bsc (hons) in Mental health Nursing
(Cork)

INTRODUCTION:

This five-year degree programme in Mental Health Nursing, typically known as a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mental Health Nursing, is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Registered Mental Health Nurses (RPNs) and enter the professional practice of nursing through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. The curriculum is comprehensive, combining theoretical education with practice based teaching and clinical experiences.

The aim of mental health nursing is to promote mental health and wellness, to plan with, support and provide nursing care to people who suffer from mental illness and mental distress, and to support families and communities in dealing with mental health challenges. This care can be provided in acute care facilities such as hospitals, in peoples own homes and community care settings. Supporting on-going mental health recovery is an important role of being a mental health nurse.

Our graduates work with individuals, families and communities to prevent mental health problems and promote recovery so that as many people as possible can live full lives in community settings. At the heart of the role of the mental health nurse is the ability to establish therapeutic relationships with individuals and their families.

Year 1 – Cork Education and Training Board – Cork College of FET- Morrisons Island Campus

Year 2 – 5 Department of Nursing and Healthcare Sciences, MTU, Kerry North Campus

Applications are only accepted using this link:

https://nto.hea.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-mental-health-nursing-cork/

This is a separate application process from other Nursing courses on our website.

 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age on 1st Jan 2024.

Learner minimum educational attainment for entry

Leaving Certificate with five subjects/LCVP at grade O6  including Maths or a distinction in Leaving Certificate Applied

or 

QQI Level 4 award with a minimum of a merit grade

or 

Mature applicants – (aged 22 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year).  These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)

or 

An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age on 1st Jan 2024 with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience.  All applicants must demonstrate that they would qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028).

Note to progress to the four-year undergraduate degree in Mental Health Nursing, successful learners, must achieve the full QQI Level 5 Award, with a minimum of five distinctions. At least one of these distinctions (80%+) must be drawn from the following three modules with a high merit in the other two (72% or above): Anatomy and Physiology, Nursing Theory and Practice or Human Growth and Development.

CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English.

Learner pre-requisites

• Fitness to Practice Medical statement signed by their GP
• Personal Statement
• Interview
• Garda Vetting

This course requires students to be Garda vetted.     

All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application.

DURATION:

September to May Year 1.

FEES:

No fees apply for Year 1

CERTIFICATION

• QQI Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies 5M4349 in Year 1

COURSE CONTENT 

ADDITIONAL TRAINING / WORKSHOPS

• People Moving and Handling Certification (requirement for work experience) – This workshop teaches safe and effective techniques used in the safe moving and handling of people in a variety of settings. This training is mandatory for person’s involved in manual handling and people moving and handling tasks. It is required by legislation under The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulation 2007 Part two chapter four. The training involves the theory module which is completed online (HSELanD.ie) and the practical module which is classroom based. The certificate obtained is valid for three years. 
• HSE Safeguarding Adults at risk of abuse Certificate (requirement for work experience) – Its primary focus is to inform learners on the guiding practice and procedures to keep vulnerable adults safe in the community and residential settings.  The content includes leaners being informed of their safeguarding responsibilities, the different types of abuse and neglect and how to recognise them and how to report concerns in line with HSE guidelines. All learners receive a certificate on completion at the end of the course. 
• First Aid Workshop (online) – This First Aid Workshop will introduce the learner to the principles of First Aid. The workshop includes identifying the role of the First Aider. Learners will understand how to respond to various injuries and illnesses including choking, fainting, burns, heart attacks, strokes, panic attacks, sprains and strains. A Certificate of Completion from Morrison’s Island Campus is issued on successful completion. The purpose of this workshop is to give the learner a basic understanding of how to deal with First Aid Emergencies. It is not intended as a substitute for a full First Aid Response Course. 
• AMRIC Hand Hygiene (HSELand) – Effective hand Hygiene is the single most effective thing that you can do to protect the people you care for and yourself from healthcare acquired infections. HCAI’s. But knowing is not enough – it’s important to apply what you have learnt and believe that it can be done. By the end of this course, you should know: Why hand hygiene is important
  – When to practice hand hygiene.
  – How to perform hand hygiene in line with the WHO 5 Moments.
  – How to take care of your hands.
• AMRIC Infection Prevention and Control (HSELand) – Practical programme which includes specific measures for prevention of infection in all healthcare facilities, how to identify hazards and carry out a well-informed risk assessment. How to control the sources and prevent onward transmission of infection

WORK PLACEMENT/EXPERIENCE

Students are required to undertake a four week block placement (150 hours) during their first year on QQI Nursing Studies. Students will undertake four weeks (min 150 hours) of work placement in a hospital or healthcare setting. Garda vetting is an integral part of the application procedure for this course. The college follows the National Immunisation Advisory Committee’s (NIAC) Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland which states that healthcare students should, as a minimum, receive or have received completed courses of immunisations for

–      Hepatitis B (minimum 2 doses),

–      Influenza

–      Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR 2 doses)

–       Varicella (Chicken Pox)  (1 or in some cases 2 doses).

Some placements may have additional vaccination requirements e.g. Covid-19.

During the degree programme in MTU Kerry, students undertake eighty-one weeks, 45 weeks as a supernumerary nursing student and 36 weeks as an Intern.

Work placement is a highly valued component of the student experience here at the college. An excellent opportunity for you to gain insight into the world of work.  

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Note to progress to the four-year undergraduate degree in General Nursing, successful learners, must achieve the full QQI Level 5 Award, with a minimum of five distinctions. At least one of these distinctions (80%+) must be drawn from the following three modules with a high merit in the other two (72% or above):  Anatomy and Physiology, Nursing Theory and Practice or Human Growth and Development.

The other Morrison’s Island Campus Nursing Studies Progression routes are also available.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES