This unit of study is based on the understanding that well-being is a multifaceted construct composed of various elements related to physical and mental health, as well as social determinants of health. Most people will experience challenges to their well-being during their lifetime, and almost half the population will experience a mental health issue at some point. This unit of study addresses the principle that knowledge of psychosocial well-being and mental health is essential for all nurses, regardless of their practice setting or the populations with whom they work. The unit is underpinned by a biopsychosocial approach, incorporates a well-being framework and is informed by the determinants of health. Students will be introduced to the broad construct of well-being while also exploring mental health and mental health issues across the lifespan (perinatal, child and adolescent, adult, older person), and in relation to different cultural groups (e.g. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; CALD groups). Using the context of a whole-person and network/community in partnership approach, students will explore the role of the nurse in promoting well-being and mental health and supporting people to manage the effects of compromised mental health. Promotion of and threats to well-being broadly, and mental health more specifically, are also explored through healthcare principles and practices related to quality and safety and co-design. Students will develop understanding about the elements of wellbeing, including mental health, and how to promote them. They will also develop foundation knowledge about the characteristics of a range of mental health issues and conditions hand will become informed about practices to support people in their recovery. Students will learn about and practice core clinical skills that will prepare them to provide well-being focused and culturally safe nursing care. These skills include effective interpersonal communication with people across the life span, culturally safe interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and development of therapeutic relationships.
Unit details and rules
Academic unit | Nursing and Midwifery |
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Credit points | 6 |
Prerequisites
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36 credit points of 1000 level units including NURS1008 |
Corequisites
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None |
Prohibitions
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NURS2004 |
Assumed knowledge
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None |
Available to study abroad and exchange students | No |
Teaching staff
Coordinator | Xanthe Lea, xanthe.glaw@sydney.edu.au |
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Tutor(s) | Andrea McCloughen, andrea.mccloughen@sydney.edu.au |
Rebecca Riva, rebecca.riva@sydney.edu.au | |
Paul Beckett, paul.beckett@sydney.edu.au | |
Timothy Wand, timothy.wand@sydney.edu.au |