What is a mental health nurse?
A mental health nurse is a registered nurse that specialises in helping people with mental health problems. This could be in a hospital setting or in the community. You will be one of the first points of contact for patients and provide ongoing support. You will be involved in their day-to-day care.
You could work with a range of patients experiencing different mental health problems, from anxiety to psychosis. You will work as part of a team providing care. That could include GPs, doctors, psychiatrists, social workers and other mental health nurses.
Working as a mental health nurse can be a challenging, but rewarding career. You will often be faced with people in distress, which can be difficult. On the other hand, you can make a real difference to people's lives. Many mental health nurses find this incredibly fulfilling.
I was at my lowest point when I was sectioned and met a nurse who transformed my life. She helped me to reflect and realise that I can use my own experiences to help others in mental health crisis.
What does a mental health nurse do?
Every day is different as a mental health nurse. Your role may vary according to the setting you work in or the patients you work with. Here is a general idea of what you may do:
- Assess mental health patients
- Build a relationship with patients
- Talk to them about how they're feeling
- Coordinate their care and medication
- Monitor progress and watch for relapses
- Refer patients for further care if needed
- Administer medication
- Liaise with GPs, social services and housing associations
What is a mental health nurse's salary?
A mental health nurse salary typically starts at Band 5, which is £28,407 - £34,581. You could earn more as you progress in your career. If you become a specialist or consultant nurse, you could even earn up to £70,000.
What skills do you need?
If you want to become a mental health nurse, your soft skills can be as important as formal qualifications.
Mental health nurse apprenticeship
The University of Central Lancashire also provide a mental health nurse apprenticeship. Our Nursing with Registered Nurse (Mental Health) Degree Apprenticeship allows you to work and earn a wage, whilst you study for a degree.
You will learn about the factors that can affect mental health, as well as your role in treatment. There is an emphasis on person-centred care, from planning to delivery. You will also complete placements, alongside working. This will give you a wealth of practical experience.
A degree apprenticeship is funded by your employer. That means you don't have to take out a student loan.
Continuing Professional Development
You will need to take more mental health nurse courses throughout your career. These are called Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses. Mental health is a rapidly evolving field, with more research than ever. That means it is important to take mental health courses to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. These are normally paid for by your employer.
For example, some of the mental health CPD courses we offer are:
Where next
We hope this has helped you understand how to become a mental health nurse. Take a look at our courses below.
