Why you should read this article

•

To recognise the importance of early intervention in children and young people with mental health issues to ensure that these issues do not persist into adulthood

•

To be aware that revised Nursing and Midwifery Council proficiency standards require nurses to assess patient’s mental health and well-being

•

To understand how the use of clinical practice guidelines can enhance the care of children and young people with mental health issues

Early intervention in children and young people with mental health issues is important to ensure that these issues do not persist into adulthood. However, while children and young people with mental health issues have traditionally been cared for in specialist facilities to ensure their safety, a lack of inpatient beds means that these patients are being admitted to children’s wards in general hospitals. Children’s nurses require education and training in mental health to provide optimal care for these children and young people. This article explains how the development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for children and young people with mental health issues could increase patient safety. Similarly, postgraduate mental health education and training for children’s nurses could support enhanced care. The article also discusses how the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s revised proficiency standards will require nursing students and registered nurses to enhance their knowledge of caring for people with mental health issues.