Introduction
One in five Australians will suffer from a mental health condition each year and one in two will suffer from a mental health condition in their lifetime. Mental health awareness maybe increasing, but the health services crucial to improving such conditions are severely lacking.
One of the key factors contributing to the lack of mental health services is the demand for skilled mental health nurses. As foreseen by the Department of Health, Australia will have 40 per cent fewer mental health nurses than it needs by 2030.
If you are considering pursuing a nursing career, specialising in mental health nursing promises a rewarding career in a desired field.
General Responsibilities
A mental health nurse focuses on proving special healthcare to a patient who suffers from mental health problems, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis or Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Problematic alcohol or drug use
A mental health nurse has a set of specific skills obtained through study that enable them to provide physical and mental healthcare. They work alongside other healthcare experts, such as doctors, psychologists and therapists to promote optimal mental and physical health, prevent mental and physical illness and provide treatment according to the needs and preferences of the patient.
Skills & Experience
A mental health nurse’s role varies a lot from a generalist nurse. As a nurse, you would provide physical healthcare, assessments and perform complex interventions. As a mental healthcare nurse, you would provide specialised care such as councelling, to help patients deal with a mental health condition
Mental health nursing requires regular one-on-one interaction with the patient. Listening to their stories and spotting nuances are key parts in helping the patients confront their issues and in providing them with a tailored treatment since no two mental health conditions are the same.
Qualifications
If you have an undergraduate degree in nursing or are a registered nurse (RN) you are eligible to work within a mental health setting. Once you have some experience under your belt, you may then specialise by enrolling in postgraduate course in mental health at the Masters or Doctorate level.
Enrolled nurses (EN), may also choose to be employed within a mental health workplace and are eligible to enrol in an Advanced Diploma of Nursing – most of which do not require experience to be admitted.
Salary Expectations
On average, mental health nurses earn about $117,626 per year or $60 per hour which is twice as high the median wage in Australia. Mental health nurses with entry-level skills earn up to $82,000 while highly skilled mental health nurses make up to $165,000 per year.
Salary may vary depending on the state or territory.
Who’s this role for?
Empathy is a key part of being a mental health nurse. You will need the ability to understand the patients feelings and listen to their concerns.
Being a mental health nurse like other nursing roles can also be emotionally exhausting. Resilience and strength of character are some of the traits needed to fulfill this role successfully.
Since interpersonal interactions between a mental health nurse and the patient is a considerable part of the position, being open and approachable are ideal qualities to possess, as well as being able to converse easily with people from different walks of life.
Career Opportunities
With the increased awareness of mental health comes the increased demand for mental healthcare services.
A mental health nurse can choose to practice in varying work settings, such as in a private health facility, public hospital or in the community.
If you are considering to advance your career, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) and the Department of Health of each state and territory in Australia offer scholarships to study mental health nursing.