Based at Elizabeth, City West, and City East clinics the Mental Health Nursing service provides a high standard of quality health and nursing care. The role of a mental health nurse is integral in supporting people with different mental health conditions. Working as part of the multidisciplinary team to deliver effective and holistic care, a mental health nurse’s responsibilities are typically focused on supporting recovery, empowering patients to manage their health and wellbeing, and helping to increase their quality of life. The Mental Health Nurse will work in partnership with other mental health professionals within the Mental Health team to provide the best care for the persons referred to the service.

Services are provided either by the Mental Health Nurse, or nursing students on clinical placement under the supervision of the Qualified Mental Health Nurse. Placement students may also be in attendance to observe services provided by the Mental Health Nurse.

Scope of services provided by the Mental Health Nurse includes:

Conducting Comprehensive Mental Health assessments
This takes place through conversations with the person, their families, and caregivers. They cover topics such as a person’s symptoms, thoughts and feelings, physical health, and previous experiences. These conversations allow the mental health nurse to fully understand a person’s needs so that they can decide on the best kind of support for them to receive.

Developing care plans
The mental health nurse can set out the support a person requires and who will provide it. During this time, the mental health nurse coordinates with the person on how care will be delivered and set specific goals with the person to be achieved.

Medication Management and education
The mental health nurse help people take the proper medication, in the right amount, at the correct times. The Mental Health Nurse can monitor the effectiveness of any medication that a person takes and can also liaise with their person’s GP or other medical specialists.

Provide therapeutic interventions.
The Mental Health Nurse provides evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), psychoeducation, supportive counselling, and wellbeing management within a recovery model focus.

Managing crises
The Mental Health Nurse can manage urgent situations, ensuring the safety of those involved. This includes providing immediate support using de-escalation techniques, implementing crisis intervention plans, and facilitating access to resources and emergency services.

Monitoring physical health
Monitoring a person’s physical health, including their mental health, involves carrying out follow-up assessments, tracking vital signs, and evaluating any physical symptoms or changes in the person. Mental health nurse can assist with promoting healthy lifestyle choices and help with medical interventions or referrals.

Educating patients and families
Mental health nurses impart valuable information about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies. Their role includes person-centred self-care techniques, provide guidance on medication management, and connect people with resources for ongoing support.

Advocating for patients’ rights
The Mental Health Nurse can help people gain equal access to care and preserve their dignity and safety. When patients are particularly vulnerable and unable to look after themselves, this is a vital part of the mental health nurse’s role.

Referral pathways from External Health Professionals

A simple process for requesting the Mental Health Nurse service is through completing the UniSA Health Clinic online referral form and selecting the Mental Health Nursing services. Referrals will be triaged and confirmed appropriate as soon as practical by the Mental Health Team. The referred person will be contacted to arrange an appropriate date and time for an initial consultation. Referrals can be made from GP’s, Specialists, Mental Health Professionals, and other Community Health services.

Service Schedule

Fees

There are currently no fees for this service (as at August 2024)