Emphasis will be placed on the development of a personal conceptualisation of nursing practice, and the articulation of a personal theory of professional nursing. A major theme throughout the subject is the application of critical thinking processes in an analysis of nursing practice. Students will be encouraged to use the principles of critical thinking and developing creative ways for dealing with situations. A research subject is required. Topic areas are the philosophy and paradigms of health research, planning research questions, various methodologies and appropriate data analysis.
All students are involved in planning a group research project of their choice.
Students participating come from a variety of backgrounds and courses with their common interest being health. The major theme throughout the subject is the development of the skills necessary for the roles and responsibilities in contemporary psychiatric nursing and legal and ethical issues surrounding psychiatric care. The major theme throughout the subject is working with the individual as an adjunct to the nurse's therapeutic use of self. Previous notions of community and community care will be explored and contrasted to current and future community directions. Major themes throughout the subject are the social constructs of psychiatric illness and care, including the impact of race, class and gender.