What is Mental Health Nursing?

Mental health nursing is a specialization within the field of nursing that cares for, plans, and helps with the diagnosis of psychiatric patients. Mental health nursing can be found at the basic level and the advanced level depending on the educational undertakings by the nurse.

Basic Level Mental Health Nurse Role

Registered nurses that have additional training in psychiatric care are able to work with patients, families, and even communities in order to take note and help with the treatment plan. In addition, they may intervene on behalf of psychiatric patients to help them live independently while preventing injury. Mental health nurses at the basic role may help psychiatric patients by teaching self-care and counseling at the crisis prevention level.

Advanced Level Mental Health Nurse Role

Registered nurses that completed an advanced degree such as a masters or doctorate degree can specialize in psychiatric mental health nurse. These nurses have to complete clinical practice that is supervised after completing their master's degree. At this point they can take a certification so that they can practice in adult, child, and adolescent mental health nursing.

Beyond the basic functions that are performed at the basic level, an advanced mental health nurse engages in diagnostics, various psychiatric disorders, and other mental health issues. They are often the primary care providers for both individuals and families. These nurses may also be involved in communities and various groups. In certain states, these advanced nurses are able to prescribe medications accordingly. Finally, these advanced mental health nurses can also have their own practices and work independently from hospitals or doctors by offering direct care to patients.