Ben O'Sullivan

Choosing Surrey

The greenery around the campus and the sense of community really appealed. Also, the relationships the School of Health Sciences has built with various NHS trusts means there are lots of amazing career opportunities. 

When I started as a student, I felt like I’d found a second home and the space to grow as an individual.  

Studying mental health nursing

Mental health is so important and is such a relevant topic at the moment. It feels like the needs of the population and the mental health support on offer are not aligned, and the lack of available services makes me want to be the change and generate more support to provide the best care for people who desperately need it.  

The lectures and the clinical experiences of the lecturers really make you think about the kind of healthcare professional you want to become. And learning in the Kate Granger Building is amazing! All the healthcare students study and train there. The use of manikins and actors in the Clinical Simulation Centre really enrich the training experience and allow you to practise your clinical skills in a safe environment. 

"The highlight of clinical placements is the gratitude you get from patients, and feeling like you’ve made a difference."

Gaining clinical experience

So far, I’ve gained experience in an acute older age psychiatric ward; a GP setting, including primary care mental health; a day surgery unit, including acute general frailty care and an alcohol liaison service; and a community mental health team. You really get stuck in and work alongside the healthcare professionals with clinical tasks such as assessments, administering medications, attending multi-professional meetings, engaging with patients, personal care and completing physical observations. This might seem daunting, but if you’ve got a drive for providing compassionate care and want to contribute to supporting and empowering people’s physical and mental health then this will help you excel! 

The highlight of clinical placements is the gratitude you get from patients, and feeling like you’ve made a difference and supported a vulnerable person in a really difficult time. 

Nursing Society

Being part of the Nursing Society has been a great way to get to know other students, including those from the other nursing courses. It’s about making memories and getting the balance right between thriving academically and socially.  

Looking forward

I’m considering working as part of a community team or on a ward after I graduate. Then once I’ve gained some clinical experience, I’d like to do some research into a condition that requires more treatment pathways, or become a lecturer in a specific area. 

Find out more about our Mental Health Nursing BSc.