NURS 3412 201: Psych & Mental Hlth Nursing

CONTENT OUTLINE (Not all inclusive)

-Legal and Ethical Considerations

-Continuum of Treatment

-Foundational Concepts of Mental Health Nursing

-Mental Health Theories & Therapies

-Psychopharmacology

-Abuse and Violence

-Grief and Loss

-Physiological and Psychological Responses to Stress

-Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

-Disruptive Behavioral Disorders

-Eating Disorders

-Mood Disorders and Suicide

-Neurocognitive Disorders

-Neurodevelopmental Disorders

-Personality Disorder

-Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and Psychosis

-Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders

-Substance-Related and Addiction Disorders

-Trauma, Crisis, Disaster and Related Disorder

TEACHING STRATEGIES:
This course is taught in a synchronous method utilizing face-to-face and online instruction: Lectures
discussion groups, interactive learning, computer-assisted instruction, self-study or study groups, case
studies, assigned readings, simulations, and supervised clinical practice.

1. Synthesize knowledge from the arts, humanities, sciences, and other disciplines in developing a framework for nursing knowledge and practice. 

2. Explore the effect of variations in health status, developmental processes, values, beliefs and attitudes, culture, history, and environment on nursing care needs. 

3. Use critical thinking, clinical judgment/decision making, problem-solving, and the research process in the development of nursing knowledge and practice.

4. Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate evidenced-based and culturally- appropriate safe nursing care with patient, families, populations and communities. 

5. Evaluate utilization of health promotion strategies in the development of nursing practice. 

6. Develop professional nursing practice frameworks and roles, including the provider of patient-centered care, health care team member/collaboration, leader/manager, education, scholar, patient-safety advocate, activist, mentor and entrepreneur. 

7. Evaluate the impact of evolving technological, socioeconomic, political and demographic changes on nursing practice and health care systems. 

8. Adhere to legal and ethical principles in the development of professional nursing practice. 

9. Articulate a commitment to life-long learning.

10. Participate in nursing and health-related service opportunities. 

During the course of the studies, the student will

1. Apply concepts and principles from the arts, sciences, humanities and nursing when making practice decisions for individuals, families, and groups
experiencing alterations in mental health status.

2. Incorporation social, cultural, ethnic, spiritual, psychological, and economic factors when providing nursing care to individuals, families, and groups
experiencing alterations in mental health status.

3. Use critical thinking, evidenced-based knowledge, nd interdisciplinary collaboration to develop holistic plans of care for individuals, families, and groups
experiencing alterations in mental health status.

4. Provide accurate, safe, and holistic nursing care to  individuals, families, and groups experiencing alterations in mental health status within ethical, legal and professional nursing boundaries.

5. Incorporate relevant research when providing the delivery of comprehensive nursing care among diverse populations experiencing alteration in mental health status, including individuals, families and communities. 

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At the end of the semester, students will be required to take the HESI NGN Proctored standardized course exam. The student will be responsible for paying the designated fee during the time set by CON. Failure of the student to pay the HESI fee will result in a HOLD in the student's registration record. For Spring 2026, HESI will be paid by the College of Nursing. The required adaptive quizzes & HESI case studies will be online through Evolve Elsevier.  http://evolve.elsevier.com

CONHS Grading and Grade Rounding:

a. The CONHS has adopted a grading scale in line with other Texas schools of nursing:
A = 90 - 100 B = 80 - 89 C = 75 – 79 F- 74 and below
b. Nursing students must achieve a grade of C or higher in both theory and clinical components of a course in order to pass that course and progress in the program. A grade of F in either theory or clinical components will constitute a course failure.
c. To pass a nursing course and progress in the program, a nursing student must attain an exam average (includes tests and the final) of 75% or higher.
d. To pass a nursing course and progress in the program, a nursing student must attain an overall course average of 75% or higher.
e. If student receives <75% on any exam, the student must make appointment to meet with the instructor to discuss remediation.
f. All grade assignments and assessment (exams, quizzes, etc.) will be calculated to the hundredth (i.e. 2 decimal points); no mathematical rounding is to occur.
g. Grade rounding:

        Test Average
        i. The weighted exam average total for the courses includes all exams and the final exam, and is calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows:
       ii. Less than 0.45 round down to the next whole number (74.44 rounds down to a 74)
       iii. 0.45 or greater: Round up to the next whole number (74.45 rounds up to a 75)

        Course Average
        i. The final weighted numeric course grade is calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows:
       ii. Less than 0.45 round down to the next whole number (74.44 rounds down to a 74)
      iii. 0.45 or greater: Round up to the next whole number (74.45 rounds up to a 75)

CONHS Examination Policy and Guidelines:

PROCEDURE:

1. All face-to-face class examinations are proctored in a designated, supervised testing area. All Exam dates and formats will be communicated in the course syllabus.

a. Students must sit in assigned or randomized seats as directed by the instructor or proctor.

b. All personal belongings, including bags, watches, and phones, must be stored in a designated area away from the testing computer site.

c. Students are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Late arrivals of more than 15 minutes without notice may not be admitted and will be considered a missed exam.

d. All materials brought into an exam must be left in an area designated by the proctor. The faculty or designated proctor will provide students with a pencil and sheet of paper, if allowed.

e. Students may wear coats or jackets during the examination period at the discretion of the proctor. All long sleeves should be rolled up to the forearms. The lead faculty will determine what additional aids will be allowed or used during the examination.

f. No food or drinks are allowed during the examination period.

g. Restroom use during testing will be documented and allowed at the faculty’s discretion.

h. Prohibited behaviors include:

i. Copying, sharing, or discussing the exam before, during, or after an exam.

ii. Using unauthorized aids (e.g., notes, devices, online resources)

iii. Impersonating another student or allowing someone else to take an examination.

iv. Recording or photographing test materials.

v. Talking, note sharing, or any form of collaboration.

i. Students must complete required computer system checks before the test. The use of a secure testing platform (Lockdown Browser) is mandatory. Once logged in, the student will no longer be able to leave the testing site without notifying the faculty or the proctor. Any form of communication with other students during this time will constitute a violation of the Academic Conduct of the TAMIU Honor Code Rules.

j. If the proctor suspects any sharing of information during an examination, all students involved will receive a ZERO (0) on the examination or quiz and are subject to Article 7 Violations of Academic Conduct of the TAMIU Honor Code Rules. This includes:

i. Students in possession of cell phones or any other electronic device during an examination (i.e., mobile phones, smartwatches, earbuds, or tablets).

ii. Students found obtaining or suspected of obtaining information from sources other than what has been allowed by the faculty or proctor.

2. Professional conduct during testing.

a. Students are expected to:

i. Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and respect.

ii. Follow all directions given by faculty or proctors.

iii. Maintain a quiet and orderly testing environment.

iv. Adhere to conduct and professional standards during testing.

3. All exam materials are the property of the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing.

4. A student who is removed from a quiz or examination for suspected sharing of information may be asked to leave the examination area and will receive a Zero (0).

5. Any student who must be absent from an examination must notify the lead faculty PRIOR to the examination. The lead faculty shall be notified in a written format, preferably via Blackboard Email, that includes a date and time. Students are responsible for providing satisfactory evidence to faculty members of their absence. The faculty member will decide if the excuse is valid and may provide the following option.

a. The weight of the missed exam may be added to the student’s final examination, ONLY upon lead faculty approval. Students who fail to notify the lead faculty before the examination period will not be allowed to carry the weight of the missed exam to their final exam; thus, they will receive a Zero (0) for the missed exam.

6. Only one exam can be missed and allowed to count toward the final exam weight. Any other missed exam(s) will be assigned a grade of ZERO (0).

7. Students who need to leave the examination area prior to completion will be requested to leave all testing materials with the proctor, and the examination is considered completed. Students may not leave the examination area without the proctors’ acknowledgement.

8. After the examination period, all examination materials (exam, additional work paper) shall be submitted to the proctor. Students who leave the exam room with any examination material, as a result of their actions, will earn a grade of zero (0) for the exam.

9. Examination grades will be posted per the TAMIU student handbook or course syllabus.

10. Students requiring accommodations must contact the Office of Disability Services.

11. Course faculty may elect to establish other requirements at their discretion, but in no case will these requirements be less stringent than those in this policy.

12. No exam grade shall be dropped when determining the overall course grade.

13. Pop quizzes may be given at the discretion of the lead faculty.

14. The final exam must be taken at the time specified in the course syllabus. If a student is unable to attend the final exam, the student must notify the lead faculty BEFORE the exam takes place. This notification should be submitted in writing, ideally through Blackboard Email, and must include the date and time of the absence. If a student misses the final exam, the lead faculty may, at their discretion, arrange a makeup exam with similar content on a designated date and time

15. Any student with a conflict in exam schedule due to University business (e.g., UIL, athletics) must refer to the TAMIU catalog.

Process for Testing using Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor
1. Prior to giving any exams, the faculty must submit a sample exam with Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor. It is suggested that a sample exam/quiz folder be set up in the Content area of the course for this practice exam/quiz.
2. The test date and time must be specified; this includes the date and time the test begins and ends. It is suggested all exams be given during a limited period such as less than a 6-hour window.
3. All final exams, except in online courses, must be given at the date and time specified by the university (i.e. started at exactly 9:00AM and ending exactly 11:50AM. The test must be set up in such a way that at the end of the allotted time the exam will automatically close)
4. The student’s tabletop or desk, and under the computer must be covered with a dark solid background. (suggestion is black plastic type table cloth that can be reused)
5. Prior to the exam (If exams are taken off campus/distance exam)
   a. The student must show their face and TAMIU ID on camera.
   b. The webcam must be used to show a 360-degree view of the entire room as well as under the table and chair were the student will be sitting. (The door to the room must be kept closed at all times and any interruption to the exam by opening of the door or
       someone entering the room will result in an automatic zero on the exam.)
   c. Student must use a mirror to show that the monitor screen, laptop, and keyboard are free of any stickers, post it notes, etc.
   d. After the student uses their cell phone to sign in it must be powered-off and set it face down on the table where it can be seen by the video camera.
   e. No wristwatches or pendants may be worn. No long sleeve shirts or sweaters may be worn. Arms up to elbows must be visible.
   f. No caps or hoodies, earphones or ear buds may be worn.
  g. Absolutely no talking during the exam either to yourself or to someone else. No music can be played during the exam.
  h. Students must not leave the exam or view of camera until the exam is submitted.
  i. All tests will require a password that will not be provided until just prior to the exam.
  j. All tests will begin and end exactly at the time specified (it will automatically shut down at the end of the testing period).
  k. Student failure to follow these guidelines will result in an automatic zero on the exam.

Learning Contract
All students who scores 80% and below on any periodical exam of a nursing course will be given a Learning Contract from faculty. A Learning Contract is created to facilitate student success in the course and in the BSN program. Failure to comply with the requirements listed in the Learning Contract signed both by faculty and student will result to an Incomplete Grade and will prevent a student from progressing to the next academic semester.

HESI Exam
At the end of the semester students will be required to take the Proctored standardized course exams. The score on this exam will count as a grade and will count for 10% of the course grade. Grading for this exam will be as follows: 850 or greater will recieve 100%. Students scoring below the benchmark of 850 will receive the conversion score that is assigned by HESI as the grade of record on the grade book.

Students will receive review packets based on their performance on the HESI exam. These packets will be counted as an assignment for the course and will count as 5% of the course grade. All students will be required to complete the review packets by the due date assigned by the course faculty. Failure to complete the review packets will result in the student receiving an Incomplete Grade for the course. Information regarding the Incomplete, Withdraw, and Dismissal process can be found in the TAMIU BSN Handbook
https://www.tamiu.edu/conhs/documents/handbooks/bsnhandbook.pdf

Class attendance: It is the student’s responsibility to attend class as scheduled and to be on time. To minimize distraction, students who arrive late to class or leave the classroom during class time will be asked to wait until the next class break before they are allowed back into the classroom. Failure to complete or submit a class quiz or complete an exam due to arriving late or leaving class time early counts as a class absence and will not be offered at any other time, other than their original time administered or scheduled date.

 Electronic devices: To minimize interruptions, cellular phones and smart watches must be turned off (vibration mode is not acceptable) when in the classroom. Faculty reserves the right to dismiss students who are disruptive in the class. This will constitute a class absence and any in-class assignment or quiz for that day will receive a zero (0).

Written assignment: All written assignments are computer generated and are submitted via electronic assignment drop boxes in Bb. Evaluation of written work is based on the grading criteria designed for each assignment. All scholarly papers are to follow the APA Manual, 7th editions (2020) guidelines. All papers become the property of the School of Nursing. Each student is responsible for ensuring that their assignment(s) are uploaded into the correct assignment drop box following the instructions and time frames provided to them. No assignments accepted via email. Contact OIT 326-2310 if have submission issues.

COURSE POLICIES
1. Students must meet the standards for minimal performance and progression established by Texas A&M International University and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

2. Participation grade: Comprised of online testing adaptive quizzes, and other assignments, i.e., case studies. Participation grade is designed to enhance student learning and is meant to be worked on throughout the semester; thus, once an assignment period has closed it WILL NOT be reopened. These grades will count toward one’s overall participation grade.
     a. Weekly Bb Chapter Modules: Each chapter has a Bb module available under the content folder in Bb. Learning objectives for each chapter are found in these modules. These assignments are meant to be completed by their respective assigned due date.
     b. Blackboard (Bb) multimedia: These assignments require students to view videos as assigned on Bb from one’s personal computer. The multimedia formats complement the weekly lecture presentations. Multimedia or video assignments will vary weekly.
     c. Adaptive quizzes: Students will be assigned NCLEX style questions as part of their assignments. These questions will help prepare students for the end of course and end of program standardized exams and for NCLEX. These questions will be assigned a percentage of the total weight of the course grade. The goal is to reach each mastery level by the end of the assigned week and are meant to be completed by their respective assigned due date.
     d. Other Assignments: Assignments are made available either in the syllabus, in the class or online. The lead faculty throughout the semester deems assignments. All assignments will be submitted using an online assignment drop box in Black board by their respective assigned due date.
     e. Using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT will not be allowed to be used in any assignment. Students are expected to complete each assignment without assistance from others, including automated writing tools. Any student who is seen using AI will be reported to the Honors Council Committee and will follow University and CSON policies per protocol.

3. Case studies/ Online Assignments: Students enrolled in this course must participate in the case studies & online assignments. All students shall be enrolled by the second week for this does not affect one’s participation grade. Participation in these online modules is designed to enhance student learning. These assignments should be completed by their respective assigned due date. 

AI Statement:

In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT, Grammarly (GO/PRO) AI, Quillbot, Bard, Copilot, Jasper, or any other text-generating, paraphrasing, or content-creation software—is strictly prohibited in all nursing coursework unless explicitly authorized in writing by the course faculty. Students must complete and submit all academic and clinical coursework using their own independent work, analysis, and writing.

Allowed: Students may use AI for:

-Brainstorming: Idea generation, questions to consider, themes or angles to explore.

-Outlining: Structuring your own paper, presentation, or project (e.g., headings, subheadings, sequence of points).

-Planning tasks: Milestones, timeliness, checklists for your workflow

Not Allowed: Students may not use AI for:

-Writing or generating any portion of an assignment

-Paraphrasing or rewording content

-Summarizing articles or research

-Producing discussion board posts or responses

-Writing care plans, SOAP notes, or clinical documentation

-Creating PowerPoint slides or poster content

-Submitting AI-produced text (even if “heavily edited”) as your own

-Producing reference pages

Source Verification Requirement

The use of automated reference or citation generators (e.g., Zotero, MyBib, Citation Machine) is not recommended and highly discouraged/prohibited to be used due to producing incorrect citations. Citations are to be formatted according to the American Psychological Association manual, following the edition specified in the course syllabus.

Students are required to include direct and clearly accessible links to all sources referenced in their written assignments. This requirement encompasses a diverse range of materials, including but not limited to journal articles, peer-reviewed studies, credible websites, and professional reports. The links should be formatted in a way that directs faculty and instructors straight to the original source, allowing for convenient verification of citations. It is essential that students take the time to double-check their links to guarantee that they lead directly to the content cited, thereby enhancing the overall quality and trustworthiness of their work.

Failure to adhere to the above policy will result in the following consequences:

Point Deductions

· Any assignments with broken or non-functional links will receive point deductions, impacting the overall grade as dictated by the lead faculty.

Exclusion of References

· References that cannot be verified due to missing or incorrect links, screenshots, or lack of URLs/DOIs will not be counted toward the assignment's reference requirements.

Reduced Academic Integrity

· Failure to properly format citations and provide verifiable sources may negatively affect the assessment of the student’s work and their ability to demonstrate academic rigor.

· Repeated or serious violations of the policy will be referred to the TAMIU Honor Code for formal review. This includes, but is not limited to, submission of unverifiable sources, falsified or fabricated references, persistent use of broken or misleading links, or failure to correct issues after written notice.

· Such referrals may result in institutional sanctions in accordance with university policy, which may include a formal warning, assignment failure, course failure, or additional disciplinary actions as determined by the committee. These measures are implemented to protect the integrity of academic work and uphold professional and ethical standards expected in nursing education.

CLINICAL POLICIES

1. Purpose: The clinical experience is to provide an opportunity to integrate theory into practice. Students are assigned to a variety of settings where they will focus on specific activities as indicated by specific clinical assignments. Reminder: At all times, you represent the Canseco School of Nursing and Texas A&M International University to that agency and to the community you are working with. Professionalism is required.

2. Clinical Hour: This course has a total of 84 hours of clinical. Clinical hours will be a combination of face to face clinical experience, case studies, and simulation. See breakdown below

3. Mandatory orientation: Students will be required to attend a mandatory orientation prior to commencing their clinical rotation. Students who do not complete the orientation requirements for their agencies will not be allowed to continue with the clinical experience they are assigned to and may be subject to a course failure

4. New Skills introduced in this course:

• Therapeutic communication
• Psychosocial assessment
• Mental status assessment
• Group talk session
• Mental health promotion
• Self-reflection/awareness

5. Special requirement related to student dress/appearance: All students must follow the dress code policies. See CONHS BSN Handbook.
a. Professional attire: For this clinical rotation, a solid maroon polo shirt and black hemmed slacks are required. Students may wear a ¾” sleeve black shirt under the maroon polo shirt if get cold easily or to cover tattoos. The lead faculty will strictly enforce the dress code for this clinical experience. Please note that jeans, yoga pants, leggings, or shorts are not acceptable. Due to the physical requirements of this course, please make sure that clothing is loose and allows for ease of movement. Ladies: keep hair up in bun with pins to hold it in place & no bangs to maintain professional appearance and safety. Only 1 pair of stud earrings allowed, cover all tattoos. Fingernails to be cut short for client & student safety; No artificial nails will
be allowed. Men: Are to be well groomed.
b. Shoes: All Black shoes or all black leather tennis shoes are required with black slacks. No canvas or cloth shoes, clogs, open heel or open toe shoes permitted. Low heeled shoes are a necessity in order to be able to move quickly in them.
c. Student ID: You are expected to dress in a professional manner and to display your TAMIU student ID with name and picture fully visible on shirt collar at all times. ID strings or cords are unsafe and not permitted. Adherence to Texas BON regulations requires that a TAMIU student ID be worn at all times in the clinical setting only.
d. Accessories: Bring only items necessary to the clinical setting (paper, pen, guidelines, etc.). Leave purses, and all valuables or bulky items safely at home. No sunglasses, baseball caps, decorative hair barrettes, headbands or headgear is permitted. 
e. Cell phones or other electronic devices are not permitted in the clinical setting. Cell phones are not permitted on your person during the clinical experience unless approved by your instructor. Lock them in your car during clinical. Use the agency’s landline if needed.
6. Student Health Requirements: Memorandums of understanding have been established between the Texas A&M International University, CONHS and clinical practice facilities. As part of our agreement the CONHS will abide by the practicum facilities policies and procedures. These policies and procedures may include immunization or health guidelines, which may be more stringent than what is defined in the Undergraduate Student Handbook. Students must meet the clinical health and CPR requirements prior to going to the clinical setting. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the inability to attend clinical and receive a Clinical F day. Students are responsible for submitting these requirements in Verified Credentials. See CONHS BSN Handbook.

7. Clinical and simulation schedule: we will utilize Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays for clinical and simulations.  A clinical schedule will be given before the start of clinical. 

8. Simulation/Lab: All students will be assigned a lab and a simulation. You will be assigned a pre-simulation preparation assignment (format provided on BB in the content area) that must be submitted before the simulation. Ensure that you follow all instructions for each assignment. If a student group arrives unprepared (i.e., fails to submit the pre-simulation assignment), they will not be permitted to participate in the simulation activity. This will count as a clinical F day. Makeups are subject to faculty availability. Immediately after the simulation activity, students must log in to Typhon, complete the simulation evaluation, and submit the evaluation confirmation via Blackboard by the due date. Failure to complete these requirements will prevent students from receiving credit for this simulation activity, and a makeup will be required.