Mental health nurses are central to supporting people with a wide range of mental health needs. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, they help individuals recover, build confidence in managing their wellbeing, and improve overall quality of life.
In this article, we outline what mental health nurses do in the UK, the settings they work in, and how Trust Nurse Services (TNS) can help you find flexible shifts or secure your next permanent role.
What Does a Mental Health Nurse Do?
At its core, the role is about safeguarding a person’s mental and physical health through compassionate, evidence-based care. Day to day, that can include:
1) Holistic Assessments
Through conversations with service users, families and carers, nurses explore symptoms, thoughts, emotions, physical health, and lived experiences. This builds a full picture of need and informs the most appropriate support.
2) Care Planning
Nurses co-produce clear, person-centred plans with service users and carers defining goals, interventions, responsibilities and review points.
3) Medicines Management
From administering and monitoring prescribed medications to supporting adherence and noting side effects, nurses ensure safe and effective treatment.
4) Therapeutic Interventions
Depending on the setting and scope, nurses may deliver or support evidence-based approaches such as CBT/DBT-informed work, psychoeducation, supportive counselling, and creative therapies.
5) Crisis Response
When risk escalates, nurses act quickly using de-escalation techniques, following crisis plans, and coordinating access to urgent support to keep everyone safe.
6) Physical Health Monitoring
Because mental and physical health are inseparable, nurses check vitals, follow up on symptoms, promote healthy lifestyles, and arrange medical reviews or referrals.
7) Education for Service Users & Families
Nurses explain conditions, treatments and coping strategies, teach self-care skills, support medication understanding, and signpost to ongoing help.
8) Advocacy & Safeguarding
Mental health nurses champion equitable access, dignity and safety, particularly for those who may be vulnerable or find it hard to speak up.
9) Accurate, Confidential Documentation
Clear records of assessments, interventions, progress and medicines are essential for legal compliance, continuity of care and effective team communication.
What It’s Like Working as a Mental Health Nurse in the UK
The work is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Rotas can include days, nights, weekends and on-call, though many nurses choose bank or agency shifts for greater control over when and where they work. Seeing people stabilise, rebuild and thrive is a powerful motivator for the profession.
Where Mental Health Nurses Work
Your responsibilities will vary by setting, but common environments include:
Hospitals: Psychiatric intensive care units, acute wards, outpatient clinics and specialist units focusing on assessment, treatment, risk management, physical health monitoring, and safe discharge planning.
Community Mental Health Teams: GP surgeries, prisons, schools, community hubs and home visits prioritising advocacy, medicines administration, counselling, care planning and relapse prevention close to where people live.
Residential & Nursing Settings: Care homes, supported living and rehabilitation services supporting older adults, people with substance use challenges, and those with long-term conditions, often alongside physical health needs.
Agency Assignments (via TNS): Short- and long-term placements across NHS Trusts and independent providers—broadening your experience, building your CV quickly, and expanding your professional network.
In agency roles, your core duties mirror permanent posts; the exact focus will depend on the team’s immediate needs.
Mental Health Nursing Opportunities with Trust Nurse Services
Whether you want flexible bank shifts, lines of work, or a permanent move, Trust Nurse Services is here to help you shape a career that fits your life.
Choice & Flexibility: Pick shifts and settings that suit your skills and schedule.
Great Placements: Access roles across NHS Trusts and respected independent providers.
Support That Cares: From compliance to career advice, our team keeps things simple and responsive.
Grow Your Skills: Experience diverse services and client groups to accelerate your development.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore current mental health nursing roles on the TNS jobs page.
Or speak with our specialist team to register and discuss your preferences.