If you have an undergraduate degree in nursing or are a registered nurse (RN) you are eligible to work within a mental health setting. Mental Health Nurses who want to progress their career can apply for advanced clinical positions (such as Clinical Nurse Consultant or Nurse Practitioner). Resilience and strength of character are some of the traits needed to fulfill this role successfully. You may be able to qualify through an 18-month mental health nursing conversion course if you're already a registered nurse in a different branch. You’ll need to be a people person with good communication skills for jobs in this sector. There is also the option of working in education, research or management. 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. You may be able to join a nursing degree on the second year of a course if you already have a degree in: Full-time courses usually take three years. You must be supported by your employer to take this route. Registration. You may be able to qualify through an 18-month mental health nursing conversion course if you're already a registered nurse in a different branch. You'll need to speak to your employer if you want to do this. With the increased awareness of mental health comes the increased demand for mental healthcare services. You'll need to pass enhanced background checks. Typically you will usually need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (typically English language or literature and a science subject), plus at least two (and ideally three) A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications for an undergraduate degree. A mental health nurse focuses on proving special healthcare to a patient who suffers from mental health problems, such as: A mental health nurse has a set of specific skills obtained through study that enable them to provide physical and mental healthcare. You'll need to pass enhanced background checks. four or five5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), and college qualifications like A levels for a degree apprenticeship. If you are considering pursuing a nursing career, specialising in mental health nursing promises a rewarding career in a desired field. Academic entry requirements for mental health nursing degrees are set by individual universities . One of the key factors contributing to the lack of mental health services is the demand for skilled mental health nurses. With further study and experience, you could become an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), or nurse consultant. Empathy is a key part of being a mental health nurse. 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. You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in healthcare, or with a charity that offers mental health services, before you apply for nurse training. 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. You should check with each … Your working environment may be emotionally demanding. Mental health nursing requires regular one-on-one interaction with the patient. As a mental healthcare nurse, you would provide specialised care such as councelling, to help patients deal with a mental health condition.