Mental health nurse
What does a mental health nurse do?
Professionally caring for those with mental illness takes a specific set of qualities and skills – this is where mental health nurses come in. Mental health nurses combine clinical expertise with strong communication and empathy skills to help individuals improve their wellbeing, manage symptoms, and work towards recovery. As a registered mental health nurse, also known as a psychiatric nurse, you would play a critical role in a patient’s assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management.
Mental health nursing occurs in a variety of settings including hospitals, community health centres, private practice, and correctional facilities. The role of a mental health nurse changes depending on workplace but typically involves assessing patients, creating treatment plans, maintaining patient records, administering medications, and educating patients and families.
Is a career as a mental health nurse right for me?
A career in mental health nursing may be a good fit for you if you enjoy supporting people through challenging times and building strong, trusting relationships. You may have an interest in psychology, mental health and recovery, and be naturally empathetic and a good listener. You'll also need to remain calm in stressful or emotional situations, while being resilient enough to cope with hearing about difficult experiences.
Some other skills and attibrutes that are important in this profession include:
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
The ability to build positive relationships and support others effectively.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
The ability to work effectively in demanding, practical, or physically challenging environments.
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.
How to become a mental health nurse
There are many ways to begin a mental health nurse career path. Typically, you will need a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field, along with specialised training in mental health to become a mental health nurse. Additionally, practical experience and further certifications can enhance your career prospects.
Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career goals. Here is one typical career pathway to becoming a mental health nurse:
- Study an accredited Bachelor of Nursing degree, which includes both classroom learning and supervised clinical placements.
- Apply for registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia through AHPRA.
- Gain experience as a registered nurse and develop skills in patient care, assessment, communication, and clinical decision-making.
- Move into a mental health nursing role and build expertise in supporting people with mental health conditions and recovery.
- Continue developing your specialist knowledge through workplace experience, professional development, and postgraduate study opportunities.
Accreditation and qualifications
If you successfully complete UniSQ's Bachelor of Nursing, you can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before start practising as a nurse.
How long does it take to become a mental health nurse?
Becoming a mental health nurse requires formal qualifications, including a Bachelor of Nursing or related degree. The length of your journey to become a mental health nurse career path will vary depending on your current level of qualification and career goals. In addition to formal education, gaining practical experience through internships or residency programs can significantly enhance skills and job prospects in the field.
At UniSQ, a Bachelor of Nursing will take you approximately three years of full-time study to complete. If you hold a nursing degree, to enhance your skills further, you might want to peruse a Graduate Diploma of Nursing which takes two years part-time to complete, or a Master of Nursing which is a three year part-time degree.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Build the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to support people when they need it most. With flexible study options and industry-relevant learning, UniSQ can help you take the first step towards a meaningful career in mental health nursing.
Responsibilities and work settings
Assessing patients' mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Developing and implementing individualised care and recovery plans.
Providing therapeutic support and building trusting relationships with patients.
Responding to and helping manage mental health crises and emergencies.
Educating patients and families about mental health conditions, treatments and recovery strategies.
Monitoring patient progress and maintaining accurate clinical records.
Collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other healthcare professionals.
Advocating for patients' needs, rights and access to appropriate healthcare services.
Aged care providers
Community health organisations
Disability services providers
Emergency services organisations
Non-profit, charity and community organisations
Primary and secondary schools
Private healthcare providers, clinics and practices
Public hospitals and health services
Universities and higher education providers
Mental health nurse FAQs
Related careers
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