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Mental illness has the potential to affect all individuals in society, irrespective of age or ethnic origin. One in five Australians will experience symptoms of mental illness at any given time, which gives rise to the assumption most people will experience some symptoms of mental health illness at some point in their lives.
This is an introductory foundation stand-alone course, which provides students with knowledge of mental illness and evidenced base practices of care. Nurses with an understanding and appreciation of the complexity of mental health issues in different practice settings, establish a solid foundation for enhancing their capacity to be an effective Registered Nurse.

In this course, students will be introduced to a spectrum of mental health disorders affecting people across the lifespan. The content will enhance your understanding of mental health and illness, and develop knowledge to analyse, critically assess, safely intervene and manage consumers experiencing mental health challenges using case-based scenarios, evidenced based practices and contemporary nursing skills. Students will also learn to apply a high level of written and verbal communication in relation to the care of mental health consumers.

Individual and carer's perspective of their journey with mental illness will be reviewed, incorporating recovery orientated mental health care, with stigma and students' personal views of mental illness being explored.

The importance of ethical and legal aspects for mental health consumers will be delivered in case studies related to specific mental health disorders. The theoretical content of this course will provide students the opportunity for application of theory into practice with their future mental health clinical placements, and with core skills required for industry and future work.

As per the BNSG Program Rules, students are required to attempt and submit all assessment items in a course. This program rule forms part of the USQ accreditation agreement with the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council [ANMAC].

On completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Explain clinical manifestations associated with the major mental health disorders.
2. Apply evidence-based interventions which informs the development of targeted treatment planning across the lifespan of the consumer, including culturally diverse consumers.
3. Analyse and apply the principles of the Recovery process in delivering specific care for consumers living with mental illness and supporting carers and significant other’s needs.
4. Explain the importance of mental health legislation, rights of mental health consumers, cultural diversity, and the legislative implications for nursing practice.
5. Effectively communicate with consumers, including Indigenous populations, to accurately assess mental state and risk parameters using standardised mental health assessment forms.