Merlina Spring
Professional nurse advocate lead, Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Trust
In her current role as Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) Lead at Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Merlina works with a team of PNAs to support nurses and healthcare professionals through restorative clinical supervision, reflective practice, and leadership development. Her work is focused on enhancing staff wellbeing, retention, and the quality of care delivered to service users.
Merlina is a dedicated and experienced Registered Mental Health Nurse, trained Counsellor, Certified Coach, and RCN Learning Representative. She is committed to promoting compassionate care, psychological safety, and professional growth across the health and care workforce.
With over 30 years of experience in mental health nursing and counselling, Merlina has supported individuals through complex emotional and psychological challenges. This background informs her coaching practice, where she offers a safe, non-judgmental space for personal and professional exploration, drawing on integrative approaches tailored to individual needs.
As an RCN Learning Representative, she champions continuous development and peer learning by facilitating workshops and mentoring initiatives that empower staff to thrive in demanding environments.
Merlina’s practice is grounded in the principles of empathy, fairness, and empowerment. She believes in the power of listening, collaboration, and creating environments where both service users and professionals feel heard, valued, and supported.