Nursing degree a leader in mental health
Published on 08 December, 2011
CQUniversity's undergraduate Nursing degree has a unique focus on the consumer perspective, and the University could become a nationally recognised centre of excellence for mental health nursing...
These were some of the key points discussed when Minister for Mental Health & Aging Mark Butler came to Rockhampton Campus this week, on a visit with Member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore.
Engaged Research Chair Professor Brenda Happell updated the visitors about CQUniversity's push to stimulate undergraduate nurses' interest in mental health nursing as a career path, including a major focus in the curriculum as a pathway to a Masters degree.
She said part of the fresh approach was the employment of Louise Byrne, a service user, as a lecturer to provide a first-hand perspective. The response from students to this approach has been very positive.
Professor Happell said establishment of a centre for excellence would facilitate national collaborations and support for best practice.
She said CQUniversity would also focus on the physical health of people with a mental illness, helping to ensure they have the chance for a normal lifespan.
Minister Butler welcomed the chance to talk about mental health workforce issues, including CQUniversity's efforts to encourage more student focus on careers in this area.
Professor Happell said her recent appointment as Engaged Research Chair in Mental Health Nursing helps to cement the importance CQUniversity attaches to the field.
"This new position will enable me to increase my focus on developing strong research teams both internally and in collaboration with industry partners and other education providers. It will also provide an important boost to CQUni's Collaborative Research Network and the partnerships with Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland and Curtin University.
"I look forward to the opportunity to further strengthen mental health nursing."