Scottish Mental Health Nursing Review
The Mental Health Nursing Review report aims to enhance the conditions for mental health nursing to flourish in Scotland, now and in the future. The report was co-developed by mental health nurses, students, academics, with support from carers and people accessing mental health nursing care.
3. Our Definition of Mental Health Nursing in Scotland
Mental health nursing involves the provision of specialised care, support, and treatment to, and with, people experiencing poor mental health, emotional distress, mental illness, and substance misuse. Their work is informed by knowledge of the pathology of illness, its effects on personal functioning and the psychosocial determinants of health and is enable by meaningful therapeutic relationships.
Mental Health Nurses’ key ability to develop therapeutic relationships supports them to deliver holistic, person-centred care using evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs, preferences, and goals to support people through their recovery. They work with people of all ages and often collaborate with other professionals, families, and carers to ensure comprehensive care.
It is one of the four Nursing and Midwifery Council regulated fields of nursing in the UK, with professional standards identified within ‘The Code’ that nurses and midwives must uphold to practice. Mental health nurses practice within the parameters of legal frameworks and policies to ensure patients’ and carers rights are upheld, and the care they provide does no harm.
Mental health nurses work in various settings, including hospitals; a range of community locations including peoples’ homes, and residential facilities; and in education establishments; the judicial system; unscheduled care settings and community health clinics. Mental health nurses also play a crucial role in reducing health inequalities, leading service transformation, educating others and research.
The Scottish Mental Health Nurse Leads Group (2025)
Contact
Email: mhnursingreview@gov.scot