National Mental Health Pathways to Practice Program

Starting out in a career as a nurse can be daunting, but with the right support and resources, nurses will thrive. Be part of a mentoring program that offers an opportunity for nurses caring for patients with living with a mental health condition to connect and learn from each other.

This program run by APNA and funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care and backed by Monash and the Universities of Newcastle, Tasmania, and South Australia, builds on the success of APNA's Transition to Practice Program.

The program matches nurses in their first five years of caring for patients living with a mental health condition with experienced mental health nurses or nurse practitioner mentors. With exclusive access to APNA's online Community to Practice forum, this program benefits both mentors and mentees in learning, development and career advancement.

Mentees
Mentors
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Mentees - why should I take part?

Our specially designed program matches you with an experienced nurse mentor. Over six months, you'll get over 20 hours of mentoring and exclusive access to an online Community of Practice forum, connecting you with peers and early career resources for added support.

Benefits

Free professional development program allowing you to build your professional network and open doors to new career opportunities.
Flexibility to suit your schedule – meet with your mentor online at a time and frequency that works for you.
Tailored support from early on in your career - gain valuable insights from mental health nurses who have already been in your shoes and faced similar challenges. You'll receive personalised advice and support, helping you navigate challenges more effectively.
Develop your key professional and interpersonal skills through feedback and coaching.
Build your confidence in your abilities and decisions.
Mentors can help you identify career goals, improve job performance, and accelerate professional growth to advance your career.
The mentoring relationship encourages self-reflection and will help you develop a clearer sense of your strengths and areas for future improvement.
Contributes towards your continuing professional development (CPD) hours.

Eligibility

You can be a mentee if you're a nurse in your first five years of caring for people living with a mental health condition and would like the opportunity to have a mentor.

Apply here

Mentor - why should I take part?

As you know, building a supportive network is crucial to a successful nursing career. This special program for Mental Health nurses, pairs those in their first five years working with people with mental health problems with experienced practitioners, like you, as a mentor. You will be fully supported by an expert team, have access to tools and resources and receive a payment of $1,200 for your time.

Benefits

Improve your leadership skills and step-up within the sector, supported by a wealth of resources and tools.
Be recognised for your knowledge and rewarded with a $1200 payment acknowledging the value of your time and expertise.
Contribute to the future of healthcare and play a key role in improving mental health support for all Australians.
Connect with a community of practice.
Expand your professional network through mentees, gain access to new opportunities and connections, and develop fresh perspectives to bring to your workplace.
Enhance your reputation within your workplace and sector.
Get personal satisfaction by helping someone grow and achieve their goals.
Contributes towards your continuing professional development (CPD) hours.

Eligibility

You can be a mentor if you're a Registered Nurse or a Nurse Practitioner with four or more years of experience working in the mental health sector.

Apply here