Nursing, including mental health nursing, is a large occupation with opportunities in many different locations and organisations.
Mental health nurses are the largest professional group within mental health settings.
According to the Australian Government, employment rates have increased steadily over the past ten years and are forecast to continue growing for the foreseeable future. A substantial workforce gap is projected for the mental health nursing sector to 2030.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that around $8.5 billion per annum is spent on mental health-related services in Australia.
You may work in across metropolitan and rural areas for public and private organisations, or go on to contribute to mental health policy and research.
Job Outlook projects that work opportunities for registered nurses are set to increase by 11.7% to 2024. Job Outlook also estimates that the most common annual salary for a mental health nurse in Australia is between $90,000 and $100,000, and for a nurse manager is between $120,000 and $140,000. In certain jurisdictions, you receive a certificate allowance through your employer if you possess a postgraduate degree in mental health nursing.