Back to blog

Why Work as a Mental Health Nurse in Australia

Matthew Power • May 24, 2023
Black letterboard with

Mental health nursing is a fulfilling and challenging career that allows you to provide compassionate care and support to those who need it most. In this blog post, we will take you through what mental health nursing looks like in Australia, what the job involves, and why it makes such a rewarding career.


Mental health nurses are registered nurses who specialise in caring for patients with mental health issues. They work in a range of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community centres. Mental health nurses have a unique skill set that enables them to provide holistic care, recognising and managing the symptoms of mental illness, providing counselling, and developing treatment plans.


As a mental health nurse, you will be responsible for providing various services to patients with mental health issues. You will work closely with healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans that meet the individual needs of your patients. This will include assessing patients, administering medication, providing counselling and support, and monitoring patients’ progress.


Apart from providing direct patient care, mental health nurses also play a critical role in educating patients and their families about mental illness, treatment options, and how to manage symptoms. This helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by promoting awareness and understanding.


In short, mental health nursing is a fulfilling career that provides opportunities to make a real difference in patients’ lives by offering the care and support they need to recover from mental illness. It’s also a constantly evolving field, with new treatments and therapies being developed all the time, providing mental health nurses the chance to be at the forefront of new developments and make a real contribution to the field.


If you’re considering a career in mental health nursing, First Choice Care can help you find agency nursing opportunities and provide you with the support you need to succeed in your career. Register to work with us or give us a call to find out more about joining our roster of candidates and begin your career in mental health nursing today.

More articles

October 8, 2025
Becoming a Clinical Nurse Facilitator isn’t just a career step, it’s about shaping the next generation of nurses. Facilitators stay in clinical practice while mentoring students, helping them build the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed. At First Choice Care, we work closely with Clinical Nurse Facilitators across Australia, offering job opportunities that not only let you share your expertise but also provide the flexibility to continue practicing in patient care. The role of a Clinical Nurse Facilitator A Clinical Nurse Facilitator plays a vital role in bridging the gap between theory and practice for nursing students.
Nurse in blue scrubs
September 30, 2025
Celebrate First Choice Care’s outstanding nurses! Meet our Nurses of the Month and hear their stories of dedication, compassion and exceptional care
Nurse in blue scrubs holding tablet, smiling in operating room.
By Matthew Power June 24, 2025
Coming to the end of your first year as a nurse? Discover why transitioning to agency nursing could offer flexibility, variety and career growth.
More Posts