scholarlab.

Mental health nurse

Mental health nurses support people in their recovery from mental health issues. They work in hospitals, clinics and community services.

Potential salary
£32,000 starter to £48,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
37 to 40. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts.
Career area
Health and care
Where they might work
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.
A typical task
work with doctors to assess patient needs and draw up care plans
Subjects that may help
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Typical route
You can do a degree in mental health nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Interest area used here
Helping and teaching

Career actions

What you might do

  • 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
More tasks (2)
  • build effective relationships with patients and their families
  • work closely with community mental health services

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • 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
More skills
  • 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

Routes into this career

University route

  • 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.

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Mental health nursing

    Direct qualifying route. The course must be the NMC mental health field.

  • Psychology

    Related, but not enough on its own. Nursing registration requires an approved nursing degree.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • 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.
  • 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.

Other routes

  • 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.
  • 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.
Career 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.

Registration and requirements

you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

pass enhanced background checks

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

What you could do next