Master Resource Outline 

 

Course Title: NRSG 630 Advanced Psychopharmacology II 

Credits: 3 (didactic) 

Semesters Offered: Spring  

Prerequisites: NRSG 602, NRSG 603  

Degree: DNP 

AACN Domains for Advanced-Level Nursing Education: 1-10

MRJCON DNP Program Learning Outcomes: 1-10 

 

Course Description:

This graduate nursing course is designed to build upon prior pharmacologic study to address advanced concepts in the clinical management of psychiatric symptoms. Students will critically analyze psychotropic interventions including, but not limited to, mechanisms of action, indications of use, dosing, side effects, drug-drug interactions, contraindications, and patient education. The use of psychotropic agents and complimentary alternative medicine in relation to possible differential diagnoses is considered. Appropriate treatment across the patient lifespan, concurrent pathophysiology, multicultural influences, and socioeconomic circumstances are also addressed. Emphasis on the prescriptive writing actions of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse is made in consideration with the ethical, legal, and professional issues of practice. 

Course Catalog Description:

This course focuses on analyzing psychotropic interventions including, but not limited to, mechanisms of action, indications of use, dosing, side effects, drug-drug interactions, contraindications, and patient education. Focus is placed on treating patients across the lifespan with mental health problems.  

 

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completing this course the student will be able to:

  1. Develop pharmacologic treatment plans for common psychiatric disorders utilizing knowledge of neurobiology, research evidence, clinical practice guidelines, and clinical assessment data. 
  2. Integrate laboratory and other diagnostic tools into the pharmacologic treatment across all stages of intervention. 
  3. Assemble patient teaching materials that provide an easily deployable resource in clinical practice covering treatment rationales, expected benefits, and potential short- and long-term risks.   
  4. Analyze the state and federal regulations and standards of care concerning the prescription of psychotropic medications. 

Exemplars of Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. The student will be able to discuss case studies related to medication management. (CLO 1,2, and 3)
  2. The student will create a practice portfolio. (CLO 1,2)
  3. The student will develop a patient teaching "conversation guide" (CLO3)
  4. The student will fully participate in synchronous class discussion. (CLO 1,2,4)
  5. The student will complete the medication assisted treatment (MAT) training. (CLO 4)

Curricular Threads addressed in this course:

    • Clinical Judgment
    • Communication
    • Compassionate Care
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Ethics
    • Evidence-Based Practice
    • Health Policy
    • Social Determinants of Health

 

Recommended Content: Electronic and written prescriptions, practice guidelines, for prescribing: mechanisms of action, indication of use, dosing, side effects, drug-drug interactions, contraindications, and patient education for psychotropic interventions, complimentary alternative medicine.

 

Recommended Clinical Experiences/ Sites: N/A

 

Approved by GAAC: 10/20/11; modified 10/26/12; amended 11/5/2012; 8/19/16; 3/8/21, 12/1/2023 

Approved by Faculty: 4/9/2012; modified 1/7/2013; 8/19/16; 4/12/2021, 12/14/2023