How to Become a Mental Health Nurse

To embark on a career as a mental health nurse in Australia, a passion for mental health care and a commitment to helping others is essential. It is typical for employers in this field to seek candidates who have completed relevant courses such as a mental health nursing program or a Bachelor of Nursing with a specialisation in mental health.

Explore more about the role of a mental health nurse, find out which mental health nurse course you can choose, what the job involves, and the necessary steps to secure a job in this field.

How to Become a Mental Health Nurse

Mental health nurse job description

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Where we source our data

Let's get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you're making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.

That's why we anonymously surveyed mental health nurses about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it's really like.

While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can't guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.

Mental health nurses play a vital role in providing care and support to individuals experiencing mental health issues. They work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat patients, as well as offer guidance and education to their families. Mental health nurses also promote mental wellness and participate in the development and implementation of mental health care plans.

Tasks and responsibilities for a mental health nurse

The responsibilities of a mental health nurse include:

  • Conducting assessments and formulating individualised care plans for patients with mental health conditions
  • Administering medications and monitoring their effectiveness and side effects
  • Providing therapeutic interventions and counselling to support patients in their recovery
  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans
  • Providing knowledge to patients and their families regarding mental health disorders, treatment choices, and coping techniques.
  • Monitoring patients' progress and making adjustments to their care plans as needed

How to become a mental health nurse

To have the best chances of obtaining an entry-level position as a mental health nurse, gaining the right qualification from a TAFE or a registered training organisation (RTO) will give you an added edge.
  1. Study

    Complete a relevant mental health nurse course, such as a Bachelor of Nursing with a specialisation in Mental Health or Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing. This formal education provides a solid foundation in nursing principles and mental health care, perfect for the role.

  2. Experience

    Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in mental health settings. Consider applying for internships, clinical placements, or entry-level positions in mental health units or hospitals.

  3. Nurse registration

    Obtain registration as a nurse through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This is a mandatory requirement to practice as a nurse in Australia.

Pathway options

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Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.

Junior

  • Registered nurse in mental health

    Consider the qualification: Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing

  • Mental health crisis team nurse

    Consider the qualification: Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing

Mid

  • Clinical nurse consultant - mental health

    Consider the qualification: Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

  • Nurse unit manager - mental health

    Consider the qualification: Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

Senior

  • Mental health nurse practitioner

    Consider the qualification: Master of Mental Health Nursing

  • Director of mental health services

    Consider the qualification: Master of Mental Health Nursing

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