Mental Health Nursing Practice Studies 2

 This module provides the student of Mental Health Nursing with the opportunity to understand the interplay between physical and mental health. The student will develop an awareness of how physical issues can be influenced by, or appear as symptoms of mental ill health and vice versa. Engagement with this module promotes the importance of caring for our own physical health and of educating and empowering users of the mental health services to do likewise. The aim therefore is to explore aspects of both mental and physical health as one and the same enabling the student to become a more effective practitioner of the art of Mental Health Nursing and enhancing their ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and needs. Students will develop an awareness around the evidence base and policy imperatives around the physical care of people with a severe mental illness.

Format of the module

The module comprises health promotion, specialist mental health care, physical health care, values and skills for Mental Health Nursing practice.

1. Define the concept of trauma informed care and develop an understanding of its application to Mental Health Nursing in line with National Policy Imperatives. 

2. Describe contemporary health theories that underpin health promotion and concepts of health and current National policy, including Slaintecare (2020) and Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for everyone (2020).

3. Understand the importance of assessment and monitoring of mental health across the lifespan. 

4. Identify the physical health conditions commonly experienced by people with a serious mental illness. 

5. Discuss the importance of screening and referral for physical health conditions in mental health. 

6. Explain the principles of nursing care and management of physical health disorders prevalent among people with severe mental illness. 

7. Describe the concept of mental health nursing in the context of specialist care environments. 

8. Describe the nursing values and clinical nursing skills required to care for the mental and physical needs of service users with particular reference to the nursing values of care, compassion. commitment (NMBI 2016, 2021) and kindness. 

9. Describe the skills , knowledge, and expertise required of the mental health nurse in specialist mental health services.

10. Describe the interplay between physical and mental health and the social environment.