Leanne Ingram

I have 13 months of direct experience with ADHD and many more years of indirect experiences. My background is as a mental health nurse, so I have worked with the full range of mental health conditions since qualifying as a nurse in 2008.

Being able to see someone move from a place of despair and hopelessness into a more positive place is the best part of my job. I have always felt this has been the gift of being a mental health nurse. There is nothing more powerful than making a positive difference in someones life.

I have a very diverse background therefore over the years have accrued skills that I feel make me a better nurse. My first venture into the working world was in the pharmaceutical field, which triggered my interest in medicine in general. I found direct patient interaction more rewarding therefore moved in to the learning disability field before finally opting to train as a mental health nurse. I have moved in to management roles but always found myself needing to have that direct patient involvement as this is where I feel I make the most difference!

I have attended the Academy to develop my knowledge around ADHD in more depth. I first came across ADHD in my personal life. I had been a mental health nurse for many years and yet had failed to spot the ADHD in someone close to me. Sadly there was little training around ADHD back when I trained. This sparked my passion for learning as much as I could about neurodiversity. My special interest is around women and ADHD, and the presentation of ADHD in those who are seen as gifted and talented at a young age.

I spent many years in acute inpatient settings and was part of development work which enhanced the experience of that patient group.

I have always been passionate about people having good quality care and taking part in that improvement project brought such positive feedback. I was one of the first nurse prescribers in that inpatient area and became a champion for medicines management. This enabled me to take a full and active role in the patient journey and I am incredibly proud that I have been able to continue this. I am also registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

I have never stopped learning. I have always engaged in any training opportunities but even outside of work I subscribe to forums, journals and other avenues to ensure that I am aware of latest evidence. I am the typical bookworm who goes down many a rabbit hole!

Since lockdown happened I moved into the world of gaming, and am now usually found playing that for my downtime. I have never found the balance of maintaining lots of hobbies, and am generally quite content spending time with my family!