Mental health nursing, also known as psychiatric nursing, is a branch of nursing that focuses on caring for people who are suffering from mental illness, psychological disorders, or emotional distress. Nurses in this field receive nursing education as well as training in psychology and psychiatric care administration. Mental health nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, residential treatment facilities, schools, and clinics, and are paid differently.
Mental health nursing has a long history, dating back to the 1800s, when concerned citizens proposed that residential facilities for the mentally ill include nursing services. Early psychiatric nurses received varying levels of training, and many practices in residential facilities were harsh when compared to modern approaches to psychological distress. Mental health nurses were often at the forefront of developing more compassionate, productive, and holistic treatment approaches to psychological disorders as understanding of mental health and appropriate treatment evolved in the twentieth century.
Nursing school is usually the first step toward a career in mental health nursing. After earning a nursing degree, the student pursues additional training in psychiatric nursing and interns in psychiatric facilities. Most psychiatric nurses work toward board certification through a professional organization in order to increase their employability and build a network of contacts. Access to continuing education courses and advanced certifications in specific areas of mental health nursing, such as nursing for children and the elderly, can also be gained through board certification.
Mental health nurses are trained to recognize and treat a wide range of mental illnesses. They also help with the early detection and prevention of psychiatric disorders. A mental health nurse assists in the development of a treatment plan, monitors the patient’s progress, and establishes a therapeutic relationship with the patient as part of a patient care team. A critical aspect of mental health nursing is the ability to form strong, trusting relationships with patients.
A mental health nurse may also assist a patient with routine needs, such as injury assessments or assistance with various tasks, in addition to providing psychological care. Practitioners in this field strive to ensure that their patients have a high quality of life, recognizing that physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are all important aspects of medical care.
Working as a mental health nurse can be stressful and frustrating at times. This work can be extremely rewarding, especially when patients make significant progress. Patience, compassion, and a genuine interest in psychology are all qualities that psychiatric nurses should possess.