Background: Mental health nursing has undoubtedly progressed as a profession but is at a hiatus that is not assisted by government policy and decreased resources. Aims: This reflective account explores some of the considerable expectations placed upon qualified nurses and the real tensions that influence care delivery standards. Methods: Reflecting on experiences gained in clinical settings, underpinned by literature on recovery, some of the expectations placed on qualified nurses in contemporary mental health service delivery are examined. Conclusion: In order to adequately inform the practices and skill set of contemporary mental health nurses, recovery models and clinical staff input should play a central role in nurse education. Education and clinical practice areas should continue to move towards each other and seize every initiative to ensure both are on the same page.