Psychiatric Nursing Concepts IV (Living with Episodic Health Challenges II)

In this course, within the context of the Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing’s philosophy and conceptual framework, students will focus on developing the psychiatric nursing role and promoting health in clients experiencing episodic variances in wellness through an understanding, acquisition and application of psychiatric nursing theory.

Specific concepts that will be addressed are:

I.     VARIABLES

Physiological Variable

• Metabolism                                             *Variances in metabolism:

• Oxygenation                                           *Variances in respiratory function

• Circulation                                              *Variances in circulatory functioning

• Cellular Dynamics                                   *Variances in responses: cancer

• Elimination                                              *Variances in urological/bowel functioning

• Mobility                                                   *Variances in mobility

• Reproduction                                           *Variances in reproductive functioning

• Neuro-sensory                                          *Variances in neuro-sensory functioning: CNS and peripheral

• Protection

Psychological Variable

• Integration: as an organizer for the assessment of self-concept, emotions & cognition
• Problem-solving in psychiatric nursing
• Patterns of communication
• Crisis theory and intervention
• DSM-IVR (as a tool for assessment)

Exemplars:

Variances in psychological integration: paranoia, eating disorders, personality disorders, and violence and abuse.

Variances in sexuality and gender identity.

Sociocultural Variable

• Relationships; significant others
• Continued awareness of diversity issues

Exemplars:

Variances in relating: personality patterns, abuse, violence

Spiritual Variable

• Purpose & meaning
• Interconnectedness
• Faith
• Forgiveness
• Religion
• Creativity
• Transcendence

Developmental Variable

• Growth
• Lifespan
• Transition

II.   CURRICULAR THREADS

Wellness-Illness Continuum

• Holism
• Primary Prevention
• Variance from Wellness
• Prevention as Intervention:

Health Promotion:

Preventative health practices to various episodic health challenges

Promoting health practices to enable the person to increase control over and improve their own health

Health promotion to allow the person to make informed choices

• Universal experiences: Crisis, Hope, Comfort, Loss, Power, Integrity, resiliency, revisited

Professional Values & Professional Caring

• DCPN & College policies
• Professional attributes: Compassion, Comportment, Commitment, Conscience, Competence, Confidence, Collegiality
• Legal & Ethical issues, Clients rights & guidelines
• Change theory
• Professional Role, professional nurse-client relationship
• Cultural Competence
• Advocacy

Health Care Delivery System

III.  RELATED PHARMACOLOGY

        Application of pharmacological principles to exemplars.