NU 509 Advanced Psychopharmacology for the PMHNP
This course builds on knowledge of advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment by examining safe and effective use of medications used to treat mental health disorders across the lifespan. Topics will include the examination of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and drug interactions of these medications in congruence with the most recent evidence. Underlying pathophysiologic processes of mental health disorders are examined to provide context for differential diagnosis and pharmacological management. These disorders include major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, bipolar illness, and psychosis across the lifespan, including medications used in special populations such as pediatrics, the geriatrics, and pregnancy. Additional focus is the impact of the psychoactive medications on the client, family and community. Content is presented in relation to the role of the psychiatric-mental health nurse who functions in an advanced role. Students learn important considerations for selecting medications to include best practices and clinical guidelines, patient preference, safety profile, setting, monitoring requirements, and long-term patient management.
Prerequisite
NU 501, NU 530, NU 550, NU 566, NU 552, NU 551, NU 603 OR acceptance into the PMHNP post-MSN certificate program and permission of PMHNP Program Director