We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I get Started in Mental Health Nursing?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 1,853
Share

To get started in mental health nursing, you will need to complete a course at an accredited college or technical school. There are both two- and four-year nursing programs, so you should decide ahead of time which of these you would like to pursue. You may be able to find a job working in mental health nursing with either.

In order for you to get your nursing degree, you will need to complete between one and two years of general education. This includes subjects like English, math, science, and foreign languages. These classes help to prepare you for the curriculum you will need to study later on when you enter the nursing portion of your studies. Once your general education requirements are taken care of, you can move on to nursing school to get your license.

Most times, you will not need to study a specialty in nursing school even if you intend to work in one field of medicine or another. This may not be true for all locations and schools, however, so you should let your teachers know about your intentions to become involved in mental health nursing. In the majority of cases, you will receive training in your specialty once you have already started working as a nurse.

You can find work in a variety of areas that need mental health nurses. These may include mental hospitals, clinics, private psychiatry practices, and public hospitals which have a psychiatric ward. To find jobs in these areas, call around and ask about any available positions. You may also consider checking on the company or hospital system’s website to view any available job openings.

More than likely, you will be required to attend an in-person interview before you will be offered a position in mental health nursing. Make sure that you type up a professional resume to bring with you, and include any jobs you have previously held in the field of health care. This may include working as a nurse's aid or as an intern during your schooling. If you have had no formal medical field experience, list any jobs that you have held along with a section highlighting the kills you have acquired which will help you in the position.

If you are asked to come to an interview, make sure you dress professionally. This includes wearing dark-colored business attire and covering any tattoos or piercings other than those in your ears. Do not wear flashy jewelry or brightly colored makeup or nail polish. You should also make sure that you answer all questions honestly, without giving the impression that you have more experience than you actually do.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-get-started-in-mental-health-nursing.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.