Response statement on the comments made by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN)

“The Council of Deans of Nursing & Midwifery Australia & New Zealand (CDNMANZ) and the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) note the comments made by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) about the time spent on mental health nursing skills in pre-registration programs, including post-graduate entry to practice Masters programs.

To ensure there is clarity on this issue, CDNMANZ and ANMAC wish to state that:

All 78 accredited undergraduate nursing programs leading to registration as an RN have a discrete mental health unit of study. While specialist mental health clinical placements are limited, opportunities to provide care required for people experiencing a challenge to their mental health are present in all contexts of health care.

• The Registered Nurse Accreditation Standards 2019 have the following requirement:
  • 3.5 The program’s content and subject learning outcomes ensure: (b) integrated knowledge of regional, national and global health priorities, including mental health and care of the older person
• All 82 Diploma of Nursing programs include a core Unit of Competency designated to mental health: In the current Health Training package this is HLTENN042 Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions

All approved programs of education leading to registration as a nurse in Australia meet the current quality requirements.

CDNMANZ and ANMAC are committed to continuous improvement in program content and relevance.  Both organisations always welcome input from various stakeholders as to how accreditation standards and program content can more effectively meet community expectations.” (ends)