Mental Health Nursing

What is it?

A mental health nurse helps patients overcome or come to terms with their illness, so they can lead as normal a life as possible.

 

Up to one in three people are thought to have some kind of mental health problem. For many, it’s brought on by a life crisis – for example, the death of a loved one can lead to depression.

 

As a mental health nurse, you build up a therapeutic, warm and caring relationship with your patient and their family. Your main tool is your own personality and communication skills.

 

It’s a complex and demanding job, covering a vast range of conditions including neuroses, psychoses and personality disorders.

 

You can’t put someone’s mind in plaster, like you can a broken wrist. But nursing someone back to mental health is just as valuable and satisfying as helping a patient regain physical health.

 

What are the good bits?

• Challenging, satisfying work
• Chance to work in many settings – community, hospital, specialist unit
• The NHS pays tuition fees, and you can apply for a bursary
• Career path leads up to consultant level

What about pay?

£19,000 - £61,000+

 

What skills and interests do I need?

• Strong, caring, warm personality
• Communication skills
• Confidence to deal calmly with difficult situations
• Motivation, dedication

What qualifications/training will I need?

You can study either for a nursing diploma or for a nursing degree. For a diploma you must be at least 17½ and have GCSEs or equivalent vocational qualifications (like NVQs or BTEC National Diplomas). For a degree you need qualifications like A levels or AVCEs in science and/or a health-related subject.