The aim of this paper is for the student to develop an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of mental health nursing. Students will critically analyse understandings of mental health and illness and develop psychotherapeutic skills to best facilitate patient-centred care.
About this paper
| Paper title | Mental Health Nursing |
|---|---|
| Subject | Nursing |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | 1st Non standard period (19 January 2026 - 15 May 2026) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,676.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- NURS 441 and NURS 442 and NURS 444 and NURS 446
- Limited to
- MNSc
- Eligibility
- An undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least three years' full-time study and a B average in the final two years of the degree.
- Contact
- More information link
- View more information about the Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)
- Teaching staff
Dr Lynere Wilson
- Teaching Arrangements
Taught face-to-face on the Christchurch campus. Some online attendance may be possible for distance learners.
- Textbooks
Foster, K., Marks, P., O'Brien, A., & Raeburn, T. (2020). Mental Health in Nursing (5th ed.). Elsevier Limited (UK). https://clinicalkeymeded.elsevier.com/books/9780729587976
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Analyse the impact of cultural and social issues on a person’s mental health to support critical understanding and implementation of mental health nursing care
- Apply an understanding of the therapeutic relationship in mental health nursing practice when engaging with clients, assessing their needs and implementing psychotherapeutic strategies
- Create a clinical formulation of the person’s mental health issues that supports effective, person-centred mental health nursing care
- Apply principles of risk assessment and management, psychopharmacology and mental health assessment to provide safe, evidence-based mental health nursing care
- Competently prepare, administer and evaluate the effectiveness of medications under the supervision of an appropriately registered health professional and according to local policy and guidelines
- Evidence of application of the principles of cultural safety in line with policies of the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the university’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi
- Practice within legal and ethical requirements of clinical agencies and in accordance with the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies and professional standards.
The aim of this paper is for the student to develop an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of mental health nursing. Students will critically analyse understandings of mental health and illness and develop psychotherapeutic skills to best facilitate patient-centred care.
About this paper
| Paper title | Mental Health Nursing |
|---|---|
| Subject | Nursing |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | 1st Non standard period (18 January 2027 - 14 May 2027) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- NURS 441 and NURS 442 and NURS 444 and NURS 446
- Limited to
- MNSc
- Eligibility
An undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least three years' full-time study and a B average in the final two years of the degree.
- Contact
- More information link
- View more information about the Master of Nursing Science (MNSc).
- Teaching staff
Dr Lynere Wilson
- Teaching Arrangements
Taught face-to-face on the Christchurch campus. Some online attendance may be possible for distance learners.
- Textbooks
Foster, K., Marks, P., O'Brien, A., & Raeburn, T. (2020). Mental Health in Nursing (5th ed.). Elsevier Limited (UK).
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Analyse the impact of cultural and social issues on a person’s mental health to support critical understanding and implementation of mental health nursing care.
- Apply an understanding of the therapeutic relationship in mental health nursing practice when engaging with clients, assessing their needs and implementing psychotherapeutic strategies.
- Create a clinical formulation of the person’s mental health issues that supports effective, person-centred mental health nursing care.
- Apply principles of risk assessment and management, psychopharmacology and mental health assessment to provide safe, evidence-based mental health nursing care.
- Competently prepare, administer and evaluate the effectiveness of medications under the supervision of an appropriately registered health professional and according to local policy and guidelines.
- Show evidence of application of the principles of cultural safety in line with policies of the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the university’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi.
- Practice within legal and ethical requirements of clinical agencies and in accordance with the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies and professional standards.