Table of Contents

Section 1 Preparation for practice placement experience

1 Mental health services and nursing: development and practice

2 Introduction to the nature and impact of mental health problems

3 Principles of contemporary mental health practice

4 Mental health practice learning

5 The practicalities of mental health placements

Section 2 Practice-based learning and placement learning opportunities

6 Broad skills for mental health nursing

7 Forming, maintaining and ending therapeutic relationships

8 Collaborative approach to nursing: assessment and care planning

9 Working with people to make choices about their treatment

10 Working with people who hear voices or express unusual beliefs

11 Working with people who are anxious or low in mood

12 Assessing and managing risk

13 Handling difficult situations

14 Demonstrating leadership in a mental health setting

Section 3 Reflecting on practice learning

15 The service user experience

16 Turning challenges into opportunities in mental health placements

Appendix 1: Common acronyms used in mental health settings

Appendix 2: jargon buster

About the Author

Gemma Stacey is the Associate Dean for Practice in the School of Social Sciences at Nottingham Trent University. In this role, Gemma provides strategic direction, oversight, and support for Knowledge Exchange (KE) activities within the School, ensuring alignment with the University's Enriching Society strategic objective.

She fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in KE, while championing the Teaching and Practice pathway and promoting collaborations with external partners.