Mental health nurse
Mental health nurses support people in their recovery from mental health issues. They work in hospitals, clinics and community services.
- Starter salary£32,000 a year
- Experienced£48,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a mental health nurse, you could:
- work with doctors to assess patient needs and draw up care plans
- identify when people are at risk and respond to those in distress
- encourage patients to take part in treatment therapies and social activities
- provide physical care if a patient needs it
- give medication as part of a treatment plan
- monitor patient progress and update medical records
- build effective relationships with patients and their families
- work closely with community mental health services
Working environment
You could work at a health centre, at an adult care home, in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at a GP practice or in a prison.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- sensitivity and understanding
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to understand people's reactions
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a mental health nurse
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a conversion course from another branch of nursing
University
You can do a degree in mental health nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) .
You might be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .
You may be able to do an extended degree that combines mental health nursing with another nursing branch. You'll need to check that this type of course is recognised by the NMC.
You might be able to join the second year of a nursing degree if you already have a degree in:
- a health-related subject
- psychology
- life sciences
- social work
Full-time courses usually take 3 years.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you work in a healthcare setting, like a hospital or clinic.
The degree apprenticeship takes around 4 years and is a mix of academic study and on-the-job training.
You'll need the support of your employer to do a degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You could work as an assistant practitioner or nursing associate and study for a shortened nursing degree to qualify as a registered mental health nurse.
Volunteering
You'll find it helpful to get some experience before you apply for nurse training.
You could:
- get work experience in social care
- volunteer with a charity that offers mental health support services
- search for opportunities with NHS Volunteering
- find openings through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT
Other routes
If you're already a registered nurse, for example in adult nursing, you may be able to complete a conversion course to become a mental health nurse. Courses normally take between 1 and 2 years.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- specialise in a particular area of mental health, such as eating disorders, anxiety or depression
- become a clinical team leader, ward manager or health visitor
- move into management and become a matron or director of nursing
- become an advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse consultant, if you have a postgraduate qualification
- work in research and training
Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Guides for this industry
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