Mental Health Nursing
Summary of profession
A Mental Health Nurse’s job would be promoting and supporting a person’s recovery, as well as enabling them to be involved and have control over their condition. You may work with children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of problem including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, psychosis, eating disorders and drug and alcohol addiction.
Working hours, patterns and environment
You may work in a hospital, specialist unit, prison or the community which includes patients’ homes. Working hours are typically 37.5 hours per week. This may include evenings, weekends and bank holidays. In residential and hospital settings, 24-hour care is usually required, meaning shift work is typical.
Education and Skills
You will need a degree in Nursing followed by specialist training in Mental Health Nursing, which will lead to your qualification as a Registered Mental Health Nurse. You will be need to be warm and engaging while showing empathy with service users and their individual circumstances.
Job and Growth Opportunities
With experience you could progress to Nurse Manager and be responsible for a team of nurses in a ward or the community. With further study you could become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Consultant.