Module: Mental Health Nursing 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mental Health Nursing 1
Module Code	NUR1016 (ITS: NS132)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

*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
Directed learning	8	reflection
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11239	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Siobhan Russell	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown

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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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, PRYJMACHUK, S, 1723565
2006: A Vision for Change: Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy., Government Publications Office., Dublin, 1723566
2006: Working With Serious Mental Illness, Elsevier, Edinburgh,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None