Helloo!

Silverdragon102, BSN · Dec 2, 2005

just want to say Hello :)

missebony · Dec 2, 2005

just want to say Hello :)

Thanks. I see that you are a practise nurse could you answer my question?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Dec 2, 2005

Thanks. I see that you are a practise nurse could you answer my question?

unfortunately been out of training many years and don't see student nurses. I believe you do a group foundation course for the first 18 months then you go onto specialise ie mental health. the best thing I can suggest is to contact your local university and ask them if they do post grad bridging courses

missebony · Dec 2, 2005

Thanks for your advice, I will do so.

letina · Dec 3, 2005

Hi missebony :)

My daughter-in-law is an RMN, she qualified at Diploma level 2 years ago. During her training, the first 18 months was spent on placements in the acute medical/surgical areas, this is the foundation as Anna mentioned above. The final 18 months is spent specialising in Mental Health.

missebony · Dec 3, 2005

Hi missebony :)
My daughter-in-law is an RMN, she qualified at Diploma level 2 years ago. During her training, the first 18 months was spent on placements in the acute medical/surgical areas, this is the foundation as Anna mentioned above. The final 18 months is spent specialising in Mental Health.

Hello Letina,

Does it mean that as a RMN you do some medical nursing?

Than you for answering my first question.:wink2:

letina · Dec 4, 2005

Hello Letina,
Does it mean that as a RMN you do some medical nursing?

My understanding is that you do the 18 months foundation medical training so that you have a basic knowledge of "general" nursing. The rationale is that patients who have mental health problems can also have other general nursing needs from time to time, and you need to be able to identify those needs so that they can be met appropriately. An RMN wouldn't necessarily perform any medical/surgical nursing tasks, but would refer the patient to the appropriate specialty for his/her specific nursing care management. Similarly, an RGN needs the knowledge skills to identify if a patient in his/her care may have mental health issues so that these can be addressed by the Mental Health team.

Hope that makes sense.

Tina :)

missebony · Dec 4, 2005

My understanding is that you do the 18 months foundation medical training so that you have a basic knowledge of "general" nursing. The rationale is that patients who have mental health problems can also have other general nursing needs from time to time, and you need to be able to identify those needs so that they can be met appropriately. An RMN wouldn't necessarily perform any medical/surgical nursing tasks, but would refer the patient to the appropriate specialty for his/her specific nursing care management. Similarly, an RGN needs the knowledge skills to identify if a patient in his/her care may have mental health issues so that these can be addressed by the Mental Health team.
Hope that makes sense.
Tina :)

I does, thank you!:thankya:

ClaireMacl · Dec 5, 2005

Hi Misseboney,

No doubt I am going to put the cat among the pigeons here... but... although you do partake in general training for a short time, your actual licence, I believe means that you are not allowed to practice it, I think for fear of litigation.

I often have patents sent to the ED with wounds and illnesses, sometimes minor, because the RMN is not allowed to treat them. There is also the issue that while there may be underlining medical conditions, in my area, at least at my last experience, there was no crash equipment available at the mental health inpatients unit.

I know that psychiatrists are not allowed to practice general medicine, therefore, if they know that a patient has a chest infection, they are not allowed to prescribe antibiotics for it, they must consult with a GP or practicing general medicine doctor.

Only mentioning this as I am not sure why you wish to have a general medicine education within your speciality.

Mike RGN · Dec 5, 2005

Hi evrybody
I have joined you recently and Iam enjoying it so far!
I wish to be a mental health nurse and would like to know what is the course content of Diploma in mental health. Do you learn any medical or it is only mental health related? I think it necessary tobe able to do medical nursing even if you are a mental health nurse .Can I take a medical nursing course after I register as a MH nurse?

Hi and welcome

My understanding at present is that one placement on a General Medical/Surgical ward, although working in areas involving care of the functional elderly and assesment will involve a degree of 'Medical nursing' to provide care fir this client group. The is no requirment in the UK to do adult Nursing prior to starting your mental Health and it is possible to do Adult nursing afterwards but funding for this course can be problematic as most employers will not sponsor staff to attend another speciality in case they leave.

missebony · Dec 6, 2005

Hi Misseboney,
No doubt I am going to put the cat among the pigeons here... but... although you do partake in general training for a short time, your actual licence, I believe means that you are not allowed to practice it, I think for fear of litigation.
I often have patents sent to the ED with wounds and illnesses, sometimes minor, because the RMN is not allowed to treat them. There is also the issue that while there may be underlining medical conditions, in my area, at least at my last experience, there was no crash equipment available at the mental health inpatients unit.
I know that psychiatrists are not allowed to practice general medicine, therefore, if they know that a patient has a chest infection, they are not allowed to prescribe antibiotics for it, they must consult with a GP or practicing general medicine doctor.
Only mentioning this as I am not sure why you wish to have a general medicine education within your speciality.

Hello ClaireMacl

I meant general nursing, I was thinking more about basic general nursing like using a syringe . Althought, I am aware that there is a limitation to what a nurse can do.

Thanks for your contribution .