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M-SC-NURSING in Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on equipping advanced practitioners with specialized skills in psychiatric care. It emphasizes a holistic approach to mental well-being, integrating theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice. The program addresses the growing demand for expert mental health professionals in India, aligning with national health priorities and fostering comprehensive psychiatric nursing competencies crucial for the Indian healthcare landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for registered nurses holding a B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing degree, with at least one year of clinical experience, who aspire to specialize in psychiatric nursing. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into the specialized mental health sector and working professionals aiming to enhance their skills in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and rehabilitation within an Indian context. The program also suits those passionate about contributing to mental health advocacy and community care.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths as psychiatric nurse specialists, educators, researchers, and administrators in India. Potential roles include clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and community outreach programs. Salaries typically range from INR 4-8 Lakhs annually for entry-level to experienced professionals. The program prepares students for leadership roles in mental healthcare delivery, contributing significantly to improving mental health outcomes across diverse Indian populations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Nursing Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding core M.Sc. Nursing subjects like Nursing Education, Advanced Nursing Practice, Research, and Management. Form study groups to discuss complex theories and statistical methods. Utilize university library resources and online academic journals for in-depth understanding. Focus on developing strong foundational knowledge that underpins specialized psychiatric practice.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Digital Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, Nursing textbooks, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid grasp of general nursing principles and research methodology is crucial for evidence-based psychiatric practice and contributes to academic excellence, which is a prerequisite for advanced roles.
Cultivate Therapeutic Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in simulation labs and early clinical rotations to hone therapeutic communication techniques vital for psychiatric nursing. Practice active listening, empathy, and non-verbal communication. Seek feedback from instructors and peers on interaction styles and effectiveness. Engage in role-playing scenarios to build confidence in difficult conversations.
Tools & Resources
Simulation labs, Role-playing exercises, Communication skills workshops, Feedback sessions
Career Connection
Effective therapeutic communication is the cornerstone of psychiatric nursing, essential for building rapport with patients, facilitating healing, and excelling in clinical settings.
Initiate Research Project Planning- (Semester 1-2)
Begin conceptualizing a dissertation topic early, aligning with interests within Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing. Start reviewing literature to identify research gaps and potential problems for investigation. Consult with faculty advisors to refine research questions and understand the initial steps of proposal development, even before the formal dissertation proposal course.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology books, SRMIST research guidelines, Faculty mentorship, Literature review databases (e.g., CINAHL, PsycINFO)
Career Connection
Early research planning fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, which are highly valued in advanced nursing roles, academic positions, and contributes to the successful completion of the dissertation.
Intermediate Stage
Maximize Specialization-Specific Clinical Exposure- (Semester 3)
Fully immerse in the advanced clinical specialty rotations in psychiatric settings. Proactively seek opportunities to observe and participate in diverse interventions, including psychopharmacology, various psychotherapies, and crisis management. Document and reflect on clinical experiences to deepen understanding of patient care in complex mental health scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Clinical rotation logs, Reflective journals, Specialized psychiatric units, Mentor nurses
Career Connection
Extensive clinical exposure in varied psychiatric settings builds practical competency, confidence, and specialized skills, making graduates highly desirable for direct patient care roles and advanced practice positions.
Engage in Dissertation Data Collection and Analysis- (Semester 3)
Systematically execute the approved dissertation proposal, focusing on rigorous data collection and accurate statistical analysis. Work closely with research guides for methodological support and data interpretation. Actively participate in research workshops and use statistical software effectively to derive meaningful conclusions from the research.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R, Ethical clearance documents, Data collection instruments, Research guides
Career Connection
Successfully completing a dissertation demonstrates advanced research capabilities, analytical prowess, and the ability to contribute to the body of nursing knowledge, enhancing credibility for academic or research-focused career paths.
Explore Elective Subjects for Niche Interests- (Semester 3)
Carefully select an elective subject that aligns with personal career aspirations or specific niche interests within mental health nursing (e.g., addiction nursing, forensic psychiatry, child psychiatry). Actively engage with the chosen elective content to gain specialized knowledge and skills that differentiate your profile.
Tools & Resources
Elective course materials, Faculty specializing in the elective area, Professional organizations related to the niche
Career Connection
Strategic selection of electives allows for development of unique expertise, opening doors to highly specialized roles or further academic pursuits in specific mental health domains.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Internship for Professional Readiness- (Semester 4)
Approach the final internship as a capstone experience, integrating all learned theory and practical skills. Take initiative in leading patient care rounds, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and demonstrating leadership in various psychiatric nursing contexts. Focus on applying evidence-based practice and problem-solving in complex real-world situations.
Tools & Resources
Internship supervisors, Hospital protocols, Interdisciplinary team meetings, Professional networking events
Career Connection
A stellar internship performance is critical for networking, securing placements, and showcasing readiness for independent and advanced psychiatric nursing roles immediately upon graduation.
Prepare for Placement and Career Advancement- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, career counseling sessions, and mock interviews. Develop a professional CV and cover letter tailored to psychiatric nursing roles. Network with alumni and professionals in the field to explore job opportunities and gain insights into career progression within India''''s mental health sector.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cell, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Alumni network, Interview preparation guides
Career Connection
Proactive placement preparation ensures smooth transition into the professional world, securing desired roles in leading hospitals, clinics, or academic institutions specializing in mental health.
Pursue Continuing Professional Development- (Post-graduation)
Identify and enroll in relevant workshops, seminars, or short courses post-graduation to stay updated with the latest advancements in mental health nursing practice, policies, and research. Consider pursuing certifications in specific psychotherapeutic modalities or advanced practice areas to continually enhance expertise and maintain licensure.
Tools & Resources
Professional nursing associations (e.g., TNAI, Indian Psychiatric Society), Online learning platforms, Specialty certification bodies
Career Connection
Continuous learning is essential for career longevity, adaptability to evolving healthcare needs, leadership development, and ensuring high-quality, up-to-date patient care in mental health.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. Nursing / B.Sc. Hons. Nursing / Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing from an institution recognized by Indian Nursing Council; Minimum of 55% aggregate marks; Minimum of one year work experience after Basic B.Sc. Nursing or after/prior to Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing; Must be a Registered Nurse and Midwife (RN & RM) with the State Nursing Registration Council.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBN23101 | Nursing Education | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Education, Teaching-Learning Process, Methods of Teaching, Educational Media and Technology, Curriculum Development, Evaluation in Nursing Education, Guidance and Counseling, Professional Development |
| PBN23102 | Advanced Nursing Practice | Core | 4 | Theories and Models in Nursing, Advanced Concepts in Health and Illness, Nursing Process, Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Assurance in Nursing, Professional Organizations, Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing, Roles of Advanced Practice Nurse |
| PBN23103 | Nursing Research and Statistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Process, Research Designs, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis (Descriptive and Inferential Statistics), Research Utilization, Ethics in Research |
| PBN23104 | Nursing Management | Core | 4 | Management Theories and Principles, Organizational Structure and Climate, Leadership and Supervision, Human Resource Management, Financial Management in Nursing, Material Management, Legal Aspects of Nursing Administration, Quality Management |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBN23201 | Psychiatric Nursing (Core Subject-I) | Core | 4 | History and Trends in Psychiatric Nursing, Concepts of Mental Health and Illness, Theories of Personality and Psychopathology, Mental Health Assessment, Therapeutic Communication, Nursing Process in Psychiatric Settings, Psychiatric Emergencies, Community Mental Health |
| PBN23202 | Psychiatric Nursing (Core Subject-II) | Core | 4 | Management of Psychiatric Disorders (Neurotic, Psychotic, Personality), Substance Use Disorders, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, Psychiatric Therapies (ECT, CBT, Group, Family), Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychiatry, Rehabilitation in Mental Health |
| PBN23203 | Clinical Nursing Speciality – I (Psychiatric Nursing) | Practical | 8 | Psychiatric History Taking, Mental Status Examination, Therapeutic Relationship Building, Administering Psychiatric Medications and Monitoring, Crisis Intervention Techniques, Group Therapy Facilitation, Family Therapy Techniques, Patient Education on Mental Illness |
| PBN23204 | Dissertation Proposal | Project | 4 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Literature Review, Research Question and Objectives, Methodology Design and Sampling, Data Collection Tools Development, Ethical Considerations in Research, Proposal Writing, Presentation of Proposal |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBN23301 | Clinical Nursing Speciality – II (Psychiatric Nursing) | Practical | 8 | Advanced Psychiatric Assessment, Milieu Therapy Management, Rehabilitation Strategies for Mental Illness, Psychosocial Interventions, Legal Aspects in Clinical Psychiatric Settings, Community Mental Health Programs, Geriatric Mental Health Care, Dual Diagnosis Management |
| PBN23302 | Elective Subject | Elective | 4 | Dependent on chosen elective subject from the list offered by the Faculty of Nursing. |
| PBN23303 | Dissertation | Project | 8 | Data Collection and Organization, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Discussion of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations, Report Writing (Thesis), Referencing and Bibliography, Thesis Submission, Dissertation Defense (Viva Voce) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBN23401 | Internship (All Specialities) | Practical | 24 | Integration of Theory into Practice, Advanced Clinical Skills Application, Leadership and Management in Nursing, Evidence-Based Decision Making, Professional Ethics and Legal Aspects, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Quality Improvement Initiatives, Patient Safety Protocols |
