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Nurse shares her story for International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day (Saturday 8 March), Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is celebrating the women who make a difference in mental health nursing.

They are dedicated professionals who lead with compassion, resilience, and strength.

One of these inspiring women is Beth Simpson, whose remarkable career journey highlights the impact of women in leadership and the importance of advocating for inclusive, patient-centred care.

Beth, Deputy Head of Patient Safety Incident Management at EPUT, has spent over 11 years in mental health nursing, moving from frontline care to leadership.

Her career was shaped by personal experiences, giving her a deep understanding of the emotional weight of mental health care and the importance of support for both patients and staff.

“This job requires passion,” Beth shares.

“Mental health nursing is about being there for people at their most vulnerable, giving them hope when they can’t see it for themselves.

“That’s why we do what we do.”

Beth began her career as a staff nurse in 2014, progressing to charge nurse, deputy ward manager, and matron before transitioning into patient safety leadership.

Now, she ensures that learning from incidents leads to real change across the organisation.

Her personal experiences have made her a strong advocate for inclusive, person-centred care and the need to provide the right support for patients with diverse needs.

Becoming a mother to a child with additional needs gave Beth a profound new perspective—not just as a nurse, but as a full-time carer.

This experience reshaped her understanding of advocacy, deepening her commitment to ensuring every patient receives the care and support they deserve.

“My experiences, both professionally and personally, have reinforced how crucial it is that we listen to those in our care and create systems that work for them—not just for the system itself,” she says.

Despite mental health nursing being a female-dominated profession, leadership roles within the NHS often remain male-led.

Beth is committed to breaking barriers and empowering more women to step into leadership positions within the healthcare system.

“Women in nursing have incredible expertise and insight. We need to support each other, step into leadership with confidence, and challenge outdated assumptions,” she explains.

Beth’s story is just one example of the many women in mental health nursing making a difference every day.

Read her full interview below, where she shares her experiences on the emotional toll of mental health nursing, balancing career and leadership, and the lessons she’s learned.

What first inspired you to pursue mental health nursing?

Beth: “Initially, I wanted to be a doctor, but after experiencing the impact of mental health issues within my own family, I realised my heart was in mental health nursing. I’ve seen how crucial compassionate care is—not just for patients, but for families too. This profession isn’t just a job; it’s a calling.”

Beth started her career as a staff nurse in 2014, working on the frontline in acute mental health care. Over time, she moved through various roles, from charge nurse to deputy ward manager and matron, before stepping into leadership at the corporate level.

“Mental health nursing is about being there for people in their darkest moments and helping them find hope again,” she shares.

One of Beth’s most memorable moments was advocating for a young expectant mother who had faced severe personal hardships. Through Beth’s intervention, the mother was given the opportunity to access support services, ultimately allowing her to build a stable future for herself and her child.

“It was a moment that reminded me why we fight so hard for our patients,” Beth reflects.

Nursing is a female-dominated field, yet leadership roles are often held by men. Have you faced challenges as a woman in leadership?

Beth: “Absolutely. There have been times when I’ve had to fight to have my voice heard or prove that I deserve a seat at the table. But I’ve learned that standing firm in what you know and believing in your expertise is key. Women in nursing have incredible insight and experience—we need to back ourselves and each other.”

Beth is a strong advocate for empowering more women to step into leadership roles within healthcare. She believes that having diverse voices in decision-making leads to better patient outcomes and stronger, more inclusive workplaces.

“We need to support one another, mentor future leaders, and create spaces where women feel empowered to step up,” she adds.

Many women in leadership struggle with balancing their careers with personal responsibilities. How do you manage?

Beth: “It’s a constant juggling act, and I won’t pretend it’s easy. But what helps me is having a strong support system—colleagues who understand, a workplace that values flexibility, and the ability to set boundaries. Women often feel guilty about prioritising themselves, but I’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.”

Beth acknowledges that women in high pressure roles often struggle with burnout, which is why she’s passionate about promoting well-being in the workplace.

What advice do you have for women in healthcare on looking after their own mental health?

  • Set Boundaries – “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Protect your energy and take time for yourself.”
  • Talk About It – “We tell patients to talk, but we often forget to take our own advice. Find a mentor or a friend who understands.”
  • Find What Grounds You – “For me, it’s my family, a good book, or a walk outside. Find what helps you recharge.”
  • Support One Another – “Women are strongest when we lift each other up. Never underestimate the power of community.”

What do you hope for the future of women in nursing and leadership?

Beth: “I hope we continue to challenge outdated structures and encourage more women to step into leadership. I hope we create a culture where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead with confidence. Most of all, I hope we never stop lifting each other up.”

Beth’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of women in healthcare—from frontline care to strategic leadership, their contributions shape the future of mental health services.

She also believes that large organisations and policymakers need to do more to actively support female leaders in mental health.

“It’s not just about individual ambition—it’s about creating a system that allows women to thrive. That means mentorship programmes, fair career progression, and workplaces that acknowledge the additional pressures many women face outside of work,” she says.

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to young women entering mental health nursing, what would it be?

Beth: “Always see the light in the dark. This job can be challenging, but the moments when you truly make a difference in someone’s life make it all worth it. Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and never stop learning.”

Celebrating Women in Healthcare

As we mark International Women’s Day, Beth’s story serves as an inspiration for women across the NHS and beyond. Her resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to mental health care reflect the strength of women in nursing who continue to drive change and break barriers.

She said: “At the end of the day, we do this because we believe in people. We believe in recovery, in change, and in the power of being there when someone needs it most. That’s what mental health nursing is all about.”