Title: Introduction to Psychiatric Nursing
Course: NUR 1521C Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing > Section: Module 1

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:
- Explain basic determinants of mental health and mental illness. (SLO#1)
- Interpret how the DSM-IV provides a framework for assessment and care planning with mentally ill clients. (SLO#1,2)
- Discuss relevant theories that influence the understanding and treatment of psychiatric illnesses. (SLO#1)
- Clarify various psychobiological factors that influence the development of psychiatric illnesses. (SLO#1,4)
- Apply knowledge of psychobiology and psychopharmacology to the treatment of mentally ill clients. (SLO#2,4)
- Explain the roles of the nurse and the interdisciplinary team members when providing care in acute and community care settings. (SLO#1,3,4)

Reading Assignments

Varcarolis, E.; Halter,M.(2010) Foundations of Mental Health Nursing (6th ed.)
St. Louis Missouri: Saunders/Elsevier.
- Chapter 1 Mental Health and Mental Illness
- Chapter 2 Relevant Theories and Therapies for Nursing Practice
- Chapter 3 Biological Basis for Understanding Psychotropic Drugs
- Chapter 4 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing in Acute Care Settings
- Chapter 5 Mental Health Nursing in Community Settings

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 Communications Skills
- Chapter 3 Guidelines for the Nurse Conducting a Clinical Interview
- Appendix D Assessment Guides

Assignment

View the following videos. After viewing, ask yourself what you believe about mental health and mental illness.   After viewing, try to conceptualize what you believe about STIGMA as it relates to mental illness.

- Bring Change 2 Mind
- It's Time to Talk About Mental Health
- Global Mental Health and Grand Challenges Canada
- NIMH's Dr. Pamela Collins on global mental health
- WHO: Mental Health