Shortage of mental health professionals
Did you know that the Mental Health service across the UK is experiencing staff shortages – nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, and the list grows.
Research proves that between 2009 and 2020 alone, there has been a 12% dip in the number of mental health nursing posts.
A detailed 2017 UNISON survey reveals that around 34% of mental health nurses are thinking about quitting their jobs in mental health.
Despite many efforts to boost the workforce including a five-year forward view, the goal is unlikely to be met. Nevertheless, the demand for mental health nurses continues to hike year by year as there is a steady 21% increase in those under mental health services since 2016.
As the UK government tries to attract qualified nursing professionals, the higher demand means better packages and better jobs. We have outlined …..why you need to choose mental health nursing in 2022.
Top 5 reasons why you should target mental health nursing in 2022
1. Better career prospect
In terms of job advancement, a mental health nurse has a variety of options. There are numerous alternatives available, ranging from becoming a specialised nurse to working with a particular age group like children or teenagers, or specific fields like treating patients suffering from alcohol or substance misuse or psychological disorders. These possibilities lead to a variety of career opportunities.
Some nursing careers lead to positions such as advanced nursing practitioners, consultants, and managers, which allow nurses to work in specialised roles. Although some of the positions require a master’s degree and necessary experience, obtaining those credentials eventually leads to career advancement for nursing professionals. Nurses can advance to positions such as mentor, lecturer, and researcher.
2. Greater job security
Since mental health professionals are in such great demand, those who do make it into the field can usually count on a high level of employment security. The available mental health postings are for long-term care, many people regard it as a lifelong job. Patients who require ongoing care throughout their lives are more likely to require RMNs who can commit to working for a long time, reducing the danger of employment losses and redundancy.
3. Inner satisfaction
Apart from the fact that working as a mental health nurse is a demanding career, the real fact is that you’ll also be caring for people with a wide range of disorders, from autism and schizophrenia to dementia and addiction.
They are the unsung heroes who will continue to assist those who are suffering from the long-term mental repercussions that this pandemic has had and will continue to have.
The requirements of the folks you’re caring for are likely to be very specific and high. This provides a significant number of problems on a daily basis, and it necessitates constant patience, persistence, and excitement. Despite the difficulties, working as a mental health nurse can provide unrivaled benefits.
Being a part of the solution to provide individuals with hope, coping skills, and the support they require can make you feel happy since you are making a real difference in someone’s life. Our world will need to adapt collectively to prioritise mental health, and mental health professionals will be key players in that shift. What could be more satisfying than that?
4. Quality hours with patients
A mental health nurse performs a multitude of tasks, which are not limited to but providing holistic assessment, devising a sophisticated intervention program, and providing specialised treatment on a daily basis. All of these responsibilities revolve around fostering excellent interactions with patients. It’s easy to see why this professional path can offer so many prospects for advancement, given the vast range of talents that can be developed and the numerous opportunities to connect with each patient.
5. Boosts your morale
Mental health nursing is something that not everyone can do, but you can!
It is not for everyone to work in the mental health field. The role of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners requires a strong, knowledgeable, and empathetic professional. However, if you have the ambition and willingness to help others, as well as a passion for this subject, you can realise your dream. With online courses and flexibility, there are several current degree programmes that make achieving your PMHNP more accessible
How to become a mental health nurse?
To work as a certified mental health nurse, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree and then complete extensive training. There are a number of universities in the United Kingdom that offer courses in mental health, and the requirements for admission vary depending on the institution and its reputation.
To succeed in the field, you’ll need a combination of formal instruction and particular personality traits. Working in mental health necessitates patience, perseverance, a thick skin, and, most importantly, a loving nature. You’ll also need abilities to assist people to recover and improve their quality of life, whether they’re suffering from eating disorders, drug addiction, or long-term mental illnesses.
Concluding lines
It is the mental health nurse’s obligation to efficiently analyse the patient’s needs while discussing the best ways to give care. Building trusting relationships with patients while listening to and interpreting their needs will be a key aspect of mental health nursing careers in the UK. To check the latest mental health nursing jobs in the UK, click here.
