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. 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?

If you’re passionate about helpings others and are interested in a career in mental health, you might enjoy working in this profession. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include: 

• strong communication skills  
• empathy for others  
• strong problem-solving skills  
• the ability to work well under pressure  
• a strong stomach for medical situations.  

How to become a mental health nurse