This module provides the student of Mental Health Nursing with the opportunity to understand the interplay between physical and mental health. The student will develop an awareness of how physical issues can be influenced by, or appear as symptoms of mental ill health and vice versa. Engagement with this module promotes the importance of caring for our own physical health and of educating and empowering users of the mental health services to do likewise. The aim, therefore, is to explore aspects of both mental and physical health as one and the same enabling the student to become a more effective practitioner of the art of Mental Health Nursing and enhancing their ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and needs. Students will develop an awareness of the evidence base and policy imperatives around the physical care of people with a severe mental illness.

Format of the module

The module comprises health promotion, specialist mental healthcare, physical healthcare, values and skills for Mental Health Nursing practice.

1. Define the concept of trauma informed care and develop an understanding of its application to Mental Health Nursing in line with National Policy Imperatives.
2. Describe contemporary health theories that underpin health promotion and concepts of health and current National policy, including Slaintecare (2020) and Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for everyone (2020).
3. Understand the importance of assessment and monitoring of mental health across the lifespan.
4. Identify the physical health conditions commonly experienced by people with a serious mental illness.
5. Discuss the importance of screening and referral for physical health conditions in mental health.
6. Explain the principles of nursing care and management of physical health disorders prevalent among people with severe mental illness.
7. Describe the concept of mental health nursing in the context of specialist care environments.
8. Describe the nursing values and clinical nursing skills required to care for the mental and physical needs of service users with particular reference to the nursing values of care, compassion. commitment (NMBI 2016, 2021, 2025) and kindness.
9. Describe the skills , knowledge, and expertise required of the mental health nurse in specialist mental health services.
10. Describe the interplay between physical and mental health and the social environment.

This module will provide students with an introductory knowledge and understanding of the nature, purposes, methods and techniques of research in health care, including an outline understanding of the research process. It will also provide students with an overview of current and relevant principles of health information technology and nursing informatics as applied in nursing practice.

1. Describe the function of research in the practice of nursing.
2. Demonstrate an ability to use IT systems in searching for academic literature.
3. Identify the components of the research process.
4. Explain the principles of health information technology.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the application of informatics in the delivery of nursing practice.

The purpose of the module is to enhance the nursing students’ understanding of psychology and to enable them to apply this knowledge to their nursing practice.

1. Discuss the main theoretical approaches in current developmental psychology.
2. Integrate psychological concepts into nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and care strategies.
3. Develop an understanding of family relationships, conflict, the self, emotions and the body through different theoretical approaches to social psychology.
4. Develop an understanding of the psycho-social basis of pain and pain management.
5. Develop an understanding of the psychological basis of mental health and distress.

This module gives particular focus to biological interventions used to manage and alleviate symptoms of common mental illnesses and their effects and implications for the service user. The neurobiology of mental illness will be explored to explicate the role of neurotransmitters in relation to mental health and treatment approaches for mental illness. Treatments explored will include pharmaceutical approaches, ECT (including MHC rules) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Light therapy. Pharmacotherapy relating to mental ill health will also be explored, as will medication management and the associated professional guidance (NMBI, HIQA). This module will also look at symptomology, diagnostic criteria, prognosis and therapeutic management of common mental disorders including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders and depressive disorders.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the neurobiological theory of mental illness.
2. Describe the signs and symptoms, epidemiology of common mental health disorders.
3. Explore the clinical presentation of persons with a common mental illness.
4. Identify and describe treatment approaches for managing common mental disorders.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of womens mental health through the lifespan, particularly perinatal mental health.
6. Explain the pharmaceutical approaches used to treat common mental illnesses and their effects.
7. Demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and competence relating to medication administration, including the NMBI Guidance for Registered Nurses and Midwives on Medication Administration (2020).
8. Describe the process involved in preparing the service user for ECT and their nursing care before, during and after ECT treatment.

Clinical practice represents 50% of the undergraduate nursing programme and the development of skills, knowledge, professional behaviour and attitudes represents a key component in the undergraduate nursing students' attainment of competence to practice as a registered nurse (NMBI, 2016). The NMBI (2016) defines competence as the attainment of knowledge, intellectual capacities, practice skills, integrity and professional and ethical values required for safe, accountable and effective practice as a Registered Nurse. Thus the aim of this module is to enable the student Mental Health Nurse to continue the process of attaining competency in Mental Health Nursing in a variety of specialist settings with assistance and under close supervision of the Registered Nurse. It further aims to enable competency assessment at Novice Level to be undertaken through participation in the provision of person-centred nursing.

Competence encompasses six domains of practice:

Domain 1: Professional values and conduct of the nurse competences

Knowledge and appreciation of the virtues of caring, compassion, integrity, honesty, respect and empathy as a basis for upholding the professional values of nursing and identity as a nurse.

Domain 2: Nursing practice and clinical decision-making competences

Knowledge and understanding of the principles of delivering safe and effective nursing care through the adoption of a systematic and problem-solving approach to developing and delivering a person-centred plan of care based on an explicit partnership with the person and his/her primary carer.

Domain 3: Knowledge and cognitive competences

Knowledge and understanding of the health continuum, life and behavioural sciences and their applied principles that underpin a competent knowledge base for nursing and healthcare practice.

Domain 4: Communication and interpersonal competences

Knowledge, appreciation and development of empathic communication skills and techniques for effective interpersonal relationships with people and other professionals in healthcare settings.

Domain 5: Management and team competences

Using management and team competences in working for the person's wellbeing, recovery, independence and safety through recognition of the collaborative partnership between the person, family and multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Domain 6: Leadership and professional scholarship competences

Developing professional scholarship through self-directed learning skills, critical questioning/ reasoning skills and decision-making skills in nursing as the foundation for lifelong professional education, maintaining competency and career development.

1. Be familiar with and understand the policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines documents that are relevant to practice placements.
2. Understand the mandatory regulations that are relevant in practice e.g. reporting relationships, returning accurate records, safeguarding vulnerable patients – identify vulnerable individuals and implement safe-guarding interventions.
3. Achieve the minimum standard of Supported Participant in the domains of competence, for a 2nd year nursing student, as required by The Nursingand Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 1: Professional values and conduct of the nurse competences
4. Achieve the minimum standard of Supported Participant in the domains of competence, for a 2nd year nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland:
Domain 2: Nursing practice and clinical decision-making competences.
5. Achieve the minimum standard of Supported Participant in the domains of competence, for a 2nd year nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland:
Domain 3: Knowledge and cognitive competences.
6. Achieve the minimum standard of Supported Participant in the domains of competence, for a 2nd year nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland:Domain 2: Nursing practice and clinical decision making competences Domain 4: Communication and interpersonal competences.
7. Achieve the minimum standard of Supported Participant in the domains of competence, for a 2nd year nursing student, as required by The Nursingand Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 5: Management and team competences.
8. Achieve the minimum standard of Supported Participant in the domains of competence, for a 2nd year nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 6: Leadership potential and professional scholarship competences.

This module seeks to develop undergraduate General and Mental Health Nursing students' knowledge and understanding of the sociological factors that need to inform nursing and healthcare delivery. It seeks to challenge the student to view the provision of care through a broader societal lens and to consider how UN sustainable development goals (2015) impact on the role of the Nurse. In doing so, it will encourage the student to explore opportunities for nursing and healthcare to evolve and address the sociological dynamics of our contemporary society.

1. Summarise the importance of social inequality in shaping patterns of physical and mental wellbeing, health and resilience
2. Discuss a broad range of social determinants of health
3. Recognise contemporary social issues in healthcare
4. Discuss the social context of health and healthcare and consider how the UN sustainable development goals can be applied in the healthcare setting.
5. Discuss social roles for Nursing within the context of broader healthcare and societal structures

The aim of this module is to give students a sense of the theoretical basis for assessing the psychotherapeutic needs of service users and to enhance their understanding of the theories underpinning mental health assessments and interventions. The content will be underpinned by a recovery approach and service user focus. This module will facilitate the Mental Health Nursing student to develop skills in communication, care assessment, collaborative care, empathy and compassion and to place the service user at the centre of the care journey. The spiritual, religious, cultural, and role of family / other support will be further explored.
This module will work in accordance with national guidelines promoting the provision of evidence-based interventions for those experiencing mental health problems. This module uses a structured, recovery-orientated, formulation-driven psychosocial approach.
The module further aims to facilitate the student in developing effective psychotherapeutic skills, including ethical practice and professional boundaries. The student will demonstrate all nursing skills and interventions with the values of care, compassion and kindness in line with the NMBI Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (NMBI, 2025) and The National Quality Framework: Driving excellence in mental health services (2023).

1. Discuss the importance of safe skilled interpersonal relationships in mental health nursing practice and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with an individual or group.
2. Appreciate what people with experience of mental distress and their supporters may want from mental health nurses.
3. Apply various frameworks used when carrying out a Mental Health assessment (Egans framework, biopsychosocial model or ABC-E model of emotion) whilst maintaining a recovery focus.
4. Explain the importance of collaborative care working to include service users, carers and supporters.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of factors that influence and hinder the therapeutic alliance in particular empathy, person centeredness, cultural and religious/spiritual beliefs and the values of care, compassion, commitment (NMBI, 2016, 2021, 2025) and kindness.

The aim of this module is to enable the student Mental Health Nurse to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to support people who are experiencing a serious mental illness. Students will learn about the complexity and impact of serious mental illness. The module will explore the range of pharmacological treatments a vailable in practice for managing serious mental illness. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, lithium toxicity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular and other consequences of psychotropic drugs. Long-term outcome of psychotropic medications. Students will explore the nature of psychosis and related disorders and holistic nursing care for patients experiencing these disorders.
Students will further explore substance abuse, disorders and their impact at individual, family and societal level and their co-occurrence with other mental illnesses. Dual Diagnosis will be discussed and the treatment approaches for management of the same. Students will understand the Model of Care for people experiencing Mental Disorder and Co-existing Substance Use Disorder: Dual Diagnosis (HSE, 2023) and its provisions for care of people experiencing Dual Diagnosis.
Furthermore, the student is encouraged to think beyond the symptoms of mental ill health to the person who is experiencing it, their families and supporters. This module will look at personality disorders and their management and will cover personality disorders, clinical presentation, epidemiology, comorbidity, aetiology, and nursing management options.

1. Discuss the pathophysiology of acute neuropsychiatric presentations of relevance to practice as a Mental Health Nurse.
2. Critically discuss the impact of psychosis on the individual, the family and society and how this can be ameliorated.
3. Explain the concept of Dual Diagnosis, the National Model of Care (HSE, 2023) and the evidence-based treatments for this.
4. Appraise early intervention and recovery work in relation to the nursing care of people who have a serious mental illness and contextualise this to the National Programme for Early Intervention Psychosis (HSE, 2019) and The Quality framework: Driving excellence in mental health services (2023).
5. Critically discuss the principles of delivering safe and effective nursing care for the person with a severe and enduring mental illness.
6. Identify the presentation, aetiology and epidemiology of personality disorders.
7. Clearly articulate the importance of collaboratively working to develop a recovery based individual care plan based on an assessment of risk for those experiencing mental ill health.
8. Critically analyse the clinical risks associated with the delivery of psychopharmacological treatments for psychotic disorders.

This module will explore working with people from diverse groups.
This module will also examine the particular mental health needs of women and the elderly population in relation to their mental health. This module will also explore working with persons with challenging behaviours and eating disorders. The module will explore management of a person experiencing a mental health crisis, including self-harm and suicide. National programmes and policies informing the care of these groups will be explored.
Person centered care and the values of care, compassion, kindness (NMBI, 2021, MHC, 2023) respect and commitment will underpin the module.

1. Critically examine the specific mental health challenges faced by women and older persons.
2. Identify evidence-based nursing interventions and the National Clinical programme for Eating Disorders (2018) in caring for a person with an Eating Disorder.
3. Critically discuss trauma in the context of loss and grief and appreciate the importance of a trauma-informed approach to mental health care in line with the Recovery Framework for Mental Health (HSE 2017); Sharing the Vision, A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (HSE, 2020) and the Quality Framework, Driving Excellence in Mental Health Services (MHC, 2023).
4. Critically examine the nursing skills, knowledge and expertise required to meet the specific mental health challenges when working with a suicidal and/or self-harming person and the person in crisis in the context of the National Clinical Programme for Suicide and Self Harm Ideation (HSE, 2022).
5. Analyse the dynamics of aggression and violence in mental health care settings.
6. Critically explore the maintenance of a safe environment in mental health settings and the role of the nurse therein.
7. Demonstrate the ability to independently direct own learning, contribute to promoting peer learning and engagement in co-producing teaching and learning relevant to Mental Health Nursing practice.
8. Critically demonstrate the importance of collaboration and partnership working to assess and evaluate risk and manage same.

This module will critically analyse the regulatory and legal issues which impact on Mental Health Nursing. The concept of rights-based practice will be critically explored including human rights and service user rights. Restrictive practices will be critically analysed, including the international and national imperative to reduce and eliminate, the use of restrictive practices, impact, and creating an environment to reduce and avoid. The concepts of autonomy and capacity, the policy context and ethical issues associated with informed consent with specific reference to Mental Health will be explored and applied to practice-based scenarios.

Ethical principles, values and virtues for practice in Mental Health Nursing will be explored and evaluated. Ethical frameworks will be considered and applied to ethical issues that arise in Mental Health Nursing with emphasis given to key policies relevant to the area.

There will be an opportunity for service partners to attend lectures by outside speakers in this module- this will provide students and clinical staff with shared learning opportunity to critically review issues together.

1. Critically review the content and significance of the statutory frameworks and regulatory issues which impact the professional practice of Mental Health Nursing.
2. Critically appraise rights-based policies (local, national and international) processes and practices which are prevalent in Mental Health Nursing.
3. Compare and contrast the evidence-based approaches to restrictive practices in mental health, their impact on staff and service users and the evidence supporting the reduction and elimination of these practices.
4. Develop an awareness of the ethical and values based issues associated with rights based care, restrictive practices and coercion in mental health care.
5. Critically appraise the NMBI Code of conduct and Ethics (2025) with particular appraisal of the value of hope in the recovery journey of a service user in The Mental Health Service.
6. Critically appraise the Ethics of Justice framework and apply it to the narrative journey of the service user.
7. Appraise ethical principles value in guiding practice that is non-discriminatory and prioritises the marginalised and oppressed.
8. Critically review contemporary views on coercion and coercive practices in Mental Health and how these impact on Mental Health Nursing practices.

This module concerns the relevant skills and knowledge required to understand research methodologies and incorporate research and evidence into clinical practice in an ethical manner.

1. Critically analyse the role of research and associated ethical issues within nursing practice.
2. Critically search literature appropriate to the research topic.
3. Appraise the stages of the research process.
4. Critically analyze various research traditions and their approaches.
5. Select appropriate statistical tests to analyse quantitative research data.

The aim of the clinical practice placement is to provide the student with a further period of exposure to the practice setting so that they can develop the domains of competence as required by NMBI and continue to develop confidence and competence in the practice of Mental Health Nursing.
To be successful in this module, the student must pass each individual practice placement.

The NMBI (2023) defines competence as the attainment of knowledge, intellectual capacities, practice skills, integrity and professional and ethical values required for safe, accountable and effective practice as a Registered Nurse. The module aims to enable competency assessment at Advanced Beginner Level .

Competence encompasses six domains of practice:

Domain 1: Professional values and conduct of the nurse competences

Knowledge and appreciation of the virtues of caring, compassion, integrity, honesty, respect and empathy as a basis for upholding the professional values of nursing and identity as a nurse.

Domain 2: Nursing practice and clinical decision-making competences

Knowledge and understanding of the principles of delivering safe and effective nursing care through the adoption of a systematic and problem-solving approach to developing and delivering a person-centred plan of care based on an explicit partnership with the person and his/her primary carer.

Domain 3: Knowledge and cognitive competences

Knowledge and understanding of the health continuum, life and behavioural sciences and their applied principles underpin a competent knowledge base for nursing and healthcare practice.

Domain 4: Communication and interpersonal competences

Knowledge, appreciation and development of empathic communication skills and techniques for effective interpersonal relationships with people and other professionals in health care settings.

Domain 5: Management and team competences

Using management and team competences in working for the person’s wellbeing, recovery, independence and safety through recognition of the collaborative partnership between the person, family and multidisciplinary health care team.

Domain 6: Leadership and professional scholarship competences

Developing professional scholarship through self-directed learning skills, critical questioning/ reasoning skills and decision-making skills in nursing as the foundation for lifelong professional education, maintaining competency and career development.

1. Demonstrate and apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, CPI Safety Interventions training, facilitating WRAP and ASSIST training as required.
2. Actively participate in reflection on and in practice.Achieve competency at Advanced Beginner level and complete and submit the National Competency Assessment Document
3. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Advanced Supported Participant in the domain of competence, for a 3rd year nursing student, asrequired by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 1: Professional values and conduct of nurse’s competences.
4. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Advanced Supported Participant in the domain of competence, for a 3rd year nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 2: Nursing practice and clinical decision-making competences.
5. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Advanced Supported Participant in the domain of competence, for a 3rd year nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 3: Knowledge and cognitive competences.
6. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Advanced Supported Participant in the domain of competence, for a 3rd year nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 4: Communication and interpersonal competences.
7. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Advanced Supported Participant in the domain of competence, for a 3rd year nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 5: Management and team competences.
8. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Advanced Supported Participant in the domain of competence, for a 3rd year nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 6: Leadership potential and professional scholarship competence.Achieve the minimum standard at the level of competence.
9. Be familiar with and understand PPPGs and mandatory regulations that are relevant in practice e.g. reporting relationships, returning accurate records etc.

The aim of this module is to facilitate the student Mental Health Nurse to build on their personal and professional learning to date. The student will be encouraged to reflect on their own skills and strengths and to further develop recovery competencies. This module enables the student to explore some fundamental questions about reality and existence and to consider the professional awareness, knowledge and skills required to practice as a compassionate, safe and effective Mental Health Nurse within a contemporary mental health service.

1. Critically discuss core concepts in philosophy and mental health and how these contribute to Mental Health Nursing practice.
2. Analyse mental health care delivery in Ireland and within an international context.
3. Examine the role of the Mental Health Nurse in the multi-professional team and when working and collaborating with peer support workers.
4. Demonstrate critical knowledge, appreciation and development of effective psychotherapeutic skills for Mental Health Nursing practice, underpinned by Nursing values of care, compassion, commitment (NMBI 2016, 2021, 2025) and kindness.
5. Identify the challenges and responsibilities of the Mental Health Nurse in promoting and maintaining a safe environment and how the NMBI Code of Conduct and ethics (NMBI, 2025) influences this.

This module aims to situate the Mental Health Nursing student within a professional milieu which is becoming increasingly shaped by regulatory, policy and professional directives from a national and international perspective.

The module will consider the increasing diversity and diverse role which Mental Health Nurses now occupy in practice, and the career pathways for future Mental Health Nurses. Students will also learn about the importance of leadership and management excellence within mental health services.

1. Critically discuss National and International mental health policy imperatives which will impact on the future of Mental Health Nursing.
2. Critically evaluate how contemporary mental health policy influences Mental Health Nursing practice.
3. Critically analyse the importance of the current Professional Standards for Mental Health Nursing from NMBI and reflect on its application to practice.
4. Critically appraise the application of leadership and management theory in Mental Health Nursing settings.
5. Examine the role and contribution of the Mental Health Nurse in the context of Multi-Disciplinary working.
6. Critically discuss the role of the Mental Health Nurse as an educator and in promoting an effective learning environment.
7. Critically evaluate the role of the Mental Health Nurse as an advocate and an activist in mental health care.
8. Prepare to support learners within the clinical learning environment.

The aim of this module is to introduce the concept of quality in nursing and in healthcare. The module aims to develop an awareness of the importance of quality in the delivery of healthcare and the legal and policy frameworks which underpin and influence its application.

1. Critically discuss the concept of quality and safety in nursing care.
2. Articulate the factors which impact on the delivery of quality, safe care for service users and their families.
3. Analyse how nursing care may be evaluated using recognised systematic processes which support quality and safety.
4. Critically discuss the various legislative, policy and regulatory issues which govern the quality agenda including NMBI, MHA 2001, Nurses Act 2011, MHC, HIQA.
5. Demonstrate an ability to respond appropriately to a complaint about an alleged shortfall in the standards of care of a service user.

This module aims to further develop knowledge and skills gained in the module in Year 3 Enquiry in Nursing Practice.

Key fundamental skills used in nursing practice research will be developed. Students will be introduced to research question development tools, identification of core concepts, structured literature search strategies, database searching skills, critical appraisal frameworks, literature characteristics tables, reference management software and best practice principles/ethical conduct in clinical research and audit. Sources of information used to inform clinical practice will be critically examined i.e digital sources and reference material, systematic reviews and evidence-based guidelines.

1. Critically analyze the relationship between evidence based practice and nursing practice.
2. Demonstrate the ability to use a research question framework to develop a focused clinical research question relevant to their discipline, and answerable using credible valid sources.
3. Demonstrate a structured strategy to literature searching i.e using library technology tools and resources, using key concepts and keywords, refinement tools such as boolean operators and limits, effective database use, referencing software and saving of results.
4. Develop a literature summary table and reference list providing an overview of basic information (authors, country, purpose and findings) , theoretical and conceptual frameworks, methods used in the included articles.
5. Critically examine research designs used in nursing focused research publications in terms of robustness, identification of strengths and weaknesses and ethical rigor using a critical appraisal tool.

The NMBI (2016) defines competence as the attainment of knowledge, intellectual capacities, practice skills, integrity and professional and ethical values required for safe, accountable and effective practice as a Registered Nurse. Thus, the aim of the Internship module is to facilitate the student Mental Health Nurse in making the transition to the role of Registered Psychiatric nurse. It aims to enable competency assessment at Competent Level at the end of Internship placement period.

Competence encompasses six domains of practice and these statements provide an enabling framework to facilitate the acquisition and assessment of the intern Mental Health Nurse practice learning:

Domain 1: Professional values and conduct of nurse competences

Knowledge and appreciation of the virtues of caring, compassion, integrity, honesty, respect and empathy as a basis for upholding the professional values of nursing and identity as a nurse.

Domain 2: Nursing practice and clinical decision-making competences

Knowledge and understanding of the principles of delivering safe and effective nursing care through the adoption of a systematic and problem-solving approach to developing and delivering a person-centred plan of care based on an explicit partnership with the person and his/her primary carer.

Domain 3: Knowledge and cognitive competences

Knowledge and understanding of the health continuum, life and behavioural sciences and their applied principles underpinning a competent knowledge base for nursing and healthcare practice.

Domain 4: Communication and interpersonal competences

Knowledge, appreciation and development of empathic communication skills and techniques for effective interpersonal relationships with people and other professionals in healthcare settings.

Domain 5: Management and team competences

Using management and team competences in working for the person's wellbeing, recovery, independence and safety through recognition of the collaborative partnership between the person, family and multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Domain 6: Leadership and professional scholarship competences

Developing professional scholarship through self-directed learning skills, critical questioning/ reasoning skills and decision-making skills in nursing as the foundation for lifelong professional education, maintaining competency and career development.

During the internship, the student will be a rostered member of staff and will experience the 24-hour shift system.

To be successful in this module, the students must pass each assessment independent of each other.

1. Be familiar with and understand the policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines documents that are relevant to the Internship placement.
2. Understand the mandatory regulations that are relevant in practice e.g. reporting relationships, returning accurate records etc.
3. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Dissemination in the domains of competence, for an Internship nursing student, as required by TheNursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 1: Professional values and conduct of the nurse competences.
4. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Dissemination in the domains of competence, for an Internship nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 2: Nursing practice and clinical decision making competences.
5. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Dissemination in the domains of competence, for an Internship nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 3: Knowledge and cognitive competences.
6. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Dissemination in the domains of competence, for an Internship nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 4: Communication and inter personal competences.
7. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Dissemination in the domains of competence, for an Internship nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 5: Management and team competences.
8. Achieve the minimum standard at the level of Dissemination in the domains of competence, for an Internship nursing student, as required by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland: Domain 6: Leadership potential and professional scholarship competences.

The aim of this module is to support Mental Health Nursing students in advancing and consolidating their interpersonal skills, knowledge, and expertise to prepare for practice as they consider the transition from a nursing student to becoming a Registered Mental Health Nurse.

The module also prepares students to further develop the skills necessary for safe, effective therapeutic practice using a recovery-oriented approach and underpinned by the nursing values of care, compassion (NMBI, 2025) and kindness.

1. Critically reflect on your transitional role from student nurse to internship student and future Registered Mental Health Nurse working in compliance with the NMBI Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics (2025).
2. Critically appraise and practice the skills needed by the Registered Mental Health Nurse to work effectively and safely within a multidisciplinary care environment.
3. Critically discuss and demonstrate the skills and values necessary to support a service user with complex care needs from a recovery-orientated perspective.
4. Demonstrate the skills and attitudes required to facilitate and empower a person with a mental health problem to meet their full potential via partnership in an inclusive, dynamic and flexible care environment.
5. Critically reflect on one’s own learning and identify any strategies to further develop and enhance the skills required for safe effective Mental Health Nursing care.

This module aims to facilitate Mental Health Nursing students to develop the skills and knowledge required to contribute and participate fully in recovery-orientated mental health service provision, clear in their understanding of their identity and the values inherent in Mental Health Nursing practice.

1. Critically analyse the challenge of caring for people with complex needs and identify how best to support people them and their families.
2. Critically evaluate power imbalances between professionals and people with mental health difficulties.
3. Demonstrate in depth knowledge about trauma, trauma recovery, trauma informed services and care and the current policy imperative and evidence basis for this.
4. Comprehensively articulate the importance of medication safety and effectiveness for the mental health service user with reference to key legislative, professional and clinical guidance.
5. Clearly identify and articulate indicators of abuse in different client groups and the appropriate referral pathways to address same.
6. With reference to contemporary health and social issues, critically analyse and articulate the impact of homelessness on the mental health and wellbeing of at risk groups within our community.
7. Develop a comprehensive recovery orientated care plan which addresses the priority care needs of a service user using a systematic approach to care.
8. Critically analyse how a Mental Health Nurse can promote a safe working environment to enhance service user care.

The module aims to imbue students with an appreciation of the value of the humanities as a means of understanding the human condition. It seeks to facilitate their development as healthcare professionals who can appreciate the individuality of the people they encounter. This module seeks to engage students in the exploration of the humanities with the intention of enhancing their practice as nurses in the context of a healthcare system which values the primacy of the positivist paradigm.

1. Appreciate the value of the humanities as an expression of human creativity and as a resource for nursing practice.
2. Use the humanities to develop their understanding of a spectrum of human experience relevant to the discipline of nursing.
3. Appraise the therapeutic value of arts based activities in the context of nursing practice.
4. Evaluate the influence of the aesthetic dimensions of the built environment on health, illness and the well-being of individuals.
5. Develop an enhanced capacity for independent thought, critical reflection, self-knowledge and use of creativity in their practice.

This module aims to facilitate the student to develop an understanding of the International, Interglobal and Intercultural landscape within which nursing practice occurs. This module provides an option for students to consider Erasmus opportunities.

1. Critically analyse global trends and issues which impact on nursing as a profession

2. Appraise of the interconnectedness of nursing as a profession

3. Articulate the global context within which nursing, health and social care occur

4. Evaluatethe factors which contribute to and impact on nurse migration

5. Critique the opportunities for Erasmus placement.

This module explores the modernisation of health and social care through digital technologies and innovation. The use of technology, data and information and AI in improving opportunities for optimal health and well-being are key components of the module. With the focus on the evolving needs of patients and their families and the shift of focus from hospital-based care to community-based services, (including remote monitoring), digital tools for delivering better, safer, accessible care will become ubiquitous in modern healthcare systems. As the module is delivered, there is the caveat that there may be modifications to indicative content due to the rapid developments in technology, systems implementations, and global, EU and national policies.

1. Appraise digital health devices, systems, applications and software for undertaking nursing, health and wellbeing practices, including self-management support.
2. Evaluate feasible digital health interventions incorporating AI appropriately and considering the ethical, legal, clinical, and societal implications of AI in healthcare.
3. Use health data and information to develop an understanding of the health, illness or well-being challenges of individuals.
4. Critically analyse real-world digital health problems using evidence and theory.
5. Formulate a safe and responsible digital identity, including digital reputation, digital clinical safety, social media practices, and digital tools for personal learning and professional credibility.