MASTER RESOURCE OUTLINE

Credits: 6 (3 lecture, 3 clinical laboratory) 

Semesters Offered:  F, Sp 

Prerequisites: NRSG 341, NRSG 377, NRSG 346,NRSG 348, NRSG 352

Course Description

The focus of this course is nursing care of clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders, including psychopathology associated with major mental illness.  Community based experiences provide opportunity for continued development of therapeutic skills.  Social, cultural, spiritual, and environmental issues influencing mental health are explored. 

Course Objectives:  The student will:  

  1. Utilize evidence based nursing practice in planning and managing the care of clientsacross the lifespanwith psychological, emotional and/or biophysical disorders. (TO 1, 2, 10) 
  2. Assess the functioning of selected groups using theories of group dynamics. (TO 1) 
  3. Utilize knowledge of the dynamics of families, groups, and communities as they relate to mental wellness and mental illness in the care of selected clients.  (TO 2) 
  4. Examine the effect of behaviors, values, attitudes, and feelings on the nurse-patient relationship. (TO 4, 5, 7) 
  5. Demonstrate skill in functioning as a responsible memberof a mental health care team. (TO 4, 7) 
  6. Discuss the significant legal processes that affect the rights of mentally ill clients. 
  7. Discuss the social, cultural, spiritual, and environmental issues which influence the present health care delivery system for the mentally ill. (TO 7) 
  8. Demonstrate professional behavior. (TO 4, 5, 11) 
  9. Communicate effectively with clients, families, and professionals. (TO 9) 
  10. Demonstrate behaviors that are congruent with the MSUCode of Conduct, CON Student Handbook, ANA Code of Ethics,Scope and Standards of Practice, and Social Policy Statementsin all class related interactions.(TO 2, 3, 6, 8, 13) 

Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate competent mental health assessment skills using evidence-based strategies and tools (mental status exam, use of psychometric rating scales such as PHQ-9, GAD-7, etc.). 
  2. Students will plan and evaluate for a continuum of care that provides safety, structure, and support for patients with psychiatric disorders. 
  3. Students will clarify personal values concerning working with patients experiencing psychiatric disorders. 
  4. Students will apply knowledge related to patient rights and involuntary holds/commitments for psychiatric patients. 

Recommended Content and Concepts

  1. Mental Health and Illness: Acute and Chronic; Preventive Concepts; Complimentary Therapies 
  2. Theories:developmental, psychodynamic, psychobiological, social-interpersonal, behavioral, group process 
  3. Nature of Mental Illness:medical diagnoses and treatment, including psychopharmacological, DSM IV, psychiatric team members 
  4. Psychiatric Nursing Practice: Conceptualmodels such as milieu, psycho-educationalDSMIV-TR, psychiatric interdisciplinary team members, culture of psychiatric nursing, and evidenced based nursing practice to include Standards of Care of Psychiatric Nursing. 
  5. Psychiatric Disorders:thought disorders, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, addictive disorders, cognitive disorders. For each of the above: definitions,theories of causation, incidence, symptomology, thenursing process,family, group and community dynamics; disorders across the life spanincluding the aging adult. 
  6. Societal issues:legal/ethical, barriers/commitment, least restrictive environment, patient rights, advocacy, political action for mental health, community based services,access issues to treatment,barriers to treatment, economic issues, cultural issues, spirituality.
  7. Integrating Concepts: holilsm,cultural,multidisciplinary team, independent role of thenurse, adaptation, perception (patient's,family's,nurse'setc.), teaching/learning, empowerment, change, acuity, chronicity,communitybased care, andpharmacologicaland non-pharmacological concepts. 

Suggested Student Learning Activities

  • Therapeuticnurse-patient relationship with both acutely ill and chronically ill patient 
  • Group work (co-lead, participate) 
  • Nursing care planning, documentation 
  • Process recordings 
  • Participate in milieu treatment 
  • Patient restraint (observation) 
  • Assessment interview 
  • Group and team conference - multidisciplinary 
  • Lecture, discussion, role playing 
  • Community organization/education activity 
  • Reflective journaling 

 

Approved by UAAC: April 20, 2020  

Approved by Faculty: May 11, 2020