School Presentation

In 2025, we had a mental health module that explored concepts such as the mental health spectrum, common mental illnesses, and wellbeing strategies. One key takeaway for me was the realization that not having a mental health illness does not automatically mean we are mentally thriving. During our class presentation, I led a deep breathing exercise, and seeing all my classmates follow along attentively made me appreciate the importance of active self-care and mindfulness.

This module highlighted that nurses’ mental health is just as important as the patients’. In the Operating Theatre, where precision, focus, and teamwork are crucial, stress and fatigue can directly affect patient safety and team performance. Learning how to manage stress, practice mindfulness, and maintain emotional balance equips nurses to stay calm under pressure, make accurate decisions, and provide compassionate care—even in high-stakes situations.

I also realized that mental health awareness allows nurses to better support their colleagues. In OT, every team member’s well-being impacts the workflow and patient outcomes. Small practices like brief mindfulness exercises, checking in on teammates, or using grounding techniques can help the team remain cohesive and effective.

Personally, this module has encouraged me to prioritize my own mental wellbeing alongside developing clinical skills. I now understand that maintaining a healthy mindset is not only vital for my own resilience but also enhances my ability to focus, communicate, and provide high-quality care in the OT.