If you’re considering becoming a mental health nurse, you’re likely curious to know: What will your role in the field of mental health care treatment entail? Stay with us as we guide you through how to learn all about the responsibilities of mental health nurses, the requirements of the role, and perhaps most importantly, the benefits and perks of becoming a mental health nurse.
Formal Education: Learning about the Role of Mental Health Nurses
One of the best ways to learn about the role of a mental health nurse in treatment is to complete a formal qualification in the area. For example, a Master of Mental Health Nursing online is an excellent choice.
As part of this degree, the learning outcomes include gaining versatile and well-rounded capabilities that are suited to a wide range of different mental health care support roles, including mental health nursing.
You will also develop real-world skills that can be applied in the treatment of your mental healthcare patients in both hospital and clinical private practice settings. Additionally, you will learn from clinically active academics who can provide you access to industry-relevant expertise related to the ever-evolving landscape of mental health care.
Importantly, to gain entry into this particular postgraduate degree, aspiring Master of Mental Health Nursing students need to be Division 1, Registered Nurses. Other course entry requirements include proficiency in the English language (as the course is delivered in English), and also, having access to real-world mental health nurse practice and practitioners.
There are pathways into this course for aspiring students who are not registered nurses, however. These individuals must first enroll in a Master of Mental Health, and complete the required study units.
The best part is, upon completion of this course, the job prospects are bright! You will be well on your way to a challenging yet rewarding, fulfilling and satisfying career as a mental health nurse.
On the Job: The Role, Responsibilities, and Requirements of Being a Mental Health Nurse
A mental health nurse is often also referred to as a psychiatric nurse. Irrespective of the job title, however, the role, responsibilities and requirements of being a nurse in the mental health care sector can be very demanding! For instance, mental health nurses are often required to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders.
Further, a mental health care or psychiatric nurse will usually be asked to develop a plan of care for mentally ill patients, and also, will need to work closely with psychiatrists to ensure the mental health care plan is delivered effectively.
Undoubtedly, this can be harrowing work – particularly when exposed to significantly unwell and mentally ill patients. As such, being a mental health nurse can take an emotional toll on the individual. Of course, that is not to say that there aren’t many benefits to being a mental health nurse. Stay with us as we explore these further!
The Benefits: Why You Should Consider Becoming a Mental Health Nurse
• It is Challenging, Rewarding, and Inspiring Work
As a mental health nurse, you will undoubtedly come across many emotionally taxing challenges, almost daily. However, these challenges will also make you stronger, more resilient, and perhaps most importantly, extremely proud of the work you do.
Being a mental health nurse is inspiring and rewarding work, and will provide you with a great sense of pride, as well as job satisfaction and fulfilment.
• Your Job Will Always Be in High Demand
With the state of society’s collective mental condition the way it is currently (especially following the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health), mental health nurses are more in need than ever. Importantly, this rise in demand for mental health nurses is not likely to slow down any time soon.
As such, registered nurses who are specialised in the area of mental health care are essential to the good of society. Importantly, you will never be out of a job so long as you stay in this career!
• Your Chosen Career Path Will Be Highly Regarded, Admired and Respected
As well as being extremely rewarding, inspiring and fulfilling, choosing to be a mental health nurse is a career that will earn you a great deal of admiration and respect. This is because the work you do as a mental health nurse is highly regarded, valued and appreciated by many in the community – including your patients, and their loved ones.
Undoubtedly, the role of a mental health nurse in the treatment of mentally ill patients is essential. As well as assessing, diagnosing and caring for the patients in their charge, mental health nurses also need to take on the emotional burden and trauma associated with working in the field.
However, for many mental health nurses, the benefits outweigh the cons. So, if you’re interested in following this challenging yet rewarding career path, don’t delay. Our society needs you!