Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Psychiatric Nursing)
Peninsula
campus (distance education)
Course code: 0699
Course coordinator: Mr S Elsom
Special requirements: Students are required to have access to a personal
computer and a modem.
This one-year part-time course is designed to respond to the needs of
registered nurses who wish to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to care
for people with psychiatric and mental health problems. The course is offered
by distance education mode and makes extensive use of computer technology to
facilitate communication between students, teaching staff, clinical experts and
customers.
To
provide registered nurses with skills and knowledge to care for people who have
psychiatric and mental health problems.
On
successful completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the clinical features and management of common
psychiatric disorders;
- appreciate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the community;
- demonstrate knowledge of a range of psychotherapuetic interventions;
- describe the roles and functions of nurses and other health
professionals within a multidisciplinary mental health service;
- develop a greater self awareness and demonstrate effective counselling
skills;
- communicate effectively with people who are experiencing disturbances of
thoughts, feelings and behaviour and with their families and carers;
- utilise a range of skills and effective therapeutic strategies in
meeting the needs of people with mental illness, their families and carers.
To
be eligible for admission, an applicant would normally:
- have relevant registration (eg Division 1 with the Nurses Board of
Victoria);
- have at least one year of nursing experience; and
- have a degree in nursing or related discipline.
Special entry may
be available.