Mental Health Nurse

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Foundation Trust in Greater London is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Nurse for the Emergency Department. This role involves providing professional leadership and ensuring high standards of care for patients requiring mental health support. Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, formulating care plans, and promoting therapeutic relationships. The ideal candidate will possess a nursing qualification and experience in mental health settings. Offers a dynamic work environment with commitment to diversity and equal opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Mental Health nursing.
• Ability to conduct psychosocial assessments.
• Knowledge of Mental Health legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide Mental Health nursing support in the Emergency Department.
• Ensure patient safety and implement care plans.
• Conduct risk assessments and triage for Mental Health patients.
• Engage in therapeutic relationships and maintain patient confidentiality.

Skills

Mental Health nursing

Psychosocial assessment

Risk management

Therapeutic communication

Clinical decision making

Education

Nursing qualification

Job description

Job Summary

To provide Mental Health nursing support to patients in the Emergency Department including ensuring their safety within clinical areas and/or during escort duties. To be responsible for the initial provision and/or the maintenance of high standards of care for patients in the ED. To provide professional leadership in relation to the day-to-day management of patients requiring Mental Health care and support. To follow the patients’ Mental Health Risk Management Plan as devised by Psychiatric Liaison staff, Lead Nurse – Mental Health or Nurse Advisor (MH), or a Duty Psychiatrist. Where appropriate, to formulate care plans in relation to the patients mental health needs in conjunction with other mental health professionals and the patient but to adhere to plans put in place by the assessing Mental Health Team including Psychiatric Liaison services. To fulfil the relatively autonomous role of Mental Health Nurse in a non-Mental Health setting, working to established policies and procedures but willing and able to use professional decision-making skills and discretion as required.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure that the handover has been adequate, including the current mental state and nature of the mental health difficulties, details of current or planned Mental Health Act Assessments, and plans for physical and medical care.
• Using therapeutic skills, engage with the patient and make an initial psychosocial assessment; advise the ED Majors Co-ordinator and the Psychiatric Liaison Nurse.
• Complete the Mental Health Triage and Risk Assessment form for all Mental Health patients and those requiring 1:1 observations; complete the hourly observation and behaviour summary.
• Promote therapeutic relationships that take account of the patient’s customs, values and spiritual beliefs; facilitate dignity, independence and choice.
• Adhere to the Trust Engagemement and Observation of patients with Mental Health Needs Policy and any other relevant policies or guidelines.
• Awareness of the patient’s history, manage known or unknown risks, liaise closely with the ED medical team, and refer to the PLN if psychiatric assessment is required when risks or concerns are evident.
• Ensure that any Risk Management Plan put in place by Mental Health services is adhered to and utilize clinical skills to advise on any changes indicated in relation to the implementation of these plans.
• Ensure that the environment around the patient is as safe as possible; actively manage risk; screen patient’s belongings where appropriate; conduct with nursing team’s agreement and support.
• Monitor and, if appropriate, restrict access to any item that could be used by the patient to harm themselves or others.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the nurse in charge of the clinical area; assist with other reasonable requests such as cleaning, stocking areas, preparing cubicles between patients, etc.
• Provide teaching sessions to Emergency Department staff on relevant Mental Health subjects and attend Emergency Department teaching.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information at all times.

About the Trust

Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award‑winning clinics across North West London. Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E, children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use. We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.

Application Notes

If you haven’t heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six‑month probation. The advert closes on Monday 19 Jan 2026.