Master Resource Outline 

Credits: 3 (lecture) 

Semester Offered: Spring  

Prerequisites: NRSG 602, NRSG 603  

Degree:  DNP 

DNP Essentials: I, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII 

Graduate Program Objectives: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 

Course Description

This graduate nursing course is designed to build upon prior pharmacologic study to address advanced concepts in the clinical management of psychiatric symptoms. Students will critically analyze psychotropic interventions including, but not limited to, mechanisms of action, indications of use, dosing, side effects, drug-drug interactions, contraindications, and patient education. The use of psychotropic agents and complimentary alternative medicine in relation to possible differential diagnoses is considered. Appropriate treatment across the patient lifespan, concurrent pathophysiology, multicultural influences, and socioeconomic circumstances are also addressed. Emphasis on the prescriptive writing actions of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse is made in consideration with the ethical, legal, and professional issues of practice. 

Catalog Description  

This course focuses on analyzing psychotropic interventions including, but not limited to, mechanisms of action, indications of use, dosing, side effects, drug-drug interactions, contraindications, and patient education. Focus is placed on treating patients across the lifespan with mental health problems.  

Course Objectives

1. Apply relevant principles of human neurophysiology, pharmacology, and psychology related to drug therapy in treating mental health disorders based on evolving scientific knowledge. 

2. Utilize the principles of sound research design when evaluating and interpreting the scientific literature of psychotropic agents and complimentary alternative medicine (CAM) treatments. 

3. Analyze and provide a rationale for selecting a drug regimen for mental health disorders using accepted treatment algorithms, evidence-based practice, and consideration for individual patient characteristics. 

4. Demonstrate knowledge of necessary laboratory monitoring and acceptable parameters for safe and effective drug therapies for chronic and acute psychiatric disorders. 

5. Compare and contrast pharmacologic treatment options considering the psychological, physiological, and economic impacts of drug therapy as they apply to vulnerable individuals with psychiatric disorders. 

6. Assess and demonstrate appropriate patient education related to psychotropic drug therapy to facilitate increased patient understanding and compliance. 

7. Demonstrate critical thinking and awareness of cultural influences and values as they relate to psychopharmacologic and CAM treatments across the patient lifespan and across the socioeconomic spectrum. 

8. Discuss State laws and Federal rules and regulations pertaining to the prescribing of scheduled and non-scheduled medications. 

Course Learning Outcomes

1. The student will develop pharmacologic treatment plans for common psychiatric disorders utilizing knowledge of neurobiology, research evidence, clinical practice guidelines, and clinical assessment data.  (Obj 1, 2, 3, 5, 7) Exemplar: Case studies, Practice portfolio. 

2. The student will integrate laboratory and other diagnostic tools into the pharmacologic treatment across all stages of intervention.  (Obj 4) Exemplar: Practice portfolio.

3. The student will assemble patient teaching materials that provide an easily deployable resource in clinical practice covering treatment rationales, expected benefits, and potential short- and long-term risks.  (Obj 6).   Exemplar: Patient teaching “conversation guide”.  

4. The student will analyze the state and federal regulations and standards of care concerning the prescription of psychotropic medications. (Obj 8) Exemplar: Medication assisted treatment (MAT) training, Synchronous class discussion. 

 

Approved by GAAC: 10/20/11; modified 10/26/12; amended 11/5/2012; 8/19/16; 3/8/21 

Approved by Faculty: 4/9/2012; modified 1/7/2013; 8/19/16; 4/12/2021