Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The nature of mental health and illness; the nursing process in psychiatric nursing; roles and functions of mental health nurses; contexts of care; mental health problems and disorders; therapeutic interventions in mental health care; ethical and legal issues; specialisation in psychiatric/mental health nursing.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Conduct comprehensive mental health nursing assessment including risk assessment;

2. Describe the commonly used diagnostic classification systems in psychiatry and mental health nursing;

3. Promote consumer participation in all aspects of mental health care;

4. Demonstrate advanced mental health nursing skills in planning, implementing and evaluating mental health nursing care for people with mental disorders;

5. Describe the principles underlying contemporary therapeutic interventions for people with mental health disorders;

6. Demonstrate skills and knowledge in the use of a range of contemporary physical therapies including psychopharmalogical preparations, electroconvulsive therapy, and milieu therapies (e.g. high dependency, seclusion, Snoezelen, etc.);

7. Describe relevant legislation and policy impacting upon the professional practice of mental health nursing;

8. Critically analyse ethical issues in nursing people with mental health disorders;

9. Critically appraise research evidence applicable to mental health nursing practice;

10. Ensure that mental health nursing practice is culturally appropriate.

Assessment

Written assignment (3000 words): 30%
Online exercises: 30%
Examination: 40%
Clinical skills assessment (hurdle requirement)

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Annette Woodhouse