Advanced Assessment Skills in Specialist Mental Health Nursing Practice

Module Overview

The Advanced Assessment Skills in Specialist Mental Health Nursing Practice module aims to develop the competencies necessary for therapeutic engagement with individuals and their families, friends, and/or supporters within the context of a holistic mental health assessment. The module focuses on applying theory to inform therapeutic skills, advanced assessment strategies, formulation of shared treatment goals, and effective inter-disciplinary communication in a clinical context.

Module Content

The module covers advanced assessment skills, including:

• Effective communication and engagement skills
• Bio-psycho-social-spiritual and cultural assessment
• Integration of recovery principles
• Standardized methods and tools of assessment
• Strengths-based assessment
• Multi-disciplinary assessment
• Risk assessment
• Recovery assessment
• Understanding the application, meaning, and impact of diagnosis
• Working with medication

The module also examines attitudes, values, and responses towards individuals who experience mental distress and involves different agencies and family, friends, and/or supporters in caring for the person experiencing mental distress.

Module Objectives

The module objectives include:

• Developing a successful therapeutic relationship through advanced interpersonal skills and critical awareness of the assessment process
• Executing a comprehensive mental health assessment and developing collaborative care plans
• Discriminating and selecting assessment strategies, methods, and tools appropriate to the person, situation, setting, and context
• Demonstrating critical awareness of research-based psychosocial and pharmacological interventions
• Considering the specific needs of marginalized groups within the assessment process

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a high level of competence in applying theoretical knowledge to clinical practice
• Develop a successful therapeutic relationship through advanced interpersonal skills
• Execute a comprehensive mental health assessment and develop collaborative care plans
• Discriminate and select assessment strategies, methods, and tools
• Demonstrate critical awareness of research-based interventions
• Consider the specific needs of marginalized groups

Module Details

• Code: NU6172
• Duration: 12th January 2026 - 6th March 2026
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Fees: 1,300
• Closing Date: 12/12/2026
• Credits: 15
• Start Date: 12/01/2026

Additional Teaching Mode Information

The module includes 24 hours of lectures and workshops, 48 hours of directed study, and 276 hours of other activities, such as distance learning, discussion board preparation and participation, required reading, assignment preparation and submission, and self-directed learning.

Schedule

Workshop dates are scheduled as follows:

• 12th January 2026, 09:00-17:00, BHSC
• 20th January 2026, 09:00-16:00, BHSC
• 27th January 2026, 09:00-16:00, BHSC
• 9th February 2026, 09:00-17:00, BHSC

Rooms are to be confirmed, and dates are subject to slight changes.

---

Degree Overview:

An emphasis will be placed on the importance of applying theory to inform therapeutic skills, advanced assessment strategies, formulation of shared treatment goals, and effective inter-disciplinary communication in a clinical context.

---

Module Content:

• Advanced assessment skills:
• Use of effective communication and engagement skills
• Bio-psycho-social-spiritual and cultural assessment
• Integration of recovery principles
• Standardized methods and tools of assessment
• Strengths based assessment
• Multi-disciplinary assessment
• Risk assessment
• Recovery assessment
• Understanding the application, meaning and impact of diagnosis & working with medication
• Formulation of collaborative treatment plan
• Presentation skills and multi-disciplinary working
• Examination of attitudes, values, and responses towards people who experience mental distress
• Examination of the involvement of different agencies and family, friends and/or supporters in caring with the person who experiences mental distress

---

Content in this module incorporates assessment approaches and interventions in the following areas:

• Trauma informed care
• Strengths based assessment, power threat meaning framework
• Substance misuse and dual diagnosis
• Shared decision making and medication management
• Self-harm and suicide
• Bio-psycho-social assessment and diagnosis

---

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a high level of competence in the application of theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.
• Develop a successful therapeutic relationship through the use of advanced interpersonal skills and a critical awareness of the process involved in assessing, collaborating with, and advocating for people who experience mental distress in a clinical context.
• Execute a comprehensive mental health assessment & develop collaborative care plans which includes family, friends and/or supporters.
• Discriminate and select assessment strategies, methods and tools in terms of reliability, validity, specificity, and which are appropriate and sensitive to the person, situation, setting, and context.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of a range of research-based psychosocial and pharmacological interventions that are effective in meeting the needs of people who experience mental distress and may enable them to enhance their self-management skills.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the principles, values and beliefs which underpin and guide the diverse range of assessment frameworks.
• Consider the specific needs of marginalized groups within the assessment process and advocating for their needs in a clinical context and work with a person’s family, friends and/or supporters.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the different perspectives around mental health and distress and of the central importance of service users and family, friends and/or supporters experiences and perspectives.
• Document and present assessments and collaborative treatment plans for people with complex needs.

---

Schedule:

• 6/1/25 09.00-16.00
• 20/1/25 09.00-16.00
• 27/01/25 09.00-16.00
• 10/2/25 09.00-16.00
• 3/3/25 Study week and submission of final assignment.
• 24hr(s) Lectures (and Workshops)
• 48hr(s) Directed Study (Supported Learning)
• 276hr(s) Other (Distance Learning; Discussion Board Preparation and Participation, Required Reading, Assignment Preparation and Submission, Self-Directed Learning).

---

€1,300

University College Cork

---

Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

---

Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

---

Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

---

Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.