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Delina Mapp, Interim Ward Manager, Mother and Baby Unit

What inspired you to become a nurse and what keeps you going today? What drew you to work in either mental health or learning disabilities?

Nursing has always been something I felt drawn to, as I am naturally a hospitable and caring person who wants to offer support to those in need. The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives is what inspired me to become a nurse and continues to motivate me today.

I was particularly drawn to mental health nursing because it offers insight into why people react the way they do and how the balance between environment and nature can shape how individuals cope with life’s stressors. This area of nursing allows me to understand people beyond their behaviours or symptoms, recognising the complex experiences that influence mental wellbeing.

Can you tell us about a moment in your nursing career that made you feel especially proud?

It is difficult to single out one specific moment that made me feel especially proud, as there have been many meaningful experiences throughout my nursing career. One of the most rewarding aspects of mental health nursing is supporting individuals at their lowest point and walking alongside them through their journey toward recovery.

Being present, offering consistency, and seeing someone regain hope, confidence, or stability is incredibly fulfilling. Those moments—no matter how small they may appear—reinforce the value of compassionate, person-centred care. This ongoing privilege of supporting people through some of the most challenging periods of their lives is what continues to motivate me and reaffirms my commitment to mental health nursing.

What do you value most about being a nurse, or about working within the nursing profession?

What I value most about being a nurse is the opportunity to be a pillar of hope and strength for people when they feel most lost or vulnerable. Nurses play a crucial role in supporting individuals on their journey towards recovery, often at times when they may struggle to see that recovery is possible.

Delivering person-centred care is fundamental to my practice. The time spent in one-to-one interactions is incredibly meaningful listening to concerns, being fully present in the moment, and offering support without always trying to “fix” things. I have learned that sometimes the most powerful intervention is simply truly listening to what the person is saying.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a nurse?

Nursing is one of the most rewarding professions you can undertake; however, it demands a great deal of emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Nurses must be able to listen, support, and provide person-centred care while recognising and separating their own values from those of the individuals they care for. The role requires resilience, dedication, and compassion, often in challenging and emotionally demanding circumstances.

Would you recommend your job and Devon Partnership Trust to others?

When I joined Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT), I was mindful that one of its core goals was to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. This strongly resonated with me and has remained central to my approach to delivering mental health care. Reducing stigma involves removing shame and understanding that an individual’s presentation can be influenced by a range of contributing factors. Mental health continues to be widely stigmatised, and it is our responsibility as healthcare professionals to challenge this and remove barriers to compassionate, person‑centred care.

Dicover more about nursing roles with Devon Partnership NHS Trust.