From Nurse to Deputy Ward Manager at Priory

Can you just introduce yourself, your job title, and what you do for Priory?
Okay, so my name's Michelle and I'm Deputy Ward Manager for the Eating Disorder Service in Glasgow. It’s a 14 and 9 bed ward, and we work with a patient group who struggle with a vast variety of eating disorders. A lot of the patients that we have come to us detained under the Mental Health Act, a few will come formally. We support them to continue their recovery in the community. When they come to us, it’s usually because they can’t manage their well-being—it’s a crisis point.

Day-to-Day Work

What does a typical day look like?
Our patient group tends to be with us for quite a long time—anywhere from four months to a couple of years—so we get to know them really well. I always describe it like being a surrogate family. We work long shifts, so it’s a 50-50 split of our time between work and home.

Our priority is to challenge a lot of the beliefs and behaviours tied to eating disorders. It’s a serious illness. We work on getting them to accept nutrition voluntarily and to engage in therapy. Some have very rigid beliefs—like if they eat something, something bad will happen to them. Recovery is a long process. We don’t expect them to be completely free of the disorder when they leave, but we aim to get them to a place where they can continue their journey in the community.

Recovery Journey

How long can the recovery process take?
Sometimes in three or four months we’ll see what we call “circuit breakers”—people who aren't necessarily looking for recovery but are physically compromised and at risk of death. In those cases, we stabilise them physically so they can go back and work with their community team.

Others can be with us for up to two or three years. That could be due to the need for supported accommodation or because they’re really working toward full recovery. We do a lot of work around occupational therapy and daily living—taking patients out for things like a coffee can be a big deal. When other services haven’t worked, we become the last resort—and we give it everything.

Sometimes, recovery requires detention under the Mental Health Act. But you’ll always find a cohort—often adults with children—who are really motivated. Some come in ready for recovery but find it too difficult. Others resist at first and come around later. Seeing them realise what’s out there—family, friends, normality—can become the real driver for change.

Job Satisfaction

What do you enjoy about the role?
Getting to know the individuals. We see them so regularly and for so long, you form bonds. My satisfaction comes from seeing those who are discharged and getting their positive messages back. I just discharged a patient a few days ago who had transitioned from children’s services. It took 16 months, but she left with confidence, a place secured at college, and ready to go back to her family. That could have been a very different story without our support.

Career Path

How did you end up in mental health nursing?
I’ve got three adult children. I hit a crossroads in life—I wanted to do something that would make them proud, and that I could be proud of too. I’d love to say I always wanted to be a nurse, but it wasn’t like that. I just thought, "What can I do?" I had a real interest in eating disorders—it had affected my family for decades. I didn’t even study it in college or university, but I knew it was the route I wanted.

I requested an elective placement in eating disorders—and I never left. It was what I hoped it would be, and I’m passionate about this type of nursing.

Working at Priory

What led you to Priory?
My ED placement was at Priory. I’d heard of them through word of mouth, mostly for addictions, but I found their eating disorder service and applied. From the start, they were really welcoming. My mentor and the ward manager were fantastic, and I felt like I could prove myself even as a student. I asked if there was a role available after graduation—and they found me one. I’ve never left.

What makes Priory a good employer?
Unlike other placements, where nurses were quiet in meetings, at Priory nurses have a strong voice. We're listened to, and we’re part of every discussion. If we disagree with something, we’re encouraged to speak up. We’re a tight-knit team—the same faces, same people. We gel really well. Even as I’ve started branching out beyond Glasgow, I’ve found the wider team just as welcoming. They embrace change and development.

Skills and Advice

What qualifications or skills are needed for this role?
You can be an RMN, a learning disability nurse, or a general nurse. We have a full mix here. There are so many comorbidities—patients might have learning disabilities or serious physical health issues. No specific qualifications beyond registration are required, but healthcare experience in this area can help.

What personal qualities are important?
You need an abundance of patience, good listening skills, and empathy. People skills are huge. You’re often working with individuals who don’t want to get better, so the treatment feels forced on them. There’s also a lot of contact with carers and community teams—communication is vital.

Final Thoughts

What would you say to someone considering this as a career?
It’s inspiring—for yourself, not just others. If you like challenges and variety, no two days are the same. You’re always learning. Patients will do everything to avoid treatment, so it’s about breaking through those barriers while keeping that therapeutic relationship intact.

The satisfaction comes in abundance. Some patients stay in touch years later. We’ve got a bank of people who’ve left and still reach out to let us know how they’re doing—and I don’t think you get that in many other areas of mental health.