Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve

MEDICAL SERVICES Registered Nurse (Mental Health) CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As an RAF Mental Health Nurse, you will operate in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver a safe and effective community mental health service-to-service personnel, in order to enhance and sustain the operational effectiveness of the UK Armed Forces.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During First Six Months £16,800+ + Benefits

Initial pay after training £31,759 + Benefits

Please Note: This role is recruiting for a potential training year 23/24 intake.

Apply as a Regular


DAY RATE STARTS AT: Depends on Rank, Role and Experience

There are currently no vacancies for this role. Please telephone 0345 606 9069 to register your interest and receive notifications when vacancies become available.


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 21 – 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • You must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register, (Mental Health Nurse level 1) May apply for selection, during final year of RN (MH) training (i.e. up to 12 months before completing RN (MH) qualification). All candidates must be NMC registered before contract offer
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth
  • You must also hold a current full UK driving licence.
  • Commit to a minimum of 4 years return of service
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below
  • Now Recruiting Dual Qualified Nurses. Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / adult mental health’ and are active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register, will be considered if all eligibility criteria is met.

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Health care
  • Analysis and maths

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council
  • Be working currently as a Mental Health Nurse
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or above or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language and Mathematics
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.
  • Commit 27 days per year for 12 years minimum
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Travelling the world
  • Health care

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife
4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide assessment, care planning, coordination, evaluation and monitoring of specific evidence-based therapies/treatment to patients.
  • Provide Mental Health Medical support to Aeromedical Evacuations from locations worldwide.
  • Deploy to areas of conflict when required to provide Mental Health Support to deployed UK Armed Forces.
Play video
Play video

As a Registered Nurse (Mental Health), you will initially work as a community mental health nurse alongside a multidisciplinary team, providing high standards of nursing care to Service personnel. You will also train for the aeromedical evacuation role, ensuring the in-flight care and safety of patients requiring aeromedical evacuation for Mental Health reasons.

Community mental health nurses in the RAF deliver care to all Service personnel in a variety of locations with the focus being on treatment, occupational management and health promotion. You may get the opportunity to work at Tactical Medical Wing as an Aeromedical Mental Health Nurse. You will follow NICE guidelines in providing the highest quality of care through evidence-based practice. This practice will involve using diagnostic procedures, pharmacological interventions and therapy-based treatment such as EMDR and CBT.

Unified Career Management (UCM) is a new approach to managing cadres of people where the capabilities they deliver are very similar across two or more of the single Services (sS). Personnel within UCM cohorts will benefit from new and bespoke career pathways which offer individuals the opportunity to progress a career within specialist cohorts. Serving personnel will transfer to UCM Medical Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) on 1 January 2024 under their current engagement/commission type and length of Service (LoS), those joining the sS on/after 1 January 2024 will automatically be aligned with UCM Terms of Service (TOS).

All RAF Nurses are part of the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service. As a Registered Nurse (Mental Health) Reserve, if mobilised on operations you will work alongside your regular RAF colleagues as a Community Mental Health Nurse (CMHN) alongside a multidisciplinary team, providing high standards of nursing care to Service personnel. You may also train for the Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) role, ensuring the in-flight care and safety of patients requiring AE for mental health reasons.

You will join your nearest geographically located RAF Medical Reserve unit: 612 Squadron at Leuchars Station, Fife; 4626 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire: 502 Squadron at Flying Station Aldergrove, Northern Ireland; or 600 Squadron at RAF Northolt, Middlesex.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Salary
Benefits Salary
Civilian Role
RAF Role
  • Rent from £75p/m
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • 6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

  • Training
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Paid pension
  • Paid holiday

See All Benefits

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE

Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Princess Mary’s RAF Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) provides the opportunity to formalise your Specialist qualification. Your Mentor and the Nurse Education Advisor (NEA) will provide advice and guidance.

More Details +

YOUR FIRST TOUR

Your initial tour will be to a Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) in the UK, where you will be mentored whilst consolidating your military training. This tour usually lasts for 3 years.

You will predominantly work in a DCMH on a military base, independently running out-patient clinics at your unit and the surrounding military bases. Once trained, you will be expected to support the provision of a 24-hour MH aeromedical evacuation service for UK Armed Forces personnel and entitled civilians with MH conditions requiring movement by air.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

As a qualified RN(MH) you will be expected to maintain your currency in clinical practice and to be active in your professional development as a nurse. In consultation with the NEA you will have the opportunity to undertake further education and training throughout your career.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In preparation for your operational role you will complete a period of preceptored practice when you will complete your Deployed Operational Nursing Competences, Trade Management Training and Junior Management and Leadership Course. RAF personnel are also eligible to apply for the Eagles Scheme Adventure Training.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS AND PROGRESSION:  

You will initially join the RAF for 12 years on a Notice Engagement (You can apply to leave at any point during this period but this is subject to 6-12 months minimum waiting time). Pay, pension and service beyond the initial engagement (up to a maximum of age 60 years) are linked to your performance and rank progression. On successful completion of the BRTC you will progress to your first Unit appointed to the rank of Acting Corporal. On completion of the Junior Management and Leadership Course and Trade Management Training you will be eligible for promotion to Corporal. Further promotion to the rank of Sergeant and beyond is by competitive selection.

Opportunities to apply for a Commission as a Nursing Officer are possible providing you have completed a minimum of 24 months clinical practice.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

In addition to the leadership and management training that threads throughout your career, you may undertake professional nursing courses and study days.  These courses are fully accredited, fully transferable and recognised by the NHS.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with Reserve Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC(R)) Part 1, delivered locally at your Sqn. BRTC(R) Part 2 is a 2-week course conducted at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire, which should be completed within your first year in the RAF Reserves. BRTC(R) is designed to teach basic military skills such as weapon handling and fieldcraft.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Following BRTC(R) you will undertake the Transition to Military Practice course (TtMP) at the Defence Medical Academy at DMS Whittington, Staffordshire. The courses will help you to transition from civilian to military nursing.

Commitment and location

You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.


Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.


You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Be aged between 21 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Be aged 18-54 (and meet all specialist/professional pre-requisites listed below)
Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

You must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register, (Mental Health Nurse level 1) May apply for selection, during final year of RN (MH) training (i.e. up to 12 months before completing RN (MH) qualification). All candidates must be NMC registered before contract offer.

DUAL QUALIFIED NURSES. Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / adult mental health’ or ‘adult nursing / child’ and are active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register, will be considered if all eligibility criteria is met. In order to meet the NMC revalidation criteria for both registrations, the individual will have to maintain 450 hours in each specialist area over a 3 year validation period. Individuals will be placed where service needs lie and although support will be given to assist revalidation activities in both areas, the individual is ultimately responsible. The individual, with line manger support is to organise appropriate placements outside their primary role (in the form of an agreed job plan). Frequent liaison with immediate line managers and career managers is essential. Further guidance regarding maintenance of clinical hours can be found in JSP 950 Part 1 Lft 4-1-4 Annex D.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton on day one of your initial training. This consists of the following:

  • Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-47 12.54 7.07 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-47 15.19 5.04 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRFV Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRFV Fitness Test here:

RAF PRFV Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

You must be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council. You must be working currently as a Mental Health Nurse. 

Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or above or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 20 35
17-29 11.11 20 35
30-34 11.36 19 32
35-39 12 18 29
40-44 12.26 17 26
45-47 12.54 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 10 32
17-29 13.23 10 32
30-34 13.47 9 29
35-39 14.13 8 26
40-44 14.48 7 23
45-47 15.19 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Register Interest

SIMILAR ROLES

Medical and medical support
Registered Nurse (Adult)
Find Out More
Medical and medical support
RAF Medic
Find Out More
Medical and medical support
Registered Nurse (Adult)
Find Out More
Medical and medical support
RAF Medic
Find Out More
01 02

View all roles