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What is Mental Health Nursing?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Mental health nursing, also known as psychiatric nursing, is a branch of nursing practice which focuses on the care of people with mental illness, psychological disorders, and emotional distress. Nurses in this field receive nursing training which is supplemented by training in psychology and the administration of psychiatric care. Employment in this field is varied, with mental health nurses working in hospitals, residential treatment facilities, schools, and clinics at varying rates of pay.

The history of mental health nursing began in the 1800s, when compassionate individuals began to suggest that residential facilities for the mentally ill should include nursing services. The level of training for early psychiatric nurses was quite varied, and many practices in residential facilities were brutal when compared to modern approaches to psychological distress. As understanding of mental health and appropriate treatment evolved in the 20th century, mental health nurses were often at the forefront of developing more compassionate, productive, and holistic treatment approaches to psychological disorders.

Mental health nursing involves the treatment and care of those suffering with emotional distress.
Mental health nursing involves the treatment and care of those suffering with emotional distress.

A career in mental health nursing usually starts with nursing school. After receiving a nursing degree, the student takes additional courses in psychiatric nursing, and interns in facilities which provide psychiatric care. Most psychiatric nurses pursue board certification with a professional organization so that they are more employable, and to establish a network of contacts. Board certification can also provide access to continuing education courses and advanced certifications in specific areas of mental health nursing, such as nursing for children and the elderly.

Nurse practitioners provide both counseling services and medical care for people who struggle with mental illnesses.
Nurse practitioners provide both counseling services and medical care for people who struggle with mental illnesses.

Mental health nurses know how to identify and treat a variety of mental illnesses. They are also involved in the early identification and prevention of psychiatric conditions. As part of a patient care team, a mental health nurse helps to development a treatment plan, monitors the progress of the patient, and establishes a relationship with the patient which is conducive to therapeutic treatment. Being able to build strong, trusting relationships with patients is a critical aspect of mental health nursing.

A mental health nurse is an important part of the health care team for a patient who has psychological or cognitive issues.
A mental health nurse is an important part of the health care team for a patient who has psychological or cognitive issues.

In addition to providing psychological care, a mental health nurse may also help a patient with routine needs, ranging from injury assessments to assistance with completing various tasks. Practitioners in this field work to maintain a high quality of life for their patients, recognizing that physical, emotional, and spiritual health are all important in medical care.

Individuals suffering from mental illness may be prone to wandering away from home.
Individuals suffering from mental illness may be prone to wandering away from home.

Working in mental health nursing can be very stressful and sometimes frustrating. This work can also be very rewarding, especially in cases where patients make dramatic progress. Patience, compassion, and a genuine interest in psychology are all useful traits to bring to psychiatric nursing.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

lapsed

@rjh - I'm not a mental health nurse myself, but my roommate is. I can tell you from experience that yes, it does look to be extremely stressful but I know she wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I guess there's upsides and downsides to any job, but I'd imagine it's one of the most emotionally fulfilling jobs there are. I think that's what would allow you to handle the stress: the joy of knowing you're able to help people in their time of need.

That being said, I think it takes a special kind of person to be a nurse.

rjh

I'm considering undergoing mental health nursing training but I'm unsure if it's the right career for me. I keep thinking that it could be more stressful than I'm able to handle. Does anyone have any advice?

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    • Mental health nursing involves the treatment and care of those suffering with emotional distress.
      By: michaeljung
      Mental health nursing involves the treatment and care of those suffering with emotional distress.
    • Nurse practitioners provide both counseling services and medical care for people who struggle with mental illnesses.
      By: michaeljung
      Nurse practitioners provide both counseling services and medical care for people who struggle with mental illnesses.
    • A mental health nurse is an important part of the health care team for a patient who has psychological or cognitive issues.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      A mental health nurse is an important part of the health care team for a patient who has psychological or cognitive issues.
    • Individuals suffering from mental illness may be prone to wandering away from home.
      By: Petr Nad
      Individuals suffering from mental illness may be prone to wandering away from home.
    • Many nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have mental health nurses on staff.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Many nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have mental health nurses on staff.
    • Compassion is a useful trait for mental health nurses to posses.
      By: doble.d
      Compassion is a useful trait for mental health nurses to posses.
    • Mental health nurses know how to identify and treat a variety of mental illnesses, which are known to run in families.
      By: Felix Mizioznikov
      Mental health nurses know how to identify and treat a variety of mental illnesses, which are known to run in families.