Mental health nursing progression?

[asblackasyoursoul]

Hi everyone, not sure if I'm posting in the right place but I'm trying to seek advice anywhere I can so thought I'd post here. I'm 19 and currently studying to be a MH nurse.

Hey everyone, just looking for some advice. I'm currently training to be a MH nurse.

I'm very interested in the academic side of things though. I got an A in Higher Psychology (A-level equivalent I think) and I absolutely loved it. However through looking online it's difficult to find courses I could do. Has anyone got any advice?

I have looked at becoming an advanced nurse practitioner, but what of the academic side/research? Thank you

Hi
I don’t have direct experience of this but have worked with mental health nurse practitioners. I think of all branches of nursing this is the most promising in terms of becoming an autonomous practitioner and plenty opportunities to develop your own research stream when you decide what your specialism is. It’s a very good career choice and could lead to a very rewarding and well paid job. Try and get talking to some people in your local trust - they probably have seminars etc you can attend and get a feel for the profession and the research opportunities.

Ime you wouldn't need to worry about the academic research side of things. Get qualified, practice a bit, maybe see if any clinical education type jobs come up then go for that.

Once qualified keep contacts at the uni and offer your help if they need a practice partner for assessments, etc. Apply for a lecturing post when one comes up. Nursing lecturer posts are teaching focused not research focused, early career posts anyway.