PNA Branch Officials Training 2024 Mullingar  Testimonial from  Ruth Casey Longford/Westmeath Mental Health Services

I had the opportunity to attend the PNA Branch Officials Training in May in Athlone.

Due to COVID and ongoing staff shortages over the past 4 years I had missed the previous trainings.

The group this year consisted of approximately 25 members from various services around the country. It was a fantastic opportunity to finally meet the PNA Office Team in person also.

Having attended alone I must admit I was slightly apprehensive – I needn’t have been. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The training itself took place over 2 days. From the outset I found myself immersed in the presentations. Several aspects were explored in great detail from Trust in Care, Disciplinary Procedure, Social Media and some of the various schemes available to us as a profession.

 If I am completely honest the training as a whole re-affirmed my decision to become more involved in the PNA. The second day was more interactive where there was role play and scenarios explored. Personally I found this beneficial as it embeds the information more definitively.

  As a whole I found the 2 days so informative from a professional level, from a personal point of view it was an excellent chance to meet fellow colleagues from around the country and build contacts. We were able to compare and contrast differences within our own services. There may have been a little tipple after an intense first day also (for medicinal purposes of course).

Thanks to all involved.

Ruth Casey

Longford/Westmeath Mental Health Services