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Mental Health Nursing

Mental Health Nursing

Mental health nurses are a critical component of a successful mental health system in NSW.

Mental Health Connect as well as the employment of new graduate registered and enrolled nurses provide invaluable entry points for nurses into the mental health workforce. The Mental Health Nursing Workforce/Skills Acquisition project aims to address both recruitment and retention of mental health nurses. Funding has been provided for a range of strategies to enhance the mental health nursing workforce. The project is intended to complement the NSW: A new direction for Mental Health services plan and other policy initiatives aimed at enhancing outcomes for consumers and carers, staff, mental health services and the wider community.

NSW Health - Mental Health Links

Click here to view NSW Health - mental health policies.

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Continuing Professional Development for Nurses

Continuing professional development resources for nurses wanting to update their mental health skills.

4 different e-simulation scenarios that attract CPD hours

The Mental Health Nursing Workforce/Skills Acquisition Project

The Mental Health Nursing Workforce/Skills Acquisition project comprises three key strategies:

The acquisition of foundation-level knowledge and skills by nurses new to mental health through structured and consistent orientation/training programs is a priority. NSW Health has undertaken to facilitate the development of a State-wide standardised transition program that will promote safe and effective nursing practice for nurses new to mental health.

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Mental Health Nursing Advisory Group

The Mental Health Nursing Advisory Group is chaired by the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms. Through this peak mental health nursing group, representatives from each Area Health Service, the tertiary sector and relevant mental health and nursing organisations provide advice on mental health nursing workforce and practice development strategies.

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Mental Health Innovations Showcase

Mental Health Innovation scholarships are awarded for innovative nurse-led projects aimed at improving clinical care for mental health consumers.

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Stress Management for Nurses

Stress Management for Nurses was developed by the NSW Nurses' Association and NSW Health to support nurses in their challenging work roles. This booklet is intended to heighten awareness of the mental health needs of all nurses, no matter what their specialty, and provides useful exercies to assist nurses and midwives to manage stress at work.

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