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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Mental Health Nursing 4
Module Code NUR1026 (ITS: NS211)
Faculty Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health School Science & Health
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 7.5
Description

This module will assist students to develop their knowledge and skills in planning and implementing evidence-based care with people who have mental health problems. Students will be facilitated to explore the impact of mental distress and illness on individuals and families at various stages of their lives.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an ability to plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based care in collaboration with people who are experiencing mental health problems
2. Demonstrate knowledge of mental health nursing and psychosocial interventions for people experiencing mental health problems.
3. Identify and discuss the importance of a recovery orientation underpinning the planning and delivery of mental health nursing care.
4. Discuss how family dynamics/functioning can interact with mental health in positive and negative .
5. Understand the therapeutic use of self in the delivery of mental health nursing care


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture32Formal Delivery of content in the classroom
Clinical laboratory12Practice of clinical skills through simulation and workshops
Fieldwork8Reflection
Independent Study120Prescribed reading and self-directed study
Total Workload: 172
Section Breakdown
CRN20809Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorMary FarrellyModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentBased on case histories provided the student will select one case history and outline the required evidence based nursing care for the person.80%n/a
Reflective journalStudents will be required to submit a reflective learning journal based on their learning in the first 4 weeks of the module.20%n/a
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

Care planning
Goal setting, planning and evaluating care in different care contexts. Documenting the care planning process

Mental health nursing and psychosocial interventions for people experiencing mental health problems.
Evidence based mental health nursing interventions for people experiencing low mood, psychosis, mania/hypomania, anxiety and self-harm. Psychosocial interventions: Cognitive behavioural, solution focused, motivational, humanistic and strengths based interventions. Working in groups: planning, organising and facilitating therapeutic groups. Nursing care associated with psycho-pharmacological treatments.

Recovery orientation mental health nursing care.
Understanding and working with people living with enduring mental health problems, mental health problems as protracted or life-long conditions and the impact of this on individuals, families/carers and health professionals. Strengths based mental health nursing practice Working in collaboration with clients, families and the community Recovery, empowerment, institutionalisation, Wellness Recovery Action Planning, working to promote independence

Family dynamics/functioning and mental health
Working with families, family dynamics and mental health. Specific therapeutic approaches used in working with families.

Therapeutic use of self in the delivery of mental health nursing care.
Reflection, self-awareness and therapeutic relationships

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Barker, P.: 2009, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: The Craft of Caring, 2nd, Arnold, London,
  • Evans, N. and Hannigan, B.: 2016, Therapeutic Skills for Mental Health Nurses., Open University Press,, London,
  • Healy, D.,: 2016, Psychiatric Drugs Explained,, 6th Ed.,, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh,
  • Gamble, C and Brennan, G.: 2006, Working With Serious Mental Illness., Elsevier,, Edinburgh.,
  • Mental Health Commission: 2008, A Recovery Approach within the Irish Mental Health Services,, MHC, Dublin,
  • Videbeck, S.L. (2009) (1st Ed) Woltrers Kluwer. London: 2009, Mental Health Nursing, 1st Edition, Woltrers Kluwer, London,
  • Mental Health Commission: 2012, Mental Health Commission Guidance Document on Individual Care Planning Mental Health Services ,, MHC, Dublin,
  • Romme, M., Escher, S., Dillon, J., Corstens, D. & Morris, M.: 2009, Living with Voices: 50 Stories of Recovery, PCSS Books, Herefordshire,
  • Nelson-Jones, R.,: 2008, Basic Counselling Skills,, Sage, London,
  • Nelson-Jones, R.: 2010, Theory and Practice of Counselling and Therapy,, 5th Ed, Sage, London,
  • Norman, I and Ryrie, I: 2013, The Art and Science of Mental Health Nursing,.,, 3rd Ed, Open University Press, Berkshire,
  • Pryjmachuk, S.: 2011, Mental health nursing. An Evidence Based Introduction., Sage,, London.,
  • Read, J. and Dillon, J: 2013, Models of Madness,, Routledge, London,
  • Romme, M., Escher, S., Dillon, J., Corstens, D. & Morris, M.: 2009, Living with Voices: 50 Stories of Recovery,, PCSS Books, Herefordshire,
  • The British Psychological Society: 201, Understanding Psychosis and Schizophrenia,, BPA, London.,
  • NMBI: 2015, Recording Clinical Practice Professional Guidance, https://www.nmbi.ie/nmbi/media/NMBI/Publications/recording-clinical-practice-professional-guidance.pdf?ext=.pdf,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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