Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
There are distinctive attributes of mental health nursing that set it apart from other areas in which nurses can practice which can be promoted as career benefits. A face to face interaction with nurses practicing in mental health provides an opportunity to hear facts and stories from practice, and feel first hand the inspiration that comes from the love of the work, allaying myths and misconceptions along the way. It is well known that a positive experience in mental health for nursing students can influence career choices on graduation.
The ACMHN Ambassador program aims to establish a structure to attract the attention of the professional and general community.
The Ambassadors will be a small national team to promote and engage directly with the professional and general community to promote mental health nursing and subsequently promote credentialing.
In April, eight members of the College from each state and territory were approached to become Ambassadors in this early pilot phase. It is hoped that once the program has been tested and settled, it can be expanded to include more volunteers.
Ambassadors will be State and Territory based and attend local forums and activities with nurses and other stakeholders
This will enhance and support the enormous contribution already made by ACMHN Branch members. The expected outcomes of the Ambassador program for the College are – a greater awareness of mental health nursing, a conduit of information from and to the College about mental health nursing, and more nurses involved in mental health nursing.
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