Mental Health Nursing Practice Studies 1

This module aims to introduce the student of Mental Health Nursing to explore the continuum of mental health and mental illness with a focus on the principles of person centred care, validation, respect, and dignity. It aims to develop an understanding of mental health and to help the student to think beyond the symptoms of mental ill health to the person who is experiencing it, their family, and supporters. 

The module comprises two units. 

1 Mental Health Nursing Practice

2. Physical Health skills for Mental Health Nursing Practice.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the classification of mental illness.      

2. Recognise the impact of mental illness/ distress on a person and their family and supporters.

3. Explore the concepts of mental health, well being and wellness and the importance of your own mental health and well-being.

4. Explain the impact of labelling, stigma, marginalisation and social inclusion on those experiencing mental illness / distress.

5. Identify the clinical presentation, treatment modalities and approaches for common mental illnesses.

6. Evaluate the specific clinical nursing skills required to care for physical care needs of service users.

7. Discuss the role of the mental health nurse when caring for individuals and supporting family members and carers and understand how professional regulation impacts this role (NMBI Code of Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Midwives. 2021). 

8. Outline the importance and contribution of primary care, community focussed care and community partners in mental health care and the main National policy imperatives relating to these, including Slaintecare (Government of Ireland, 2020) and Sharing the vision, A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (DoH, 2020).