Students develop the roles of counselor and collaborator by working with an interdisciplinary team in providing care to patients in psychiatric settings. Clinical experiences emphasize the use of therapeutic communication, psychiatric assessment, and interpersonal relationship skills. This writing intensive course explores the profession of nursing in relation to the health care system and legal, political, and economic forces in society. Professional issues are examined, such as scope of practice, credentialing, nursing organizations, the image of nursing, research based practice, educational preparation and lifelong learning. Discussions, case studies and oral presentations assist the student to develop ethical decision making and critical thinking skills.
Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse as leader-manager.
Clinical experiences focus on providing nursing care to groups of adults with complex health problems in metropolitan health facilities.