Mental Health Nursing

Catalog description

A five- semester- hour course placed in the second semester of the nursing sequence. It includes three hours of class and six hours of clinical each week. The course is intended to provide basic knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of mental health clients. Emphasis is placed on the students’ use of oral communication with clients in both one-to-one and group settings. Dynamics of adaptive and maladaptive behaviors are considered. Knowledge of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Erikson's Stages of Development are utilized to assess client needs. Students are expected to use critical thinking in essential nursing roles to provide care for clients in community health settings. Clinical experiences will be with mental health clients in acute, residential and community agencies including day treatment centers and substance abuse centers. Prerequisites: Completion of PSI background check and drug screening. Current health insurance and current physical examination, PPD and immunizations. Current CPR certification approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross including infant, child and adult. Completion of NURS 1101, BIOL 2210K and PSYC 1101 with grades of “C” or better. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 2211K.