Mental health nurse

In this role you could:

• assess, support and build effective relationships with patients
•  identify when people are at risk and respond to those in distress
•  encourage patients to take part in therapies and social activities
•  provide physical care if a patient needs it
•  give medication, monitor its effect and update patient records

• knowledge of psychology
• active listening skills
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• a specialist course run by a professional body

With experience you could:

• specialise in an area of mental health like working with children, teenagers or women
•  become a clinical team leader, ward manager or health visitor
•  move into management and become a matron or director of nursing
•  become an advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse consultant if you have a postgraduate qualification
•  carry out research and training, become self employed or work overseas