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Form of workJob Description
Mental health nurses form a crucial part of NMSS, positively affecting the lives of thousands of patients every day. The role can be exhausting both physically and mentally but offers huge rewards, as nurses work to directly improve the lives of their patients on a daily basis.
Duties and responsibilities
Mental health nurse jobs place individuals in a huge variety of work environments, including hospital wards, outpatient departments, residential units and community drop-in centers. Opportunities for employment are available in Chicago and Chicago heights IL. but also in the private sector, the prison system. Caring for patients with mental illness - from the very young to the very old - presents unique challenges, which typically include:
- Caring for patients with acute conditions - building relationships and responding to their physical and emotional needs, while delivering effective care.
- Administering patients' medications and treatments - and monitoring results.
- Dealing with the specific symptoms of mental illness, de-escalating stressful situations and helping patients overcome challenges.
- Interacting with patients' families and other care staff - offering advice and information on patients' conditions.
- Preparing and maintaining patients' records, producing care plans and risk assessments.
- Organizing group therapy sessions, including social and artistic events, aimed at promoting patients' mental recovery.
The specific demands placed on a mental health nurse are different in every posting. To cope with the demands of the role and the needs of their patients, a mental health nurse needs to be energetic, perceptive, versatile and compassionate. Mental health nurses will be required to work around the lives of their patients. Most mental health postings test the strength of a nurse's character and personality regularly.
What qualifications do I need?
With such a strong emphasis on communication and interpersonal relationships, the skills required of a mental health nurse differ from those of a general Registered Nurse. Like a Registered Nurse, however, mental health nurses must hold a degree qualification - as a Bachelor of Nursing or Mental Health.
