Nursing of Clients with Mental or Substance Abuse Problems (5 ECTS)

Objective

Students
- can describe the contents, practices and elements of nursing interactions and their significance to mental health and substance abuse clients/patients and their significant others in diverse cultural and operating environments and understand their importance
- can plan, implement and evaluate patient-oriented and family-focused mental health and substance abuse nursing within the theoretical framework applicable to diverse operating environments
- can tell about the impacts of mental health, mental health disorders and psychiatric illnesses as well as substance addiction and abuse on the wellbeing of an individual and his/her family
- are able to identify and reflect on the ethical questions of mental health and substance abuse
- are able to explain the basis for health promoting, problem preventing and resource-oriented mental health and substance abuse nursing
- can explain the theoretical foundation of mental health and substance abuse nursing (psychosocial interventions, medication) in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care
- can describe the basics of supporting an individual in acute crisis
- are proficient in the principal methods of early intervention and bringing up sensitive topics
- are able to explain the different phases of human development
- are familiar with the service system of mental health and substance abuse
- understand the main contents of legislation on mental health and the significance to individuals

Content

- basic knowledge of the most common mental health disorders and psychiatric illnesses
- basic knowledge of substances causing addiction (alcohol, tobacco products and drugs) and substance abuse problems
- methods of mental health and substance abuse nursing and the main contents of interaction
- ethics and legislation regarding mental health and substance abuse
- multiculturalism in mental health and substance abuse nursing
- pharmacotherapy in mental health and substance abuse
- principal methods of early intervention and facing sensitive topics in mental health and substance abuse
- basic knowledge of crisis psychology
- basic knowledge of developmental psychology
- recovery orientation as a framework

Location and time

13.10.2025-14.11.2025
weeks 42 - 46

Materials

The course will be conducted in Finnish.

Teaching methods

Learning methods:
Interactive lecture
Exercises, simulation
Web-based learning (Moodle)
Flipped learning
Exam

Employer connections

Possible expert visits

Exam schedules

Medication calculation skills exam in Exam class room.
Retake (2) during the module in Exam class room.

Course exam will be held at the end of the course in Exam class room.
Retake (2 times) in Exam-classroom - enrollment to the retake compulsory.
Should the student fail these, the course must be completed as whole (see: Degree regulations)

International connections

-

Completion alternatives

N/A

Student workload

1 ECTS is 27 working hours, total 5ect=135 hours.

Further information

This course will be conducted in Finnish only.

Clinical Practice 1&2 and Pharmacology 1 must be completed by the beginning of the module.

Participation in the orientation lecture is mandatory.
Also attendance in Laboratory 1: Mental health nursing and psychosocial helping methods and Simulation is mandatory. If you are unable to attend, please ask the teacher in advance how to proceed.

Absencenses must be compensate.
Psychology (1 cr) consists of two classes with preliminary assignments in Moodle and an exam and/or dialogue exam. To pass, you have to finish the pre-assignments in Moodle and pass the exams.

Students must confirm their attendance for a course implementation by being present when tuition begins or in another manner agreed with the lecturer; for example, by returning the first course assignment. Students who are unable to attend the first teaching session due to illness may also confirm their attendance by informing the lecturer of this in advance.

Recognition of Prior Learning (AHOT). Prior to participation in the course!

Framework in Nursing: Recovery approach is a personal journey rather than a set outcome, and one that may involve developing hope, a secure base and sense of self, supportive relationships, empowerment, social inclusion, coping skills, and meaning.

Course feedback:
Course feedback is collected from the implementation, which is an important part of the teaching and operational development work. By giving feedback, you have the opportunity to influence the content of the study courses and the development of teaching. With the help of the feedback, the teacher is able to develop his own implementations and teaching methods in his other study courses as well. Giving constructive feedback also develops your own working life skills. Course feedback is given anonymously, and the feedback provider cannot be identified.

AI can be used in the course assignment, but the student must clearly indicate its use. The course exam must be taken without the help of AI. Students should only use their own knowledge, understanding and skills in the exam. The use of AI in an exam or failure to declare the use of AI in assignments will be treated as fraudulent conduct in accordance with the Metropolia Disciplinary Code of Conduct.

Use of Artificial Intelligence:

Artificial intelligence can be used in the course assignment, but the student must clearly state its use. The course exam must be taken without the help of artificial intelligence. The student must use only his own knowledge, understanding and skills in the exam. The use of artificial intelligence in an exam or failure to report its use in assignments is treated as suspicion of cheating in accordance with Metropolia's disciplinary matters handling instructions

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

See the attachment "Framework for evaluation criteria of competence"

Assessment methods and criteria

Continuous assessment
Med calculation skills test (pass/fail)
Virtual learning and All independent course assignments (100%)
Evaluating competences evaluation criteria competent/intermediate level is used.

The grade is based in the exam (fail/1-5).

Qualifications

Basics of Clinical Nursing Competence.
Basic knowledge of Pharmacotherapy.