There are many opportunities for mental health nurses to work within South Australia in a variety of settings such as metropolitan, rural and remote areas, acute settings and community and in either the public or private health care sectors. There is opportunity for registered nurses to work in some mental health settings without having undertaken or completed either a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.

The Bachelor of Nursing program is usually studied full time over three years (or the equivalent part time), followed by the Graduate Diploma program which can be studied full time over one year (or the equivalent part time). The Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing provides students with knowledge, clinical skills and competencies in the field of mental health nursing.

Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing

The Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing provides students with knowledge, clinical skills and competencies in the field of mental health nursing. Nurses who successfully complete these programs may find employment in a range of hospital and community settings in Australia.

The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is offered at Flinders University and the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is offered at the University of South Australia. For further information regarding entry requirements contact:

• Flinders University
• University of South Australia

Transition to Practice Program for Mental Health Nurses

The Transition to Practice Program for Mental Health Nurses is designed to provide clear explanation of the roles and responsibilities of the mental health service, the transitioning nurse and key personnel who are pivotal to the success of the program. For further information on this program please click here.

Working Conditions and Pay Rates

The relevant Industrial Awards determine the working conditions and pay rates. Within the public sector, conditions of employment are negotiated through an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement the most current being the Nursing and Midwifery (South Australian Public Sector) Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2010.

Within the private sector, most employers negotiate organisation Enterprise Bargaining Agreements with their employees.

Range of Employment Opportunities

There are a range of employment and career opportunities for Mental Health Nurses in:

• Forensic
• Children Mental Health Nursing
• Adolescent Mental Health Nursing
• Adult Mental Health Nursing
• Aged Care
• Drug and Alcohol Services