Module: Mental Health Nursing 2

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mental Health Nursing 2
Module Code	NUR1010 (ITS: NS107)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the theory and process of mental health nursing
2. Describe the key features of commonly experienced mental health problems
3. Explain the of process of engaging with people who experience mental distress
4. Discuss the work of mental health nurses and their role within the multidisciplinary team
5. Explain the importance of the therapeutic use of self in mental health nursing practice.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	40	Formal delivery of content in the classroom
Independent Study	70	Prescribed reading/writing and self-directed study
Laboratory	7	Practice of clinical skills through workshops and simulation
Fieldwork	8	Reflection
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20804	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	10%	Examination Weight	90%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Siobhan Russell	Module Teacher	Selina Coghlan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	With reference to a reflective cycle of your choosing- reflect on an experience which you have learned from while on your clinical placement.	10%	n/a
Formal Examination	Academic Assignment	90%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Theory and process of mental health nursing
History of mental health nursing. Core philosophies, theories, and frameworks of mental health nursing e.g Recovery, Peplau, Barker, Orem. The role and scope of mental health nursing. The nursing process in mental health nursing. Mental health nursing in current health care and interdisciplinary practice contexts.

The context of mental health nursing
Structure and organisation of mental health services. Legislative frameworks.

Key features of commonly experienced mental health problems
Prevalence, incidence and key symptoms of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders and dementia/cognitive disorders. Introduction to treatment approaches in mental health. The personal experience of living with a mental health problem. The impact of mental health problems

Process of engaging with people who experience distress.
Introduction to practice of therapeutic engagement and intervention.

The therapeutic use of self
Transference, counter- transference, self-awareness and reflection.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Evans, N. and Hannigan, B: 2016, Therapeutic Skills for Mental Health Nurses, Open University Press, London,
Gamble, C and Brennan, G.: 2006, Working With Serious Mental Illness, Elsevier,, Edinburgh,
Norman, I and Ryrie, I: 2013, The Art and Science of Mental Health Nursing, 3rd, Open University Press, Berkshire,
Pryjmachuk, S: 2011, Mental health Nursing. An Evidence Based Introduction., Sage, London,
Videbeck, S.L: 2017, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, 7th, Woltrers Kluwer, London,
American Psychiatric Association: 2013, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5, American Psychiatric Association., Arlington.,
Department of Health and Children: 2006, A Vision for Change: Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, Government Publications Office, Dublin,
World Health Organisation: 0, International Classification of Diseases 10, World Health Organisation., Geneva,
NMBI: 2025, Code of professional conduct and ethics for registered nurses and registered midwives., Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland., Dublin,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None