Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing Practice Studies 2

The interplay between physical and mental health cannot be understated. This module provides the student of psychiatric nursing with the opportunity to understand how many physical ailments are influenced by, or even apparent symptoms of mental health issues and vice versa. Engagement with this module promotes the importance of caring for our own physical health and of educating and empowering users of the mental health services to do likewise. The aim therefore is to explore aspects of both mental and physical health as one and the same enabling the student to become a more effective practitioner of the art of mental health nursing and enhancing his or her ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and needs.

Format of the module

The module comprises 3 units. Unit 1: Mental health and promotion (7.5 ECTS). Unit 2: Physical Health and Promotion (5 ECTS). Unit 3: Physical Health skills for Mental Health Nursing Practice 2 (2.5 ECTS)

1. Understand contemporary health theories that underpin health promotion and concepts of health and current health policy

2. Explore modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors for poor physical health and well being in people with mental health problems and demonstrate knowledge of severe mental illness

3. Understand the basic principles of medical and psychotherapeutic interventions for people experiencing mental distress

4. Demonstrate awareness of the importance of screening and referral for physical health problems (Serious mental illness health improvement profile)

5. Understand the interplay between physical and mental health and the social environment

6. Understand the principles of nursing care management of physical health system disorders prevalent among people with severe mental illness

7. Understand the concept of psychiatric mental health nursing in the context of specialised health care environments

8. Understand the importance of assessment of risk in mental health

9. Understand the factors shared by people with serious mental health problems that can negatively affect their physical health

10. Be adequately prepared for practice placement 2