As an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team the registered nurse will work in partnership demonstrating compassionate caring behaviours to fulfil the key functions of the CMHT. In particular the post-holder will be responsible for the assessment, formulation, implementation and evaluation of complex programmes of care using a strength based recovery focused approach to care that proactively involves the person and optimises self-management. The nurse is required to undertake duties without direct supervision as well as supporting and supervising work undertaken by registered and unregistered nursing staff. The post-holder is responsible for proactively promoting partnership working with patients, carers and other professionals/ agencies in line with legislative frameworks, agreed standards and clinical policies. This involves working in a variety of home/ near to home community environments. Participating in as well as providing regular caseload line management supervision and Clinical Supervision and undertaking line management responsibilities are critical aspects of the role. Supervising the practice of others, monitoring undertaking mentorship/ preceptorship responsibilities and supporting the team leader in the ongoing learning and development of the staff team and the CMHT key functions are important aspects of this role.
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB •
Mental Health Nurse (RN3/ RNMH) level 1 NMC registration
• Experience of mental health nursing practice Evidence of:
• ongoing professional development
• specialist assessment skills
• coordination of care
• evidence based psychological therapy skills
• Awareness of Stress and Distress in Dementia interventions
• line management responsibilities
• applied leadership skills
• excellent team working skills
• enhanced communication skills
• enhanced listening and interpersonal skills
• ability to work autonomously and delegate appropriately
• Current driving licence
You need to have a live NMC UK pin in order to be considered for this post
Informal contact : Gail Haugh (Gail.Haugh@nhs.scot)
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service is available on the Supporting Information document.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde- NHS Scotland encourages applications from all sections of the community. We promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We support applications from across the Armed Forces Community, recognising military skills, experience and qualifications during the recruitment and selection process.
Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third-party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.
FAQs About Mental Health Nursing in Scotland
- What is a mental health nurse in Scotland? Mental health nurses in Scotland work with individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, such as emotional distress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other mental illnesses. They provide trauma-informed, person-centered care to support patients at all stages of their recovery journey, often working in hospitals, community settings, or specialized units like psychiatric intensive care or forensic services.
- What qualifications are required to become a mental health nurse in Scotland? To work as a mental health nurse in Scotland, you need:
- A nursing degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) with a specialization in mental health nursing.
- Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- For NHS Scotland roles, additional requirements may include knowledge of Scottish-specific legislation like the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
- Relevant clinical experience, often gained through placements during training or prior healthcare roles.
- What is the role of a mental health nurse in the NHS Scotland? Mental health nurses in NHS Scotland:
- Assess patients’ mental health status through structured interviews, mental state examinations, and validated tools.
- Develop and implement person-centered care plans.
- Administer medications and monitor for side effects.
- Provide emotional support, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, social workers, and occupational therapists.
- Ensure compliance with legal frameworks like the Mental Health Act and safeguarding policies.
- What settings do mental health nurses work in Scotland? Mental health nurses may work in:
- Inpatient mental health wards (e.g., acute psychiatric units).
- Community mental health teams.
- Specialized settings like forensic services, prisons, or community hospitals.
- Outpatient clinics or crisis intervention teams.
- What is the salary for a mental health nurse in Scotland? For an NHS Band 5 Mental Health Nurse in Scotland, the starting salary is approximately £28,000, with potential increases based on experience, additional responsibilities, or progression to higher bands (e.g., Band 6 or 7). Salaries may vary slightly depending on the NHS Health Board.
- What are the challenges of being a mental health nurse in Scotland? Challenges include:
- Managing high-pressure situations, such as patient crises or aggression.
- Working long shifts (12 or 24 hours), which can be physically and emotionally demanding.
- Addressing complex family dynamics or stigma surrounding mental health.
- Staying updated with evidence-based practices and legal frameworks.
- What are the key skills required?
- Empathy, compassion, and emotional resilience.
- Strong communication and active listening skills.
- Knowledge of mental health conditions, treatments, and Scottish legislation.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and manage risk assessments.
- Time management and prioritization in busy environments.
- What is the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003? This is a key piece of legislation governing mental health care in Scotland. It outlines provisions for the detention, treatment, and rights of individuals with mental disorders, ensuring care is provided in the least restrictive manner while prioritizing patient safety and rights. Mental health nurses must be familiar with this act to ensure compliance during assessments and interventions.
- What opportunities for professional development exist? NHS Scotland supports continuous professional development through:
- Mandatory training (e.g., safeguarding, de-escalation techniques).
- Specialized courses in areas like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
- Opportunities to progress to advanced roles, such as Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Consultant.
- Access to professional journals, conferences, and supervision.
- How competitive is the job market for mental health nurses in Scotland? The demand for mental health nurses in Scotland is high due to increasing mental health challenges. While competition may not be as intense as for other roles (e.g., pharmacists), preparation for interviews is crucial to stand out, as candidates are expected to demonstrate both clinical expertise and emotional intelligence.
Common Interview Questions for Mental Health Nurses in ScotlandBelow is a curated list of common interview questions tailored to mental health nursing roles in Scotland, along with guidance on how to answer them effectively. These are informed by sources like NHS Scotland, career websites, and general mental health nursing interview practices.
- Why do you want to work as a mental health nurse in NHS Scotland?
- How to Answer: Emphasize your passion for mental health nursing and alignment with NHS Scotland’s values (e.g., compassion, respect, and teamwork). Highlight your desire to make a difference in patients’ lives and your interest in working within Scotland’s healthcare system.
- Sample Answer: “I am passionate about supporting individuals with mental health challenges, and NHS Scotland’s commitment to trauma-informed, person-centered care resonates with my professional values. I want to contribute to improving patients’ lives in a system that prioritizes compassion and evidence-based practice, while also growing as a nurse in a supportive environment.”
- What experience do you have in mental health nursing?
- How to Answer: Discuss specific experiences from training, placements, or previous roles, focusing on diverse patient groups (e.g., children, adults, elderly) and conditions (e.g., depression, schizophrenia). Mention any Scottish-specific contexts, such as working in community teams or forensic settings.
- Sample Answer: “During my training, I completed placements in inpatient mental health wards and community settings across Scotland, working with patients with conditions like bipolar disorder and anxiety. I developed skills in risk assessment, care planning, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, which has prepared me to deliver high-quality care in NHS Scotland.”
- How would you carry out a mental health assessment?
- How to Answer: Outline a comprehensive, holistic approach, including introducing yourself, gaining consent, and assessing psychological, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual needs. Mention tools like mental state examinations and awareness of Scottish legislation (e.g., Mental Health Act).
- Sample Answer: “I begin by introducing myself and explaining the purpose of the assessment, seeking the patient’s consent where possible. I conduct a holistic assessment, covering psychological, physical, and social factors, using tools like mental state examinations to evaluate behavior, mood, and cognition. I also consider capacity under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, using motivational interviewing and non-judgmental communication to engage the patient effectively.”
- How do you approach risk assessment in mental health?
- How to Answer: Demonstrate knowledge of risk identification and mitigation, referencing models like the 5 P’s (Presenting, Predisposing, Precipitating, Perpetuating, Protective). Mention safeguarding and Scottish legal frameworks.
- Sample Answer: “I use a structured approach like the 5 P’s model to identify risks such as self-harm or aggression, gathering information from the patient, family, and team. I develop safety plans to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with NHS Scotland safeguarding policies and the Mental Health Act. Regular reviews keep the assessment dynamic and responsive.”
- Describe a time you managed a challenging situation with a patient.
- How to Answer: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a specific scenario, emphasizing de-escalation techniques, empathy, and patient safety.
- Sample Answer: “In a community placement, I worked with a patient experiencing severe anxiety who refused medication (Situation). My task was to ensure their safety and encourage compliance (Task). I used active listening and de-escalation techniques, validating their feelings and explaining the benefits of treatment in a calm manner (Action). The patient agreed to take their medication, and their anxiety reduced significantly, improving their engagement with the care plan (Result).”
- How do you handle difficult conversations with patients or families about mental health issues?
- How to Answer: Highlight empathy, active listening, and clear communication. Mention creating a safe space and addressing sensitive topics with respect.
- Sample Answer: “I approach difficult conversations by creating a supportive environment where patients and families feel heard. I use active listening, open-ended questions, and empathy to understand their concerns. For example, when discussing a depression diagnosis, I explained the condition clearly, validated their emotions, and collaborated on a treatment plan, ensuring they felt empowered and respected.”
- What is your understanding of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003?
- How to Answer: Show knowledge of the act’s purpose, focusing on patient rights, detention, and treatment provisions. Relate it to nursing practice.
- Sample Answer: “The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 provides a legal framework for the care and treatment of individuals with mental disorders, ensuring their rights are protected while allowing necessary interventions. As a nurse, I apply this by ensuring informed consent where possible, respecting patient autonomy, and adhering to protocols for compulsory treatment or detention.”
- How do you maintain patient confidentiality?
- How to Answer: Reference adherence to GDPR, NHS policies, and ethical standards, explaining how you balance confidentiality with necessary information sharing.
- Sample Answer: “I strictly follow GDPR and NHS Scotland confidentiality policies, sharing information only with relevant team members on a need-to-know basis and with patient consent when possible. I explain confidentiality limits to patients transparently, ensuring trust while meeting legal and ethical obligations.”
- How do you manage working in a busy and demanding environment?
- How to Answer: Discuss time management, prioritization, and self-care strategies. Mention using supervision and technology to stay organized.
- Sample Answer: “In a busy environment, I prioritize tasks using a diary and plan community visits efficiently. I delegate appropriately and use supervision to manage workload challenges. To prevent burnout, I practice mindfulness and maintain a healthy work-life balance, ensuring I remain effective in delivering care.”
- What is the therapeutic alliance, and why is it important in mental health nursing?
- How to Answer: Define the therapeutic alliance as a trust-based, collaborative relationship between nurse and patient. Explain its role in effective treatment.
- Sample Answer: “The therapeutic alliance is the trust-based relationship between a nurse and patient, built on empathy, respect, and open communication. It’s crucial because it creates a safe space for patients to share their thoughts, enhancing engagement with treatment plans and improving recovery outcomes.”
- How do you stay updated with evidence-based practices?
- How to Answer: Mention continuous learning through journals, training, and professional networks. Provide an example of applying evidence-based practice.
- Sample Answer: “I stay updated by attending NHS training, reading journals like the British Journal of Mental Health Nursing, and participating in professional forums. For example, I recently applied cognitive behavioral therapy techniques from a course to help a patient manage anxiety, leading to measurable improvements.”
- How would you handle a patient who is resistant to treatment?
- How to Answer: Focus on understanding the reasons for resistance, providing education, and involving the patient in decision-making.
- Sample Answer: “I’d explore the reasons for resistance through open dialogue, addressing fears or misconceptions about treatment. By educating the patient on benefits and risks and involving them in care planning, I foster a sense of control. For example, I once helped a patient accept medication by explaining its benefits in a relatable way, which improved their compliance.”
- Can you give an example of managing conflict within a team?
- How to Answer: Use the STAR method to describe a situation where you resolved conflict professionally, emphasizing teamwork and objectivity.
- Sample Answer: “In a previous role, two colleagues disagreed on a patient’s care plan (Situation). My task was to ensure collaboration (Task). I facilitated a discussion, encouraging both to share their views and focusing on the patient’s needs (Action). We agreed on a balanced approach, improving team cohesion and patient care (Result).”
- What skills make you a good mental health nurse?
- How to Answer: Highlight empathy, communication, resilience, and clinical knowledge, tying them to the role’s demands.
- Sample Answer: “My empathy allows me to build strong therapeutic alliances, while my communication skills help me engage with diverse patients. My resilience enables me to handle challenging situations, and my clinical knowledge ensures I deliver evidence-based care, all of which align with NHS Scotland’s expectations.”
- Do you have any questions for the panel?
- How to Answer: Ask thoughtful questions about the role, team, or service to show enthusiasm and engagement.
- Sample Answer: “What opportunities for professional development does this service offer? How does the team collaborate to support patients with complex needs?”
Tips for Success in a Mental Health Nurse Interview in Scotland
Research the NHS Trust/Health Board: Familiarize yourself with the specific NHS Health Board (e.g., NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, NHS Lothian) and its mental health services, values, and recent initiatives.
- Understand Scottish Legislation: Be prepared to discuss the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and its implications for nursing practice.
- Use the STAR Method: For behavioral or scenario-based questions, structure your answers using Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide clear, concise examples.
- Show Empathy and Resilience: Highlight your ability to connect with patients while managing the emotional demands of the role.
- Practice Common Questions: Rehearse answers to the questions above, tailoring them to your experiences and the Scottish context.
- Be Authentic: Show genuine passion for mental health nursing and align your answers with NHS Scotland’s values (care, compassion, dignity, respect).
Additional Notes
- NHS Scotland Context: Interviews for Band 5 mental health nursing roles in NHS Scotland often involve a panel of three members and last around 30 minutes. Questions may cover clinical knowledge, legal frameworks, and situational scenarios.
- Resources for Preparation: Review job descriptions, NICE guidelines, and NHS Scotland’s career website (careers.nhs.scot) for role-specific details.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be prepared to discuss how you handle cultural differences in patient care, as Scotland’s diverse population requires culturally competent nursing.
To apply for this job please visit apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk.