How do I become a Mental Health Nurse?

A Mental Health / Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) is a specialist nurse who works with individuals who are experiencing mental illness or mental health issues. The RPN works in partnership with these individuals to provide support and promote independence and autonomy. They endorse the principles of recovery, providing holistic, individualised care and support. The RPN uses evidence-based practice and interventions to support and empower individuals to manage their mental health.

There are multiple entry routes to the profession:

  • Undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Nursing (see approved courses)
  • Tertiary degrees that provide seamless pathways from further education to higher education
  • Post-registration sponsorship within the HSE for qualified nurses wishing to train as Mental Health Nurses

Additional information can be found on the Careers Portal website.

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified, you will need to register with the NMBI, the regulatory body for nursing and midwifery professions in Ireland.

RPNs provide care and treatment to individuals in a number of settings including the individual’s own home, community settings such as day hospitals, day centres, and supported living environments, as well as accident and emergency departments and acute inpatient settings. RPNs can also work in specialist areas, including perinatal mental health, forensic and criminal justice settings, and drug treatment services.

They work as part of a multidisciplinary team, which can include psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, care workers and other health and social care professionals.

The nature of mental health nursing demands that nurses acquire a broad-based education with particular emphasis on personal and interpersonal knowledge, as well as knowledge from nursing theory and the social, psychological, and biological sciences.

Career Progression

Clinical Pathway

  • Staff Nurse, Senior (Mental Health)
  • Enhanced Nurse Senior, (Mental Health)
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (Mental Health)
  • Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health)

Management Pathway

  • Clinical Nurse Manager (I), (II) & (III)
  • Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)
  • Director of Nursing (DON)
  • Area Director of Nursing

Educational Pathway

  • Clinical Placement co-ordinator/Student Allocations officer
  • Nurse Practice Development Coordinator
  • Nurse Tutor/ Lecturer
  • Research and Development
  • Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit(NMPDU) Officer
  • NMPDU Area Director

 

Further training and development

There are both professional development and educational opportunities designed to enhance the skills of our workforce and improve on the care our nursing professionals provide.

Your local NMPDU supports continuing professional development programmes, including masterclasses, workshops, study days and conferences.

Centres for Nursing and Midwifery education provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and QQI Level 5-8 programmes of education for Nurses.

HSELAND is the HSE portal, which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting.

For further education, check NMBI‘s approved post-registration courses leading to an additional registration or click here for further information.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, supportive colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.

To ensure that you are informed of all vacancies please register on the HSE Career Hub for weekly job alerts.