Step into the life of a Mental Health Nurse: Mental Health Awareness Week

May is the month of Mental Health Awareness which raises the importance of looking after your wellbeing and is in support of those who suffer from the illness.

Have you thought about working as a mental health nurse to help those who struggle? If so, you may be interested in learning about their day-to-day life. This is a demanding but a highly rewarding career that allows you to make real lifechanging effects on someone’s life. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the role of a mental health nurse, their daily duties and responsibilities.

The role of a Mental Health Nurse:

It is estimated that one in four people living in the UK will experience a metal illness at some point in their lives. Therefore, the need for specialist mental health nurses is clear and growing. Mental Health Nurses are responsible for providing care and support to patients who are struggling with illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and more.

Some Mental Health Nurses work in the community, where they are based in a GP clinic, hospital, or part of a Mental Health Service. On the other hand, some nurses specialise in caring for patients with a certain type of illness (for example dementia, or drug and alcohol dependency).

Day-to-Day life:

Morning

• Review patients needs and what is required to fulfil them. This may be CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or administering medications.
• Plan individual assessments, care plans and clinical notes that address these needs.

Afternoon

• Visit patients (residential or facility) to assist them and manage their Illness.
• Complete assessments (taking bloods, treatment plans).
• Involve families and other healthcare workers to help the individual’s treatment plan. It is important that everybody works together and knows what each other is doing to ensure successful comprehensive care.
• Encourage your patient to talk about how they feel. This can be done by engaging in 1-1 therapeutic activities and dialogue to support their recovery.
• Throughout the day you will be documenting effectiveness and any progress of your patient.

Mental Health:

Mental Healthcare workers and others in the industry face unique challenges in their line of work. Therefore, it is important to also prioritize your own mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone else you may know is struggling with their mental health it is very important to seek help.

Signs you/someone else may be struggling with mental health:

• Confusion
• Depression/lowered mood
• Social withdrawal
• Extreme mood swings
• Dissociation with things once loved
• Feelings of grief and fear
• Consistent and usual body pains/aches
• Lack of energy. Difficulty sleeping or increased sleeping
• Increase/decrease in appetite
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Low self confidence/self – esteem

Please note that if you experience some of these symptoms you may not be suffering from a mental illness. However, if you find yourself often experiencing a lot of these symptoms please contact your GP, contact a helpline or partake in therapy sessions.

Read 7 tips for managing stress and boosting wellbeing.

Does this sound like you?

If you love working with people and can remain calm as you try and help those in distress. A great communicator who can make others feel comfortable. Additionally, a mature and practical individual who works well under pressure, then consider working as a Mental Health Nurse. Browse our available roles here, or register to connect with a dedicated recruitment consultant.