Nursing Assistant Certification Course

Week 18: Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Duration: 3 hours

I. Understanding Mental Health and Emotional Well-being (1 hour)
   A. Mental health and its impact on overall well-being
      1. Definition and importance of mental health
         Example: Mental health refers to the state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and is crucial for overall health, resilience, and functioning.
      2. Connection between mental and physical health
         Example: Poor mental health can contribute to the development or exacerbation of physical health issues, while chronic physical health conditions can negatively impact mental health.
   B. Common mental health disorders and conditions
      1. Anxiety and mood disorders
         Example: Anxiety and mood disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder, are common mental health issues that can impact a person's ability to function and maintain emotional well-being.
      2. Psychotic disorders and substance use disorders
         Example: Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, and substance use disorders can significantly impact an individual's mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

II. The Role of the Nursing Assistant in Supporting Mental Health (1 hour)
   A. Identifying and responding to signs of mental health concerns
      1. Observing changes in behavior, mood, or cognition
         Example: Nursing assistants should be vigilant for signs of mental health concerns, such as withdrawal, mood swings, or disorganized thinking, and report any concerns to the appropriate healthcare team member.
      2. Providing a supportive and nonjudgmental environment
         Example: Nursing assistants should create a safe and supportive environment for patients with mental health concerns, offering empathy, validation, and reassurance while avoiding judgment or stigmatizing language.
   B. Collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to support mental health
      1. Working with mental health professionals
         Example: Nursing assistants should collaborate with mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, to ensure that patients receive appropriate support and interventions for their mental health needs.
      2. Integrating mental health care into overall patient care
         Example: Nursing assistants should consider patients' mental health needs when providing care, such as taking into account any specific triggers, fears, or preferences that may impact the patient's experience.

III. Self-Care and Stress Management for Nursing Assistants (1 hour)
   A. Importance of self-care and stress management
      1. Preventing burnout and maintaining emotional well-being
         Example: Nursing assistants should prioritize self-care and stress management to prevent burnout, maintain emotional well-being, and ensure that they can provide compassionate and effective care to their patients.
      2. Recognizing signs of stress and burnout
         Example: Nursing assistants should be aware of signs of stress and burnout, such as chronic fatigue, irritability, or decreased job satisfaction, and take appropriate steps to address these issues.
   B. Strategies for self-care and stress management
      1. Developing a healthy work-life balance
         Example: Nursing assistants should strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that they have time for rest, hobbies, and social connections outside of work.
      2. Utilizing stress reduction techniques
         Example: Nursing assistants can utilize various stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or physical activity, to help manage stress and maintain emotional well-being.

Upon completing Week 18, students will have gained valuable knowledge and skills related to mental health and emotional well-being, including understanding common mental health disorders, supporting patients' mental health needs, and practicing self-care and stress management as a nursing assistant.