Nursing, including mental health nursing, is a large occupation with opportunities in many different locations and organisations.
Mental health nurses represent the largest mental health workforce in Australia and work in all contexts of care. You may work across metropolitan and rural areas for public and private organisations, or go on to contribute to mental health policy and research.
According to the Australian Government, employment rates have increased steadily over the past 10 years and are forecast to continue growing for the foreseeable future. A substantial workforce gap is projected for the mental health nursing sector to 2030.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that $11.6 billion was spent on mental health-related services in 2020-21.
Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for registered nurses are set to increase by 12.2% to 2028.