vcc.ca
NURS 3160: Mental Health Nursing
Effective date
September 2020
Department
Baccalaureate Nursing
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course focuses on mental health, mental illness, and addictions in the Canadian context. Psychiatric disorders are discussed with a focus on the applications of the core concepts of relational nursing practice. Examples of these core concepts are: the determinants of health and well-being; therapeutic, interprofessional collaboration with clients and families; cultural safety and humility; and trauma-informed practice. These core concepts will be integrated throughout the course.
Credits
6.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
(NURS 2261, NURS 2263, NURS 2264, NURS 2265, NURS 2266), or (NURS 1357, NURS 1358, NURS 1359, NURS 1399).
Corequisites
NURS 3163, NURS 3164, NURS 3265.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Examine the multiple contexts that shape societal views on mental illness and additions.
- Practice principles of trauma informed practice and relational inquiry for mental health nursing in simulated acute psychiatric situations.
- Integrate the VCC BScN Framework for Health Promotion & Healing to develop a holistic plan of care for persons and families experiencing various psychiatric disorders, mental illness and addiction.
- Apply cognitive and behavioural therapy for simulated clients with mental illness and addiction.
- Explain non-pharmacological and integrative treatments for simulated clients with mental illness and addiction.
- Describe existing mental health legislation and policies related to mental health nursing.
- Develop effective therapeutic communication strategies for working with clients experiencing mental health challenges.
- Integrate principles of microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, pharmacology, diagnostics and nursing interventions related to various psychiatric disorders, mental illness and addiction.
- Demonstrate a professional presence with confidence, honesty, integrity, and respect in all interactions.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 90
Total Hours: 90
Total Hours: 90
Instructional Strategies
This course is delivered in the classroom using large group discussions, small group application activities, and case studies. Active participation is a foundation of professional practice, critical thinking and capacity building.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
An average of 72% from all evaluation criteria must be completed
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Midterm Exam |
25 |
|
|
Final Exam |
25 |
|
|
Assignments |
50 |
Two assignments |
Course topics
- ● Introduction to mental health in Canada ● Culture and mental health. ● Mental status assessment, nursing diagnosis and intervention. ● Relational inquiry, motivational interviewing and therapeutic use of self. ● Trauma informed practice and relational approaches to therapeutic interviewing ● Etiology, care and assessment of persons with selected mental health disorders. ● Psychopharmacology and non- biological treatments. ● Epigenetics, addiction, and substance related disorders. ● Sex/Gender, variations of gender expression and identity.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.