“Believe it or not, this is my third life career”

“Believe it or not, this is my third life career” 

On the second day of our Week of The Nurse we are hearing from one of our Registered Nursing Associates. Craig Thackray works at the Humber Centre and nursing wasn’t his first choice of career, but he’s not looked back!

We got to know Craig…

What got you into nursing?

Believe it or not, this is my third life career and I had previously been a McDonald’s manager and then had a small Lawncare business. In 2009 whilst self-employed, I took on a voluntary role as a support worker in a day centre for adults with learning disabilities and from there I was hooked. I cannot describe how rewarding the role was, something I had never felt within my working career. Within the next year I took on another two voluntary roles as probation mentor and drug and alcohol worker. In 2015 after spending a period in care I joined the trust as a HCA.

Did you always want to be a nurse?

No, I was happy at first being an HCA in acute mental health, but in 2017 I applied for an Assistant Practitioner post in forensic services. Two years on and I took the opportunity to complete the Nursing Associate course which I have done since 2021. In January this year I started the Registered Mental Health Nurse top-up programme.

How long have you been a nurse for?

Nursing Associate, just over two years.

What drew you to work for Humber Trust?

Honestly, I love Mental Health and human behaviours.

What do you like most about the work you do?

I love that each day is a challenge, especially on an assessment ward in forensic services. I love making a positive difference to people’s lives!

Do you enjoy working for Humber? If so why?

I love the support I get from my colleagues, especially my line managers who have always been there to support me. We have a great team & recently won a Humber Trust award.

What would you say to someone thinking of joining Humber?

The feedback I get from nursing students at University, when they have done placements within the Trust, is always positive. Once people come into the Humber Trust, they stay. The ones who leave soon come back. It’s a great Trust to work for.

What makes a mental health nurse different from any other nurse?

I would say after working in mental health for over 8 years, I feel the difference is how mental health nurses engage with people. We have the skills to form therapeutic relationships showing empathy, genuineness and unconditional positive regard, everyone deserves care.

What kind of patients do you work with?

I work with patient from forensic backgrounds. Most of whom have experienced childhood trauma and unstable childhoods. Many have been involved with illicit substance misuse that has led to various cognitive issues.

What can a typical day look like for you?

Now I’m between work and University and at times manage time with my family.

For more information on careers in Nursing take a look at our Join Humber website.