Introduction
In the world, there are many people walking around with mental health issues that need help to alleviate their suffering. There are a number of reasons that can cause a person to break down into a deteriorated mental state of health. A few being the loss of a loved one, depression or some other crisis going on in their life. Mental health can encompass a number of conditions from personality disorders to psychosis and neurosis.
A good nurse doing mental health work will have a natural ability to get along with others, have empathy, and form healing relationships with his or her patients. Places where a nurse in this field would work include a community health center, hospital or a specialist unit.
A nurse working in the mental health profession will not only work with patients but will work alongside other professionals like psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, arts therapists, doctors and health assistants.
Step 1
You will need to at least have a high school diploma to get work in mental health or some equivalent such as GED. Some jobs may require more such as on the job training for technician or aide positions or more extensive education such as a doctoral degree for psychological jobs.
Step 2
To get an idea of what it is like to work as a mental health professional find opportunities to volunteer. Call up local places in your area like hospitals, nursing care facilities or health clinics to enquire about any possible volunteer openings. Volunteering is a good way to get your foot in the door in health care and gain some valuable experience.
During your time volunteering don't limit yourself to just one department. Explore and learn about every element and talk to every person there to learn even more. The people who you talk to ask them questions. Find out what type of education and training they needed to get to where they are.
Find a person who you are work with that you feel close to and ask them to become your mentor. Having a mentor is good to learn more in depth skills and your mentor can also write a letter of recommendation for you.
Step 3
Find a place to take classes to find work in mental health such as a community college in your area. You do not necessarily have to go to college for four years. You can earn a certificate which takes less time than a traditional degree. Decide which route is best for you and your goals. You can try to get a certificate, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree or a doctorate.
Step 4
When landing an interview for mental health work always dress appropriately and professionally. Be courteous to your interview and polite. Do research on the job that you are applying for and prepare yourself with questions to ask. Practice beforehand with your questions and always be punctual on time.
Step 5
You will want to have a nice professional resume for after you complete your training for mental health work. Your resume needs to give a great first impression to any employer. The sections of your resume you should have is contact information, list your objective, education, experience and skill sets that you have.
Resume Tips
When writing your resume to find work in mental health you will want to keep it simple and brief only stating the important aspects to one page. Use active verbs, when using present and past tense be consistent, emphasize your talents to the employer and always proofread your resume for any grammar and spelling mistakes. Type your resume using a font that is easy to read and a minimum of 12 point size.
Interview Tips
After your interview, it is a good idea to follow up with a thank-you card expressing your interest in mental health work and ask the employer for any additional steps you might need to take.
