Leader: Mrs Sue Henderson (Gippsland) & Mr Charanjit Singh (Peninsula)

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Day)
Mildura Second semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will provide an opportunity for students to develop fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to the restoration and maintenance of optimal mental health and recovery from mental illness. Students are expected to learn to assess mental health problems and to identify the coping abilities of individuals and families, and to care for people with selected mental disorders including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Emphasis is placed upon empowerment of the individual and caregiver using the stress/vulnerability model and family based management.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. discuss the concepts of mental health and mental illness with reference to historical and contemporary classification systems;
2. demonstrate a knowledge of the Victorian Mental Health Act (1986) as amended;
3. conduct a mental status assessment and a risk assessment;
4. describe the roles and functions of the members of the multidisciplinary mental health team;
5. describe the aetiological factors, epidemiology and clinical manifestations of a range of mental disorders including anxiety disorders, personality disorders, sexual disorders, mood disorders and schizophrenia;
6. apply the knowledge of these factors in the care of clients and families of clients with mental health problems;
7. demonstrate a knowledge of a range of psychotherapeutic interventions;
8. discuss ethical issues which pertain to psychiatric and mental health nursing;
9. communicate effectively with people who are experiencing disturbances of thoughts, feelings and behaviour; and
10. demonstrate cultural sensitivity and safety in mental health nursing practice.

Assessment

Written assignment: 25%
Tutorial Worksheets: 15%
Formal examination: 60%
Clinical Assessment: Pass/fail
100% attendance mandatory
Students must attend 90% of all scheduled laboratories - refer to school clinical guidelines for details.

Contact hours

4 hours per week (lectures, tutorials, labs) plus 75 hours clinical

Prerequisites

NUR1101, NUR1102, NUR1401