HLTEN617B - Practise in contemporary mental health care
Assessor Resource
HLTEN617B Practise in contemporary mental health care
Assessment tool
Version 1.0 Issue Date: April 2024
The knowledge and skills described in this competency unit are to be applied within jurisdictional nursing and midwifery regulatory authority legislative requirements
Enrolled/Division 2 nursing work is to be carried out in consultation/collaboration with registered nurses and under direct or indirect supervisory arrangements in line with jurisdictional regulatory requirements
This competency unit describes the skills and knowledge required by Enrolled/Division 2 nurses to perform nursing interventions to assist the person with a mental health condition to maintain or regain optimal function and lifestyle
It focuses on the roles and responsibilities of the Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse within the mental health team, and on the nursing management of the consumer with a mental illness within the acute and/or community mental health environment
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Pre-requisite units
This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites:
HLTAP501B Analyse health information
HLTEN507B Administer and monitor medication in the work environment
HLTEN509B Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice
HLTEN510B Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions
HLTEN606B Assess clients and manage client care
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of performance in a work context is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations and should occur on more than one occasion and be assessed by a registered mental health nurse
Observations must include:
knowledge of mental health disorders
principles of mental health assessment, including risk assessment
nursing management of mental health disorders, specific medications and interventions within the defined scope of practice
communication skills
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the clinical workplace or in a simulated clinical work environment and under the normal range of clinical environment conditions prior to assessment in the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning - verbal and writing
Role play/simulation
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander consumers and communities
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.
Essential knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role
This includes knowledge of:
Actions, therapeutic and adverse effects of mental health pharmacology
Admission and transfer between health care environments
Consumer rights and responsibilities
Critical thinking and problem solving
Cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices
Culturally appropriate health promotion activities for consumers with mental health problems
Diagnostic tests and their meanings
Emergency and first aid management
Ethical issues associated with the use of antipsychotic medications
Evidence based practice
Factors influencing growth and development
Factors influencing self esteem
Health - illness continuum
Legal standards for practice
Legislation related to mental health care practice, including:
Mental Health Act (1993)
occupational health and safety legislation
Medical terminology
Organisation policy and procedure
Participating as a member of the health care team
Philosophy underpinning mental health care
Principles of mental health assessment
Reflective practice
Research strategies and methodologies
Risk assessment
Specialised knowledge and depth of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of mental health problems
Specialised knowledge in the antecedents and clinical manifestations of mental health disorders
Specialised knowledge of classification systems for mental health disorders, including DSM IV and ICD-10
Essential skills
It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role
This includes the ability to:
Apply clinical nursing skills, including:
fundamental and complex nursing interventions
physical and mental assessment
neurological function
specimen collection
medication administration as per jurisdictional and legal requirements
emergency Medications
Assessment, observation and documentation of
physical assessment
psychiatric assessment
mental state assessment
mini mental state assessment
assessment of suicidal patients
risk assessment
aggression assessment
assessment of alcohol and drug use
coping skills
change to sleep and concentration patterns
Apply professional standards of practice:
ANMC code of conduct
ANMC code of ethics
ANMC national Enrolled/Division 2 nurse competency standards
state/territory Nurse Regulatory Nurses Act
state/territory Nursing and Midwifery Regulatory Authority standards of practice
scope of nursing practice decision making framework
National Mental Health Strategy
Apply principles of documentation
Apply principles of rehabilitation
Demonstrate accountability for personal outputs and broad consumer group outcomes
Maintain evidence based practice in line with current literature and work of professional bodies associated with mental health consumers
Recognise and address
needs of consumer and significant others in relation to grief and loss
religious and cultural needs of consumer and significant others
continued ...
Essential skills (contd):
Use appropriate communication skills (non-verbal, openness, sensitivity, non-judgmental attitudes):
oral communication skills (language competence) required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organisation/service, including interviewing techniques, asking questions, active listening, asking for clarification
written communication skills (literacy competence) required to fulfil job roles as specified by organisation/service, ranging from reading and understanding consumer documentation to completion of written reports
Use interpersonal skills to work with others, use sensitivity when dealing with people and relate to persons from differing cultural, social and religious backgrounds
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Multidisciplinary health care team members could include:
Mental health care consumer and their significant others
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Nursing staff
Social workers
Physiotherapists
Occupational therapists
Art therapists
Speech pathologists
Dietitian
Recreation officers
Community services
Transitional rehabilitation services
Carers
Drug and alcohol workers
General practitioners
Consumer advocates
Residential care workers
Health care settings could include:
Hospitals - private or public
Short stay centres
Community living residences
Day centres
Community teams
Aged care services
Assessment of impact of mental health problems may include:
Performance of activities of daily living
Loss or limitation to physical, emotional or cognitive function
Impact on sexuality, relationships, self image, body image
Grief and loss
Eating disorders
Coping mechanisms
Personal and community support mechanisms
Level of communication
Maintenance/improvement of quality of life
Maintenance/improvement of lifestyle
Impact of secondary disease processes
Socially related adjustments and transitions may include:
Role changes
Multiple losses
Social isolation and loneliness
Depression and suicide
Community stereotyping
Changes in body image
Plans of care may include:
Nursing care plans
Social activity plans
Treatment plans
Medical notes
Community referrals
Admission and transfer
Rehabilitation plans
Legal and ethical issues include:
Rights and responsibilities of people with mental health problems
Consent
Power of attorney
Medical Power of attorney
Detention orders
Advocacy
Restraint and seclusion
Ethical principles
Legislation affecting the person with mental health problems
Confidentiality and advice to carers
Research and the person with mental health problems
Specific nursing interventions/clinical skills could include:
Foundation nursing interventions
Complex nursing interventions
Assisting with electro-convulsive therapy
First Aid
Limit setting
Use of assessment tools, including tools for risk assessment
Assistance in direct physical restraint
Group or diversional therapy
Self esteem promoting therapies
Skill building programs
Social normalisation programs
Living skills programs
Counselling
Group therapy skills
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Behaviour modification therapy
Family therapy
Stress management
Anger management
Assertiveness training
Promotion of trusting relationships
Health teaching in relation to consumers needs
Pain management
Manual handling
Rehabilitative care practices
Evaluation of planned care includes:
Level of independence in performance of activities of daily living
Participation in rehabilitation programs
Self management of symptoms
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Contribute appropriately to support the role of the multidisciplinary health care team in managing care of the consumer requiring mental health care
Contribute to achieving effective team work and supportive group dynamics when working with health care colleagues
Establish appropriate relationships with other members of the health care team
Incorporate into own nursing practice the philosophical and policy frameworks for managing care for the consumer requiring mental health services
Incorporate into own nursing practice the legal framework for managing care for the consumer requiring mental health services
Recognise the contributions of emergency service personnel, referring agencies, hospital and community team staff and community support groups to the care needs of the mental health services consumer
Participate safely as part of team in interventions involving chemical or physical restraint
Perform a holistic assessment of the consumer in consultation/collaboration with the registered nurse
Incorporate an understanding of anatomy and physiology and mental health disorder classifications into nursing practice
Work with a knowledge of various manifestations of consumer's area(s) of mental health problem
Discuss with consumers the psychosocial impact of their mental health problem on their activities of daily living
Assist the consumer and family to identify common problems, complications and resources available for the consumer with a mental health problem
Communicate effectively with consumers, family (including children) and health team members
Clarify the care needs of the consumer with a mental health problem in terms of the phases of care required
Accurately use a range of contemporary assessment tools, including mental state examination and psychiatric assessment
Establish and use a database of resource personnel to assist in care for the consumer with a mental health disorder
In consultation/collaboration with the registered nurse, recognise and understand a range of therapeutic interventions available in planning appropriate nursing management strategies
In consultation/collaboration with the consumer and the health care team, develop an individualised plan of care for the consumer with a mental health problem
In consultation/collaboration with the registered nurse, and treating team, undertake risk assessment
In consultation/collaboration with the registered nurses, determine observational category for a consumer with a mental health problem
In consultation/collaboration with the registered nurse, incorporate into own practice health teaching, referral and discharge planning for the consumer with a mental health problem
In consultation/collaboration with consumer, promote a consistent, structured approach to management of consumer/s behaviours
Involve the consumer and family in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care and outcomes
Maintain focus on consumer/s independent living and social skills
Promote education and awareness about early warning signs and relapse prevention
Maintain a physically and psychologically safe environment
In consultation/collaboration with the registered nurse, recognise crisis situations and implement emergency management according to organisation policy and procedure and within legal and professional requirements
Implement nursing interventions in accordance with legal, professional, ethical and organisation requirements
Recognise, report and document consumer responses to specific types of medication used in mental health care
Recognise and respond appropriately to ethical issues related to use of psychopharmacological medication
Respond to consumer behaviour in a therapeutic manner, recognising antecedents for behaviour, as appropriate
Acknowledge individual consumer experiences in a non-judgemental manner
Demonstrate an understanding of the stages and philosophy of therapeutic relationships
Prioritise consumer care issues in accordance with consumer's presentation and behaviour
Maintain professional boundaries and set limits for therapeutic interventions with consumers
Recognise and address own verbal and non-verbal cues that may impact on consumers and others
Reflect on interactions in order to evaluate their therapeutic impact
Monitor consumer response to planned nursing interventions and progress toward planned goals and interventions, and document and report to the appropriate members of the health care team
Initiate appropriate first aid/emergency treatment in response to adverse reactions or complications
Report and document first aid/emergency treatment and consumer response to the treatment
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
HLTEN617B - Practise in contemporary mental health care
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Assessment Record Sheet
HLTEN617B - Practise in contemporary mental health care
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