What is the difference between mental health nursing and general nursing?

General nursing deals with medical and surgical issues. Psychiatric nursing desks with mental or psychiatric issues and problems.

Can a general nurse become a mental health nurse?

It is possible to take a nursing degree which is focused on mental health nursing. Alternatively, you can qualify – and even work – as a registered general nurse first and then take a post-registration course in mental health nursing.

What is considered psychiatric nursing?

Psychiatric nurses are specially trained nurses who care for the psychological and physical well-being of people with mental health conditions or behavioral problems. We also explain how and when to seek mental health help from a psychiatric nurse or other mental health professional.

What exactly does a psychiatric nurse do?

Psychiatric nurses treat patients with varying mental health or behavioral problems. They often assist in assessing and diagnosing patients, monitoring symptoms and behaviors, and providing short or long-term care.

Is psychiatric nursing hard?

Psychiatric nursing is demanding, in some ways it is more demanding than general practice nursing, but many nurses find it to be the ideal career for their qualifications and interests. It can be a financially rewarding nursing specialty as well.

Do psychiatric nurses deal with blood?

Registered psychiatric nurses are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care. During the course of their work, registered psychiatric nurses may be exposed to blood, bodily fluids, infectious diseases, chemicals and other safety hazards.

Do mental health nurses get paid more than general nurses?

Here are some fast facts: The average Mental health nurse salary in London is £41,313. This is 1.3\% less than the average national salary for Mental health nurse jobs. The average London Mental health nurse salary is 5\% less than the average salary across London.

What are the benefits of being a psychiatric nurse?

Pros of Psychiatric Nursing

• Ability to offer immediate help and support to patients who are suffering from severe distress.
• Rewarding to use interpersonal skills to provide treatment.
• Direct patient care.

Can a psychiatric nurse prescribe medication?

An NP holds either a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing, and can provide much of the same care doctors do—they’re able to see patients, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication. A psychiatric nurse practitioner has had additional continuing education and training in psychiatric/mental health nursing.

Can psychiatric nurses do therapy?

Psychiatric nurses facilitate social and emotional needs, provide crisis intervention and treatment, and administer cognitive-behavioral therapy.

How long does it take to become a psychiatric nurse?

You must be fully committed to qualifying, with many mental health nursing degrees consisting of three to four years of intensive training. Part-time courses are available if you cannot commit to full-time study, however, these can take considerably longer to complete – five to six years in some cases.