Disorders of mental health for RN/RPN (PNRS 114)

This course is designed for Registered Nurses (RN) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) who wish to enhance their skills in working with clients experiencing mental health issues and their families.

Theory related to mental health disorders including neurobiology and psychopharmacology will be reviewed. Mental health disorders are reviewed. 

RNs and RPNs may register for specific professional development purposes, or as part of the RN Mental Health Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing Refresher certificate programs. Students interested in completing a certificate program must apply for admission and be accepted into the program. Details of the required documents and program application forms are available on the program web page. Please note that up 2 courses can be taken individually without applying to the full program.

By the end of this course, students will

• meet the learning objectives outlined in each section of the course material;
• understanding common mental health disorders and treatment modalities;
• identify nursing interventions for working with people experiencing mental health disorders;
• develop self-awareness into own attitudes toward the various disorders of mental health; and
• stigma, cultural context is considered throughout review of the various mental health disorders.

$892.00

Textbooks not included. Contact the Douglas College Bookstore for prices and ordering information.

Completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or proof of equivalent.

For course taken on a stand-alone basis:  proof of RPN license status and/or proof of RPN program completion with transcript or copy of diploma/degree.

Topics covered include:

• neurobiology and psychopharmacology.
• anxiety and anxiety disorders;
• mood disorders and suicide;
• schizophrenic disorders;
• substance-related disorders;
• personality disorders;
• eating disorders;
• neurocognitive disorders; and
• anger, aggression and violence.

Austin & Boyd, Psychiatric Nursing for Canadian Practice

Available through the Douglas College Bookstore.

Self-paced, instructor supported, online course in Blackboard

Due to the nature of an online delivery, the student will be expected be proficient in computer skills including email, adding attachments, navigating the internet etc. Resources for getting started with Blackboard are available online to help get the student comfortable in the Blackboard environment.

• 5 short assignments
• 3 multiple choice exams

Minimum grade to pass is C (60%).

This course may be taken independently or as part of the RN Mental Health Nursing Certificate or Psychiatric Nursing Refresher Certificate programs.

To register, email cehs@douglascollege.ca with your registration request and proof of completion of the pre-requisite requirements.  You will then be prompted for payment to the CE Registration office, to finalize your registration. Payment of the tuition fee must accompany registration.

Instructions on how to access your course materials will be emailed to you by the Program Assistant within five (5) business days prior to your chosen course start date.