This thesis explores how changes in the role of mental health nurses has impacted their professional identity and implications for recruitment and retention. It used qualitative interviews with experienced and student nurses to understand their perspectives on being a mental health nurse. The study found that developing more generic mental health clinician roles has caused role ambiguity and role conflict for nurses. This has negatively impacted professional identity and likely contributes to declining numbers of nurses entering and staying in mental health careers. The thesis makes recommendations around education and support to help strengthen professional identity and improve recruitment and retention of mental health nurses.