93227 Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing

Description

In this subject, students learn about the care needs of people who are experiencing, or have experienced, mental health challenges. As this is a foundational mental health clinical subject, students are introduced to various concepts related to the lived experience of mental health challenges. Students begin to develop knowledge, attitudes and skills required for mental health nursing, therapeutic communication and reflective practice. The content of this subject is updated regularly, and evidence based sources are used in the formation of tutorial content. Relevant to the Australian context, statistical information is primarily sought from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The development of critical thinking and respect for evidence are of primary focus in this subject.

Students are introduced to contemporary concepts in mental healthcare, as well as its history and philosophy. The subject considers the major mental health challenges that impact Australians, including diagnostic groups such as anxiety, mood disorder and psychosis, as well as self-harm, suicide and substance use.