NURS 352
Mental Health Nursing
a. Catalog Entry
NURS 352. Mental Health Nursing
Three hours lecture. Six hours practicum (5).
Prerequisites: Upper division standing.
Semester offered: Fall and Spring
Development of nursing knowledge and skill for mental health promotion, protection, and
restoration.
b. Detailed Description of Content of the Course
The objectives and content of this Level 1 Course are derived from the School of Nursing's
philosophy and conceptual framework, and facilitate achievement of the School's program
objectives. Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course are common to major
psychiatric/mental health nursing textbooks, and represent areas covered on standardized
examinations and the NCLEX-RN. Current research and advancement in nursing theory and
clinical practice also determine course content.
Topical Outline:
l. Introduction
a. Definitions of mental health/illness
b. ANA Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nursing Practice
c. Conceptual framework
d. Cultural, legal, and ethical mental health issues
e. Community-based mental health care
2. Psychiatric Assessment
a. Psychiatric history
b. Mental status examination
c. DSM-IV-TR classification
d. Suicide assessment and intervention
e. Violence assessment and intervention
f. Family assessment and intervention
3.Treatment modalities
a. Therapeutic relationships and communication
b. Psychopharmacology and ECT
c. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
d. Group process and therapy
e.Crisis intervention
f. Therapeutic environment
4. Mental health promotion strategies
a. Assertiveness
b. Self-awareness
c. Self-esteem
d. Support groups
e. Stress management
f. Relaxation techniques
g. Coping enhancement
h. Social support
i. Self-nurture
6. Psychopathology and nursing interventions
a. Anxiety, somatoform, and dissociative disorders
b. Mood disorders
c. Schizophrenia
d. Personality disorders
e. Eating disorders
f. Substance abuse
g. Sexual disorders
h. Organic mental disorders
c. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The following teaching strategies will be employed:
Lecture, discussion, videotapes, filmstrips, small group activities, clinical practice, clinical
conferences, student presentations, written projects and computer-assisted instruction.
d. Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. Applies the nursing process at a beginning level in partnership with the client to promote,
protect, and restore the holistic health of mental health clients.
2.Demonstrates critical thinking regarding the ANA Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health
Clinical Nursing Practice and health care issues pertinent to mental health.
3. Demonstrates caring through theory and evidence based nursing interventions for mental
health clients.
4. Uses basic therapeutic communications skills in the clinical setting and effective oral and
written communication in the clinical and classroom settings.
5. Evidences independence, accountability, and novice leadership skills for beginning level
nursing practice with mental health clients.
6. Examines cultural, legal, and ethical issues related to the provision of mental health care.
e. Assessment Measures
May include:






Test; Exam; Quiz
Paper
Project, Individual or Group
Care Plan
Oral Presentations
Class Participation
The course grade is determined by an evaluation of the extent to which the student meets the
stated course objectives. Students must have a minimum of a 75% in theory (measured through
testing). Students must also demonstrate satisfactory clinical performance to pass the course. The
clinical practicum is pass/fail. A minimum course grade of "C" is required for the course to count
for the major.
f. Other Course Information
Students With Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans
With Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO).
The DRO is located in Room 32, Tyler Hall, telephone 540-831-6350. To receive academic
accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with me no later
than the second week of the semester.
Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment
to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or
exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in
strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.
f. Review and Approval
Date Action Reviewed by
May 2001 Undergraduate Curriculum Janet Hardy Boettcher, Revision Director
NURS 352
Mental Health Nursing
A. Catalog Entry
NURS 352. Mental Health Nursing
Three hours lecture. Six hours practicum (5).
Prerequisites: Upper division standing.
Semester offered: Fall and Spring
Development of nursing knowledge and skill for mental health promotion, protection,
and restoration.
B. Detailed Description of Content of the Course
The course provides the theoretical basis for and clinical experience in applying
the nursing process to provide mental health care. The objectives and content of
this Level 1 Course are derived from the School of Nursing’s philosophy and
conceptual framework, and facilitate achievement of the School’s program
objectives. Additionally, the Essentials for Baccalaureate Education for
Professional Nursing Practice are conceptualized to include community based
nursing practice. The major topics and skills covered in this course represent
areas covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN
Test Plan. Current research and advancement in theory and clinical practice
also determine content.
C. Topical Outline:
l. Introduction
a. Definitions of mental health/illness
b. ANA Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nursing Practice
c. Conceptual framework
d. Cultural, legal, and ethical mental health issues
e. Community-based mental health care
2. Psychiatric Assessment
a. Psychiatric history
b. Mental status examination
c. DSM-IV-TR classification
d. Suicide assessment and intervention
e. Violence assessment and intervention
f. Family assessment and intervention
3.Treatment modalities
a. Therapeutic relationships and communication
b. Psychopharmacology and ECT
c. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
d. Group process and therapy
e. Crisis intervention
f. Therapeutic environment
4. Mental health promotion strategies
a. Assertiveness
b. Self-awareness
c. Self-esteem
d. Support groups
e. Stress management
f. Relaxation techniques
g. Coping enhancement
h. Social support
i. Self-nurture
6. Psychopathology and nursing interventions
a. Anxiety, somatoform, and dissociative disorders
b. Mood disorders
c. Schizophrenia
d. Personality disorders
e. Eating disorders
f. Substance abuse
g. Sexual disorders
h. Organic mental disorders
C. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The following teaching strategies will be employed:
Lecture, discussion, videotapes, filmstrips, small group activities, clinical practice,
clinical conferences, student presentations, written projects and computer-assisted
instruction.
D. Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. Accepts oneself as an independent learner who is beginning to
assimilate new knowledge, concepts, and experiences of mental health
nursing practice.
2. Demonstrates the application of basic therapeutic nursing interventions
for the efficient, safe, and compassionate delivery of mental health nursing
care and accepts accountability for actions.
3. Demonstrates clinical thinking through examining the ANA Standards
of Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice, Nursing’s Social Policy
Statement, evidenced-based research findings, and various health issues.
4. Uses standardized terminology in a care environment that reflects
nursing’s unique contribution to mental health patient outcomes.
5. Examines how mental health care policies, legislative processes,
finance, and regulatory environments influence nursing practice and
mental health care delivery.
6. Applies basic communication skills required for professional mental
health nursing practice in the clinical and classroom setting and accepts
accountability.
7. Recognizes the client as a partner in developing mental health
promotion and disease prevention strategies across the lifespan.
8. Examines the decision-making process for ethical dilemmas in
classroom and mental health clinical setting and accepts accountability for
actions. Identifies personal, professional, and environmental risks that
impact mental health promotion.
9. Develops an awareness of patients as well as healthcare professionals’
spiritual beliefs and values and how those beliefs and values impact
mental health care.
E. Assessment Measures
May include:






Test; Exam; Quiz
Paper
Project, Individual or Group
Care Plan
Oral Presentations
Class Participation
The course grade is determined by an evaluation of the extent to which the student
meets the stated course objectives. Students must have a minimum of a 75% in theory
(measured through testing). Students must also demonstrate satisfactory clinical
performance to pass the course. The clinical practicum is pass/fail. A minimum course
grade of "C" is required for the course to count for the major.
F. Other Course Information
Students With Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the
Americans With Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource
Office (DRO). The DRO is located in Room 32, Tyler Hall, telephone 540-836350. To
receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms
and meet with me no later than the second week of the semester.
Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a
commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without
compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This
class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student
Handbook for details.
F. Review and Approval
Date Action Reviewed by
May 2001 Undergraduate Curriculum Janet Hardy Boettcher, Revision Director
February 2011, Kim Carter, Director