An RCN Nurse of the Year describes how work pressures and a traumatic event led her to prioritise her well-being

In April 2022, I was a paediatric NHS nurse and in a bad place emotionally. I was extremely anxious, felt unable to cope and was having nightmares. I was also experiencing what I now know are flashbacks. A series of traumatic events had led me to this point, then an incident with a young patient tipped me over the edge and I realised I needed help.