Midterm Assignment: Career Interview
(Assignment must be typed and a minimum of 2 pages, double spaced. Please include the question and answers to the following questions).

Interview Questions:
1. What is the title of your position?
-I am a director of working to recovery; my background is a registered mental health nurse.

2. When did you decide that you wanted to go into this career field?
-I was 22yrs. Old, I have always wanted to become a Doctor but had to change my mind, was drifting into different dead end jobs but luckily I saw an advert for psychiatric nursing program, I got interested and then I applied and got in. that was 15 years ago and I’m still working as a mental health nurse, which I am very passionate about.

3. What are the minimum qualifications for this position/occupation (i.e. certificate, degree, years of experience, etc?)
-As a registered mental nurse you now need a degree, at the point I trained it was a certification only and experience but the minimum qualifications for this position today is to have a Nursing degree. 4. What is the best part of what you do on a day to day basis?
-Definitely working with people, it’s why I love mental health nurse; I wouldn’t be in the role if I didn’t get to work with other people. The Best part of being a mental health nurse is seeing people getting understood of what has happened for them, I enjoy working with people and developing a good relationship, helping them to see themselves and the world in a better way, adapt to those around them and feel cared for. Ultimately, the goal is to help people get on with their lives.

5. What are the negatives or downfalls of the position?
-Being a Mental Health nurse is not easy, at times it can be quite frustrating and demanding, and having a sense of humor is a real bonus. You never know what each day will bring. It is also difficult dealing with people who have had traumatic experiences in their lives. But yet it is extremely rewarding, helping someone who has experienced mental health problems become more able to cope and regain their independence.

6. Why do you think you were selected for this position during your interview and or what made you stand out amongst your competition in your resume?
-Working hard and Focus on my studies does help me earn this position. Originally as a nurse, I was confident, empathetic, passionate and keen to make a difference and change practice. I now run my own company with my husband, those core skills are still absolutely applicable, and an ability to be at the cutting edge of mental health practice.

7. What advice would you give me, as a college student, aspiring to get into this career field?
-Focus on your studies, work hard and earn your degree. You have to really and truly care for the people you wish to work with. If you don’t enjoy caring people, nursing isn’t for you. Try and get experience in supportive roles, it doesn’t have to be in mental health, just anything that shows you have the skills and commitment to