
April 1 – May 26, 20248 week online course |
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Delivery Format: Online |
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Course Description
This 8-week online course focuses on the role of the nurse practitioner in mental health and addictions in the following areas: Trauma, personality disorders with a focus on borderline personality, neurocognitive disorders with a focus on ADHD, palliative approaches to mental health, and mental health in corrections. The course content addresses care issues across the lifespan.
An interactive and case based approach is utilized to address mental health and addictions issues with an emphasis on critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. Clinical experts discuss advanced health assessment, differential diagnoses for the presenting problem, relevant pathophysiology, red flags and how to triage patients who may need a higher level of care, the relevant diagnostic approach and tests, selection of appropriate interventions and treatments, indications for consultation and referral, and strategies for communication and effective management in transitions of care.
This is the third course in a 4-course Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions for Nurse Practitioners. The certificate builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired through entry to practice education and the acquisition of entry-to-practice competencies. The certificate will equip Nurse Practitioners with the knowledge and tools to confidently assess and develop a treatment plan for clients with mental health and/or addictions issues across the lifespan.
It is assumed that course participants are competent at the entry to practice level as defined by their current practice jurisdiction.
Prerequisites
Currently registered as a Nurse Practitioner or a student in a nurse practitioner program.
Audience
Nurse Practitioners who wish to further develop their competency, knowledge, skill and clinical acumen in the care of clients with mental health and addictions issues. Course participants must hold current registration as a Nurse Practitioner in their jurisdiction or be a student in a nurse practitioner program.
Learning Objectives
At the completion of the 4-course certificate program, learners will be able to:
A. Articulate the role and competencies of a Nurse Practitioner working with clients with mental health and addictions issues.
- Discuss key role and scope issues relevant to the NP role in mental health and addictions services.
- Demonstrate confidence to practice independently and collaboratively.
B. State the clinical care requirements and management for a wide variety of mental health and addictions issues in individuals across the lifespan, including the ability to:
- Conduct the appropriate advanced health assessment.
- Identify appropriate differential diagnoses for the presenting problem.
- Understand relevant pathophysiology.
- Recognize red flags and how to triage patients who may require a specialized and/or higher level of care.
- Identify appropriate diagnostic approach and tests.
- Select appropriate interventions and treatments and evaluation plan.
- Describe indications for necessary consultations and referral.
- Identify strategies for communication and effective management at transitions in care and for safe discharge.
This certificate program was developed in collaboration with the Mental Health Community of Practice of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario. Course Outline
Week Topic Faculty April 3 Trauma I Carrie Whitley NP-PHC, MN April 10 Traum II Carrie Whitley NP-PHC, MN April 17 Corrections Joanna Dickinson RN(EC), MSc, CPMHN(C) April 24 Neurocognitive Disorders: Focus on ADHD Sean Robb PhD, RP May 1 Personality Disorders: Adult Focus Julie Bisson NP-PHC, MHA, CPMHN(C) May 8 Personality Disorders: Focus on Adolescents Jenilee Generalla, MD May 15 Palliative Approaches in Mental Health Stephanie Skopyk, NP-PHC, MN May 22 Final Exam Course Format
Delivery Mode
This online course is offered through the University of Toronto Learning Portal – QUERCUS. Each week, participants will be expected to view e-learning modules, review required readings and resources, and actively engage with learning activities that will focus on application of learning. Learning activities and assignments/examinations will provide opportunity to apply learnings and receive feedback. It is anticipated that participants can expect to allocate approximately 5 or more hours a week for completion of a module; and additional time for assignments.
Teaching Methods
Each week consists of a recorded lecture by expert clinician faculty. and who will be available for questions through discussion board during their module. Each module focuses on discussion of the appropriate health assessment, relevant differential diagnoses, pathophysiology, red flags, use of diagnostic tests and screening tools, selection of appropriate interventions and treatments, and indications for referral and/or consultation, and considerations in transitions in care/discharge. Additional clinical resources are provided such as clinical practice guidelines, relevant practice standards, and clinical tools for practice.
Course Directors
Cindy Pritchard RN(EC), BScN, NP-PHC, CPMHN(C)
Nurse Practitioner, Adult Anxiety and Mood Disorders (AMD)/Prompt Clinic
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health SciencesDawn Tymianski, NP-Adult, MN, MA, PhD, CNN(C)
Adjunct Lecturer, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of TorontoFaculty
Julie Bisson NP, MHA
Nurse Practitioner, Integrated Community Access Program, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health SciencesJoanna Dickinson NP, MSc
Kinark Child and Family ServicesJenilee Generalla MD
Adolescent Psychiatrist, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health SciencesSean Robb PhD, RP
Psychotherapist, Niagara Health
Learning Director; Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct), Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine,
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University
Research Associate, Neuropsychology Cognitive Research Lab, Department of Psychology, Brock UniversityStephanie Slopyk NP, MN
CMHA NP-Led Clinic (Oshawa)Carrie Whittley NP-PHC, MN
VoiceFoundRegistration Information
Fees
Early Bird price (ends ) $845 + HST Regular price (starting ) $940 + HST U of T Nursing Alumni save 15% $800 + HST U of T Nursing Adjunct and Status Faculty save 15% $800 + HST NPAO Member save 15% $800 + HST Site Groups
A group discount rate is available for site groups of three or more people. For details please contact pd.nursing@utoronto.ca.
Please Note
- Refund Policy – To withdraw from the course and receive a refund, your written request must be emailed to pd.nursing@utoronto.ca by March 3, 2023. No refunds will be given after this date. All refunds are subject to an administration fee of $100 + tax. As an alternative, a colleague may attend in your place. Please send your substitution request at least 7 days before the course.
- Advanced registration is required. You must register by March 24, 2023.
- U of T Nursing Alumni discount is available to participants who hold a BScN, MN, PMNP Diploma, MScN or PhD from the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto.
- U of T Nursing Faculty discount is available to participants who hold a current faculty position, a clinical instructor position, an adjunct appointment or a status appointment to the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto
- Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario (NPAO) members may register at the NPAO rate which is 15% off the regular rate. Please note, your name will be used to confirm that you are a member of the NPAO.
- Applicable taxes (13% HST) will be added to the registration fees.
- Course Cancellation Policy – The university reserves the right to cancel courses due to unavailability of instructors, facilities or insufficient enrollment. Decisions on course cancellations are made at least 15 calendar days prior to the course starting date, so early registration is recommended. If you enroll in a course that is subsequently cancelled, you may transfer to another section of that course if an alternative is available; or you may receive a full refund of the fee and tax you paid to the University of Toronto. We are not responsible for travel arrangements, travel fees, or any expenses incurred by you.
Financial Assistance
OSAP Funding
The Ontario Student Assistance Program now offers funding for micro-credentials (short training programs offered by post-secondary institutions), including a number of courses offered by the Centre for Professional Development. This funding initiative is part of Ontario’s micro-credentials strategy, helping learners access more opportunities to train or upskill for in-demand jobs through loans and grants.
How to Apply for OSAP Funding
This course is OSAP approved (more approved courses are listed below, and you can also verify on the Micro-credentials Portal). To apply for financial assistance through OSAP you will need to establish an OSAP account. You must apply before the course completion date. Visit Ontario.ca/OSAP.
Once you have registered for an eligible OSAP Micro-credential program, the University Registrar’s Office requires a Micro-Credential Program information form to be completed to process your OSAP application. Please fill out the top section of the form and send it to pd.nursing@utoronto.ca to get assistance in completing the form.
Download the Micro-credential Program Information Form (PDF)
For questions regarding the OSAP Micro-Credential funding, eligibility or application process, please contact UofT’s Enrolment Services directly at http://uoft.me/enrolment-services, or by phone at 416-978-2190 for assistance.
Eligible courses offered by the Centre for Professional Development
- Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning in Primary Health Care: A Review for Nurse Practitioners
- Advanced Ostomy Care and Management
- Complex Symptom Management in Palliative Care for Nurse Practitioners
- Controlled Drugs and Substances: Essential Management and Prescribing Practices
- End of Life Care Management for Nurse Practitioners
- Integrating a Palliative Approach to Care and Essential Communication Skills for Nurse Practitioners
- Leadership & Management in Health Care: Managing Business
- Leadership & Management in Health Care: Managing People
- Leadership & Management in Health Care: Managing Practice, Quality Care & Operational Performance
- Leadership & Management in Health Care: Role, Competencies, and Context
- Mental Health 1 for Nurse Practitioners
- Mental Health 2 for Nurse Practitioners
- Mental Health 3 for Nurse Practitioners
- Mental Health 4 for Nurse Practitioners
- Nursing Education for the Practice Setting: Assessment and Evaluation
- Nursing Education for the Practice Setting: Design, Delivery and Facilitation
- Nursing Education for the Practice Setting: Theoretical Perspectives and Context
- Point-of-Care Clinical Leadership for Managing Quality Care & Operations in Long-Term Care
- Point-of-Care Clinical Leadership for Working With & Leading Long-Term Care Teams
- Point-of-Care Clinical Leadership in the Context of Long-Term Care
- Pressure Injuries and Complex Surgical Wounds: An Advanced Practice Course
- Review of Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Care of the Hospitalized Adult 1
- Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Care of the Hospitalized Adult 2
- Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Care of the Hospitalized Adult 3
- Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Care of the Hospitalized Adult 4
- Wound Management for Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Nurses: A Best Practice Boot Camp on Lower Extremity Ulcers
Contact Us
Email: pd.nursing@utoronto.ca Website: bloomberg.nursing.utoronto.ca/pd Phone: (416) 978-1784 Address: Centre for Professional Development
Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing
University of Toronto
155 College Street
Suite 130
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5T 1P8