Outline

Overview

This unit of study is based on the principle that mental health is an integral aspect of overall health and wellbeing. Understanding mental health and mental health issues, and appropriate knowledge and skills to promote psychosocial wellbeing and effectively respond to psychosocial distress, are essential for all nurses. This unit is underpinned by a whole-person strengthsbased approach. Students will be introduced to the spectrum of mental health and wellbeing and psychosocial distress and mental health conditions. They will explore how these are experienced across the life span and by different sociocultural groups. Using the biopsychosocial framework, students will develop their understanding of the lived experiences of mental health issues and conditions, including the challenges of stigma and discrimination, and the impacts of personal and clinical recovery. The role of the nurse will be explored in relation to promoting mental health and wellbeing and working in partnership with people and their supports to effectively respond to psychosocial distress, manage the impacts of mental health conditions, and promote recovery. Poor physical health can increase the complexity and burden of the experience of mental ill health conditions, therefore physical health conditions alongside mental health conditions, and their combined implications for nursing practice are also examined.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	NURS5084 or NURS5206
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Paul Beckett, paul.beckett@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Oral exam	Assessment 3: Oral Examination Oral examination during which students will answer questions that address the unit learning outcomes.	40%	Formal exam period	20 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Assessment 5: Off-campus clinical placement Clinical placement	0%	Multiple weeks	120 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1: Essay Essay	35%	Week 04 Due date: 26 Aug 2026 at 23:59	1600 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 2: Group presentation Group presentation	25%	Week 08 Due date: 27 Sep 2026 at 23:59	30 minutes, 10-12 PowerPoint Slides	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Clinical exam	Assessment 4: Mental state examination Clinical skills assessment	0%	Week 12	Clinical placement facilitator will set	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1. Essay (therapeutic approach): Drawing on the evidence-based literature (e.g. primary quantitative and qualitative research studies or literature reviews), students will write an essay that addresses the impact of stigma on mental health recovery.
Assessment 2. Group presentation: Students will be allocated into groups of 5-6 students (depending on class size). Each group presentation topic will relate to associations between mental and physical health conditions/issues.
Assessment 3. Oral examination: The oral exam will require students to answer questions which address the unit learning outcomes. The exam will be 20 minutes in duration.
Assessment 4. Mental state examination: This assessment is a core component of the mental health clinical practicum. You are required to demonstrate effective performance (at a foundational level) of therapeutic interpersonal communication while conducting a mental state examination (MSE) with a service user and then provide a professional and accurate verbal report of the MSE and any other relevant information to a supervising staff member (e.g. Clinical Facilitator or designated Registered Nurse).
Assessment 5. Off-campus clinical performance: To complete this assessment successfully you are required to demonstrate safe, efficient, and effective performance of nursing practice activities with people experiencing mental health issues. The off-campus clinical experience also forms part of the clinical component in the
curriculum as approved by the Nurses’ Registration Board of NSW. Students are therefore required to attend and participate in ALL (100%) of the available hours in the clinical weeks.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items, and each submission needs to be of an assessable standard, in order to be eligible to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	1. Introduction to Mental Health; 2. Models of Mental Illness & Mental Health Nursing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week -01	Conceptualising mental health and ill health	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 01	1. Social and Emotional Development; 2. Psychological Trauma	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	1. Working with children and adolescents; 2. The impacts of trauma	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Recovery-oriented Practice 2. The experience of recovery	Lecture (2 hr)
	Supporting recovery	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Foundational Interpersonal Communication	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Anxiety & Anxiety Disorders; 2. Mood Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Working with people experiencing anxiety & disturbance of mood	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Schizophrenia & psychosis; 2. The lived experience of serious mental illness	Lecture (2 hr)
	Working with people experiencing symptoms of psychosis	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Foundational Communication Skills Pt 2	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Relational recovery; 2. Older Adult Mental Health	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Working with families and carers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Psychotropic Medication; 2. Suicidality & Self-Harm	Lecture (2 hr)
	Psychopharmacology	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Communicating with People in Distress	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Mental Health Assessment; 2. Mental State Examination	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Working with people who hear voices	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Group presentations 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Responding to behaviours that are challenging; Preparing for Clinical Placement	Lecture (2 hr)
	Group Presentations 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Responding to behaviours that are challenging	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney Nursing School Attendance and Participation Provisions (2026) provide the framework for attendance and participation requirements across all coursework programs. Students are expected to familiarise themselves with these provisions, which outline their responsibilities for attending and participating in required learning activities, as well as the processes to follow if they are unable to attend.

View the SNS Attendance and Participation Provisions (2026):
Faculty of Medicine and Health – Sydney Nursing School – Attendance and Participation Provisions 2026

Attendance and Class Requirements

Attendance: Attendance and participation are monitored. Students are expected to attend, engage, and participate in scheduled classes and required learning activities. Students must notify the School if they are, or will be, unable to attend a required learning activity, and where appropriate, apply for Special Consideration, Special Arrangements, or have an approved Academic Plan with relevant adjustments.

(a) Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.

(b) Students must attend and participate in a minimum of 90% of all tutorial classes scheduled for the unit of study.

(c) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where appropriate, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students who are absent from tutorials due to unforeseen circumstances or an approved planned absence:

(i) A maximum of two tutorial absences per unit of study may be approved where an alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.
(ii) Where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, their attendance will be recorded accordingly.

(d) Students must attend and participate in all practical classes (simulation laboratories and/or workshops) scheduled for the unit of study.

(e) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where appropriate, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students who are absent from practical classes due to unforeseen circumstances or an approved planned absence:

(i) A maximum of two practical class absences per unit of study may be approved where an alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.
(ii) Where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, their attendance will be recorded accordingly.

(f) Students must attend and participate in any live/synchronous lectures, and view any recorded lectures, where these are specified as compulsory for the unit of study.

Note: Students must apply for Special Consideration if they are absent from any scheduled required learning activity that includes an assessment.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Draw on various knowledges to inform understanding of how mental health and wellbeing, emotional distress, and mental health issues develop and are influenced by cultural, social, and personal factors, as well as other health issues, and integrate this into planning for and delivering nursing care.
LO2. Locate, critically analyse, and synthesise the best available evidence for different therapeutic approaches and treatments for mental health issues experienced across the life span.
LO3. Demonstrate and articulate a critical understanding of the nurse’s role in promoting mental health, preventing mental health issues developing, and partnering with people to manage the impacts of mental health conditions, underpinned by professional, legal, and ethical standards governing practice.
LO4. Integrate a holistic approach into nursing practice by valuing lived experience, and demonstrating recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices, to deliver person-centred and culturally safe care.
LO5. Demonstrate understanding of the nurse's role in a multidisciplinary healthcare team, and the capability to apply mental health nursing knowledge that contributes to safe, high-quality mental health care.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses - Standard 1. The mental health nurse acknowledges diversity in culture, values and belief systems and ensures his/her practice is nondiscriminatory, and promotes dignity and self-determination. Standard 4. The Mental Health Nurse collaboratively plans and provides ethically based care consistent with the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and cultural needs of the individual. Standard 7. The Mental Health Nurse demonstrates evidence-based practice and actively promotes practice innovation through lifelong education, research, professional development, clinical supervision, and reflective practice.
	Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses - Standard 5. The Mental Health Nurse values the contributions of other agencies and stakeholders in the collaborative provision of holistic, evidence-based care and in ensuring comprehensive service provision for people with mental health issues. Standard 6. The Mental Health Nurse actively pursues opportunities to reduce stigma and promotes social inclusion and community participation for all people with mental health issues. Standard 7. The Mental Health Nurse demonstrates evidence-based practice and actively promotes practice innovation through lifelong education, research, professional development, clinical supervision, and reflective practice.
	Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses - Standard 1. The mental health nurse acknowledges diversity in culture, values and belief systems and ensures his/her practice is nondiscriminatory, and promotes dignity and self-determination. Standard 2. The Mental Health Nurse establishes collaborative partnerships that facilitate and support people with mental health issues to participate in all aspects of their care. Standard 3. The Mental Health Nurse develops a therapeutic relationship that is respectful of the individual’s choices, experiences, and circumstances. This involves building on strengths, holding hope and enhancing resilience to promote recovery. Standard 4. The Mental Health Nurse collaboratively plans and provides ethically based care consistent with the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and cultural needs of the individual. Standard 5. The Mental Health Nurse values the contributions of other agencies and stakeholders in the collaborative provision of holistic, evidence-based care and in ensuring comprehensive service provision for people with mental health issues.
	Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses - Standard 1. The mental health nurse acknowledges diversity in culture, values and belief systems and ensures his/her practice is nondiscriminatory, and promotes dignity and self-determination. Standard 2. The Mental Health Nurse establishes collaborative partnerships that facilitate and support people with mental health issues to participate in all aspects of their care. Standard 3. The Mental Health Nurse develops a therapeutic relationship that is respectful of the individual’s choices, experiences, and circumstances. This involves building on strengths, holding hope and enhancing resilience to promote recovery. Standard 4. The Mental Health Nurse collaboratively plans and provides ethically based care consistent with the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and cultural needs of the individual. Standard 5. The Mental Health Nurse values the contributions of other agencies and stakeholders in the collaborative provision of holistic, evidence-based care and in ensuring comprehensive service provision for people with mental health issues. Standard 6. The Mental Health Nurse actively pursues opportunities to reduce stigma and promotes social inclusion and community participation for all people with mental health issues.
	Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses - Standard 1. The mental health nurse acknowledges diversity in culture, values and belief systems and ensures his/her practice is nondiscriminatory, and promotes dignity and self-determination. Standard 2. The Mental Health Nurse establishes collaborative partnerships that facilitate and support people with mental health issues to participate in all aspects of their care. Standard 3. The Mental Health Nurse develops a therapeutic relationship that is respectful of the individual’s choices, experiences, and circumstances. This involves building on strengths, holding hope and enhancing resilience to promote recovery. Standard 4. The Mental Health Nurse collaboratively plans and provides ethically based care consistent with the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and cultural needs of the individual. Standard 5. The Mental Health Nurse values the contributions of other agencies and stakeholders in the collaborative provision of holistic, evidence-based care and in ensuring comprehensive service provision for people with mental health issues. Standard 7. The Mental Health Nurse demonstrates evidence-based practice and actively promotes practice innovation through lifelong education, research, professional development, clinical supervision, and reflective practice.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changed the focus of assignment one - essay Amended order and titles of some lectures. Changed the focus of clnical workshop two Updated assessment due dates and descriptions

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, discrimination, assault, suicide, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice.

You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Handbook

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5085: Mental Health Nursing Practice

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links