NURS 211

Mental Health Nursing

This course is designed to provide the foundation for entry level competence in mental health nursing across the lifespan. Interpersonal, behavioral, psychosocial and communication concepts provide the basis for effective and therapeutic mental health nursing. Critical thinking skills and evidence based practice concepts are applied and analyzed. Emphasis is placed on selected pathophysiology and related care using the nursing process. Therapeutic communication skills within the nurse-patient-family relationship will be highlighted in the care of patients with psychosocial, substance dependence and other mental health deviations. Other topics integrated throughout the course are legal-ethical issues, patient education, pharmacological and sociocultural principles. Alternative therapies and treatments are investigated and discussed, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the professional nurse, including collaboration with other disciplines and organizations as resources and support mechanisms.

Units: 3.0