Title: Introduction to Psychiatric Nursing Part 2
Course: NUR 1521C Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing > Section: Module 2

The prevalence of mental disorders presents a challenge for nurses in a health care system with an increasing focus on managed care. At least 25% of Americans are confronted with mental illnesses in the course of one year. This statistic supports the necessity for nurses to understand their roles and to meet the challenge of implementing plans for nursing care in both inpatient and outpatient community psychiatric settings.

This module will focus on the concept of mental illness, treatment, and current knowledge of the psychobiological influences on the development of mental disorders. Emphasis will be placed on application of the nursing process as a means of providing quality client care in collaboration with members of the health team. Legal issues that effect psychiatric nursing practice will be stressed.

Learning Outcomes: ADN Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

- Use effective communication skills appropriate for nursing.
- Apply clinical judgment in providing care throughout the lifecycle using the nursing process.
- Demonstrate a commitment to ethical/legal practice and continuous learning for personal and professional growth.
- Provide competent and safe client care in health care settings.
- Engage in teaching and learning with clients throughout the lifecycle.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Interpret specific legal/ethical issues related to the care of the mentally ill client. (SLO# 1,3,4)
- Analyze nursing roles and liabilities in the relation to protection of the rights of the mentally ill. (SLO#1,3,4)
- Analyze therapeutic communication techniques when assessing, planning and delivering care to clients with mental illness. (SLO#1,4)
- Discuss components of effective communication and potential barriers to communication. (SLO#1)
- Explore the impact of cultural diversity in communicating with others. (SLO#1,4)
- Apply knowledge of the nursing process to the nursing care of the mentally ill client. (SLO#1,4)

Reading Assignments

Varcarolis, E.; Halter,M.(2010) Foundations of Mental Health Nursing (6th ed.)
St. Louis Missouri: Saunders/Elsevier.
- Chapter 7 Legal and Ethical Guidelines for Safe Practice.
- Chapter 8 The Nursing Process and Standards of Care for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
- Chapter 10 Communication and the Clinical Interview.
- Mental Status Assessment (see Assignment below)

Recommended Reading

Varcarolis, E.(2011) Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Plans (4th ed.)
St. Louis Missouri: Saunders/Elsevier.
- Chapter 1 The Nursing Process and Assessment Tools.
- Chapter 2 Maximizing Communication Skills.
- Chapter 3 Guidelines for the Nurse Conducting a Clinical Interview.
- Appendix D Assessment Guides