Mental health nurses specialise in helping people cope with and recover from mental illnesses. These nurses frequently work in teams with other health professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and occupational therapists
Most mental health nurses work for the National Health Service (NHS), but travel to their patients’ homes. Such nurses may also work in prison units, community mental health centres, nursing homes, hospitals or private clinics. Supervising medication, calmly responding to distressed patients, maintaining and preparing patient records, and organising therapy sessions are all important parts of this rapidly growing profession
Some of these nurses also work for private health-care providers, the Armed Forces, charities dedicated to mental health, and telephone help lines. NHS nursing pay scales begin at between £21,176 and £27,534 per annum for newly qualified nurses, and peak between £38,851 and £67,134 for nurse consultants. Nurses who work in secure units qualify for bonuses, while those in the London area earn between £933 and £6,217 in extra allowances each year.