{"id":23299,"date":"2020-09-17T11:34:21","date_gmt":"2020-09-17T10:34:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=23299"},"modified":"2020-11-30T17:02:20","modified_gmt":"2020-11-30T17:02:20","slug":"how-to-become-a-mental-health-nurse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/access-to-higher-education\/how-to-become-a-mental-health-nurse\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a Mental Health Nurse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a mental health nurse, you will spend your days visiting individuals in their homes. You will support them with the mental health issues and help them maintain a good quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will work with family members and other health care professionals to put together the best care plan for that person\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could include talking therapy, like CBT, counselling, medication or some of the many other approaches to supporting someone through their challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important parts of your role is to make sure all involved parties are communicating and working together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from observing person centred approach to support, it\u2019s important to encourage individuals and their families to talk openly about mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overcoming barriers of guilt and shame are essential to helping individuals work through their challenges and feel supported by their family and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, not everyone you support will recover fully, but you will still get to play an active role in the progress they do make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn more about how to qualify as a mental health nurse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Qualified<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To become a mental health nurse, you\u2019ll need to go to university and study a degree in mental health nursing. This is different to a standard nursing degree, but the good news is it\u2019s offered by 122 universities across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always make sure that any nursing course you\u2019re considering is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. If it\u2019s not you may not be able to practice and all your hard work will be for nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be accepted onto a mental health nursing degree you\u2019ll need to meet the minimum course requirements. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GCSEs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At least five GCSEs at grade C (4) or above. This should include English, maths and a science \u2013 ideally biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have maths and English Functional Skills qualifications are accepted by most universities. However, it is always advisable to check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Levels or Equivalent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also need at least two A Levels. One of these should be biology<\/a> or human biology. An A Level in psychology<\/a> or sociology<\/a> is also looked on favourably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have A Levels \u2013 or relevant A Levels \u2013 you can study an Access to Higher Education Diploma instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each course is tailored to provide you with all the knowledge you need to enter degree level study. You will also learn key study skills to help you prepare for that step up in learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the university, Access to HE Diplomas in nursing<\/a>, health<\/a> and science<\/a> are all relevant and accepted qualifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access to Higher Education Diplomas can usually be completed within a year, allowing you to get qualified relatively quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Am I right for Mental Health Nursing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Mental health nursing can be a challenging role as you often have to deal with people when they are mentally at their most vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can include when they are having thought about ending their life, periods of mania or extreme depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your ability to cope with those situations and support the individual (while protecting your own mental health) is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problem solving, strong interpersonal communication skills, observational skills and good judgement are all required personality traits when choosing to become a mental health nurse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also need a good knowledge of mental health issues, how to best approach those challenges and what treatments are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empathy and treating the individual with dignity are also vital qualities in supporting someone with mental health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you work for the NHS you will also be expected to uphold the NHS values:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n