About Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing (MHN)

Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing (MHN) is a specialised field of nursing which focuses on working with consumers to meet their recovery goals. Mental health nurses consider the person’s physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs, within the context of the individual’s lived experience and in partnership with their family, significant others and the broader community.

Mental health nurses support consumers and their families during life crises and transition periods, they liaise discretely and efficiently with a range of health care providers, provide information and education on mental health maintenance and restoration, coordinate care and provide talking therapy.

Mental health nurses work across the full range of clinical and service settings, and across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas – they play a significant role in the health care system and have the qualifications, skills and experience to provide high-quality mental health nursing care in all contexts. The mental health nursing workforce needs to be flexible and responsive and able to work with people across the lifespan, and in a variety of workplace settings.