Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Mental Health)

Course code: 1752 + Course abbreviation: GradDipNurs (Mental) + Total credit points required: 48 + 4 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

Off-campus (Peninsula – P/T only)

Course description

This course, offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, is designed for registered nurses who wish to pursue a career in mental health nursing. In this time of change in the provision of mental health services, there is an acute need for educational programs that will equip professional nurses with the specialist skills required by mental health care agencies at local, national and international levels. This course incorporates the accredited Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Mental Health), which leads to endorsement as a psychiatric nurse by the Nurses Board of Victoria.

Course objectives

On completion of the course students are expected to be able to: 1. demonstrate an awareness of the mental health needs of a community and the role of a specialist mental health service in addressing these needs; 2. understand that the majority of people with major mental illness can be effectively and efficiently cared for in the community utilising a combination of contemporary biological and psychosocial treatment methods; 3. utilise a range of skills and effective therapeutic strategies in meeting the needs of people with mental illness, their families and the community; and 4. critically analyse contemporary issues impacting upon the practice of professional psychiatric nursing.

Course structure

This course consists of three core units studied in year one and four elective units studied in year two.

Core units

NSG5214 Developing a therapeutic alliance
NUR5215 Mental health concepts and practice
NUR5227 Integrated mental health care

Electives

The choice of units undertaken will vary according to the student's professional interests and career directions. Units are normally chosen from three broad themes:

specialisation or advanced practice in mental health nursing
complementary or professionally broadening studies (eg health informatics, case management, community nursing)
research preparation (essential for students intending to progress to the Master of Nursing program).

Students should discuss the above elective areas with the course coordinator.

Assessment

Assessment includes assignments, skills assessment, online discussion and an exam.

Contact details

Peninsula: administrative officers (postgraduate): telephone: +61 3 9904 4156; fax: +61 3 9904 4655 or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/nursing/postgraduate/

Course coordinator

Ms Sue Henderson

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