Psychiatric mental health nursing

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (3rd Edition) is the official, authoritative guide defining the roles, responsibilities, and competencies of PMH nurses in the United States. It covers 17 national standards with detailed clinical and professional expectations for all practice levels.

Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, Third Edition is the definitive professional resource for psychiatric–mental health nurses (PMHNs) practicing in the United States. This essential document clearly defines the scope of practice and professional standards that guide safe, ethical, and high-quality psychiatric–mental health nursing care across diverse clinical settings.

The Scope of Practice section provides comprehensive answers to the fundamental questions of who, what, when, where, how, and why psychiatric–mental health nursing is practiced. It clarifies the role of registered psychiatric–mental health nurses within the healthcare system, outlining responsibilities, professional boundaries, and the knowledge base required to support individuals, families, groups, and communities experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

The Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance offer authoritative, nationally recognized statements describing the expected actions, behaviors, and competencies of all registered psychiatric–mental health nurses—regardless of role, population focus, specialty area, or practice setting. Developed through extensive collaboration and expert consensus among experienced registered nurses, this Third Edition reflects current evidence, regulatory expectations, and best practices in mental health nursing.

This updated edition presents 17 national standards of practice and professional performance, each accompanied by clearly defined competencies across three levels of nursing practice. These competencies support professional growth, role clarity, performance evaluation, and continuing education, making the document an invaluable tool for both individual practitioners and healthcare organizations.

Designed to inform, guide, and support clinical decision-making, Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, Third Edition serves as a foundational reference for:

• Ensuring safe, competent, and quality mental health care

• Supporting professional accountability and ethical practice

• Guiding education, certification, and professional development

• Informing policy, regulation, and organizational standards

Ideal for registered psychiatric–mental health nurses, advanced practice nurses, educators, administrators, and students, this premier resource is essential for maintaining excellence in psychiatric–mental health nursing practice. Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, Third Edition is truly a must-have reference for every PMHN committed to advancing mental health care and professional nursing standards.