Introduction
Mental health nurse is a type of nurse who cares for the patients with mental illnesses and psychiatric problems. The mental health nursing is a rapidly growing area with millions of opportunities for the nurses. Few requirements are needed to become a mental health nurse, the most important one being that he or she must be unduly patient with an ability to empathize.
History
History of mental health nursing goes way back in time. An ancient roman philosopher named Cicero was the first person who performed a survey on mentally ill patients to make a layout of their treatment course. 19th century saw a big change in mental hospitals and nursing departments. Several schools and institutions were opened for the training of mental health nurse. Initially the mental health nurses were subjected to many difficulties such as patients outnumbering the nursing staff, overcrowding and insufficient supply of resources. Gradually the mental nursing field expanded with the development of thousands of institutes all over the world. Nowadays a mental health nurse can serve in mental hospitals, rehabilitation programs along with counselling on outpatient bases and caring of senile patients.
Features
Duties of a mental health nurse are diverse. From having a simple knowledge of anatomy and physiology of a normal human body, a nurse should also have a capability to prescribe various medical and psychiatric medications. Their job also includes recording the patient's vital signs on daily basis. An essential part of nursing include an exceptional communication skills and a good listening power. Patients in mental health institutions are often not able to express their needs and thoughts. It is imperative that a mental health nurses understand the patient, provide positive support, make themselves approachable and friendly, gain the patient's trust so the patient does not hesitate to talk to them. It is crucial that the nurse loves his or her job and treats the patient accordingly with proper care and respect. Most of the time the mental patients are disturbed and aggravated and it is a duty of the nurse to make them feel comfortable and important. Remember that a nurse has to assist the patients in their daily needs such as during meals and bath-times along with keeping them entertained. It is of utmost importance for the nurse to work with patience and never appear reluctant even in stressful and distressing conditions.
Tips and comments
The specialization, training and education of a mental health nurse vary vastly. Different approaches to training are present, for instance a nurse can receive a one year training program, can get an associate degree, or even a bachelors or master degrees. Professional certification or qualification is not compulsory in the mental nursing field, however one must keep in mind that it signifies the chances of getting the job. The nurse should be familiar with biology, medical science and laws and policies. Before entering the nursing field the person should think hard and make sure he or she actually wants to be a nurse, for nursing can be a very stressful job and requires full dedication to work.
