World Mental Health Nurses Day

Today on World Mental Health Nurses Day, the Department of Health has celebrated its specialist nurses who work tirelessly every day to help Tasmanians requiring care for their mental health.

For Emily Cordwell, Registered Nurse – Mental Health Hospital in the Home, it is a privilege to support others in their most difficult times.

“As a mental health nurse, we get to witness real growth and resilience and see people get better and resume activities that they once thought was out of reach. It can be emotionally tough at times but seeing small improvements within people learning how to cope and navigate their mental ill-health makes it all worth it,” she said. 

Samantha Campbell – Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Mental Health Hospital in the Home, loves being a mental health nurse.

“Mental health has been in my life from a young age, whether that was caring for someone with mental health or having personal struggles, and I have always been very passionate about making a difference, helping to break the stigma and showing people it’s not weak to speak up and that there is help out there,” she said. 

At the Royal Hobart Hospital, Stuart O’Neill – Clinical Nurse Specialist, is known for his compassionate care, reflecting the core values of our mental health services.

“I Iove mental health nursing because it allows me to make a real difference in people’s lives, build meaningful relationships, and support individuals on their recovery journey.

“Mental health nursing is more than just a job; it’s a calling to offer compassion, understanding, and support to those who often feel unheard or forgotten,” he said. 

For those experiencing an acute mental health crisis, services like the Mental Health Inpatient Unit play a crucial role in crisis intervention with a focus on transitioning individuals to community-based support.

Services like Mental Health Hospital in the Home offer an alternative by providing acute care and support at consumer’s own home as a substitute for in hospital acute care.

For more information on Statewide Mental Health Services in Tasmania, visit: Mental health | Tasmanian Department of Health 

To find out about mental health nursing careers in Tasmania please visit Discover rewarding mental health nursing careers in Tasmania | Tasmanian Department of Health

📞 If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, you are not alone. You can call Access Mental Health Phoneline (1800 332 388) available 24 hours, 7 days a week, Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).