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.