​Role Overview - Mental Health Nurse Jobs

Mental health nurses undertake one of the most difficult roles due to the nature of the patient they are working with. Patients can be suffering from a mental illness, dysfunction or mental disorder, stress or emotional difficulties in their own home, in a nursing home or in hospital. While mental health can be very rewarding, it can be a stressful and emotionally draining job as well.

Registered nurses can work in the mental health field and they can also increase their qualifications by undertaking further study in this field through either a Graduate Diploma, Master’s Degree, or applying to become a credentialed mental health nurse. The duties of a mental health nurse may include:

• Assessing patients who are mentally ill.

• Assist in formulating behaviour modification programs (in a facility or home-based patients)

• Assisting in patient activities

• Providing medication, and observing if the medication is taking effect

• Observation of change in conditions or state

• Visitation programs for ongoing mental health care once released from facility

Responsibilities and Skills

• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Positive disposition in face of difficult behavioural conditions

• Work towards outcomes in an environment where they are expected to encounter patients across the age spectrum including those with multiple and complex needs

• Be called upon to undertake family support and liaison duties (treatment plans and updates on progress or retreat or programs)

• Taking treatment plans to other health care providers

• Ability to meet the NMBA competencies for their qualifications & current registration with AHPRA

• Knowledge, understanding and commitment to the principles of quality and infection control

• Work within the framework and principles of mental health recovery and commitment to implementing strengths based model of care

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Queensland Mental Health Act (2000)

Related nursing occupations in the mental health field may include: drug and alcohol nurse, child and adolescent mental health nurse, psychogeriatric care nurse and psychiatric rehabilitation nurse. 

Required Qualifications

Essential

• AHPRA registration 

• NMBA competencies

• Mental Health training and or experience

Further Mandatory Requirements

• CPR Certificate

• National Police Clearance

• Two clinical referees

• Must have appropriate working rights in Australia (Unfortunately, Visa Sponsorship cannot be supported)

SEARCH NOW

Click here to search for the latest mental health nurse jobs available.

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Register with WorkPac now to ensure you are kept informed on the latest career opportunities available with Australia’s top facilities. Alternatively, call 1300 724 216