LM152 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Mental Health)
LM153 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Mental Health) - Mature Entry

General Information

The B.Sc. Nursing (Mental Health) is a full-time four year degree programme offered by the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, in conjunction with the Health Service ExecutiveWest (Limerick, Clare,Tipperary North). On successful completion of the programme students will be able to present for registration with An Bord Altranais and practise as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (R.P.N.).The Department of Nursing and Midwifery has received approval from An Bord Altranais for the programme.

The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to become and analytical and reflective practitioner able to provide a holistic and caring approach to people experiencing mental health problems. It will enable them to integrate humanistic, scientific and research based principles enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual needs of persons with mental health problems.This knowledge will be acquired through the study of nursing, biological sciences, social sciences and related disciplines.

Course Structure

The programme is offered full time over four years.The curriculum encompasses the development of theory and practice simultaneously, with the programme structured as follows:

• 69 weeks Theory
• 45 weeks unrostered Clinical Placement
• 36 weeks Internship

The University offers a number of access places on all University courses for socio-economically disadvantaged students. Financial documentation in support of each application is required. Potential applicants should make advance contact with the Access Office;Telephone 061 213104.

Nursing is a demanding profession both physically and emotionally. Successful applicants must be of good physical and mental health and have the ability to achieve the required competencies of a nurse.Offers of places on the nursing programmes are subject to satisfactory completion of a health declaration/medical assessment and vaccination programme.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Mental Health) must: Have obtained in the established Leaving Certificate a minimum grade of C3 in two Higher Level papers and a minimum grade of D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level papers including: • English • Irish or another Language • Mathematics • A Laboratory Science subject (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry [Joint] or Agricultural Science) OR Have second level qualifications equivalent to the above. Enquiries about the methods of evaluation of results of examinations and qualifications other than the Republic of Ireland Leaving Certificate Examination should be addressed to the Admissions Office.

Additional Entry: FETAC places will be made available on a competitive basis to students who satisfy the following requirements for entry: Pass on any one of the following FETAC Level 5 Qualifications:

• DCHSN Nursing Studies
• DCHSX Community and Health Services
• DHSXX Healthcare Support
• Distinctions (i.e.> 80%) in 5 modules in the FETAC Level 5 qualification which must include:
• D20001 Anatomy and Physiology And
• D20012 Introduction to Nursing And
• D20032 Human Growth and Development OR
• C20006 Biology

Career Prospects

The B.Sc. Nursing (Mental Health) programme provides graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies to enable people with mental health problems develop coping skills to maximise their potential for recovery. Mental Health Nurses practice as members of a multidisciplinary team across a broad range of areas, for example, adult in-patient and community based services, child and adolescent services, specialist rehabilitation, liaison psychiatry, forensic mental health, addiction services, and primary care. Mental Health Nurses may progress their careers through advanced nursing studies, thus enabling them to assume roles as clinical nurse specialists and advanced nurse practitioners in mental health as well as roles in nursing education and research.