Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
Currently employed in Scotland
Jobs forecast
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What's it like?
You would care for people with mental health problems. You’d help them recover from their illness or adapt to their condition. You’d help them get the support they need.
Patients and their families could be struggling with very difficult and distressing emotions and situations. You’d build up a trusting relationship with the person and their family to support their recovery.
You would support people with a range of mental health issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress-related illnesses
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
- Drug and alcohol addiction
You could work in hospitals or in the community. You might help a variety of patients, or work with a particular group like teenagers. You might work with offenders in a secure unit or special hospital.
You would:
- Assess each person and their situation
- Listen to them sympathetically and non-judgementally
- Support your patient and encourage them to follow treatment plans
- Encourage them to take part in role play, art, drama and discussion as therapies
- Provide physical care, if a person is too old or ill to look after themselves
- Give medication
You could also help a patient deal with social workers, the police, relevant charities, local government and housing officials.
You would work closely with support workers, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and health visitors.
You can see more about this role in the National Health Service on the Mental health nurse page on the NHSScotland Careers website. See the Learning and development section for information about career structure, progression and rates of pay.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
Part-time
Self employed
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Resilience
- Taking responsibility
- Making decisions
- Developing a plan
- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Social conscience
- Empathising
- Researching
Build your skills
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
You need a nursing degree or a degree course specialising in mental health nursing (SCQF level 9/10).
To enter a nursing degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 4/5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers at C or equivalent qualifications such as a relevant HNC/HND or Scottish Vocational Qualification in Healthcare Support (SVQ level 2/3).
It is possible to enter a shortened graduate nursing programme with a relevant degree in another subject.
Useful subjects
- English (required by many courses)
- Maths (required by many courses)
- Science subjects, in particular biology or human biology (required by many courses)
- Care
- Social studies such as psychology
You will also need
Once qualified you will need to:
- Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- Be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland
- Complete a medical examination to ensure you are physically fit
Helpful to have
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding of health and wellbeing such as:
- Skills for Work Health Sector (SCQF level 6)
- Health and Social Care (SCQF level 4/5)
- SQA Wellbeing Award (SCQF level 3-5)
Related industries
