Mental Health Nursing Officer

Overview

As a member of the military, Mental Health Nursing Officers provide nursing care in the mental health nursing domain of practice to ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and supported populations in tertiary and primary care environments in Canada and while on operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient‑partnered care
• Manage crisis situations
• Coordinate patient cases
• Offer consulting services to the health care team
• Develop and manage policies and programs
• Deliver education and training to staff and patients

Work Environment

Mental Health Nursing Officers usually work in Canadian Force Health Services Centres, civilian tertiary care centres, and Headquarters. They work in an office at a base, wing or garrison and deploy overseas on operational missions. During field exercises and deployments to military operations abroad, they live and work in the same environment as the CAF members they treat.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, you will be assigned to a base upon completion of all required training and may be relocated during your career. If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will work part‑time through a specific Reserve unit, typically one night per week and some weekends, with the possibility of full‑time employment.

Entry Plans

• In‑Service Selection: Nursing Officers who joined through any entry plan may be selected to specialize as a Mental Health Nursing Officer and advance in roles and ranks.
• Direct Entry: If you already hold a university degree, are licensed as a Registered Nurse in a Canadian province or territory, and have civilian nursing experience in a mental health environment, the CAF may place you directly into a Mental Health Nursing Officer position after evaluating your experience. You will still need to complete some education and certification to complement your civilian experience.

Training

After completing the Rank Qualification Lieutenant training, Nursing Officers selected for specialization or with relevant civilian experience must complete a formal mental health nursing course and obtain certification that ensures they possess the competencies needed to deliver nursing care in general mental health and psychiatric emergency settings. The certification is completed in a Canadian civilian tertiary care facility and at Canadian Forces Health Services Centres through a designated curriculum. The course duration depends on the officer’s prior clinical experience.

Additional specialized courses and certifications may include:

• Addiction
• General Mental Health Services
• Psychosocial Services
• Counseling
• Management
• Policy and Program Management

Part‑Time Options

Reserve Force Mental Health Nursing Officers receive the same training as Regular Force counterparts. Your civilian experience must reflect employment in a mental health environment. For questions about suitability, contact a Canadian Forces Health Services Recruiter at HSRecruiting-RecrutementSS@forces.gc.ca.

Related Careers

• Psychiatrist (Medical Specialist)
• Nursing Officer
• Medical Officer

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Health Care Provider

For further information, please contact a Canadian Forces Health Services Recruiter: HSRecruiting-RecrutementSS@forces.gc.ca.