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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2013 - 2014

Module Title Intro to Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing
Module Code NS132
School School of Nursing and Human Sciences

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorMs Angela CocomanOffice NumberH213
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module introduces students to concepts of mental health and illness/disorder, explores the work/roles of psychiatric and mental health nurses. This module will also help students to begin to develop fundamental skills of assessment and therapeutic intervention.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss how mental disorder/illness is classified
2. Describe the signs and symptoms of commonly experienced mental health problems
3. Demonstrate skills required to undertake a mental status examination
4. Describe the process of engaging with people who experience distress.
5. Discuss the history and contemporary contexts of psychiatric/mental health nursing
6. Describe the work of mental health nurses and their role(s) within the multidisciplinary team



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture30Formal Delivery of content in the classroom
Laboratory6Practice of clinical skills through simulation and workshops
Independent Study89Prescribed reading and self directed study
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 human experience of mental and social distress.

An overview of historical origins and contemporary national and international developments in psychiatric/mental health nursing.

Definitions of mental health, illness and behavioural problems.

Influence of gender, age, culture on experience and beliefs regarding mental health and illness.

Classification, diagnosis and prevalence of mental illness/disorder.

Common features and treatment approaches in relation to bi-polar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, dementia and psychosis.

Process and practice of assessing mental health status.

Components of a nursing care plan.

Introduction to principles of psychotherapeutic engagement and intervention.

Care of self in therapeutic encounters and mental health nursing practice – self awareness, reflective practice, boundaries, physical and psychological safety of self and others.

Psychiatric/mental health nursing in current health care and interdisciplinary practice contexts.

Core philosophies, theories, and frameworks of mental health nursing.

The context and lived experience of undertaking mental health work within contemporary mental health / psychiatric services.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment0% Examination Weight100%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Egan, G.: 0, The Skilled Helper: A Problem-Management and Opportunity Approach to Helping., 9th, Brooks/Cole, Pacific Grove, CA,
  • Barker, P.: 2004, Assessment in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 2nd, Nelson Thornes, Cheltenham,
  • Healey, D.: 2009, Psychiatric Drugs Explained, 5th, Elsevier, London,
  • Department of Health and Children.: 2006, A Vision for Change: Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy., Government Publications Office., Dublin,
  • American Psychiatric Association.: 2000, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - IV, 4th, American Psychiatric Association., Arlington,
  • 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,
  • 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,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
BNPYBSc in Nursing (Psychiatric)
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