Psychiatric Nursing Lecture
NUR 2520
Miami Dade College
Medical/Homestead Center Campus
Benjamin Leon School of Nursing
Generic Full Time Program
Syllabus
COURSE TITLE:
Psychiatric Nursing
COURSE NUMBER:
NUR 2520
SCHEDULE:
Mondays and Thursdays 11:00am to 2:20pm
TERM:
Summer 2021 – 5/10/21-6/6/2021
COURSE CREDITS:
2 Credits
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Dr. Janis Walsh, DNP, RN
Professor Maria O Kimsey, MSN, RN, WCC
School of Nursing
School of Nursing
Office: B-231
Office: B-229
Office hours: By appointment
By appointment
Phone: 305- 237- 5108
305-237-5236
Cell: 325-668-4097
Cell: 786-223-1237
Email: jwalsh1@mdc.edu
Email: mortega2@mdc.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of psychiatric nursing. Students will learn
to provide care in in-patient and community settings, focusing on the nurse’s role in meeting the
needs of the patient, family, and the community. Prerequisites: NUR
1211, 1211L, 1214C or 1002, 1002L; 1142. Co-requisites: NUR 2520L. Special fee. (2 hr.
lecture).
Competency 1:
The Student will identify the importance of biological psychiatry
to the understanding of the etiology of selected mental illnesses by:
a. describing the anatomy and physiology of the brain
b. identifying the major neurotransmitters and how they function as
neuro-messengers in influencing behavior/mood
c. identifying laboratory tests pertinent to diagnostic evaluation
Competency 2:
The Student will describe the assessment tools used in mental
health/mental illness by:
a. recognizing the DSM-IV classification system
b. recognizing the multi-axial assessment
c. identifying the components of a mental status assessment
Competency 3:
The Student will understand the legal implications in the care of a
psychiatric client by:
a. understanding the Baker Act procedure
b. summarizing the Patient Bill of Rights
c. describing the support provided by community agencies and
organizations for clients experiencing disruptions in mental health
Competency 4:
The Student will discuss the role of the nurse-client relationship in
a psychiatric setting by:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Competency 5:
discussing the therapeutic use of self
reviewing therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication
comparing and contrasting the phases of the nurse-client relationship
identifying the different roles of the psychiatric nurse in a psychiatric
facility
The Student will describe principles of crisis intervention by:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
differentiating normal anxiety from pathological anxiety
identifying the different types of crisis
identifying factors that contribute to crisis development
describing the role of the nurse in crisis intervention
identifying support systems and community agencies
a. identifying appropriate diagnostic studies used in assessment
b. identifying clinical manifestations
c. describing collaborative management of clients in crisis situations
including delegation of responsibility
d. selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
e. discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
f. discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
Competency 6:
The Student will describe the nursing management of clients with anxiety
disorders by:
a.
b.
c.
d.
reviewing the psychobiology and other etiological factors
identifying appropriate diagnostic studies used in assessment
identifying clinical manifestations
describing collaborative management of clients with anxiety disorders
including delegation of responsibility
e. selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
f. discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
g. discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
Competency 7:
The Student will describe the nursing management of clients with
Grief, loss/mood disorders by:
a. reviewing the psychobiology and other etiological factors
b. identifying appropriate diagnostic studies used in assessment
c. identifying clinical manifestations
d. describing collaborative management of clients with mood disorders
including delegation of responsibility
e. selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
f. discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
g. discussing the nutritional requirements for clients with mood disorders
h. discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
i. identifying available community support systems
Competency 8:
The Student will describe the nursing management of clients with
schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders by:
a. reviewing the psychobiology and other etiological factors
b. identifying appropriate diagnostic studies used in assessment
c. identifying clinical manifestations
d. describing collaborative management of these clients including
delegation of responsibility
e. selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
f. discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
g. discussing the nutritional requirements for these clients disorders
h. discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
i. identifying available community support systems
Competency 9:
The Student will describe the nursing management of clients with
personality/adjustment disorders by:
a. reviewing etiological factors
b. identifying psychological studies used in assessment
c. identifying clinical manifestations
d. describing collaborative management of these clients including
delegation of responsibility
e. selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
f. discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
g. discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
h. identifying available community support systems
Competency 10:
The Student will describe the nursing management of clients with
substance related disorders by:
a. reviewing the psychobiology and other etiological factors
b. identifying diagnostic and psychological studies used in assessment
c. identifying clinical manifestations
d. describing collaborative management of these clients including
delegation of responsibility
e. selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
f. discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
g. discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
h. identifying available community support systems
Competency 11:
The Student will describe the nursing management of clients with
sexual and gender identity disorders by:
a. reviewing the psychobiology and other etiological factors
b. identifying psychological studies used in assessment
c. identifying clinical manifestations
d. describing collaborative management of these clients including
delegation of responsibility
e. selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
f. discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
g. discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
h. identifying available community support systems
Competency 12:
The Student will describe the nursing management of clients with
cognitive disorders by:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Competency 13:
reviewing the psychobiology and other etiological factors
identifying psychological and diagnostic studies used in assessment
identifying clinical manifestations
describing collaborative management of these clients including
delegation of responsibility
selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
identifying available community support systems
discussing the nutritional requirements for these clients
The Student will describe the nursing management of infancy,
childhood, and adolescent disorders by:
a. reviewing the psychobiology and other etiological factors
b. identifying diagnostic and psychological studies used in assessment
c. identifying clinical manifestations
d. describing collaborative management of these clients including
delegation of responsibility
e. selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
f. discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
g. discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
h. identifying available community support systems
i. discussing the nutritional requirements for these clients
Competency 14:
The Student will describe the nursing management of clients experiencing
human abuse by:
a. reviewing the etiological factors
b. identifying psychological studies used in assessment
c. discussing the legal ramifications for these clients
d. identifying clinical manifestations
e. describing collaborative management of these clients including
delegation of responsibility
f. selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches/interventions
g. discussing the use of the nursing process as a framework for providing
individualized care
h. discussing the educational needs of clients and their families
i. identifying available community support systems
COLLEGEWIDE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Miami Dade College has adopted General Education Outcomes. This course provides
intentional learning experiences to address outcomes #1 and #5.
Outcome #1
Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills by:
 Discussing the differences between verbal and nonverbal communication.
 Identify personal and environmental factors that can impede communication.
Outcome #5
Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives by:
 Describe the importance of culturally relevant care in mental health nursing
practice.
 Compare and contrast American nursing beliefs, values and practices with the
beliefs, values and practices of clients of other cultures
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Outcome #1
Adhere to standards of professional practice (is accountable for his/her own actions and
behaviors) and practices nursing within legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks.
Outcome #2
Demonstrate effective or therapeutic communication with promotes positive outcomes and/or
trusting relationship.
Outcome #3
Display assessment skills, which establish a foundation for the provision of nursing care.
Outcome #4
Deliver nursing care based on evidence and critical thinking, resulting in clinical decisionmaking.
Outcome #5
Use caring interventions to assist patients in meeting their health care needs.
Outcome #6
Employ teaching and learning processes for clients, staff and health team members to promote
and maintain health and reduces risks.
Outcome #7
Collaborate with patients, support persons and health team members to produce positive patient
outcomes.
Outcome #8
Use human, physical, financial, and technological resources to meet patient needs and support.
TEXTBOOKS
Required:
 Faculty, Miami- Dade Community College (2001). Associate degree nursing curriculum.
Level 2. Miami, FL
 Varcarolis (2017). Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A communication
approach to evidence-based care, (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Elsevier
Recommended:
 Karch, A., (2012) Focus on nursing pharmacology, (6th. Ed.) Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins.
 You may use any other pharmacology book of your choice.
COURSE EVALUATION
GRADING POLICY:
Components of Grade:
2 Unit tests (25% each)
Final
Practiced Assessment, Standardized
Proctored Assessment & Remediation
50%
40%
10%
School of Nursing Grading Scale:
93-100%
A
85-92%
B
77-84%
C
69-76%
D
Below 69% F
Method of Communicating Grades:
Grades for each test will be distributed within one week of taking the test.
COURSE/DEPARTAMENTAL POLICIES
MAKE UP TEST:
There are no make-up tests in this course. If a student is unable to attend class on the day a test
is scheduled, the weight of the final exam will be increased by the weight of each missed test. If
more than one test is missed, the student may be asked to withdraw.
TEST REVIEW:
Faculty will review exam content when test results are distributed. Students who wish to review
their own test results must schedule an appointment with the faculty within two weeks of
receiving individual results.
PRACTICE ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION
1. At designated times during the course, the student will take two Practice Assessment tests
from home.
2. The results of the Practice Assessment A will generate a remediation plan.
3. The student must complete the assigned ATI Remediation Plan prior to taking the
Practice Assessment B.
4. At the completion of the assigned ATI Remediation Plan, the student will complete
Practice Assessment B.
5. In order to receive the full points, the student must complete all areas of the 2 Practice
Assessments and the remediation Plan.
Practice Assessment and Remediation
2 POINTS
Practice Assessment A
Complete Practice
Assessment A.
2 POINTS
Remediation Plan
 Complete ATI Assigned
Remediation Plan.
 For each topic missed complete:
o An active learning
template
o Identify three critical
points to remember
2 POINTS
Practice Assessment B
Complete Practice
Assessment B
STANDARDIZED PROCTORED ASSESSMENT
The Standardized Proctored Assessment is mandatory and is given towards the end of the course
(courses include Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Psychiatrics, Medical
Surgical, and Advanced Medical Surgical). The student can earn up to a total of 4 points based
on the level achieved on the Standardized Proctored Assessment. The following scale will be
used for the Standardized Proctored Assessment:
STANDARDIZED PROCTORED ASSESSMENT
Level 3 = 4 points
Level 2 = 3 points
Level 1 = 1 point
Below Level 1 = 0 points
Special Note:
The Standardized Proctored Assessment is a mandatory course requirement. Failure to complete
the Standardized Proctored Assessment will result in no points being awarded. Failure to
complete the assigned remediation plan and Practice Assessment A and B will result in no points
being awarded.
TESTING ROOM POLICY:
Refer to student handbook
http://www.mdc.edu/nursing/docs/Associate-in-Science-Nursing-Student-Handbook.pdf
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is required in order for students to successfully meet the course objectives. Students
who miss any scheduled lectures are responsible for acquiring the missed information.
ILLNESS/EMERGENCY:
Notify the instructor regarding absence or tardiness.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students involved in any form of academic
dishonesty including copying from others during an exam or allowing others to copy from your
exam or otherwise helping other students with answers during an exam will face disciplinary
sanctions in accordance with the College’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. For
more information, please obtain a copy of the Handbook at the Student Life Department or
review it in the MDC student website.
PROGRESSION:
To progress to the following semester, students must earn a grade of “S” (clinical) and/or “C”
(lecture) or higher in every nursing course required this semester. Please see co-requisites.
REMEDIATION:
Students who are not meeting course objectives and or requirements are responsible for seeking
tutorial remediation. It is the student’s responsibility to make an appointment with the course
instructor for direction regarding remediation.
SMART PLAN POLICY:
The Benjamin Leon School of Nursing’s goal is for every student to be successful throughout the
nursing program. Nursing students are only allowed to repeat a course one time, if failed the
second time, the student will be dismissed from the program. To avoid this from happening, and
to remediate the student, a SMART Action Plan for Remediation has been developed for each
nursing course. Each SMART Plan is specific for the failed course and focuses on student
preparation and success. It is mandatory in the School of Nursing that any student who is
unsuccessful in a course the first time must complete a Smart Plan before being allowed to retake/re-register for the course. To initiate the SMART Plan, students must:
a. Be advised and referred by their course instructor.
b. Meet with a Retention Specialist who will initiate the SMART Action Plan.
c. Complete all assignments with the Retention Specialist, who will verify your work and
send a completion release to the student’s program Department Chairperson.
d. The Chairperson will be responsible for re-enrolling the student into courses and
notifying the student’s instructor of your completion status.
e. Please see your Department Chairperson for more information.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
Every student is required to submit for a level 2 security background check by the college and by
the various institutions the Nursing School affiliates with. To do so, go to
http://myappt.mymdc.net and download. Sign it and take it with you to the North Campus Police
Academy or the Criminal Justice Program (Bldg. 8). You are to prepay at any campus’s bursar’s
office before finger printing. Present your receipt of payment. Do not break your appointment.
AVAILABLE SUPPORT SERVICES
ACCESS STATEMENT:
By providing a variety of services that address a spectrum of disabilities, the ACCESS
department works to ensure equal access and opportunity throughout the college experience.
Students with a documented disability are encouraged to contact the campus ACCESS
(Disability Services) Department in advance for information on appropriate policies and
procedures for obtaining assistance. Retroactive auxiliary aids and services cannot be provided.
The ACCESS department is located in Building 1, Room 1113, and can be reached at
(305) 237-4027. Please note it is the student’s responsibility to self-identify at each campus
where they are taking courses and seeking services.
TUTORING SERVICES:
https://libraryguides.mdc.edu/rn
LABS:
Nursing Skills Labs
http://www.mdc.edu/nursing/nursing-skills-lab.aspx
Clinical Simulation Lab
http://www.mdc.edu/medical/campus-information/facilities-csl.aspx
POLICY ON CHANGE(S) TO COURSE SYLLABUS:
The professor retains the right to make changes to the course syllabus. Changes will be
communicated to students verbally, in writing, or both.
DATE
Week # 1
Monday
05/10/2021
CURRICULUM CONTENT
READING FROM
VARCAROLIS TEXTBOOK
&
ADN CURRICULUM
Mental health and Mental
Illness
ADN Curriculum (p. 106 – 113)
o Chapter 1
o Chapter 2
Psychobiology
ADN Curriculum (p. 100 – 105)
o Chapter 4
III.
Legal and Ethical Issues in
Psychiatric Nursing
ADN Curriculum (p. 114 – 118)
o Chapter 6
IV.
Community Mental Health
Nursing**
I.
II.
o Chapter 5**
Submit by your first day of class
a copy of the certificate of
completion for the FREE online
INTRODUCTION TO THE
BAKER ACT course.
Go to: https://fcbonline.remotelearner.net/
Thursday
05/13/2021
Therapeutic Communication in
the Nurse-Patient Relationship
ADN Curriculum (p. 119 – 138)
o Chapter 8
o Chapter 9
VI.
Nursing Care of a Patient in
Crisis
ADN Curriculum (p. 139 – 147)
o Chapter 20
VII.
Anxiety Related Disorders
 Trauma and Stress
Related Disorders
 Somatoform &
Dissociative Disorders
(Independent Study)
ADN Curriculum (p. 148 – 154)
o Chapter 10
o Chapter 11
o Chapter 12
V.
ATI Assessment A opens due
Sunday 5/16/2021 @ 11:59 pm
Week #2 VIII.
Monday
05/17/2021
Test # 1 Curriculum
Content I –
VII
Care of the Client Experiencing
Grief and Loss/Mood
Disorders:
 Depression
o Grief and loss
o Suicide
 Bipolar Spectrum Disorders
Thursday
05/20/2021
IX.
Week #3
Monday
05/24/2021
X.
XI.
Test # 2 Curriculum
Content
XII.
VIII – XI
XIII.
ADN Curriculum (p. 155 – 159)
o Chapter 15
o Chapter 23
o Chapter 25
o Chapter 16
Nursing Care of the Patient
with Schizophrenia & Other
Psychotic Disorders
ADN Curriculum (p. 160 – 117)
o Chapter 17
Care of the Patient with Eating
Disorders
Care of the Patient
Experiencing Substance
Related Disorders
ADN Curriculum (p. 179 – 186)
o Chapter 19
Nursing Care of the Patient
with Personality Disorders
(independent study)
ADN Curriculum (p. 172 – 178)
o Chapter 13
Nursing Care of the Patient
with Sexual and Gender
Identity Disorders – Adults
(independent study)
o Chapter 14
ADN Curriculum (p. 187 – 193)
o Chapter 27
ATI remediation due
Thursday XIV.
05/27/2021
Care of the Child and
Adolescent with Psychiatric
Disorders
XV.
Care of the Patient with
Degenerative Brain
Disease/Cognitive Disorders
ADN Curriculum (194 – 205)
o Chapter 18
XVI.
Care of the Older Adults**
Chapter 28**
ADN Curriculum (p. 206 – 212)
o Chapter 26
ADN Curriculum (p. 213 – 218)
o Chapter 21
XVII.
Week # 4
Monday
5/31/2021
Thursday
06/03/2021
Human Abuse/Sexual
Violence/Anger, Aggression,
and Violence
o Chapter 22
o Chapter 24
ATI assessment B opens due
Sunday 5/30/2021 @ 11:59
MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
AT: 11:00 AM.
FINAL ATI EXAM AT: 2:00 PM
** Not included in the curriculum – but included in the NCLEX – Optional lecture or
student assignment.
To complete the: INTRODUCTION TO THE BAKER ACT – SUICIDE PREVENTION Go to: https://fcbonline.remote-learner.net/
BENJAMIN LEÓN SCHOOL OF NURSING – MEDIAL/HOMESTEAD CAMPUS
GENERIC FULL TIME PROGRAM
SUMMER 2021
Acknowledgement of Syllabus Receipt
I, ___________________________, have received and understand the syllabus containing the
policies and requirements for the NUR 2520 course.
_____________________________________
Signature
________________
Date