4 Year Nursing Degree Programme (BSc Cur) Mental Health Nursing

NU1P04 -Psychotherapeutic Skills and Meantal Health Nursing (5 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Develop social skills that demonstrate warmth, respect and basic empathy including verbal and non-verbal communication
  
• Discuss the skills necessary for effective communication with clients their families or carers in clinical practice
  
• Identify the different types of questions and when they may be used
  
• Explore the skills associated with seeking permission when assisting clients with their care needs
  
• Identify choices with regard to appropriate professional interventions

Module Learning Aims

Communication skills are the foundation for all effective mental health nursing interventions. Learning
from experience is crucial for the development of our own nursing practice. Self awareness and
reflection are essential for the development of communication skills and the enhancement of
professional practice. With these factors in mind this module will integrate theory, practice and skills
development, with a particular emphasis on experiential learning.

Recommended Reading List

Essential Reading

• Heron, J. (2001) Helping the Client – A Creative Practical Guide (5th Edn). Sage, London.
  
• Rogers, C. (1961) On Becoming a Person: A therapist’s view of psychotherapy. Constable, London.
  
• Morrissey, J. & Callaghan, P. (2011) Communication Skills for Mental Health Nurses: An Introduction. Open University Press, Milton Keynes.
  

Recommended Reading

• Egan, G. (1998) The Skilled Helper (6th Edn). Brookes-Cole, Pacific Grove, CA.
  
• Freshwater, D. (2003) Counselling Skills for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors. Open University Press, Berkshire.
  
• McLeod, J. (2007) Counselling Skill. Open University Press, Berkshire.
  

* Additional readings will be given for each unit of learning.