Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- describe the most common mental health disorders in children, young people and adults and their main examination and treatment methods
- use evidence-based information and recommendations when justifying decisions, approaches and working methods used in mental health and substance abuse nursing care
- apply the principles of resource-oriented interaction in the care of a mental health and substance abuse clients and in supporting the significant others
- recognise the patient's difficult emotions, psychological strain, grief and crisis, and describe how to help the patient and their significant others to manage these difficult feelings
- describe the significance of the service system for mental health and substance abuse nursing, digital services and work in multiprofessional teams and networks
- describe the special features of medication treatment in mental health nursing
- explain the significance of ethical guidelines and legislation in mental health and substance abuse nursing
- recognise special features related to cultures and subcultures in mental health and substance abuse nursing
- analyse ethical questions related to mental health and substance abuse nursing
- analyse the significance of their own attitudes, perceptions and resources when implementing client-oriented nursing

Teaching methods

The implementation includes 1) independent online learning and 2) face-to-face teaching in Tikkurila and in Otaniemi Campus'. Group USV3123KU students can participate in the study unit. The study unit includes online learning, various lessons, working in small groups and simulation/workshops. All classroom lessons make use of community study, where the student plays a big role.

Parts of the study unit:
PART 1: Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine
PART 2: Mental health and substance abuse nursing

Method of implementation:
PART 1. Independent online learning in Canvas
PART 2. As face-to-face teaching on campus or in Zoom (lessons, workshops, simulations) AND independent study (case assignments in Canvas). Includes seminar work, which is done in small groups.NOTE! Lessons are planned either on campus or on Zoom: hybrid teaching is not possible.

Assignments to be assessed:
- Canvas's "Demonstrate your competence test"
- Seminar work

Learning materials and recommended literature

Will be announced on Canvas. The same source material is used during the study period to support studying and it is also material for preparing for knowledge tests and workshops/simulations.

Co-operation with working life and/or RDI

The course includes a seminar work. The content and schedule of the seminar work will be finalized in its final form when the study period begins. Guidance and division into groups takes place during the first lesson.

Important dates

The timetables, content and assignments of the study unit will be informed in more detail during the first lesson, and small group divisions will be made then as well. By attending the first lesson, the student also ensures his participation in the course (see Laurea's degree regulations).

Obligation to attend (NOTE! All absences will be replaced by a substitute assignment)
- orientation session
- simulations and workshops
- seminar

Students workload

6 study credits = 162h student's work load

Content and scheduling

Psychiatry and substance abuse medicine: The most important mental health disorders of children, adolescents and adults and the most common diagnostic criterias and treatment methods in clinical mental health and substance abuse work
- Key concepts related to mental well-being and health
- Recognizing mental stress and dealing with difficult emotions in mental health nursing and substance abuse nursing, and as part of the overall treatment of a somatically ill patient
- Approaches, methods and nursing relationship used in mental health support and treatment of mental health disorders and substance abuse nursing
- Legislation and ethical guidelines and questions
- Service system, digital service paths, multiprofessional team and network cooperation in mental health and substance abuse work, work supervision
- Special features of medication for mental health patients

Grading scale

Approved/Failed