Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course is designed to assist students in developing a comprehensive knowledge of nursing care, assessment, and treatment modalities for patients with psychiatric disorders. Students will focus on increasing awareness of the continuum of human behavior, utilization of therapeutic communication and legal and ethical principles that guide practice. Emphasis is placed on patient education, empathy, caring behaviors and prioritization of needs. Satisfactory completion of Semester II requirements in the ADN program sequence must be met before enrolling.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2022

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Common Psychiatric Disorders
2. Treatment Modalities and Nursing Interventions for Psychiatric Disorders
3. Psychotropic Medications
4. Nursing Process and Clinical Judgment Model
5. Empathy and Therapeutic Communication
6. Legal and Ethical Principles

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Apply the nursing process and clinical judgment model when caring for patients with psychiatric disorders.
2. Perform nursing assessments safely in the clinical area.
3. Identify and understand psychotropic medications.
4. Utilize empathy in the nurse-patient relationship.
5. Utilize therapeutic communication skills.
6. Incorporate therapeutic treatment modalities when caring for patients.
7. Describe the legal and ethical principles that guide safe nursing practice.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Exams
• Clinical performance
• Dosage calculation quiz
• Written clinical assignments

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking

Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

Refer to Associate Degree Nursing Program Handbook