Nikki Bott

I’m a registered nurse, a member of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). I’m qualified in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and experienced in delivering a range of psychological interventions, including DBT, Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT), and Structured Clinical Management (SCM).

During the course of my professional journey, I worked within a specialist team supporting individuals with a diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) for three years. My clinical background also includes roles as an Assistant Psychologist in a Psychosis Service and Mental Health nursing positions in both inpatient and community settings. This diverse experience allows me to bring a wide array of clinical practice examples and insights to my teaching. I’m passionate about educating the next generation of mental health nurses, sharing practical knowledge and skills that I wish I’d had during my own training.

I was honoured as the Highest Academic Achiever in the School of Nursing at Staffordshire University in 2018. I remain committed to keeping up-to-date with evidence-based interventions and research, and my ultimate goal would be to reduce healthcare inequalities. 

What inspires me most are the stories - both those I’ve encountered myself throughout the course of clinical practice, and those shared by my students. A common myth I address is that mental health is “scary”. While it’s certainly a complex area, recovery is almost always possible with the right interventions and support. I encourage students to reach out for help - while mental health nursing can be challenging, support is always available. 

Outside of work, I love travelling - I get restless if I stay in the UK for too long! I’m also a former runner who has completed the London Marathon and many other races. A book that influenced me is All the Lonely People.