NURS 409 - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

4 credits
10 hours per week. 2 lecture hours. 8 practicum hours.

This didactic and clinical course focuses on the general principles and practices of psychiatric/mental health nursing. Psychiatric disorders, populations at risk, continuity of care, and problems in daily living are addressed. The unique needs of vulnerable and diverse populations are considered. Nursing theory and evidence-based practice are applied using physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, and developmental theories to develop primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions that attain and maintain optimal mental health across the lifespan. The focus is on designing and implementing nursing strategies that reduce responses to biological, psychological, and/or social stressors. Contemporary trends in treatment and mental health promotion are emphasized. The legal and ethical issues pertaining to treatment are discussed. Further, students also reflect on their own attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors about mental illness and the care of patients with mental disorders.

Prerequisite(s) NURS 300, NURS 301, NURS 310, NURS 350 and NURS 351 completed with grades of “C” or higher
Offered (FALL/SPRING)