Download Printable Version

MONTANA STAE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF NURSING

Master Resource Outline
NRSG 631 Advanced Clinical I (NP, Psych/Mental Health)
Advanced Nursing Practice and Psychiatric Care Formulation


Credits: 6 (3 lecture; 3 clinical)
Semester Offered: Summer
Prerequisite: NRSG 601, NRSG 602, NRSG 603, NRSG 604, NRSG 605, NRSG 607
Degree: DNP


DNP Essentials: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII
Graduate Program Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8


Course Description: This graduate nursing course is designed as an introduction into advanced practice
psychiatric-mental health nursing. The role and scope of advanced psychiatric nursing practice and
foundational legal and ethical issues are explored. The neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of psychiatric
disorders are reviewed and their implications in the provision of psychiatric care are examined.
Conducting comprehensive and systematic psychiatric assessments in complex situations, while
incorporating diverse and culturally sensitive approaches with populations across the lifespan is
emphasized. The application of relevant evidence-based findings to develop practice guidelines and
improve practice and the practice environment is stressed.


Course Objectives:

  1. Examine the scope of psychiatric advanced practice nursing in professional and legal arenas and
    integrate an evolving understanding of nursing and healthcare into one’s nursing practice.
  2. Conduct comprehensive and systematic psychiatric assessments of health and illness parameters
    in complex situations, incorporating diverse and culturally sensitive approaches. 
  3. Select and apply assessment strategies to interpret the mental health treatment needs of
    individuals and families across the lifespan based on an understanding of biological,
    psychosocial, and developmental theories.
  4. Develop, apply, and evaluate therapeutic advanced nursing strategies for the psychiatric treatment
    needs of individuals and families across the life span based on biopsychosocial theories,
    evidence-based standards of care, and practice guidelines.
  5. Demonstrate the effective use of therapeutic communication strategies and sustain therapeutic
    relationships and partnerships with patients and other professionals to facilitate optimal care and
    patient outcomes.
  6. Apply legal and ethical principles to the development, implementation, and evaluation of
    advanced nursing strategies.
  7. Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability in
    designing, delivering, and evaluating evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes.

Practice experience in the curriculum

Practice immersion experiences afford the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the essentials and
specialty requirements necessary to demonstrate competency in an area of specialized nursing practice.


Approved by GAAC: 10/31/2011; amended 11/5/2012; 1/13/14
Approved by Faculty: 4/9/12; modified 1/7/2013; 2/10/14