Postgraduate in Mental Health Nursing

This programme is offerred in the following campus:

1. Ann Latsky Campus
2. Bonalesedi Campus
3. SG Lourens Campus
   

The purpose of this programme is to:

To produce competent, dedicated, Mental Health Nurse Specialists, leaders and researchers who can demonstrate focused knowledge and clinical skills that will be applied in Mental Health care settings within the legal and ethical framework in response to the need to reduce mental illness rates and enhance the quality of life of clients at risk for mental ill-health.

The intended aim of the programme is to develop graduates with competencies to address the mental health care needs of individuals, families, groups, and populations throughout the lifespan, inclusive of emerging vulnerable population / groups. They will be professionally equipped to serve the community as Mental Health Nurse Specialists in mental health establishment as well as the broader community.

The description of the programme:

The competencies acquired will enable the Mental Health Nurse Specialist to render comprehensive mental health care, treatment and rehabilitative services in diverse mental health care settings. The graduate will be clinically focused and service-orientated to work as advocate, consultant, manager, leader, counsellor, collaborator, educator, and researcher.

The programme consists of 144 credits and will be offered in 1 academic year. The curriculum uses an outcomes-based approach whereby students are placed for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in a variety of mental health care settings to apply the required competencies. A collaborative teaching and learning approach will promote evidence-based practice.

The teaching and learning process incorporates government programmes in addressing mental health care to put emphasis to the reduction of morbidity and mortality rate; and enhancing the quality of lives of those who require rehabilitation.

On successful completion of the programme outcomes, the graduate will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing aligned to NQF level 8. The graduate will be registered as a Mental Health Nurse Specialist with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) to practice as defined by the Nursing Act No 33 of 2005.

The focus of the qualification will be to extend theory and its application in practice. Typical learning pathways will need to include case studies and practice-based project work. Learning in a clinical context, under the supervision of an advanced health specialist, will guide practice towards higher skills levels with progress and performance measured against set criteria.

This qualification provides a career path for Registered Nurses who want to stay in a clinical context, but who would like to specialize, focus on an area and add to their depth of knowledge and skill. Persons learning towards this qualification become expert in an area of specialization. The sector needs qualified specialists both to improve practice, and to train other nurses.

Programme outline: