2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
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Introduction
This unit provides a theoretical foundation upon which to critically explore specialist mental health nursing practice. Students will analyse the impact of social and historical factors, and explore key legal and ethical issues, as they relate to contemporary mental healthcare and recovery-oriented practice. The unit emphasises the importance of therapeutic engagement, and holistic and lived experience perspectives, in the assessment and treatment of common mental health issues.
Summary
| Unit name | Foundations of Mental Health Nursing Theory 1 |
| Unit code | CNA740 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Nursing |
| Discipline | Nursing |
| Coordinator | Doctor Denise McGarry |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 |
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- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 23/02/2026 | 17/03/2026 | 20/04/2026 | 14/06/2026 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse factors impacting the provision of recovery-oriented nursing practice.
- Evaluate key legal and ethical issues within mental health care and appraise their relevance to recovery-oriented nursing practice.
- Apply therapeutic engagement skills required to provide care for common mental health disorders.
- Integrate holistic and lived experience perspectives to inform the provision of recovery-oriented nursing care.
- Communicate mental health nursing concepts to professional audiences through oral and written formats.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 060305 | $592.00 | $592.00 | not applicable | $3,178.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit is offered fully online via MyLO (my learning online). You are expected to devote around 10 hours per week to the study materials, assessment tasks and self-directed learning. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Evidence summary: Social determinants of mental health (20%)|Group discussion: legal and ethical issues in mental healthcare (35%)|Video demonstration: Therapeutic engagement to identify treatment options (45%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.
Hercelinskyj, G. J., & Alexander, L. (2022). Mental health nursing: Applying theory to practice. 1st Enhanced Edition. Cengage Learning Australia. Procter, N., Wilson, R. L., Hamer, H. P., McGarry, D. E., & Loughhead, M. (2022). Mental Health: A Person-centred Approach (3 ed.). Cambridge University Press. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.