RNSG 2026 Mental Health Concepts
This course presents sound nursing theory, therapeutic modalities, and clinical applications across the treatment continuum of the mental health client. It provides a foundation for understanding contemporary psychiatric mental health problems and prepares the nursing student for planning and providing safe, compassionate, evidence-based nursing care to clients with mental and neurobehavioral disorders. Emphasis is placed on health promotion, restoration, and maintenance of the client in outpatient and inpatient mental health facilities, as well as adult day care settings. Concepts of mental health nursing will be applied through the nursing process in the care and collaboration of care of the adult client with acute and/or chronic mental health problems. Teaching and learning principles will be incorporated to all aspects of care, including the biophysical, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural aspects. Supervised clinical simulations, inpatient/outpatient hospital rotations, and adult day care interactions will provide the student opportunities to meet course competency outcomes. Clinical practice-based learning activities and interactions will be offered to allow professional development through praxis, reflection, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, accountability, provision and coordination of care, advocacy, and collaboration.