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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Siobhan Russell
Semester 2: Siobhan Russell
Autumn: Siobhan Russell
Module TeachersSiobhan Russell
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat examination
Description

This module introduces students to concepts of mental health and ill health and will help students to begin to develop fundamental skills of therapeutic engagement with people who experience mental health problems and their families.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the concept of mental health and ill health
2. Discuss the various theoretical perspectives on mental ill health
3. Discuss the history and contemporary contexts of mental health and ill health
4. Develop an understand of the skills and knowledge required to become a capable mental health nurse
5. Develop an understanding of the importance of self-awarenes



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture40Formal delivery of content in the classroom
Independent Study70prescribed reading/writing and self-directed study
Laboratory7Practice of clinical skills through workshops and simulation
Directed learning8reflection
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The concept of mental health and ill health
Definitions of mental health, ill health and distress. Models of mental health use of language in discussing mental health

Perspectives on mental ill health
Biomedical, psychological, social, critical anti-psychiatry and the lived experience. Classification, diagnosis and prevalence of mental health problems.

History and contemporary contexts of mental health and ill health
An overview of historical origins and contemporary national and international developments in mental health care. Legislative frameworks and human rights in mental health

Skills and knowledge required to become a capable mental health nurse
The therapeutic relationship Understand the process of therapeutic engagement with people who have mental health problems. Values, beliefs and attitudes in mental health nursing. Interpersonal skills and the therapeutic relationship.

Self-awareness
Care of self in therapeutic encounters and mental health nursing practice; self-awareness, reflective practice, professional boundaries, physical and psychological safety of self and others

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Indicative Reading List

  • Healey, D.: 2009, Psychiatric Drugs Explained, 5th, Elsevier, London,
  • World Health Organisation.: 0, International Classification of Diseases 10, World Health Organisation., Geneva,
  • Nolan, P.: 1993, A History of Mental Health Nursing, Chapman and Hall, London,
  • American Psychiatric Association.: 2000, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - IV, 4th, American Psychiatric Association., Arlington,
  • Finnane, M.: 1981, Insanity and the Insane in Post-Famine Ireland., Croom Helm, London,
  • Cutcliffe J & McKenna H: 2005, The Essential Concepts of Nursing., Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh,
  • Evans, N. and Hannigan, B: 2016, Therapeutic Skills for Mental Health Nurses., open University Press,, London,
  • Norman, I and Ryrie, I: 2013, The Art and Science of Mental Health Nursing, 3, Open University Press Berkshire, London,
  • Viebeck, S.L.: 2017, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, 7, Woltrers Kluwer, London,
  • 2011: Mental health Nursing. An Evidence Based Introduction, Sage, London, 300015
  • 2006: A Vision for Change: Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy., Government Publications Office., Dublin, 300016
  • 2006: Working With Serious Mental Illness, Elsevier, Edinburgh,
Other Resources

None

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