Hi, I’m Belinda Fewings.

I’m a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse in Victoria, Australia. I have been nursing for 30+ years with a focus on mental health for the last 20 years. I work in a holistic manner with individuals and their support networks either online or in an outreach capacity. My goal is to support individuals who may be experiencing difficulties with mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and health care coordination. I work collaboratively with the individuals, their identified support networks and their current health care professionals to achieve the best outcomes, with the individual’s consent.

I also work with other health professionals to develop their career strategies, whether that is through Reflective Clinical Supervision, Educational and/or Business Mentoring to ensure that others also are able to achieve the work/life balance that they are seeking

I’m passionate about holistic care and advocacy of individuals whom struggle to manage their day to day lives secondary to emotional and/or mental distress, or medical overwhelm. I understand some of the difficulties experienced by individuals that also identify with neurodivergence (I have a neurodivergent child and other family members). I strongly believe that everyone has the right to affordable care and support within their home environment. this care is enhanced by the support of their families and community networks that know them. I also strongly believe in choice and advocacy for individuals, whether it be for health, education, employment, or general life experiences.

My professional practice is informed by lived experience of medical and life trauma which brings empathy to the journey that an individual invites me to travel with them. I am also the primary carer for an aging parent.

My Experience

I have been nursing since 1989 starting in Intellectual Disability Nursing. As an Enrolled Nurse I worked in general hospitals on wards, in aged care, and in occupational health positions, sometimes managing many roles at the same time.

During my undergraduate training to become a Registered Nurse I did an educational placement in a Mother-Baby Unit and discovered Mental Health Nursing. I have since continued to work in many different areas of mental health including: acute wards, emergency mental health teams, community care units -with case management style roles, Consultation Liaison in general Hospital setting, and in private practice collaborative with local GPs.

I have worked in rural major townships - Albury, Wodonga and Wangaratta, as well as metropolitan hospitals - Austin Health, Northern Health, Royal Melbourne, Broadmeadows Hospital, Werribee Mercy, and Essendon Private Hospital.

My Qualifications

Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (Mental Health), University of Melbourne 

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing Practice – Mental Health, University of Melbourne

Bachelor Nursing Science – Accelerated,  University of Melbourne

Previously Registered as a Mental Retardation Nurse, Department of Health and Community Services, Kew Cottages

Previously Registered State Enrolled Nurse, Department of Health and Community Services, Kew Cottages

I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I have completed courses in ADHD assessments, Eating Disorders Management, Alcohol and other Drug Assessments, Management and supports, Digital Healthcare and Networking, Metabolic healthcare, Aged Care supports, Chronic Disease management, NDIS Positive behaviour Supports and legislation changes.

Association Memberships

I also regularly participate in Webinars and Special Interest groups on a range of topics including Nurse Practitioner Educational Seminars, Mental Health Professional Network supported educational seminars, and Psychotherapy.

• Australian College of Mental Health Nursing 

• Australian College Nurse Practitioners

• Australian College of Nursing

• Australian Practice Nurses Association

• Mental Health Professionals Network

• Australian Nurses and Midwifery Federation

• Australian Clinical Supervision Association

• Gerontological Alliance of Nurses Australia