The unit introduces nursing students to mental health and mental illness across the life span with a particular focus on developmental periods of vulnerability. In addition, the unit will consider the scope of mental health practice in Australia from promotion and prevention through to recovery-based models of care, and the relationship between mental and physical health and well-being. Building on the knowledge and skills developed in the unit Professional and Therapeutic Communication students will develop the skills of mental health assessment, psychological and pharmacological interventions required to provide safe care to people with mental illness, and to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Articulate nursing principles and scope of practice in relation to mental health and mental illness across the life span;
2. Identify the developmental stages that increase a person's vulnerability to mental health problems;
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the continuum of mental health practice from promotion and prevention through to recovery models of care; and the relationship between physical and mental health;
4. Implement safe provision and quality nursing care in relation to mental health consumers; conduct appropriate mental health assessments and identify risk; and
5. Critically appraise psychological and pharmacological interventions to promote mental health and well being.

Prerequisites

11665 Professional and Therapeutic Communication PG

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.