Why did you choose to become a mental health nurse and how long have you been working in the profession?
I completed a Graduate Diploma in Nursing Practice (Mental Health) in 2015 after working as a youth health nurse for 10 years. I enrolled in the course to further develop my skills as our clinic was seeing a greater complexity of mental health problems. That postgraduate qualification was the foundation for where my career has taken me since — and ultimately for achieving my CMHN credential.
What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am working as a mental health clinician at Headspace, counselling students who are struggling with school engagement. Supporting young people in their mental health recovery is a privilege and each young person has taught me so much about what is important in life. Working in early intervention with young people means you have the opportunity to make a real difference at a critical time — before mental health challenges become entrenched. That's what gets me to work every day.
How did getting credentialed help you in your career?
Becoming a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse (CMHN) has provided me with additional employment opportunities. Unfortunately, CMHNs are still underrepresented in counselling roles, so we need more nurses in these positions to show what value CMHNs bring to the sector. Credentialing signals to employers that you have met a nationally recognised standard — it opens doors that might otherwise stay closed, particularly in community and primary care settings where mental health nurses are increasingly needed.
What does being credentialed mean to you?
I remember wanting to be a psychologist when I was at school. I am living out that dream in a slightly different way — because nurses, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists are same same but different. Nursing skills are much needed in community health to better support people who are struggling to manage both chronic physical illnesses and mental health conditions. I have also studied a Master of Public Health, so I value working in roles focused on early intervention and recovery. Credentialing formalises that commitment and makes it visible to the people I work with and for.
What advice would you give to mental health nurses who are considering getting credentialed?
I recommend that mental health nurses interested in credentialing look up community mental health nursing jobs and see if the position descriptions are of interest. CMHNs are often working in roles that support people over the longer term, so this will suit nurses who are passionate about psychosocial healthcare. I admire the work of all mental health nurses in both acute and community settings, and believe that we operate at our best when we work together. If you are on the fence about credentialing, the question to ask yourself is: what kind of nurse do I want to be known as? The credential answers that question for the people who matter most — your patients and your employers.