Over the last 18 months, we have highlighted the committed work of nurses and midwives in Ireland, especially throughout the Covid-19 pandemic by sharing their stories. We would like to thank everyone who has taken part and in the final part of our professional focus series we speak to Aishling Roffe, Clinical Nurse Manager at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.

Why did you choose a career in nursing/midwifery?

I was always drawn to a career in nursing and for as long as I can remember I wanted to be a nurse. I loved how nursing could open endless opportunities but also allow me to help people. Initially I was focused on a career in general nursing but I narrowly missing out on a place through the CAO, and instead opted for mental health nursing, I planned to complete my degree and then study a post graduate course in general nursing in England. At the time my knowledge of what the role of a mental health nurse entailed was limited but after my first student placement this plan changed and I realised I couldn’t be more suited to a career in mental health nursing. Since then, I have completed a Master’s in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Nursing and I am currently studying to become a nurse prescriber.

My career has also allowed me to travel and work in different countries like Australia. Nursing has opened up so many opportunities for me to learn, grow and develop into the person I am today. I love how every day is different and because every person is different, I am constantly adapting and changing my skills to work with young people and their families.

Was this your first career choice and what would you do if you weren’t a nurse/midwife?

I have always wanted to be a nurse and couldn’t really imagine another career. Although, I would love to own my own shop, a shop selling coffee and plants (my favourite things!).

How do you believe you have made a difference as a nurse/midwife?

As I work in an acute inpatient setting, I see young people and their families at their worst and at times of crisis. As a nurse I am in a prime position to listen, advocate and make a change for these young people and families. Seeing the change and growth in the young person and their family is very rewarding. One of the reasons why I love working in CAMHS is that you can really make a difference to a young person’s life and their families by empowering them with skills to help them become more resilient and understand their thoughts, feelings and concerns.

Do you have a memory in your job that really stands out?

I have lots of fond memories from my workplace and have many great friendships from nursing. The year 2020 was dedicated to the nurse, it was with great honour I was nominated by my nursing colleagues and won the nurse of the year award 2020 for the child and adolescent mental health services and a further award for nurse of the year overall service award for HSE Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow Community Healthcare (CHO7) mental health services.

How has COVID -19 changed nursing? Are there any positives that you will take with you?

Covid-19 was a very difficult time for all involved but it united my workplace, Linn Dara. It brought all the team together. Every member on the team’s workload increased, evolved and adapted but we all helped each other and learnt a lot from each other’s disciplines. Like most workplaces a lot of our work changed to virtual work, such as team meetings, therapies and family support. Although there is a lot of value in face-to-face meetings, there was also positives to take from using online resources.

If you could, what advice would you give to 19 year old you, starting out?

Trust and believe in yourself, it will all work out in the end!!

If you were given one million euro to spend on health, how would you spend it?

I’m not sure if one million would make a huge difference but I would love to use the money to fund a few smaller projects for example youth programmes, therapeutic garden projects and community school supports for mental health.

It’s post-pandemic and you’ve just won a holiday to anywhere in the world! Where would you go and why?

I would love to go to New York, it was on my agenda pre Covid-19. I am especially excited to spend my Covid savings in all the shopping outlets.

Back to reality…. You’ve a week to spend on holidays in Ireland. Where would you go and why?

It would have to be Spanish Point in Co Clare which I have booked for September. It is one of my favourite places in Ireland, I love being beside the sea and being able to go for a sea swim. You can join the locals in Spanish Point for a sea swim and some traditional music most mornings and evenings.