What is being a mental health nurse like?
A Mental Health Nurse Describes What It’s Like Working In The Profession. Being a mental health nurse is demanding. It’s a tough job, there is no doubt about it. It requires quick thinking, strength and a genuine passion to help those who need that care – all of which is done with a caring nature.
Why would you want to be a mental health nurse?
Job satisfaction, as well as making a difference to society is arguably the main reason most people are motivated to become mental health nurses and, for the right people, this field of healthcare work can provide stimulation and variety each and every day.
What is it like to work as a psychiatric-mental health nurse?
And to put it plainly, working as a psychiatric-mental health nurse can be both extremely challenging yet rewarding. Typically in psychiatry, most mental health hospitals utilize an 8-hour shift system, which is evenly divided to AM, PM, and NOC shifts.
What skills do you need to be a mental health professional?
You’ll need to be compassionate, non-judgemental and able to empathise with those experiencing mental distress. That includes understanding the stigma they may be facing as a result. Communication and interpersonal skills are key. So too is the ability to stay calm under pressure.
What is a community psychiatric nurse?
Referred to as community psychiatric nurses, these individuals could be based in a GP practice, clinic, or form part of a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS). They could also be based in non-healthcare settings such as prisons. Other mental health nurses are based in hospital settings.
Can a registered general nurse work as a mental health nurse?
Alternatively, you can qualify – and even work – as a registered general nurse first and then take a post-registration course in mental health nursing. Mental health nurses working in the NHS normally start at band 5. More senior roles tend to be at bands 6, 7 and 8.