Unit Catalogue

This unit is a combined theory and Professional Experience Placement unit. It equips you with both theoretical and practical foundations in mental health nursing. With a focus on the critical understanding of mental illnesses, you will engage in the assessment and treatment of complex mental health conditions, supported by an 80-hour clinical placement. Through practical experience, you will apply key mental health care models, including the recovery model, strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed care, in real-world settings.

Throughout the unit, you will learn about self-care and resilience practices that are essential for managing the emotional and psychological demands of nursing. You will learn to recognise the importance of maintaining your own well-being to ensure longevity as a registered nurse in addition to the provision of sustainable, high-quality care for your clients.

The placement provides opportunities for you to develop and refine communication skills, build therapeutic relationships, and apply culturally responsive nursing practices in diverse clinical environments. Additionally, you will critically analyse the interconnectedness of mental, social, and physical health, integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based, and person-centred care at a high professional standard.

Students are responsible for the cost of attending their Professional Experience Placement, including travel and accommodation.

Participating in the professional Experience Placement component of this unit will allow you to demonstrate person-centred care and professional competencies within the scope of practice of a novice to advanced beginner nursing student. To meet accreditation requirements, you must attend 80 mandatory clinical placement hours. To attend your Professional Experience Placement, you must demonstrate that you are up to date with all your preclinical requirements and that you have achieved 100% in your medication quiz. Please refer to the CDU Faculty of Health website for further details on the placement requirements and other important information.