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 (20 January 2025 - 16 May 2025) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,581.63 |
| 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
Recommended:
Chambers M. (2017) Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: The craft of caring (3rd ed). Apple Academic Publishing.- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of cultural and social issues on a person's mental health ability
- Undertake and document comprehensive, client-centered assessments utilising nursing/mental health frameworks
- Undertake both a mental status examination and a comprehensive mental health assessment with a client in their care and be able to provide a sound clinical rationale for the assessment model used
- Develop a clinical formulation of the client's mental health issues that incorporates an understanding of precipitating, perpetuating, presenting and protective issues that have impacted on the client's current mental state
- Provide safe mental health nursing care that incorporates principles of risk assessment and management
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of psychotherapeutic approaches to mental health nursing care (i.e. medical, interpersonal, psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioural; and how these can be implemented in practice to best meet clients' needs)
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of psychopharmacological principles and skills in medication management
- Competently prepare, administer and evaluate the effectiveness of medications under the supervision of an appropriately registered health professional
- Demonstrate an understanding of the therapeutic relationship in mental health nursing practice and demonstrate competence in engaging with clients, assessing their needs and implementing psychotherapeutic strategies
- Demonstrate application of the principles of cultural safety in line with policies of the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the University's commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi
- Demonstrate safe, professional and ethical nursing practice standards in this clinical setting
- Practice within relevant legislative requirements/regulations and codes of practice within mental health
- Demonstrate evidence of the application of critical reasoning skills to practice
- Communicate effectively with clients, families/whānau and members of the health team, both verbally and in writing, to reach the most appropriate outcomes
- Provide nursing care based on critical reflection and an application of evidence into practice
- Demonstrate critical awareness of their own level of competence and responsibility, evaluate the effectiveness of their own interventions and actively seek learning opportunities