Mental health nursing students and generic proficiencies: how educators can support assessment

Recent shifts in nursing education towards generic proficiencies pose challenges to the unique demands of mental health nursing education. Student mental health nurses at the authors’ higher education institution (HEI) have provided service feedback that has expressed the difficulties they have encountered. This article examines the issues faced by students, assessors and educators in interpreting and applying the proficiency standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Addressing the complexities of mental health nursing education, as well as the barriers to learning and attainment, requires a collaborative effort and innovative solutions if HEIs are to successfully prepare future mental health nurses to meet the evolving demands of their role. The proposed solution is a ‘Proficiency Directory’, which provides structured resources for mental health nursing students to align learning experiences with assessment criteria, facilitating a more comprehensive and meaningful learning journey.