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 must register with the NMBI, Ireland’s nursing and midwifery regulator.

RPNs provide care and treatment in diverse settings: individual’s home, day hospitals, day centres, supported living environments, emergency departments, and acute inpatient settings. They may also work in specialist areas such as perinatal mental health, forensic and criminal justice settings, and addiction treatment services.

Nursing careers involve varied shifts: days, nights, weekends; offering flexibility, experience, and enhanced pay for non-core hours.

RPNs work as part of multidisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, care workers and other health and social care professionals.

Mental health nursing requires broad education, emphasising interpersonal skills and knowledge from nursing theory, 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

We offer professional development and educational opportunities, enhancing the skills of our workforce and the quality of care provided.

Annual Professional Development Planning (PDP) supports nurses in working with their managers in a facilitative and supportive manner, to achieve personal, professional, and organisational goals.

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

Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Education provide CPD and QQI Level 5–8 programmes of education.

HSeLanD, the HSE portal, offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered online and in classroom settings.

Explore NMBI‘s approved post-registration courses leading to 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.