Mental Health Nursing   

*** Foundational Course *** Complete in the first semester.

Introduction to Mental Health Nursing provides an essential foundation in mental health care, guiding learners to critically evaluate the roles of history, stigma, and social determinants within Ontario's system. The course equips participants with the ability to build culturally safe, trauma-informed therapeutic relationships, conduct thorough mental health assessments, and address issues related to substance use and harm reduction. Students are expected to uphold professional standards throughout various care settings.  

This course explores evidence-based strategies for fostering mental wellness across the lifespan, emphasizing social and structural determinants, climate-related stressors, and equity-focused action. Learners will apply recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approaches to promote resilience, collaborate with people with lived experience, and design interventions for diverse populations. The course highlights prevention levels, adaptation to various care settings, including virtual and e-mental health, and the integration of global and Ontario-based initiatives, all while using inclusive, stigma-reducing communication and aligning with the TRC Calls to Action. 

This course provides practical skills in applying provincial mental health, consent, and privacy legislation, including evolving areas like MAiD and substance decriminalization, to clinical practice. Learners will analyze ethical dilemmas through structured frameworks, and a DE&I lens, operationalize Community Treatment Orders and capacity/consent processes, and advocate for equitable care for marginalized and criminalized populations. Emphasis is placed on inclusive communication and maintaining privacy in all care settings, fostering cultural safety and trauma-informed practice.