Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- meet mental health and substance abuse clients and their loved ones and look at interaction situations with theoretical and experiential knowledge
- assess the client's mental well-being and the need for rehabilitation
- implement pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of nursing
- plan, implement and evaluate the care process of one's own care client
- implement mentoring and service counseling for mental health and substance abuse clients
- analyze the activities of the multidisciplinary working group and its own contribution to the working group
- evaluate one's own thinking, multidisciplinary decision-making criteria and work ethic

Implementation and methods of teaching

Clinical Training in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Nursing consists of training in clinical settings.

Timing and attendance

Clinical training in Mental health and Substance abuse nursing includes 135 hours of training in a clinical nursing environment.

The training also includes a learning assignment.

Learning material and recommended literature

Higgins, A, Kilkku, N & Kort Kristofersson, G. 2022. Advanced Practice in Mental Health Nursing. Springer.
Pryjmachuk S. 2017 Mental Health Nursing. SAGE.
Clifton A, Hemingway S. etc. 2019 Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing. Wiley Blackwell.
Cornelius L-E, Cooper, C & Robertson, M. 2015. Psychiatry at a Glance 6th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
Current Care Guidelines. https://www.kaypahoito.fi/en/

Alternative completion methods

The prerequisites for Ahot include:

Work experience as a practical nurse for at least 2 years after graduation, in a suitable work unit for the Ahot training. The work experience must be continuous, consisting of a maximum of two different work units. OR
Continuous work experience of at least 3 months as a substitute nurse in a suitable work unit for the Ahot training.

Ahot practices:

The Ahot process is twofold. The first stage involves a written knowledge test. The second stage of the assessment is carried out as a simulation display.

Competence demonstrations are held once per semester and are planned to be completed before the job application opens.

Working life cooperation

Projects will be integrated into teaching where possible.

Exam retakes

Failed completion of clinical practice must be renewed. The procedure will be negotiated and scheduled with guiding teacher.

Learning environment

Clinical training in authentic learning settings.

Student time use and work load

135h / 4 weeks
Assisgment 2h

Contents

The student knows key clinical nursing skills and procedures of mental health and substance abuse care and is able to work in nursing settings promoting health and well-being.

Objectives of the course: The student is able to implement theoretical knowledge base of mental health and substance abuse care in clinical settings

Contents:

Create herapeutical relationship
Ability to reflect own communication skills
Assess patient´s mental health condition
Observe and document patient´s mental health condition in accordance with care plan
Knows non-medical and medical nursing methods

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The theoretical studies in mental health and substance abuse nursing must be completed before the clinical training.

Assessment criteria

The assessment and assignment are documented in Workseed
Assessment is based on the curriculum learning objectives.
The evaluation is carried out in a discussion with the student, the supervisor, and the lecturer (objective mid-term evaluation and/or final evaluation).

Assessment scale

Approved/Failed

Assessment criteria: assessment scale failed/approved

A clinical placement is approved if the student:

Presents their personal learning objectives for the clinical practice period to both the guiding teacher and clinical supervisor by the second week of placement.
Adheres to general workplace rules, including maintaining punctuality, following working hours, notifying about absences in a timely manner, and demonstrating appropriate workplace behavior.
Actively engages in learning and shows interest in the unit.
Follows their supervisor’s shifts, ensuring proper assessment opportunities.
Demonstrates progress in learning and works towards achieving the set objectives during the placement.
Provides safe patient care in accordance with their skills.

A clinical placement is not approved if the student:

Fails to present their personal learning objectives to both the guiding teacher and clinical supervisor by the second week of placement.
Does not follow general workplace rules, such as maintaining punctuality, adhering to working hours, notifying about absences, or demonstrating appropriate behavior.
Has multiple absences, leading to fragmented practice weeks, which significantly hinders learning and supervision.
Fails to follow their supervisor’s shifts, making assessment impossible.
Shows no signs of learning or progress toward meeting objectives.
Compromises patient safety through their actions.