This course is designed to expose students to the pathological processes that occur in the human body. The emphasis is on physiological
mechanisms in regards to disease, pharmacological actions, and providing a bridge between basic science and the clinic.
The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the historical development of major theoretical approaches to mental health nursing. Identify key concepts
associated with selected theories and their implications in nursing practice. The basic assumption of each theory would be identified, and their application to the therapeutic
process discussed. Content will include the psychoanalytic, behavioural, cognitive, sociocultural, humanistic, existential, and general system theories.
This course will enable students to gain knowledge of the nature and causes of common physical disorders and the effects of physical illness on the
individual suffering from mental disorder. It will also equip students to be able to participate in the nursing care of individuals suffering from physical disorder,
using evidence-based nursing care in the treatment and management of the problem. Content will include the identification of factors which are likely to
contribute to the development of physical illness. Normal physiology, factors contributing to specific disease processes, the use of the nursing process in
planning care for the individual will be discussed.
On completion of this course, students will be able to understand historical and philosophical background of mental health nursing. The impact of philosophy on mental health nursing will be examined.
Components of various philosophical positions that have affected the nature of mental health practice will be identified. Also, to be discussed is the principle of holistic health care.
The course will also describe major trends in the development of mental health nursing. It will also discuss the present and future challenges facing mental health nursing.
The aim of this course is to review in-depth knowledge of Mental Health disorders and their psychopathologies. The students will also be introduced to some rare mental
conditions such as Capgras, Othello, Munchausen and other syndromes that have cultural colouration e.g. multiple personality. The medico-social implications of the conditions
on the sufferer, his/her family and the community will be explored, focusing on the causes, diagnosis, nursing care and management and prevention.
This course is designed to introduce students to the pharmacological agents used to promote, maintain and restore mental health. Emphasis is on therapeutic
and adverse effects of the psychotropic medication. The role and function of the professional nurse as related to the pharmacological agents will be reviewed.
Treatment protocols will be discussed indicating the relevant medications to be prescribed and dispensed by the practitioner under the given circumstances.
The purpose of this course is to enable students to acquire the specialised knowledge and skills required by the Mental Health Nurse. Content of the course will include
self-awareness, developing therapeutic relationships, interpersonal communications, motivational interviewing, care planning, writing and keeping records of care, working
in groups, case management, assertive skills, Six category intervention skills and De-escalation skills. The student will also be equipped with the necessary skills needed
to effectively admit and discharge clients with mental health problems.
This course is designed to further develop students’ advanced knowledge and skills for obtaining and recording a systematic health history and advanced physical and
mental state examination of individuals and families across the lifespan. The course involves the synthesis of nursing, biological, psychological, and socio-cultural knowledge
and theories as applied to mental health nursing. The central objective is the development of cognitive and clinical skills necessary for obtaining a comprehensive
health history of individuals on admission. The course will emphasise the use of nursing process to assess the complex factors that affect the health of the individual
requiring admission to hospital. Students will also be trained in the use of various valid and reliable measures (e.g. the Kavannagh–Goldberg–Vaughan (KGV) scale;
Krawiecka et al, 1977) and need (e.g. the Camberwell Assessment of Need; Phelan et al, 1995).
The aim of this course is to provide students with a legal and ethical framework for practice. This includes developing an understanding of key legislation
relevant to a variety of patient/client groups, and awareness of the ethical tension between the protective use of authority and the principle of empowering practice.
Students will be introduced to the underlying principles of mental health law and policy issues related to practice. They will also examine physical health care issues
and safe drug administration. Ethical dilemmas arising out of clinical situations, decision making frameworks/models will also be studied. Students will also be exposed
to international human rights issues particularly Conventions on the Right of Persons with Disabilities.
