William Anderson-White
William Anderson-White
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) 2019
1. Tell us about yourself.
Will Anderson-White, from Colchester in Essex. Qualified with a First-Class BSc in Mental Health Nursing from Anglia Ruskin University in 2019. I have always considered myself a passionate, caring, individual who always wants to try and help. When I started as a support worker, I immediately had a sense of achievement which encouraged me to want to continue within the healthcare field. I very often put myself forward to represent the views of staff on the floor and want to be a voice of positive change and innovative working, not only for my fellow colleagues but patients alike. This led me to finding my career path of becoming a registered RMN, Clinical Lead, Service Manager, and now an Operational Improvement Lead managing services. All of this has fuelled my passion to create a more patient-centred, individualised and caring approach to Mental Health Nursing.
2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
My course lecturer, Justin Nathan. Justin was a solid pillar of support throughout my journey through university. His knowledge and understanding of the curriculum and the challenges we face as student nurses allowed him to provide me with the level of support I required to succeed.
3. What has been your favourite job?
My favourite job to date is the role I am in currently. I am an Operational Improvement Lead for Cygnet Healthcare, covering the South region (London). I am deployed to services requiring intensive support for service improvement and regularly engage in quality reviews to ensure hospitals practise effectively in line with regulatory guidelines (Care Quality Commission). I have launched a service specific training strategy at sites which is localised to the needs of the service and is led by their senior management, heads of departments and disciplines.
4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Life-changing.
5. How did your time at ARU help you?
It taught me to believe in myself and gave me the courage to strive to be better every day, enabling me to grow into the person I am today. I always thought I was not academically minded enough to attend university until I went for it and proved myself wrong!
6. What did you love about your chosen course?
Mental health nursing has always been an interest of mine since starting out my career. Learning about the framework that underpins our practice was very important and a main interest of mine during my course.
7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Never stop learning! Take every opportunity that comes your way to broaden your understanding and skill set. If you are ever tired, feeling overworked or overwhelmed – take a moment to reflect on why you chose to become a nurse in the first place.
8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
From my experience, I find the general public have an opinion that Mental Health Nurses work predominantly on inpatient wards or in the community mental health teams. They are often unaware of the varied roles that are available to RMNs post qualification. Once you're qualified and are gaining experience, it really opens your eyes to the mass of opportunities that are available to Mental Health Nurses post-registration, like working for the Ministry of Justice, GP primary care services or in Clinical Education. There is a plethora of opportunities available and I think with increased exposure, more people might consider studying Mental Health Nursing.
9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
My mother. She is a truly inspirational Mental Health Nurse and has always led by example – her attitude, professionalism and dedication is admirable and she is someone I always look up to.
10. What advice would you give your younger self?
Do not be afraid of failure. Failure will help you discover how strong, dynamic and resilient a person you truly are.
11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I have a 2 year old working Cocker Spaniel called Woody who is the life and soul of our household!
12. What’s next?
I plan to continue to remain dedicated to my role and support the improvement of nursing practice in England. I have a keen interest in the development of all healthcare staff and thrive off of seeing others excel in their careers – if I can be a part of that then that’s a bonus!