A mental health nurse is a health professional who cares for individuals facing mental health challenges. Depending on where you are in Canada the qualifications for being a mental health nurse vary. In Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, psychiatric nursing is regulated separately. However, in these provinces, a psychiatric nursing program is recognized only for practice as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, not as a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse. In provinces like Ontario, a registered nurse can practice as a mental health nurse without any additional requirements, though additional courses may be taken to augment and support their practice.
Mental health nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, community health centers, outpatient clinics, and residential facilities.
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