Program Overview

Course overview

Mental Health Nurses support and care for individuals whom are experiencing difficulties with their mental health, and are in a critical role to positively impact and influence the outcomes of patients. The programme provides you with the knowledge and understanding of different mental health problems and how these impact the individual, their family and society during their life span.

You will benefit from a curriculum that is underpinned by contemporary policy that determines the competencies of the future mental health work force. It has been designed with an emphasis on the importance of physical and mental health in both the assessment and treatment of individuals. During your studies you will examine case studies that have both physical and mental health aspects such as schizophrenia and diabetes or coronary heart disease.

You will learn to support patients through the recovery approach. This recognised nursing management tool helps individuals suffering with mental conditions build resilience and aid their general health and wellbeing. You will study common mental health problems from mild illnesses through to complex and enduring mental health problems and explore the holistic needs of individuals.

The promotion of mental health and wellbeing is imperative in this field of nursing and you will develop in to a mental health nurse who is self-aware, reflective and who can encourage positive mental health and resilience of service users under your care. Underpinning this will be early intervention in children and young people’s mental health where you will recognise the impact adverse childhood experiences can have in later life.

You will gain the theoretical knowledge required to be able to practice confidently and competently, whilst also giving you the opportunity to develop and refine your clinical skills in a safe and controlled setting before going onto clinical placement.

Individuals with mental health conditions also have physical health considerations. As a Mental Health Nurse you will be required to demonstrate some the essential nursing skills including administering injections, taking blood and providing life support.

Multidisciplinary learning

We believe a multidisciplinary approach to teaching is the key to developing tomorrow’s global health care workforce. You will benefit from inter-professional education by learning alongside other aspiring healthcare professionals such as medical students and pharmacy students. This exposure allows you to appreciate the role that each healthcare professional plays in a persons journey - a critical factor for success within the clinical setting.

Our facilities

Gain evidence-based practice experience that supports the ethos of dignity, care, and compassion for patients. Learning is enhanced by our excellent facilities including an anatomy suite and Health Library. Innovative teaching methods including High Fidelity Simulation and skill-based development in our Clinical Skills Lab.

Strengthening your employability

Placements

We have strong partnerships with placement providers including NHS trusts, and the private and voluntary sectors. An important part of becoming a nurse is gaining real experience in diverse environments. Field placements provide a range of experiences to expand your professional values and nursing skills linking the theory you have learnt in the lectures with practice. This enhances your employability, increases your confidence, and fully develops your nursing expertise. 50% of your time is spent on clinical practice in different health care settings.

Placements take place within a 60 mile radius of Keele across NHS trusts and the independent health and social care sector.

You will be supported in practice by clinical supervisors and assessed by a practice assessor, and reviewed by an academic assessor. This ensures you practice safely, and allows you to learn from clinicians who have a wealth of experience in their field.

You may also choose to study abroad through elective placements with organisations like Work the World.

Student Support

A team of experienced practice assessors and placement supervisors are there to support you when you are undertaking work placements. You will have guidance from an academic mentor during your studies who is allocated to you at the start of the course.

You will also benefit from the support of the Faculty Student Experience and Support team who offer advice, guidance and one to one support to students within the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

There is peer support and additional help is available from the School's Disability Liaison Officer who provides an additional layer of support for all students, particularly for those who have special learning needs.

You can also access plenty of student advice and support services at Keele including;

Financial support

Student nurses are eligible to receive an annual grant of at least £5,000 to help cover their living costs. Additional financial grants are also available for eligible students - more information and full eligibility criteria can be found here.

Related courses

Single Honours