Seven years ago, a recommendation from a friend led Richard to Nouvita Healthcare. Today, he is a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) at Baldock Manor Hospital, supporting people with complex mental health needs through some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Richard was already an experienced mental health professional when he arrived. After qualifying as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, he worked within inpatient mental health and medium secure forensic services before joining the team at Baldock Manor.
Since then, his role has given him the opportunity to build on that experience and continue developing, both clinically and professionally.
Growing without necessarily moving roles
Career development doesn’t always have to mean changing job titles.
During his seven years with Nouvita, Richard has been offered several opportunities to progress into other roles. Working part-time, however, he made the decision not to pursue them and instead continue developing his skills and experience within his current position.
It’s a choice that hasn’t prevented him from progressing professionally.
“Since joining Nouvita, I have developed my clinical and leadership skills, taken on greater responsibilities, and gained valuable experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs.”
Training has covered areas including clinical practice, safeguarding, risk management and the Mental Health Act, alongside regular supervision and ongoing professional development. Richard says these opportunities have strengthened his clinical and leadership abilities while helping him maintain high standards of practice.
For anyone joining Nouvita with ambitions to develop their own career, his advice is straightforward:
“Take advantage of training opportunities, be proactive, continue learning, and seek new experiences.”
Richard also points to supportive leadership and opportunities to take on additional responsibilities as important ways Nouvita encourages people to develop.
Working somewhere ideas can be shared
Ask Richard about the culture at Nouvita and two things come up repeatedly: support and openness.
He describes the organisation as having a “supportive, collaborative, and patient-centred culture”, where people work together but are also encouraged to share ideas and continue developing professionally.
That support is present in his own team at Baldock Manor, where regular guidance, supervision and open communication help staff work collaboratively.
For Richard, feeling valued isn’t about one particular initiative. It comes through recognition, opportunities to develop and working within an inclusive environment where support is readily available.
The moments that make the job worthwhile
There is one part of Richard’s role that stands above everything else: seeing someone get better.
Working within mental health means progress isn’t always straightforward or immediate. Richard particularly values the opportunity to build therapeutic relationships with the people he supports and see the difference that good, person-centred care can make over time.
One of the most meaningful experiences for him is seeing patients progress sufficiently in their recovery to successfully return to the community.
Knowing he has contributed to that journey is a large part of what continues to motivate him after seven years.
“I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives, support their recovery, and work alongside a dedicated team committed to high-quality care.”
It’s also what makes him proud of the work he does: contributing to an environment where patients are supported towards positive outcomes, while colleagues support one another too.
Why stay for seven years?
For Richard, the answer comes back to the culture he has experienced throughout his time here.
He values Nouvita’s open working environment, the colleagues he works alongside and the opportunities he has had to continue developing as a mental health nurse. He also sees Nouvita’s values reflected in everyday interactions – through compassionate care, teamwork, respectful communication and a shared focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for the people being supported.
And what would he say to another healthcare professional considering joining Nouvita?
“Nouvita is a supportive and rewarding organisation that values its staff, promotes professional development, and provides opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
After seven years, Richard sums up his own experience in much the same way.
“My journey with Nouvita has been rewarding and fulfilling, providing me with opportunities to grow professionally, develop my skills, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we support.”
Interested in developing your own career with Nouvita?
Explore our current vacancies and find out more about working across our mental health and learning disability services.