NMHS34000 Preparation for practice

Academic Year 2023/2024

Lectures and Seminars:
Foundational knowledge is provided through lectures covering topics such as mental health assessment, therapeutic communication, psychiatric disorders, pharmacology, and evidence-based interventions.
Seminars are conducted to facilitate discussions, case studies, and critical analysis of key concepts and clinical scenarios.

Clinical Skills Workshops:
Hands-on workshops are offered to develop essential clinical skills, including mental status examination, risk assessment, de-escalation techniques, and medication administration.
Simulation scenarios and role-playing exercises are used to simulate real-world clinical situations and enhance students' confidence and competence.

Clinical Placements:
While clinical placements are separate to this module, it is intended that participation will support students in preparing for their placements
Clinical placements are undertaken diverse mental health settings, including inpatient units, outpatient clinics, community mental health teams, and crisis intervention services.
On placements, there is opportunity for students to observe experienced nurses, participate in patient care activities, and engage in supervised clinical practice under the guidance of preceptors.

Reflective Practice:
Reflective exercises are incorporated to encourage students to critically reflect on their clinical experiences, identify strengths and areas for development, and integrate theory into practice.
Use of reflective journals, group discussions, and one-on-one feedback sessions to support students' reflective learning process and promote self-awareness as developing practitioners.

Case Studies:
Case-based learning approaches are employed to engage students in active learning and promote critical thinking skills.
Authentic case scenarios are presented representing common mental health issues and challenges, and guide students through the process of problem-solving, decision-making, and collaborative care planning.

Interprofessional Education:
Collaboration with other healthcare disciplines (e.g., psychiatry, psychology, social work) to provide interprofessional learning opportunities.
It is hoped to facilitate joint seminars, case conferences, and interdisciplinary simulations to promote teamwork, communication skills, and a holistic understanding of mental health care, although this is contingent on the availability of other non-mental health nursing students.

Technology-Enhanced Learning:
Integration of technology-enhanced learning tools such as virtual simulations, online modules, and multimedia resources to enhance accessibility, flexibility, and engagement.


Supervised Practice and Feedback:
Provision of regular supervision and constructive feedback to students during clinical and skills practice sessions.
Debriefing sessions are conducted following simulations, clinical encounters, and skills demonstrations to facilitate reflection, identify learning needs, and reinforce positive behaviors.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:


1. Recall the key principles of mental health nursing practice, including person-centred care, confidentiality, and respect for autonomy.
2. Explain the role of the mental health nurse within the interdisciplinary healthcare team, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and advocacy.
3. Interpret the results of mental health assessments, including psychiatric interviews, standardised assessment tools, and observations of behavior.
4. Demonstrate effective therapeutic communication skills when interacting with clients experiencing mental health challenges, including active listening, empathy, and nonverbal communication.
5. Apply evidence-based interventions for managing acute psychiatric crises, such as de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and safety planning.
6. Administer psychotropic medications safely and accurately, adhering to medication administration protocols and monitoring for adverse effects.
7. Analyze clinical scenarios involving complex ethical dilemmas in mental health nursing practice, considering principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice.
8. Critically reflect on personal values, biases, and assumptions that may influence interactions with clients and contribute to therapeutic relationships or barriers.
9. Critique the strengths and limitations of different models of mental health care delivery, including inpatient, outpatient, community-based, and peer support services.
10. Develop comprehensive care plans for individuals with complex mental health needs, integrating assessment data, treatment goals, and evidence-based nursing interventions.

Indicative Module Content:

Module Title: Preparation for Practice in Mental Health Nursing

Introduction to Mental Health Nursing
Overview of the role and scope of practice of mental health nurses
Historical perspectives and current trends in mental health care delivery
Professional standards, ethics, and legal considerations in mental health nursing practice

Mental Health Assessment and Formulation
Principles and techniques of mental health assessment, including psychiatric interviews and standardized assessment tools
Bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessment framework
Developing a comprehensive mental health formulation and nursing diagnosis

Therapeutic Communication and Relationship Building
Therapeutic communication skills and strategies for engaging clients in mental health settings
Establishing therapeutic relationships with individuals experiencing mental health challenges
Managing challenging communication situations and addressing resistance in therapeutic encounters

Psychopathology and Diagnostic Classification - Please note this content is delivered in the module 'Acute Mental Health Nursing, however, such knowledge will complement 'Preparation for Practice'.
Overview of common mental health disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders
Diagnostic classification systems (e.g., DSM-5, ICD-10) and criteria for mental health diagnoses
Understanding the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development and maintenance of mental health disorders.

Crisis Intervention, Risk Assessment and Positive Behaviour Support
Crisis theory and crisis intervention models in mental health nursing practice
Assessing and managing risk of self-harm, suicide, aggression, and harm to others
Developing crisis management plans and safety strategies for clients in acute distress

Interprofessional Collaboration and Teamwork
Role of the mental health nurse within the interdisciplinary healthcare team
Effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills in interprofessional practice
Case conferences, collaborative care planning, and shared decision-making in mental health care delivery.

Self-Care and Professional Development
Importance of self-care and resilience for mental health nurses
Recognising and managing compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress
Strategies for ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and career advancement in mental health nursing

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Practical

20
Specified Learning Activities

60
Online Learning

25
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and Presentations:
Traditional lectures provide foundational knowledge on topics such as the role of mental health nurses, assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, and legal and ethical considerations.

Case Studies and Clinical Scenarios:
Presenting case studies and clinical scenarios allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Interactive Workshops:
Conduct interactive workshops focusing on specific skills and competencies, such as therapeutic communication, risk assessment, crisis intervention, and medication administration.

Simulation-Based Learning:
Utilize simulation scenarios, standardized patients to simulate clinical environments and practice skills in a safe and controlled setting.

Reflective Practice:
Incorporate reflective exercises and debriefing sessions to encourage students to reflect on their clinical experiences, identify learning needs, and enhance self-awareness and professional growth.

Group Discussions and Debates:
Facilitate group discussions and debates on contemporary issues in mental health nursing practice, such as stigma, coercion, cultural competence, and the use of restraint and seclusion.
Interprofessional Education (IPE):
Collaborate with other healthcare disciplines (e.g., psychiatry, psychology, social work) to provide interprofessional learning opportunities, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and collaborative care planning.

Online Learning Resources:
Utilize online learning platforms, multimedia resources, and virtual classrooms to deliver asynchronous content, facilitate discussions, and provide access to supplementary materials and resources.

Role-Playing and Simulated Patient Encounters:
Engage students in role-playing exercises and simulated patient encounters to practice communication skills, therapeutic techniques, and effective engagement strategies. Explore ethical dilemmas, encouraging them to work collaboratively to explore solutions and develop critical thinking skills.

Peer Learning and Peer Feedback:
Incorporate peer learning activities, such as small group work or peer teaching sessions, to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer feedback on clinical skills and interventions. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Practical Examination: This module is examined through use of an OSCE (Observed Structured Clinical Examination). Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

100

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback is given at the time of the OSCE, and more specific feedback is offered as part of the grading process. Group feedback is also provided.

"Mental Health Nursing: The Art of Care" by Rob Newell and David G. Holmes - This book provides a comprehensive overview of mental health nursing practice, emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship and evidence-based interventions.

"Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing" by Sheila L. Videbeck - This textbook covers essential topics in psychiatric nursing, including assessment, therapeutic communication, psychopharmacology, and various mental health disorders.

"Mental Health Nursing: A Manual for Practice" by Deborah Roberts, Karen Davies, and Michaela Nuttall - Offering a practical approach to mental health nursing, this book includes case studies, reflective exercises, and practical tips for working with clients in diverse settings.

"The Art and Science of Mental Health Nursing: A Textbook of Principles and Practice" by Ian Norman and Iain Ryrie - This comprehensive textbook covers the theoretical foundations of mental health nursing alongside practical guidance for assessment, intervention, and collaborative care.

"Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing" by Elizabeth M. Varcarolis and Margaret Jordan Halter - This concise yet informative book covers the essentials of psychiatric nursing practice, including therapeutic communication, psychopharmacology, and nursing care for individuals with mental health disorders.

"Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice" edited by Mary Ann Boyd - This textbook explores contemporary issues in psychiatric nursing, including cultural competence, recovery-oriented care, and the integration of evidence-based practices into nursing interventions.

"Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care" by Betty J. Ackley and Gail B. Ladwig - This resource provides essential information on nursing diagnoses commonly encountered in mental health nursing practice, along with evidence-based interventions and outcomes.

"Group Interventions in Mental Health: A Practical Guide for Health Professionals" by Wendy Dryden and Glenda Fredrick - Focusing on group interventions, this book offers practical strategies for facilitating therapeutic groups in mental health settings, including psychoeducation, skills training, and support groups.

"Therapeutic Engagement in Mental Health Nursing: A Practice-Based Approach" by Sandra Walker and Karen Grimmer - This book explores the concept of therapeutic engagement in mental health nursing practice, offering insights into building therapeutic relationships, assessing client needs, and promoting recovery.

"Nursing Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Advanced Practice" by Pamela J. Grace - This text examines ethical issues relevant to advanced practice nursing in mental health settings, including autonomy, beneficence, and justice, with case studies and reflective exercises to guide ethical decision-making.

These resources cover a range of topics essential for understanding and addressing practice-based issues in mental health nursing, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical guidance for nursing interventions.
Name Role
Mrs KRUPA ELIZABETH JOY Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Corina Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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