HCA - Mental Health (it it a physical job?)

[Cg1988]

Hi all! Thanks in advance for your time and help, just looking for some advice is possible?

I’m currently a HCA in Adult General nursing (Really physical job, Manual Handlng ect.)

I’ve been off work sick for 9 months with a slipped disc in my back, I’m loads better but advised by my GP to do a new role with no manual handling. I’m still employed but being redeployed to a new role with no manual handling components.

My query is, I really enjoy helping and supporting people and enjoy being in the nursing environment in general. I’ve always fancied Mental Health Nursing, and managed to get myself an interview and just wondering if there are any mental health nurses who can advise if mental health nursing is a really physical job? Ie, pushing patients in beds, wheelchairs, hoisting ect.. or will I just be supporting a person with their mental health needs through talking therapies and referrals ect?

I’m just looking to move into a role where I can still help people without the manual handling component.

Any help and advice will be much appreciated 😊

It varies, where I work the HCA's can be on 1:1 specials, take care of hygiene needs, do laundry, shopping, accompany residents out to shops etc.

You'll very likely be required to do a Co trol and restraint course (or whatever your trust calls it) which is 5 days of rolling around on the floor learning how to physically restrain patients safely and effectively. You'll be black and blue by the end.
Then you'll have to restrain patients on the ward, this is physically very hard on your knees usually.
You'll no doubt be asked to facilitate S17 leave for patients, which can involve walking miles.
Probably not the job for you unfortunately.