Premium
The Developmental Evaluation Center as a Clinical Setting for Mental Health Nursing Students
Author(s) -
Frutiger A. Dewane,
Bakes Georgene B.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6163.1985.tb00254.x
Subject(s) - intervention (counseling) , nursing , mental health , psychology , function (biology) , process (computing) , mental health nursing , medical education , medicine , nurse education , psychiatry , evolutionary biology , computer science , biology , operating system
The DEC is seen as a viable option to the more traditional clinical settings used for psychiatric/mental health nursing students. Such a placement affords students the opportunities for direct involvement with individuals, families, and communities in the application of theoretical concepts within the framework of the nursing process. Ongoing client contacts over the course of the semester facilitate continuity in the implementation of intervention strategies and allow opportunities for evaluation of both short-term and long-term goals. The interdisciplinary nature of the DEC assists students in more clearly identifing their role and function as nurses within the larger health care team. Additionally, students gain first-hand experience in developing and utilizing colleagueal relationships to more effectively meet the needs of clients. Since the DEC concept is found not only in North Carolina, but throughout the U.S., it is thought that the DEC's offer a rich and rewarding alternative to the more traditional clinical placement sites.