Nursing and Midwifery Office

Mental Health Connect / Mental Health Innovations Showcase / Mental Health Nursing Advisory Group / Mental Health Nursing Scholarships / Stress Management for Nurses / Transition Program

Mental Health

Mental health nurses are a critical component of a successful mental health system in NSW. Along with other health services, the mental health nursing workforce is experiencing a shortage of adequately qualified employees and the situation is becoming increasingly acute as mental health services grow in response to new funding.

Demand for mental health nurses is increasing in line with significant growth in mental health services over the next five years. Programs such as Mental Health Connect/Reconnect, as well as new graduate and enrolled nurse programs, will provide invaluable entry points for nurses into the mental health workforce.

The Mental Health Nursing Workforce/Skills Acquisition Project seeks 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.

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

• Mental Health Connect
• Mental Health Scholarships
• Transition Program

Mental Health Connect

This mental health specific program, launched in April 2005, complements the general nursing Re-Connect program, and continues to attract nurses who are seeking to commence or re-establish a career in mental health.

Nurses eligible to register for Mental Health Connect include nurses who have been out of the nursing workforce (with or without previous mental health experience) and nurses who have been working in other specialties. Services which recruit nurses through this program receive funding to provide up to four weeks intensive orientation and training, and 1:1 preceptor support.

To register for Mental Health Connect telephone toll free on 1800 330 933.

Mental Health Nursing Scholarships

For further information on mental health nursing scholarships please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/scholar.html or contact the Project Officer Scholarships via email at nscholar@doh.health.nsw.gov.au or on telephone (02) 9391 9813.

Mental Health Innovations Showcase

Mental Health Innovation Scholarships are awarded for innovative nurse-led projects aimed at improving clinical care for mental health consumers. Click 'HERE' to view presentations and photographs from the most recent showcase.

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, each major university and relevant mental health and nursing organisations provide advice on mental health nursing workforce and practice development strategies.

Transition Program

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.

Stress Management for Nurses

The 'Stress Management for Nurses' booklet was developed by the NSW Nurses' Association and the NSW Department of Health to support nurses in their challenging work roles. The 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. Click 'HERE' to access a copy of the booklet.

Further Information

For further information on mental health nursing initiatives contact the Principal Advisor Mental Health on (02) 9424 5746.

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