A basic understanding of individual, group, and family treatment approaches is tailored to the clinical population. Through the use of the diagnostic reasoning process and case formulation, nursing diagnoses are derived. DSM IV diagnoses and treatment plans are developed in collaborative practice. Nursing care is provided to individuals, families, and groups through direct nursing interventions, crisis or brief therapy, consultation, and teaching, and case management. Opportunities for clinical practice are individualized according to the selected population and specific learning objectives.
All students practice in acute and community settings.
To acquire knowledge regarding current medications and their physiological effects, it is strongly recommended that in addition to required courses, students enroll in the psychopharmacology course. Such knowledge is essential for advanced practice in sites where prescriptive authority, medication monitoring and management are done according to established protocols. A thorough understanding of the practice of mental health nursing forms the foundation for successful practice in any of these areas. The curriculum provides the basis for these career options. Up to 400 hour of supervised clinical practice may be obtained while enrolled in the MSN Program.