Campus Location:
Georgetown, Dover
Effective Date: 2016-52
Course Number and Title:
NUR 134 – Essentials of Mental Health Nursing
Prerequisite:
NUR 131 or concurrent, PSY 127 or concurrent, SSC 100
Course Credits and Hours:
2 credits
1 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description:
This course explores the role of the entry-level practical nurse as a
provider of care and member within the discipline of nursing in the
mental health setting by introducing theoretical knowledge needed
for beginning clinical practice. The use of the nursing process
promotes critical thinking in the care of clients with alterations in
mental health.
Required Text(s):
Obtain current information at https://www.dtcc.edu/studentresources/bookstores, or visit the bookstore. (Check your course
schedule for the course number and section.)
Additional Materials:
Method of Instruction:
Face-to-Face
Disclaimer:
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs):
1. Apply the nursing process with theoretical knowledge in the provision of nursing care for
clients in mental health settings. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; PGC 1)
2. Practice principles of effective communication to identify client needs based on concepts of
promotion, maintenance, and restoration of mental health. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 2)
3. Demonstrate caring behaviors while recognizing the uniqueness of the client when providing
care in mental health settings. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3)
4. Apply characteristics that demonstrate the role of the nurse as an integral part of the
collaborative efforts of the multidisciplinary healthcare team in mental health settings. (CCC
1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 4)
5. Discuss the professional, ethical, and legal standards of nursing practice in mental health
settings. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the
syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs):
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
1. Apply the nursing process with theoretical knowledge in the provision of nursing care for
clients in mental health settings.
Describe therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication strategies.
Discuss nutritional and pharmacological needs for clients with various psychological
disorders in mental health settings.
Demonstrate comprehension of diagnoses, treatment, and nursing care of clients with
alterations in mental health.
Use physical and behavioral assessment techniques and health data to evaluate the client
on an ongoing basis.
Use the nursing care plan to meet the needs of clients in mental health settings.
2. Practice principles of effective communication to identify client needs based on concepts of
promotion, maintenance, and restoration of mental health.
Demonstrate therapeutic communication techniques while interacting with clients.
Identify knowledge deficits of clients and families in mental health settings.
Apply client and family teaching/learning into the nursing plan of care.
Support clients and families in identifying available mental health resources.
3. Demonstrate caring behaviors while recognizing the uniqueness of the client when providing
care in mental health settings.
Discuss societal attitude toward mental illness.
Describe the nurse’s role in health promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health for
diverse clients in mental health settings.
Demonstrate therapeutic relationships with clients and families incorporating diversity
into the plan of care.
Recognize the impact of mental illness on clients and families.
4. Apply characteristics that demonstrate the role of the nurse as an integral part of the
collaborative efforts of the multidisciplinary healthcare team in mental health settings.
Discuss the role of the nurse in conjunction with other members of the multidisciplinary care team as caregiver, teacher, collaborator, advocate, and manager in
affecting positive outcomes for clients and families in mental health settings.
Demonstrate collaboration when working with physicians, staff nurses, and fellow
students in mental health settings.
Choose a plan that involve clients and families in decision-making.
5. Discuss the professional, ethical, and legal standards of nursing practice in mental health
settings.
Discuss the importance of confidentiality in mental health settings.
Exhibit principles of advocacy while caring for clients in mental health settings.
Produce accurate documentation using appropriate medical terminology.
Exhibit professionalism and accountability.
Relate the nursing code of ethics while practicing nursing.
Use constructive criticism to improve clinical performance.
Practice within the scope of beginning nursing practice in mental health settings.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies:
Students must demonstrate proficiency on all CCPOs at a minimal 75 percent level to
successfully complete the course. The grade will be determined using the DTCC grading
system:
92
83
75
0
–
–
–
–
100
91
82
74
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
F
Students should refer to the Student Handbook (https://www.dtcc.edu/academics/studenthandbook) for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy,
Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate effective problem solving and reasoning skills.
Work effectively in groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrate ethical and professional understanding and conduct.
Apply appropriate information literacy skills to locate, evaluate, and use information
effectively.
6. Use computer technology appropriate to the field.
7. Use scientific and mathematical reasoning appropriate to the technology.
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop
specific to his or her major):
1. Apply sound nursing judgement by incorporating theoretical knowledge and clinical reasoning
skills to provide clinically competent nursing care.
2. Practice appropriate communication techniques while functioning as a member of the health
care team.
3. Model caring behaviors while recognizing the uniqueness of the individual.
4. Provide nursing care that incorporates the principles of leadership and advocacy.
5. Use professional, ethical, and legal standards of nursing practice.