Setting the standard through the pursuit of excellence, the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) is the voice of the mental health nursing profession in Australia. The college is the peak professional mental health nursing organisation and the recognised credentialing body for our country's mental health nurses. We represent mental health nurses across all levels of government and health service sectors.

WHY MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
Beyond the triggers themselves, the media, internet and social media have a profound affect on those who may not be directly affected but are sympathetic or at risk of developing emotional fatigue due to sensationalism.

Mental health nursing is a specialised field of nursing which focuses on working with consumers to meet their recovery goals. Mental health nurses consider the person's physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs, within the context of the individual's lived experience and in partnership with their family, significant others and the broader community.

AN INFLUENTIAL PROFESSION IN 2020
Mental health nurses support consumers and their families during life crises and transition periods, they liaise discretely and efficiently with a range of health care providers, provide information and education on mental health maintenance and restoration, coordinate care and provide talking therapy.

Mental health nurses work across the full range of clinical and service settings, and across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas - they play a significant role in the health care system and have the qualifications, skills and experience to provide high-quality mental health nursing care in all contexts. The mental health nursing workforce needs to be flexible and responsive and able to work with people across the lifespan, and in a variety of workplace settings.

Established in 2004, the states and territories of Australia came together to form a peak body for mental health nurses nationally. ACMHN represents over 3,000 mental health nurses and has a Chapter in each state and territory of Australia.

STATE OF PLAY
In an age where mental health-related illness is prevalent in Australia and remains a key health issue, we strive to set a standard for excellence in the mental health nursing profession and promote the benefits of qualified, credentialed, professional practitioners.

The national and international disasters experienced in the initial weeks of 2020 are the basis for a mental health crisis in Australia.This places mental health nurses in even higher demand, as our country struggles to deal with the impact of bushfires, drought and medical emergencies, such as Coronavirus.