3- Mental health nursing (theory)
Course description
Students in this course will analyze theories, techniques, and research relevant to
therapy with clients (individuals, families and groups) experiencing mental health
problems (neurotic and psychotic). Applications of traditional and contemporary
models are emphasized. These include assessment and engagement, psychoeducation, problem solving and goal setting, relapse prevention, and family group
work. The determinants of healthy behaviours will be considered, as will how
people stay healthy, how and why they become ill and how they deal with acute
and chronic illness. Both physical and mental health and illness will be examined.
Course objectives
By the end of the course you should have developed knowledge and
understanding of:

Evidence base practice and interventions.

The range, complexity and dilemmas of diverse perspectives in the field of
mental health and distress

A holistic model for understanding mental health and distress

The importance of service users’/survivors’ experiences and perspectives

How mental health issues affect everyone

The structure of contemporary mental health services, including
legislation, policy, planning and delivery.
Teaching Methods
You will experience a variety of teaching and learning methods such as: lectures,
seminars, reflective practice, debates, simulation exercises, role-play, problem
based learning and independent study. You will learn practical skills in a clinical
environment where you will be fully supported by experienced qualified
professionals. You will use a fully equipped skills centre to develop your clinical
skills.
Course Evaluation:
20 % Mid-Term
20 % reports
20% Assessments
40 % final Exam.
References
Mental Health Nursing- An evidence-base approach by Rob Newell and Kevin
Gournay (second edition, 2009).
Mindfulness and Mental Health: Therapy, Theory and Science by Chris Mace
(Paperback - 1 Aug 2007)
Child & Adolescent Mental Health: Theory and Practice (Hodder Arnold Publication) by Margaret
Thompson, Michael Cooper, and Christine M Hooper (Paperback - 30 Sep 2005)
Mental Health Nursing Skills by Patrick Callaghan, John Playle, and Linda Cooper
(Paperback - 29 Jan 2009)
Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing by Victoria Clarke and Andrew Walsh
(Paperback - 5 Feb 2009)
NICE guidelines. UK
4- Mental health nursing practice
Course description
The course provides opportunities for you to develop your knowledge, practical
skills and evidence-based care in mental health practice. As well as introducing
you to the concept of primary health care as it explores promoting mental health
across the lifespan. Care and treatment options for service users and the
application of mental health policy to practice are fully addressed. Through your
studies you will become a critical thinker who can question conventional practices
and develop and evaluate new approaches to mental health care. Your main tool
as a mental health nurse will be the strength of your own personality and
communication skills. You will need to empathies with the people you are dealing
with and show warmth and care about them. Regrettably there is still some
stigma attached to mental illness. Combating this and helping the individuals and
their families deal with it is a key part of the job.
Course objectives
On completion of this course the student will be able to undertake
activities and practice to develop your understanding, skills and knowledge in the
following areas:

Care and treatment options for service users with enduring mental health
problems

increasing use of cognitive behavioral therapy.

caring for people across the life span, from children and young people to
older people

The application of policy to nursing practice.

Working in all areas of mental health nursing

Working in the health service, voluntary and independent sector and the
prison service


Improving quality of life for patients in a therapeutic way
Learning therapeutic interventions
Teaching Methods
You will experience a variety of teaching and learning methods such as: lectures,
seminars, reflective practice, debates, simulation exercises, role-play, problem
based learning and independent study. You will learn practical skills in a clinical
environment where you will be fully supported by experienced qualified nurses.
You will use a fully equipped skills centre to develop your clinical skills.
Course Evaluation:
10 % Mid-Term
20 % Case studies
10 % clinical assessment reports
30% Supervisor evaluation
30 % final Exam.
References
Contemporary Mental Health, Theory, Policy and Practice by Barbara Fawcett and
Kate Karban (Paperback - 16 Jun 2005)
Low-cost Approaches to Promote Physical and Mental Health: Theory, Research
and Practice by Luciano L'Abate (Hardcover - 15 May 2007)
Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health by Paul
Fitzgerald (Paperback - 26 Oct 2007)
Self-determination Theory in the Clinic: Motivating Physical and Mental Health by
KM Sheldon (Hardcover - 15 April 2003).