental health nursing.
I have grown both personally and professionally, gaining a deeper understanding of mental healthcare, building strong relationships with colleagues, and forming bonds with the consumers I worked with. The support from my team, including my exceptional team leader and preceptor played a crucial role in shaping my experience and has further fuelled my passion for nursing in mental health.
The Assertive Outreach Team has given me a strong foundation, and I’m excited to see where this path will lead me next. Armed with the knowledge and experiences gained in AOT, I look forward to continuing my journey as a mental health nurse, confident that I’m making a difference in the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges.
Thank you, LNS AOT team. It was a pleasure to work with such an incredible group of professionals!
Author:
Pradip B C, Registered Nurse (Bachelor of Nursing), Current work: Mental Health Inpatient Unit RNSH (MHDA); Previous work: Lower North Shore Assertive Outreach Team (MHDA), NSW Australia.
