Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing I

At the end of the course, the student should be able to: 1. identify common causes of mental illness and predisposing factors; 2. differentiate between the features of groups of mental disorders; 3. discuss different management methods for mental disorders, including somatic therapies; 4. utilise the nursing process and DSM IV-TR multi-axial diagnosis in managing patients with mental health/psychiatric disorders in a variety of settings; 5. discuss mental health act and laws, including ethico- legal aspects of mental health; and 6. collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and multi-sectoral agencies in provision of mental health services to individuals, family and community, that includes promotion of mental health.

Concepts in mental health nursing and the variety of commonly occurring psychiatric conditions throughout the lifespan. The role of the nurse in the care of the mentally ill, including mental health promotion and rehabilitation in the community. Patient assessment for mental health/psychiatric disorder using the nursing process and relevant management methods. Use of the DSM – IV TR (Multiaxial System for Psychiatric Diagnosis) to evaluate and describe multiple conditions of clients. Interpersonal skills and attitudes necessary for the nurse to act as a therapeutic agent. History of the mental health movement - national and international. Classification of mental health disorders. Discussion of specific behaviours. Symptoms, signs. Intervention methods by health care providers - individual and group approach. Therapeutic care. Behaviour management. Management of different mental health disorders. Substance related disorders and management. Legal coverage (Mental Health Acts, ethical codes and patients’ Bill of rights). The legal aspects of mental health/psychiatric nursing and the nurses’ role. Mental health counselling, referrals and follow ups.