Tegan Russell

Tell us about your career so far in the mental health sector.

I have worked in all areas of mental health, e.g. in adult, child and youth community, and older persons community, as a team leader and Mental Health Nurse Navigator. I have worked in mental health for the South West of Queensland for 18 years.

What made you choose a career in mental health? 

It’s an area that is forgotten and I want to make it as normal as going to the doctor.

What do you find most rewarding about your current role? 

Seeing people recover in their own communities.

What do you find most challenging about your current role?

Not having services at our finger tips; however, this is slowly changing.

What does a typical day for you look like? 

No day is alike and it changes like the wind. We get to work in the beautiful bush, so for starters we look out the window and we have kangaroos grazing on the grass. We have to travel out to remote communities; however, we are a part of a bigger team and are only a TEAMS meeting or phone call away. We assess our consumers and coordinate psychiatrist appointments and support for them. We primarily assist them through their recovery journey within their community.

What are misconceptions you believe people have about working in the mental health sector?

1. That you will be working with violent or “crazy” people.
2. That you won’t use your nursing skills.
3. That it’s stressful and quickly burns out people.

What advice would you give to people who are interested in working in mental health?

To listen to the consumers stories and show compassion and empathy and remember that it’s the consumer’s journey.

Try it, you will never regret it! It can be the most rewarding type of nursing.

Tegan Russell