Nov 04, 2026  
Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027 
    
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Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027

NUR 205 Behavioral Health

Credits: (1)
This course covers concepts of the nursing process and therapeutic communication with patients experiencing mental/emotional disorders likely to be seen in the acute care psychiatric and the community setting. This course teaches the nursing management of patients with common mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Disorders of mood, behavior, and thought, as well as, addiction to substances and food will also be included. In addition, the course will teach assessments and interventions related to mental health emergencies including threatening patient behavior and identifying and managing suicidal behavior. The course will explore professional, ethical, and legal issues related to mental-health nursing, as well as time spent addressing the socioeconomical impact of mental health and homeless population. Time required for completion of this course is dependent on the individual learner; however, it is expected that students will spend at least 45 hours in study and classroom activity. Prerequisite(s): Matriculation in Nursing.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop safe, effective, and individualized care for diverse patients and mental health disorders. Complete assessments of patients and recognize abnormal thought content, behavior, thought process, appearance, relief behaviors, and feelings.
  2. Utilize critical thinking managing mental disorders with interventions including safe administration of psychotherapeutic drugs, psychotherapeutic interventions and therapeutic communication.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team in planning and implementing care for patients with mental/emotional disorders to adhere and be successful on planned care regime.
  4. Demonstrate professional integrity, accountability, and advocacy in the management of care for patients with mental/emotional disorders while learning the role of patient educator and care coordinator.