A shortage of in-patient beds and medical and nursing professionals are the challenges that face our mental health services, according to CQU's Professor of Contemporary Nursing, Brenda Happell.

"The change in policy from institutionalised care to community-based care has generally been welcomed by most as a concept. However, there is a widespread view that often the reality has not matched the ideal," Professor Happell explained.

Professor Brenda Happell"Because mental health has not been funded at the same rate as other areas of health care, there are insufficient resources in the community to provide the level of care required."

The problem is further exacerbated by shortages of mental health professionals including nurses. Professor Happell believes the problem is one of both recruitment and retention.

She finds many students commence their nursing degree with little if any interest in a future career in the mental health field, despite it being a very rewarding profession.

"Mental health provides an opportunity to work more closely with people than many other branches of nursing."

"Personally, I have always felt more comfortable in working with people than with machines that go beep."

"High quality nursing is an integral part of effective mental health service delivery so efforts must be made to attract and retain nurses in the mental health area."

Professor Happell was recently appointed as the Vice-President of the Queensland Branch of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.  The Australian College of Mental Health Nurses is the peak professional body for mental health nurses in Australia and is the only organisation that solely represents mental health nurses.  Professor Happell is also the Editor of the International Journal of Mental Health Nurses, the official journal of the College.

Professor Happell moved to Rockhampton earlier this year to take up the position of Professor of Contemporary Nursing at CQU. She said she was drawn to the ‘life by the sea' and a chance to work closer with industry. Previously Professor Happell was the inaugural Director of the Centre for Psychiatric Nursing at the University of Melbourne.

"Regional universities have the potential for closer relationships with industry to achieve mutual goals."

Professor Brenda Happell believes mental health nursing can be rewarding.CQU will be presenting an Information Night on 'Nursing as a Career' along with a tour of the CQU nursing laboratories on Monday September 10 between 7pm and 9pm.

For further information about the information night contact Kay Brodel on 4930 9862 or via k.brodel@cqu.edu.au .