In this episode, we delve into the world of mental health nursing with Jane Fisher, a lecturer in the field and a service user herself.

Jane shares her experiences and insights on self-disclosure, the complex identities nurses with mental health challenges navigate, and the power of authenticity in nursing practice.

She emphasizes the importance of developing advanced interpersonal skills and fostering a human-to-human connection in mental health nursing.

This episode unravels how Jane's journey as a nurse, lecturer, mental health service user, and psychiatric survivor has shaped her unique perspective on the field.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Jane discusses her role as a mental health nurse lecturer and her commitment to supporting students who have their own mental health challenges.

• The prevalence of students entering mental health nursing programs with pre-existing mental health conditions.
• The challenges of transitioning from being a nurse to becoming a mental health service user and the power imbalances that come with it.
• The impact of stigma on mental health professionals who have their own mental health challenges.

Jane shares her journey of embracing her multiple identities, including being a wounded healer, an empowered professional, a nurse, and a psychiatric survivor.

The importance of authenticity and acceptance in the mental health nursing profession.

How self-disclosure can be a valuable tool when used for the benefit of service users and students.

The need for tailored support and supervision for nurses with their own lived experience of mental illness.

Jane's perspective on the gaps in mental health nurse education and the essential interpersonal skills required for the profession.

Today's Guest:



Jane Fisher, a mental health nurse lecturer and service user, brings her wealth of experience to the field. Her journey through mental health challenges has ignited a passion for authenticity and support within the profession. Jane dedicates her time to guiding pre-registration nursing students, helping them navigate their path as mental health nurses. She emphasizes that personal experiences with mental health issues should not deter individuals from pursuing a career in the field. Her unique perspective on identity, self-disclosure, and the multifaceted roles of mental health professionals enriches the education of her students.

Jane's commitment to mental health nursing extends to advocating for a more authentic and inclusive approach to mental health care, benefiting both patients and colleagues.

Connect with Jane Fisher here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jane_fisher2

Read Jane’s Articles Here:

• Who am I? The identity crisis of mental health professionals living with mental illness
• The Problem with Resilience

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