Shaping Mental Health Care Through Advanced Practice

For Adam, nursing has always been more than just a career—it’s personal. Inspired by the care his grandmother received in hospital during his childhood, he spent weekends by her bedside, watching the compassion and dedication of the nurses around her. That early experience planted the seed for a lifelong commitment to helping others.

“I saw the empathy and care nurses showed my grandmother, and I knew I wanted to do the same—make a difference in people’s lives,” Adam says.

Adam began his professional journey with undergraduate degrees in Health Science and Nursing (Honours). He then went on to complete postgraduate studies in Mental Health Nursing, Psychology, and Nursing Leadership and Management. These foundations paved the way for the next major step in his career—pursuing a Master of Nurse Practitioner at the University of Newcastle.

Now a Transitional Nurse Practitioner with NSW Health, Adam works across both the emergency department (ED) and community mental health. In the ED, he conducts comprehensive mental health assessments for patients presenting with acute risks. Out in the community, he plays a clinical leadership role, supporting clinicians through acute care and case management.

While awaiting his endorsement as a NP, Adam is developing a new model of care for first episode psychosis. His goal is to improve early intervention and long-term outcomes for individuals at risk, especially within the Port Macquarie Base Hospital mental health service. “It’s about creating a clear, collaborative process that brings together all relevant stakeholders involved in the client’s care, most importantly being their family supports alongside their general practitioner,” he explains.

Juggling work, study, and family life hasn’t been easy—especially with a young son and the recent arrival of a second child. But for Adam, flexibility was key. “Being able to study online has made my career progression possible,” he says.

The support he received from the University of Newcastle also made a big difference. “The teaching staff were approachable and always available when I required direction or support around understanding an assessment item or concepts,” Adam recalls. “It was great being able to engage with them virtually on a weekly basis to ask questions and have larger discussions among the cohort around the teachings.”

He found particular value in the real-world focus of the course. “There are major components of the degree that I will use in my day-to-day work. Most importantly will be the education I’ve received around pharmaceuticals and the importance of safe and effective prescribing based on the holistic presentation of the individual,” he explains.

Two lecturers in particular made a lasting impression on Adam during his studies.

“Brandi Cole was incredibly supportive,” Adam says. “She even invited me to co-present with her at the Australian College of Nurse Practitioner conference, where I spoke about my role in the Mid North Coast and the mental health challenges in our region. She often gave up her own time to help me, especially when I didn’t have that support at work.”

“Fiona Dee was amazing too—especially leading up to my Viva Voce. She helped me stay focused and guided me through what was expected. That made a huge difference in my final assessment,” he says.

Another highlight was the chance to connect with like-minded mental health professionals from across Australia, in rural, remote and metro areas. “It allowed me to engage with and educate my peers and gain a broader understanding of other health care districts and systems,” he says.

Looking ahead, Adam’s ambitions extend well beyond clinical care. “My goal is to influence mental health reform in NSW and, one day, across Australia. I want my kids to grow up in a place where both their physical and mental health are considered in their well-being.”

He’s especially passionate about early intervention for young people and raising awareness around the mental health impacts of unresolved trauma. “I have seen firsthand how unresolved trauma leads to poor mental health outcomes from adolescences to adulthood. Stronger recognition and intervention are needed to reduce long term mental health concerns, particularly for young men.”

For Adam, becoming a Nurse Practitioner is just the beginning. “I hope this role is a stepping stone to advocacy, leadership, and real change. My passion lies in helping those who can’t always speak for themselves, and I believe this is the path to doing that,” he says.

Adam McGrath

Adam began his professional journey with degrees in Health Science and Nursing (Honours), Mental Health Nursing, Psychology, and Nursing Leadership and Management. These foundations paved the way for the next major step in his career—pursuing a Master of Nurse Practitioner at the University of Newcastle.

Being able to study online has made my career progression possible.