Mental health nurse : Employers and vacancy sources

The National Health Service (NHS) employs the majority of mental health nurses. While some work in mental health and secure hospitals, the majority work out in the community in a variety of settings including:

• community mental health centres;
• residential and nursing homes and community units for the elderly;
• family therapy, assessment and rehabilitation units;
• acute wards and outpatient departments in general hospitals
• private clinics.

Some mental health nurses also work in special units within prisons or for telephone helplines such as NHS Direct . It employs qualified professionals to act as the first point of contact for people experiencing healthcare problems, including mental health issues.

Outside the NHS, leading employers include:

• the large private healthcare companies, such as BUPA and the General Healthcare Group;
• mental health charities;
• the armed forces;

Some projects are jointly run by the NHS in partnership with social services, local authority departments and/or other agencies. Many posts offer the chance to work in a more specialist role with a particular group of clients, or involving those with a specific mental health condition.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Mental Health Jobs    
• Skills4Nurses  
• Nursing Times Jobs    
• Health Jobs UK    
• the HEALTH job   
• Jobs in Health    
• NHS Jobs  - in England and Wales
• Royal College of Nursing Jobs Bulletin  
• Nurses.co.uk   
• NHS Scotland Recruitment     
• NHS Professionals  - part-time and temporary nursing jobs.
• NHS trust vacancy bulletins - find contact details at NHS Authorities and Trusts  
• Local council websites and vacancy bulletins.
• National, local and regional newspapers.

Specialist recruitment agencies often handle vacancies. Try the Nursing Agencies List  for contact details.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.