Upon completion of the course students should have the ability to:

• give details of pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnostics and treatment of common psychiatric health conditions
• describe and explain the mechanisms of action, effects, area of use and side effects of medicines, in regard to failing mental health
• give details of nursing in cases of mental health problems.

• identify and analyse nursing needs in cases of mental health problems taking into account the perspectives of patients and those close to them
• problematize and discuss the consequences of co-produced nursing in relation to mental health problem
• demonstrate such professional proficiency that no person's health or safety are prejudiced
• identify and discuss ethical dilemmas that can arise in nursing in connection with mental health problems.

• reflect on and discuss how own approach and care environments affect meetings with patients and those close to them
• reflect on stigmatisation in connection with mental health problems.

- pathophysiology, treatment methods, pharmacology and care regarding:

• psychosis
• neuropsychiatric disorders
• anxiety and sleeping disorders
• suicide
• bipolar disorder
• depression
• dependency problems

- the recovery process for:

• patients
• those close to patients
• care staff
• society

- stigmatisation
- the situation and roles of those close to patients
- theories, models and concepts in psychiatric care

The course is implemented through lectures, seminars, study assignments, practical application at a clinical training centre (CTC) and clinical placements.

The teaching is conducted in English.

General entry requirements and completed courses in the nursing programme within semesters 1 and 2 or equivalent, furthermore, completed courses within semester 3 in the nursing programme or equivalent.

The course is graded A, B, C, D, E, FX or F.

Examination will be based upon written individual examination, seminars, written assignments, practical application exercises at CTCs and clinical placements.

An offered placement for VFU is counted as a spent opportunity for this examination phase and is graded U/G regardless of the student's participation, unless there are special reasons. Even an interrupted VFU is counted as a wasted opportunity unless there are special reasons. The number of examination opportunities for VFU is limited (see below).

A university lecturer serves as examiner for the course.

In the event of a failing grade on the VFU, the student is directed to complete this VFU the next time the course is offered within the regular course offering.

Name of the Test	Value	Grading
Individual written examination	2.5 credits	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Seminars	1 credit	U/G
Written assignments	0.5 credits	U/G
Practical application	0.5 credits	U/G
Clinical placement	3 credits	U/G

Clinical Placement-integrated learning (VIL) provides 3.5 of the course’s total of 7.5 credits.

Attendance
Temporary interruption of a course
The School of Health and Welfare may suspend a student's participation in clinical training or other practical activities during the course if a student demonstrates gross unfitness/ incompetence when applying skills. A student whose work-based training or other practical activities have been canceled due to gross inadequacy/incompetence may not continue study before the course director or examiner has verified and approved that the student has the knowledge and skills required. In connection with a decision on suspension, the decision will specify the grounds on which the suspension is based. After the decision, an individual plan will be established for the student where knowledge and skills gaps are specified, the degree of support the student is entitled to, and the terms and date(s) for examination(s).

Limitations on the number of occasions for placement
Interruption of placement or other clinical/practical activities due to gross unfitness/ incompetence when applying skills is considered a missed occasion. Students who have failed three placements in the same course must discontinue their studies in the program in question. A student who has been failed three times on their placement will be offered counselling with student counsellor.

Nicholson, B., McKimm, J., & Allen, A.K. (Ed.). (2016). Global Health. Sage.

Varcarolis, E.M. (2017). Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care. Elsevier.


The latest edition of the course literature shall be used.


Scientific articles and other study materials will be added.