Why did you choose to become a mental health nurse and how long have you been working in the profession?
When I started my Bachelor of Nursing degree, I already knew I wanted to be a mental health nurse. I loved the holistic approach I saw other nurses take — working closely with people and developing strong relationships to support them during their times of need. I saw, and continue to see, mental health nurses having such passion for their role and the people they work with, and possessing a wide variety of skills to support people's mental health and recovery. I have been in the profession now for 12 years and my passion for mental health nursing gets stronger every year.
What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am currently a lecturer at Monash University. I teach mental health nursing, and law and ethics in the Bachelor of Nursing, and teach into the postgraduate mental health nursing stream. I am also the Deputy Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Nursing. I thoroughly enjoy supporting students to think critically about their practice, challenge pre-existing ideas, and promote mental health in order to break down barriers and support inclusion — all in a supportive learning environment. I love seeing students get that light bulb moment and move through the program into the nursing workforce. Knowing that I have played some small part in shaping the next generation of mental health nurses is something I find genuinely meaningful.
How did getting credentialed help you in your career?
I was credentialed a while after I commenced my career, and kick myself for not doing it sooner. It has enabled me to be formally recognised as a specialist and expert in mental health nursing. In my current role this is particularly important as it increases my credibility and promotes the importance of mental health nursing to students, colleagues, and the wider academic community. It also shows students the future career options and the specialist recognition available to them as they progress in their practice. My advice to anyone sitting on the fence: don't wait as long as I did.
What does being credentialed mean to you?
Being credentialed highlights my specialist expertise and passion in the area of mental health nursing. It also allows me to be recognised for the contribution I make to the mental health nursing workforce and the wider community. I wear the Credentialed Mental Health Nurse badge with honour. For me it is not just a professional marker — it is an expression of identity. It says that mental health nursing is not just what I do, it is who I am.
What advice would you give to mental health nurses who are considering getting credentialed?
To anyone considering getting credentialed — you're well on your way. Talk to others who have been through, or are going through, the process. Document your professional development activities and get a good recording system going. Often we already do this as part of development for the organisation we work for and for our AHPRA registration, so you're part of the way there already. The application is less daunting than it looks once you realise how much evidence you have already accumulated. Reach out to ACMHN if you have questions — the team and the credentialing community are genuinely supportive.