What's it like being a Mental Health Support Worker?
Hi, I am about to finish my Psychology Masters and I need a year of clinical experience to move on to the next step of my education. I don't have much previous experience so it looks like I may have to work in a mental health hospital or a care home.
I already have some interviews set up but I am really nervous about working in such an intense environment where I will probably see horrible things. I'm also worried about the toll that 12 hour shifts will have on me. Does anyone have any experience or advice as a support worker?
Also, any interview tips?
I already have some interviews set up but I am really nervous about working in such an intense environment where I will probably see horrible things. I'm also worried about the toll that 12 hour shifts will have on me. Does anyone have any experience or advice as a support worker?
Also, any interview tips?
(edited 3 years ago)
Original post by yungchi
Hi, I am about to finish my Psychology Masters and I need a year of clinical experience to move on to the next step of my education. I don't have much previous experience so it looks like I may have to work in a mental health hospital or a care home.
I already have some interviews set up but I am really nervous about working in such an intense environment where I will probably see horrible things. I'm also worried about the toll that 12 hour shifts will have on me. Does anyone have any experience or advice as a support worker?
Also, any interview tips?
I already have some interviews set up but I am really nervous about working in such an intense environment where I will probably see horrible things. I'm also worried about the toll that 12 hour shifts will have on me. Does anyone have any experience or advice as a support worker?
Also, any interview tips?
I would like to preface this with that I am not a mental health support worker.
However, I do work 12hr shifts in healthcare. When I first started the 12hr shifts, they were grueling and tough. However, you do get used to it after a while and you gradually start to enjoy the fact you will only work three 12hr days rather than five 8 hr days. There are pros and cons to both, but I found that I kind of enjoyed working 3 days a week.
As for what it is like? I believe this documentary (linked here - BBC iplayer) is really good and provides a good insight into what psych wards are like (incase the link doesn't work, it is 'Stacey Dooley, inside the psych ward'). I personally found the documentary very insightful.
I used to work 10 hour shifts (which with OT often became 12 hour shifts). Best shift pattern I ever worked, even having to get up at 5am for the early shifts. Working 4 days a week was amazing.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Bsc Forensic psychology work experience
- Social care
- Criminology degree for social work
- Can any social workers give me some advice?
- Work Experience for Assistant Psychologist
- I really hope someone reads this because my life literally depends on it...
- University accomodations
- Mental health services should not be around
- 5 careers for Working with Children, Young People & Families graduates
- Psychology graduates help me
- are there any Clinical psychology related jobs that I can do as a undergrad student
- Social work degree apprenticeship
- Do you learn to read people's minds when studying psychology?
- Mental health healthcare assistant role - Ellern Mede
- 5 careers for Social Work Graduates
- How to qualify as a adult therapist
- 5 careers for mental health nursing graduates
- ADHD, autism and dyslexia support
- Applying for university
- Would a nurse be allowed on shift with a visible black eye?
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 week ago
Why is there so much hate towards the role of Physician Associate in the UK.Last reply 2 weeks ago
What would you recommend I do to become a paramedic/get a medical careerLast reply 2 weeks ago
Worcester PA 2024 entry Physician Associate 31st January interviewTrending
Last reply 1 week ago
Why is there so much hate towards the role of Physician Associate in the UK.Last reply 2 weeks ago
What would you recommend I do to become a paramedic/get a medical careerLast reply 2 weeks ago
Worcester PA 2024 entry Physician Associate 31st January interview
