Course Number and Title:
NUR 134 Essentials of Mental Health Nursing
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (NUR 131 or concurrent) and (PSY 127 or concurrent)
Course Credits and Hours
2 credit(s)
1 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course explores the role of the entry-level practical nurse as a provider of care and member of the interprofessional team in the mental health settings by introducing evidence-based concepts of care required for clinical practice. The use of the nursing process promotes clinical judgment in the care of clients with alterations in mental health.
Disclaimer
This course requires 45 hours of experiential learning in a variety of settings. Students must provide their own transportation to and from placement sites.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Demonstrate sound nursing judgment, by incorporating evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills to guide competent decision-making in healthcare settings. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1)
- Perform inclusive caring behaviors while recognizing the diversity of individuals when providing care. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 2)
- Use therapeutic communication and collaborative efforts as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3)
- Differentiate principles of leadership and coordination of care as it relates to practical nursing practice in a mental healthcare setting. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 4)
- Discuss the professional, ethical, and legal standards of practical nursing practice to address client mental health needs by incorporating social determinants of health. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Demonstrate sound nursing judgment, by incorporating evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills to guide competent decision-making in healthcare settings.
- Describe therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication strategies.
- Discuss nutritional and pharmacological needs for clients with various psychological disorders in mental health settings.
- Demonstrate comprehension of diagnoses, treatment, and nursing care of clients with alterations in mental health.
- Use physical and behavioral assessment techniques and health data to evaluate the client on an ongoing basis.
- Use the interprofessional care plan to meet the needs of clients in mental health settings.
- Demonstrate medication administration competency through calculation and safe medication delivery.
- Perform inclusive caring behaviors while recognizing the diversity of individuals when providing care
- Discuss societal perspectives toward mental illness.
- Describe the nurse’s role in health promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health for diverse clients in mental health settings.
- Demonstrate therapeutic relationships with clients incorporating diversity and inclusion into the plan of care.
- Identify the impact of mental illness on clients and families.
- Use therapeutic communication and collaborative efforts as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team.
- Demonstrate therapeutic communication techniques while interacting with clients.
- Identify knowledge deficits of clients in mental health settings.
- Apply client teaching/learning into the nursing plan of care.
- Identify appropriate mental health resources to communicate with client(s).
- Use appropriate medical terminology.
- Differentiate principles of leadership and coordination of care as it relates to practical nursing practice in a mental healthcare setting.
- Discuss the role of the practical nurse as a member of the interprofessional care team as caregiver, teacher, collaborator, advocate, and leader in affecting positive outcomes for clients in mental health settings.
- Demonstrate collaboration when working as part of the interprofessional team in mental health settings.
- Identify a plan that involves clients in decision-making.
- Discuss the professional, ethical, and legal standards of practical nursing practice to address client mental health needs by incorporating social determinants of health.
- Discuss the importance of confidentiality in mental health settings.
- Show principles of advocacy while caring for clients in mental health settings.
- Demonstrate professionalism and accountability.
- Relate the nursing code of ethics while practicing nursing.
- Use constructive criticism to improve clinical performance.
- Practice within the scope of beginning nursing practice in mental health settings
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
2 Module Exams (Summative) (Equally Weighted) | 30% |
Cumulative Final Exam (Summative) | 60% |
Other Assignments (Formative) (Equally Weighted) - 2 Quizzes
- Practice ATI Assessments
- Project
| 10% |
Lab/Clinical (Formative/Summative) | Pass/Fail |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Interpret sound nursing judgment, incorporating evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills to provide clinically competent practical nursing care.
- Demonstrate caring behaviors while recognizing the diversity of individuals.
- Formulate appropriate communication techniques while functioning as a member of the interprofessional team.
- Employ nursing care incorporating the principles of leadership and advocacy.
- Relate the professional, ethical, and legal standards of practical nursing to client care.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.