Teresa Barker

Teresa Barker

Deputy Director of Nursing & Practice, Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust

When did you graduate and what degree did you complete?

I trained in London as a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) on the Project 2000 programme from 1997-2000. Through support from my employer, KMPT (Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust)  I completed my degree in Psychosocial Interventions in Psychosis in 2003.

Tell us about your current role – what does it entail?

I am the Deputy Director of Nursing and Practice at KMPT.  My role is professional nursing leadership, with my current focus being the development and operationalisation of our very ambitious nursing strategy!

What excites you most about your work?

Being able to proactively influence mental health nursing practice fit for the 21st century and using my 20 years experience of clinical and managerial roles to inform this.

What advice would you give students trying to get into your profession?

Never lose your integrity.  Work to your and your practice areas values always.  Always prioritise clinical supervision and invest time in your own wellbeing.  Our patients benefit from this ten fold.

In what ways did studying at Canterbury Christ Church University prepare you for your current role?

I studied for my MBA in Healthcare Leadership at Canterbury Christ Church University from 2012-2015. I was a Band 7 local team leader in a youth mental health service when I started and was an Assistant Director for acute mental health services across Kent & Medway when I graduated with distinction!  The MBA really helped me develop business acumen and political astuteness, and gave me confidence as a nurse leader.

Do you have a favourite memory of your time at Canterbury Christ Church University?

I have many! The people. Some of the best lecturers I’ve had the pleasure of being taught by, and a brilliant diverse peer group that complemented the learning immensely.

"Never lose your integrity.  Work to your and your practice areas values always.  Always prioritise clinical supervision and invest time in your own wellbeing.  Our patients benefit from this ten fold."

Teresa Barker
 

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Last edited: 25/02/2020 14:48:00