都柏林大學

The role of the mental health nurse is to foster the health and well-being of individuals experiencing changes in their mental health status.

Approaches to care include: promotion of mental health, prevention and treatment of acute mental illness and the maintenance of optimum health for persons experiencing enduring mental health problems. Mental health nurses engage in therapeutic activities with individuals and their families in a variety of community settings and in acute psychiatric hospitals.

Why is this course for me?

This post-registration Higher Diploma in Mental Health is an intense twelve-month programme leading to registration as a Psychiatric Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

As a Level 8 course, the programme represents a challenging yet rewarding path to becoming a mental health nurse. Regular assessment will help students to keep abreast of the new knowledge, skills and competencies required for success.

This exciting Higher Diploma prepares you to meet the mental health needs of adults and their families in the 21st century. You will learn to engage with those suffering mental distress or illness, as well as their families, in a positive and collaborative way, empowering them to cope and recover.

What will I study?

You will experience a variety of teaching methods as you establish a strong foundation in mental health nursing practice. These include role-play, small group discussions, workshop simulations and lectures. You will undertake clinical and theory modules, including:

• NMHS 32560 Recovery Based Frameworks
• NMHS 32720 Acute Mental Health Nursing
• NMHS 32710 Legislation, Leadership and Regulation in Mental Health
• NMHS 32600 Specific Populations in Mental Health
• NMHS 32540 Evidence Based Practice for Mental Health Nursing
• NMHS 32620 Quality and Safety in Contemporary Mental Health Nursing Practice
• NMHS 32570 Therapeutic Interventions
• NMHS32550 Psychosocial interventions for people experiencing severe and enduring mental illness
• Clinical Placement modules x 6 will be provided over the course of 36 weeks duration.

Clinical Placement modules x 6 will be provided over the course of 36 weeks duration. In order to meet the NMBI standards and regulations a variety of assessment modes will be used to regularly and continuously to assess students throughout the year.

Career Opportunities

Qualifying as a mental health nurse is the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career, as it opens up opportunities for working in a variety of settings. Due to the evolving role of mental health nursing in modern healthcare systems, many nurses now choose to specialise in areas such as addiction, forensics and child mental health. You can also pursue further specialist qualifications through graduate diplomas, master’s degree and PhD degrees.