The course emphasizes understanding of statistical procedures. The effects of specific illnesses on the individual as a holistic system are explored as well as nursing interventions to promote the health status of the individual. The nurse-patient relationship is the basis for the practice of mental health nursing. The course emphasizes a holistic, existential approach to care that examines the patient's perception and meaning associated with interpersonal relationships, life events and health status. The scope of practice of the registered nurse within the interdisciplinary mental health care system is identified.
Nursing process guides the delivery of psychotherapeutic, pharmacologic and milieu therapies.
Ethical issues and nursing research which apply to mental health are explored. Twelve hours of supervised clinical practice per week for patients in a variety of health care settings. The student uses the framework of the nursing process to develop skill in caring for persons with specific biological, psychological and social systems alterations to improve the person's health status. Integration of systems and holism are emphasized. Health care settings are selected to integrate concepts from previous and concurrent nursing courses.