Gearing Up Aussie Nurse Grads for Mental Health

Ever thought about how Australian nursing students get ready for mental health jobs? A recent study, following a method called PRISMA-ScR, found 31 studies conducted in English between 2000 and 2023. What do these studies say? They reveal that well-structured clinical placements can reduce the stigma around mental health. Students feel more at ease and gain more interest in mental health nursing when their placements are well-planned. Simulated learning environments also give a confidence boost. Here’s an interesting fact: involving people who have personal experience with mental health in teaching can make a significant difference. So, what’s the main point? Thoroughly planned and resourced learning experiences can truly make an impact. But here’s the problem: involving people with real-life mental health experience in teaching is not happening enough.