Mental Health Nursing – BSc (Hons)

CAO Points: 299
Campus: Athlone
years: 4

Course Code US878
Level 8
Course Type Undergraduate
Study Mode Full Time
Department Nursing & Healthcare

Course Overview

This programme aims to enable students to develop knowledge, competencies, attitudes and skills to enable them to function effectively as professional nurses in a healthcare environment providing recovery focused individualised care. The programme provides opportunities for development of the fundamental nursing skills and allows the student to adapt these skills to a variety of populations and environments. It will foster and nurture the ethos for the student around the necessity for the continuation of professional development throughout their career.

This four-year honours degree is offered with healthcare providers and accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The course involves the study of theoretical and practice based modules. Students will be exposed to classroom teaching and Clinical Placements in various areas of expertise available at the three regional hospitals in the Health Service Executive Midlands area in Tullamore, Portlaoise and Mullingar, throughout the Midlands (Laois/Offaly and Longford/Westmeath) and with private healthcare facilities nationally. The diversity of placement requirements and their geographical spread will mean that regardless of where you live traveling to clinical placement areas will be required throughout various stages of your nursing or midwifery programme. This is to ensure students meet the required clinical instruction, set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Students will undergo a total of 2,925 hours clinical study and 1,740 hours theoretical study across the 4 year programme. Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing from TUS and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

TUS uses the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) to assess the suitability of applicants for placement within this programme. This is due to the considerable amount of placements undertaken with children and vulnerable groups in society. Therefore, offers to this programme are conditional and could subsequently be withdrawn if applicants do not meet the Garda vetting requirements.

Vaccinations Alert for all Nursing and Healthcare students, please note that:
(1) As health care students, vaccinations may be advocated not only in the interest of the individual student, but also as a protection to health service users and workers, some of whom may have medical vulnerabilities. Getting vaccinated helps to protect people around students, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from certain viruses.

(2) Access to educational opportunities in some healthcare settings may not be granted to healthcare students if they are not and will not agree to vaccination that is not otherwise contraindicated. In many instances it may not be possible for the Higher Educational Institutions to provide alternative training/educational opportunities to replace this access. As placements are a critical component of nursing programmes and are regulated Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland requirements, this in turn may delay progression through and potential completion of a nursing educational programme at TUS.

Contact Details

Olivia Corcoran

Email: Olivia.Corcoran@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

There are four modes of entry onto the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing programme.

Leaving Certificate

The majority of applicants will gain entry through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The minimum entry requirements for standard applicants are; a grade H5 in two higher level papers and a grade O6/H6 in four ordinary/higher level papers in the Republic of Ireland Leaving Certificate Examination in the following subjects:

English or Irish (not foundation level)
Mathematics (not foundation level)
a laboratory science subject (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Phys/Chem, or Agricultural Science) and
three other subjects.

GCSE

Applicants presenting GC(S)E (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) examinations to the CAO must have attained two GCE A levels at grade C or in addition to achieving four passes at GCSE O level grade C or better that must include English and Mathematics.

QQI

A limited number of places are available for applicants with a QQI-FET Level 5 award in Nursing Studies, Community and Health Services, Healthcare Support, or Health Service Skills. A minimum of Distinction (80% or greater) in five modules must be achieved and must include three of the following modules: Anatomy and Physiology, Nurse Theory and Practice, and either Human Growth and Development or Biology.

Please note that all applicants:

Must attain garda clearance on commencement of the programme
Will be required to complete a Medical Assessment Self Declaration Form and undergo a medical assessment/screening and a vaccination programme, as stipulated by TUS and its Associated Healthcare Partners (AHCP).

Mature Applicants

A limited number of places are available for mature applicants (23 years of age or over on the first day of January on the year of application). Mature applicants can apply to the CAO (www.cao.ie) by February 1st. In order to be eligible for application, they must be successful in an assessment test. Further information is available on the NMBI website.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Professional Recognition

Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nursing in Mental Health Nursing from TUS and registration with An Bord Altranais.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

Anatomy, Physiology & Microbiology

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide the student with knowledge and appreciation of the structure and function of the human body across the lifespan which includes the principles of anatomy, physiology and microbiology as applied in nursing practice.
Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the evidence base underpinning the delivery of clinically effective nursing practice and care.
Preparation for Practice (Mental Health Nursing)

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to facilitate the student’s preparation for the experience of clinical placement.
Principles & Practice of Mental Health Nursing Care

Credits: 5

This module aims is to prepare students to apply the principles of nursing knowledge and skill to deliver patient centred care safely, professionally and compassionately across diverse clinical settings and to introduce the student to mental health and well-being
Psychology and Communication

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the key theories and principles of psychology and communication in nursing.
Clinical Placement I

Credits: 5

The aim of Clinical Placement 1 is to provide the student with exposure to the Clinical Practice area and to introduce him/her to the fundamental skills necessary for the provision of individualised, recovery orientated and holistic care to service users in the mental health nursing setting.

Year 1 – Semester 2

Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide the student with knowledge and appreciation of the structure and function of the human body across the lifespan; this includes the principles of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology as applied in nursing practice.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to enable to student to gain the knowledge and understanding that underpins nursing care and practice in child and adolescent mental health care and treatment.
Professional Legal and Ethical Issues in Mental Health Nursing

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to professional legal and ethical issues associated with mental health nursing practice whilst embracing the virtues of caring, compassion, integrity, honesty respect and empathy in the delivery of that practice.
Sociology and Health

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to current and relevant sociological and health knowledge. The student will acquire an understanding of social, spiritual, cultural and environmental factors in health and wellbeing.
Community Mental Health Nursing

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to introduce the student nurse to mental health policy in Ireland, the concept of community mental health care and to the principles of mental health nursing as applied in community settings.
Clinical Placement II

Credits: 5

The aim of Clinical Placement II is to facilitate the student to participate under close supervision of a competent practitioner in carrying out aspects of individualised recovery orientated holistic care to service users in the mental health nursing setting.

Year 2 – Semester 1

Mood and Emotional Disorders

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to enable the student to assess and intervene appropriately, using an individualised and recovery-oriented focus, with service users experiencing mood and anxiety-related disorders.
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Credits: 5

The aim of the module is for the student to understand the nature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and deliver individualised, holistic, recovery orientated nursing care to service users suffering from these disorders.
Health Studies

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to explore models and approaches to health promotion. The student will have a knowledge and appreciation of measuring health and identifying the health care needs of the individual, groups and the public in line with national and international policy.
Care of the Older Person (Mental Health Nursing)

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to develop the specialised knowledge, skills and understanding of the older person including mental health and healthy ageing within institutional and community settings to meet the changing demographic demands of an ageing population.
Care of the Adult in the General Hospital

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide the student with the opportunity to gain knowledge, competency and understanding relating to the principles underpinning the provision of evidence based, safe, respectful care, in the practice of general nursing in diverse settings.
Clinical Placement III (Mental Health Nursing)

Credits: 5

The aim of Clinical Placement III is to facilitate the student to demonstrate the ability to participate in the delivery of care, under supervision, on more sustained basis with less prompting and with greater confidence and ability.

Year 2 – Semester 2

Specialist Adult Care Groups

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to ensure the student has a competent knowledge base to provide effective nursing care for the person who has a substance misuse disorder, disorders relating to childbirth, or an eating disorder or other specialist group, taking account of the specific needs of the person or population living with the disorder or specialist need.
Enduring Mental Health Difficulties

Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to empower the student to understand and apply individualised and recovery orientated mental health nursing care to persons with enduring mental health difficulties.
Groups and Group Therapies

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to organise and manage groups, including therapeutic groups, within mental health settings.
Emergency Care in Mental Health Nursing

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to explore crises that sometimes arise as a result of mental illnesses, their symptoms, or the medications used to treat such conditions.
Clinical Placement IV (Mental Health Nursing)

Credits: 5

The aim of Clinical Placement IV is to facilitate the student to demonstrate the ability to participate in the delivery of care under supervision, on a more sustained basis, with less prompting and with greater confidence and ability.

Year 3 – Semester 1

Physical Health and Mental Illness

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide students with the concepts and knowledge of physical health and well-being in a specific mental health context.
Bereavement and Loss

Credits: 5

The aim is to provide an in-depth exploration of bereavement, loss and suicide and to develop therapeutic nursing approaches to empower patients to recover from an event of distress, crisis and difficulty facilitating the person to find hope and resilience. An introduction to palliative care is also included.
Therapeutic Approaches and Counselling Skills

Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the theoretical basis of a variety of therapeutic approaches and equip the student with practical basic counselling skills applicable to mental health nursing, building on the knowledge and skills acquired in the programme to date.
Research Appreciation

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of the application of the research process to enhance the evidence base of nursing practice and health care.
Clinical Placement V (Mental Health Nursing)

Credits: 5

The aim of Clinical Placement V is to facilitate the student to demonstrate the ability to participate in the delivery of recovery orientated care to service users, under supervision on more sustained basis with less prompting and with greater confidence and ability.

Year 3 – Semester 2

Sociology and Psychology Applied to Mental Health Nursing

Credits: 5

The aim of the module is to enable students to understand the sociological dynamics of caring in contemporary society. In addition, students will explore psycholgical theories looking at issues such as the impact of other people and situational factors on a person’s behaviours and choices and other relevant theories in relation to health.
Personality and Personality Disorder

Credits: 5

Students will acquire a detailed understanding of personality development theories, personality disorders and appropriate therapeutic interventions for such disorders.
Biomedical Treatments in Mental Illness

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of biomedical treatments for persons with a mental illness, and related neuroanatomy.
Challenging Legal and Ethical Issues in Mental Health Nursing

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to enable the student to comprehend, reflect on and apply legal, ethical and other aspects of contemporary challenging practices in mental health nursing interventions.
Clinical Placement VI (Mental Health Nursing)

Credits: 5

The aim of Clinical Placement VI is to enable the student to internalise his/role as a nurse caring for service users throughout the lifespan; so that s/he continues to develop confidence and ompetence in the practice of nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Social and Community Engagement (Elective Module)

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to foster and nurture in the student whilst attaining a higher educational award an ethos of civic and community engagement (social, economic and cultural) as an endeavour to build a more equal society.
Coping Strategies for Confinement (Elective Module)

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to facilitate the student to conceptualise and deliver coping strategies for persons who are institutionally or otherwise confined as result of prison, forensic mental health care, caring for others, illness or old age.
Nursing Healthcare Informatics (Elective Module)

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to enhance nursing students’ understanding of the role of digital Health in healthcare delivery.
Recovery Narratives (or Education) in Action (Elective Module)

Credits: 5

This elective module is unique in that it has elements that are co-produced and co-delivered, and assessment is heavily weighted towards reflection, and personal narratives. Participants attend a number of recovery education sessions involving people with lived experience of mental health difficulties (PLE) as well as more formal classes on recovery philosophy, principles and initiatives.

Year 4 – Semester 1

Health and Social Policy

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to explore advanced concepts related to health promotion and social policy.
Integrated Mental Health Nursing Practice

Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to enhance the student’s ability to evaluate nursing practice and use current research findings to underpin his/her clinical practice. The consolidation of skills developed in previous modules will prepare the student to use his/her problem-solving abilities in the provision of quality healthcare.
Clinical Placement VII (Mental Health Nursing Pre-internship)

Credits: 5

The aim of Clinical Placement VII is to enable the student to internalise his/role as a nurse caring for service users throughout the lifespan; so that s/he continues to develop confidence and competence in the practice of nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Preparation for Internship (Mental Health Nursing)

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to provide the student with the essential skills and competencies to undertake rostered placement as an internship student in Semester VIII.
Leadership, Management, Educational and Professional Issues in Mental Health Nursing

Credits: 5

The aim of this module is to consolidate and develop professional scholarship, leadership and management skills, through self-directed learning, critical thinking and decision-making skills as the foundation for lifelong professional education and career development in nursing.

Year 4 – Semester 2

Clinical Placement VIII (Mental Health Nursing Internship)

Credits: 30

The aim of the Clinical Placement Module VIII (internship) in Year 4 is to facilitate the student to become a safe, caring, competent decision- maker willing to take personal and professional accountability for evidence-based practice.

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

On completion you can apply to register as a Psychiatric Nurse to the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), the profession’s regulatory body. After registration, you will be ready to start work as a qualified psychiatric nurse in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals and community mental health facilities.

Further Study

Students who successfully complete this level 8 programme are eligible to continue their academic progression in other disciplines of nursing or undertake taught postgraduate studies with TUS or another HEI providing they meet the requisite entry requirements. Those who achieve a first or 2:1 honours degree may be eligible to undertake a PhD or MSc. by research within nursing or a similar discipline within the Faculty of Science and Health at TUS. Where a student chooses to leave their programme of study, they may be eligible to receive one of the following awards: After 2 years of study and having successfully completed 120 ECTS a student will be awarded a Higher Certificate in Mental Health Studies. After 3 years after successful completion of 180 ECTS a student will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Studies.

Student Testimonial

I would highly recommend this course in TUS. Over the course of my four years I have had many opportunities to gain experiences in all the different aspects of mental health care and have been supported in my learning throughout. There is a great support from the lecturers and staff in college and clinical staff – Ruth Fitzsimons Year 4.