Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:06 PM AWST
23/07/2026 5:06 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions
Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTEN510B
HLTEN510B
State Code
D8215
D8215
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/08/2012
Field of Education
060305 - Mental Health Nursing
Original Release Date
24/08/2012
Nominal Hours
95
Description
DescriptorThis competency unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the nursing care and management of consumers with mental illness
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Address requirements of the state/territory Mental Health Act
- 1.1 Explain the concept of mental illness as defined in the Mental Health Act
- 1.2 Identify and apply the key features of the Mental Health Act
- 1.3 Apply an understanding of the history, social, political and economic context of mental health in Australia
- 1.4 Support the rights of the consumer with mental health issues
- 1.5 Apply an understanding of national and state/ territory mental health policies and strategies
- 1.6 Work in a manner that reflects an understanding of the underpinning values and philosophies of mental health care and is consistent with legal obligations
2. Respond appropriately to signs of mental illness
- 2.1 Identify conditions relating to the mental state and behaviour of consumers using broad classifications of mental illness and terms commonly associated with mental health issues
- 2.2 Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and respond within the role of an Enrolled/Division 2 nurse
- 2.3 Recognise biopsychosocial effects of mental health disorders
- 2.4 Recognise stereotyping and stigma associated with mental illness and practice in a manner which minimises the effects of negative behaviours and discrimination
- 2.5 Recognise the impact of stigma and discrimination on consumers with mental health issues, and reflect on own attitudes and values
- 2.6 Apply feedback from consumers and carers in adjusting own practice
3. Contribute to planning care for consumers with mental health issues
- 3.1 Participate as a member of the health care team in the management of consumers with mental health issues within the role of Enrolled/Division 2 nurse
- 3.2 Gather, record and document data according to health care environment policy
- 3.3 Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and liaise with and utilise appropriate resources and service providers, ensuring relevant approaches are used to address individual and group needs
- 3.4 Observe signs and symptoms of changing behaviours and attend to biopsychosocial needs in performing nursing interventions
- 3.5 Participate as a member of the health care team to plan the management of consumers with mental health issues within the role of Enrolled/Division 2 nurse
- 3.6 Apply a community development approach where appropriate within the Enrolled/Division 2 nurse scope of practice to maximise outcomes for individuals and groups
- 3.7 Under supervision of a registered nurse, undertake client assessments using recognised assessment processes
- 3.8 Demonstrate understanding of the consumer's right to contribute to their own care planning
- 3.9 Where appropriate, and where the consumer has given permission, support the participation of carers in treatment planning
4. Contribute to the care of a consumer with a mental health disorder
- 4.1 Implement nursing interventions of a mental health consumer
- 4.2 Plan, prioritise and implement nursing interventions for a mental health consumer based on the individual care plan in conjunction with multidisciplinary team and with the consumer and, where relevant, the carer
- 4.3 Reflect the individuality and needs of each consumer when undertaking nursing interventions to assist the consumer to meet their holistic needs
- 4.4 Document behaviour patterns or characteristics in the client's care plan
- 4.5 Work in a manner that aims to provide respect and dignity to consumers
- 4.6 Assist the consumer and significant others to participate in therapeutic nursing interventions
- 4.7 Perform nursing interventions in accordance with professional, legal and organisation requirements reflecting non-discriminatory practice
- 4.8 Check consumer understanding of the use and effects of medications used to manage mental health disorders, including specific adverse effects
- 4.9 Identify and explain to consumer methods of drug administration
- 4.10 Recognise emergency situations, act upon, document and report according to organisation policy and procedures
- 4.11 Establish a therapeutic environment within the scope of Enrolled/Division 2 nurse practice
- 4.12 Provide advice and information to groups and individuals as required to ensure they are fully informed about relevant issues and opportunities within a community development approach
5. Assist evaluation of outcomes of planned nursing actions
- 5.1 Document consumer response to nursing interventions and report to the registered nurse or other appropriate mental health care team member
- 5.2 Comply with the legal responsibilities and duty of care in all nursing interventions
- 5.3 Apply ethical and moral concepts to all clinical interventions
- 5.4 Ensure work practices reflect understanding of the interrelationships of the needs and rights of the individual, the family, the community and society
6. Provide and maintain a safe working environment
- 6.1 Identify triggers of problem behaviours and within the scope of Enrolled/Division 2 nursing practice, initiate prevention strategies
- 6.2 Implement de-escalation techniques and negotiation skills as required
- 6.3 Maintain safety of self and others
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
The key features of the Mental Health Act must include:
Objectives
Involuntary admission
Consumer rights
Involuntary review processes
Seclusion and restraint
Admission procedures
Community treatment orders
The role of the mental health practitioner
Consent
Confidentiality
Definition of key terms
Health team may include:
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Social worker
Welfare officers
Nursing team
Recreation officers
Program officers or activity officers
Occupational therapist
Health workers
Drug and alcohol workers
General practitioner
Consumer advocate
Carer
Residential care worker
Resources and service providers may include:
Government agencies
Non-government agencies
24 hour crisis services
Community mental health centres
Rehabilitation services
Family/carer support services
Consumer services
Outreach services
Psychiatric disability services
School counsellors
Acute Inpatient
Working with individuals and groups to achieve community development outcomes may include:
Engagement with various structures and patterns of work undertaken by practitioners and community members including:
Community service delivery
Community projects
Community development
Community action
Community planning
Consultative and planning committees
Sector development structures
Broad classifications of mental illness must include:
Mood disorders
Personality disorders
Anxiety disorders
Psychoses
Organic disorders
Mental health
Common terms associated with mental health may include:
Psychology/psychiatry
Consumer
Reality testing
Risk assessment
Psychosis
Anorexia nervosa/Bulimia nervosa
Functional disorders/Organic disorders
Restraint/Seclusion
Advocacy
Recovery
Therapeutic relationship
Sexual safety
Dual diagnosis
Common terms associated with anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders may include:
Antisocial/Avoidant
Bipolar disorder
Borderline
Challenging behaviours
Dependent/Depressive
Drug induced psychosis
Dysthymic disorder
Eating disorders
Fear
Generalized anxiety disorder
Hallucinations
Histrionic/Narcissistic
Major depressive disorder
Major depressive episode
Manic episode/Hypomanic episode
Obsessive -compulsive/Paranoid
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Panic disorder
Passive-aggressive
Post traumatic stress disorder
Schizophrenia
Social Phobia and specific phobias
Substance abuse
Suicide ideation
Common diagnoses must include:
Panic disorder
Social phobia and specific phobias
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Eating disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Schizophremia
Dementia
Delirium
Anxiety disorder
Consumer mental health needs may include:
Psychoeducation
Emotional support
Social support
Financial advice
Food and clothing
Transport
Carer support
Drug and alcohol counselling
Respite care
Emergency relief
Legal advice
Accommodation support
Referral to other agencies
Appropriate communication and relationship building processes may include:
Engagement
Empathy
Non judgemental manner
Active listening
Acknowledging the person in a pleasant and accepting manner
Treating the person as an individual with their own life history, skills and interests
Rapport building
Warmth
Genuineness
Respect
Limit setting where appropriate
Identifying strengths
Including consumer and family
Response to consumers in distress and crisis will include:
Identifying and considering specific risk
Enlisting support and/or assistance from colleagues or emergency support as appropriate
Applying organisation policies and procedures
Using calm and calming behaviour
Reporting incidents promptly and accurately
Support processes may be informal and/or formal and may include:
Problem solving techniques
Evaluation
Risk assessment
Interviewing techniques
Information provision
Group work
Individual support
Working with carers and others
Relaxation management
Stress management
Anger management
Coping strategies
Counselling and support groups
Nursing observations of the mental health consumer may include:
Appearance/behaviour
Speech
Sleep
Appetite
Emotional reactions/mood/ cognition
Form of thought/ perception/insight
Disturbance in language
Risk assessment
Consumer characteristics or behaviour patterns that require documentation may include:
Suicidal ideation
Mania
Hostile, combative behaviours
Delusions, hallucinations
Confusion
Withdrawn behaviour
Depression
Aggression
Manipulative behaviour
Sexually inappropriate behaviour
Ethical concepts may include:
Integrity
Confidentiality
Advocacy
Accountability
Respect
Safety
Non-judgmental attitudes
Treatment choices
The classification of medications used in mental health treatments may include:
Mood stabilizers
Antidepressants
Anti anxiety agents
Antipsychotic / neuroleptic drugs
Sedatives/hypnotics
Specific adverse effects may include:
Dystonia
Akathisia
Parkinsonian syndrome
Tardive dyskinesia
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Orthostatic hypotension
Photosensitivity
Toxicity
Hypertension / hypotension
Weight gain
Activities to promote consumer dignity may include:
Communicate with consumer - inform, explain
Confidentiality, privacy and respect
Facilitate choice where reasonable
Provide consistency and consideration
Attention to hygiene, grooming and positive self image
Provide encouragement
Safety and security
Inclusion in formal decision-making processes where possible
Therapeutic environment may include:
Non judgmental
Safe
Consistent
Consumer focussed
Promotion of independence
Types of therapies may include:
Counselling
Group Therapy
Pharmacological
Electroconvulsive therapy
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
The key features of the Mental Health Act must include:
Objectives
Involuntary admission
Consumer rights
Involuntary review processes
Seclusion and restraint
Admission procedures
Community treatment orders
The role of the mental health practitioner
Consent
Confidentiality
Definition of key terms
Health team may include:
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Social worker
Welfare officers
Nursing team
Recreation officers
Program officers or activity officers
Occupational therapist
Health workers
Drug and alcohol workers
General practitioner
Consumer advocate
Carer
Residential care worker
Resources and service providers may include:
Government agencies
Non-government agencies
24 hour crisis services
Community mental health centres
Rehabilitation services
Family/carer support services
Consumer services
Outreach services
Psychiatric disability services
School counsellors
Acute Inpatient
Working with individuals and groups to achieve community development outcomes may include:
Engagement with various structures and patterns of work undertaken by practitioners and community members including:
Community service delivery
Community projects
Community development
Community action
Community planning
Consultative and planning committees
Sector development structures
Broad classifications of mental illness must include:
Mood disorders
Personality disorders
Anxiety disorders
Psychoses
Organic disorders
Mental health
Common terms associated with mental health may include:
Psychology/psychiatry
Consumer
Reality testing
Risk assessment
Psychosis
Anorexia nervosa/Bulimia nervosa
Functional disorders/Organic disorders
Restraint/Seclusion
Advocacy
Recovery
Therapeutic relationship
Sexual safety
Dual diagnosis
Common terms associated with anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders may include:
Antisocial/Avoidant
Bipolar disorder
Borderline
Challenging behaviours
Dependent/Depressive
Drug induced psychosis
Dysthymic disorder
Eating disorders
Fear
Generalized anxiety disorder
Hallucinations
Histrionic/Narcissistic
Major depressive disorder
Major depressive episode
Manic episode/Hypomanic episode
Obsessive -compulsive/Paranoid
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Panic disorder
Passive-aggressive
Post traumatic stress disorder
Schizophrenia
Social Phobia and specific phobias
Substance abuse
Suicide ideation
Common diagnoses must include:
Panic disorder
Social phobia and specific phobias
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Eating disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Schizophremia
Dementia
Delirium
Anxiety disorder
Consumer mental health needs may include:
Psychoeducation
Emotional support
Social support
Financial advice
Food and clothing
Transport
Carer support
Drug and alcohol counselling
Respite care
Emergency relief
Legal advice
Accommodation support
Referral to other agencies
Appropriate communication and relationship building processes may include:
Engagement
Empathy
Non judgemental manner
Active listening
Acknowledging the person in a pleasant and accepting manner
Treating the person as an individual with their own life history, skills and interests
Rapport building
Warmth
Genuineness
Respect
Limit setting where appropriate
Identifying strengths
Including consumer and family
Response to consumers in distress and crisis will include:
Identifying and considering specific risk
Enlisting support and/or assistance from colleagues or emergency support as appropriate
Applying organisation policies and procedures
Using calm and calming behaviour
Reporting incidents promptly and accurately
Support processes may be informal and/or formal and may include:
Problem solving techniques
Evaluation
Risk assessment
Interviewing techniques
Information provision
Group work
Individual support
Working with carers and others
Relaxation management
Stress management
Anger management
Coping strategies
Counselling and support groups
Nursing observations of the mental health consumer may include:
Appearance/behaviour
Speech
Sleep
Appetite
Emotional reactions/mood/ cognition
Form of thought/ perception/insight
Disturbance in language
Risk assessment
Consumer characteristics or behaviour patterns that require documentation may include:
Suicidal ideation
Mania
Hostile, combative behaviours
Delusions, hallucinations
Confusion
Withdrawn behaviour
Depression
Aggression
Manipulative behaviour
Sexually inappropriate behaviour
Ethical concepts may include:
Integrity
Confidentiality
Advocacy
Accountability
Respect
Safety
Non-judgmental attitudes
Treatment choices
The classification of medications used in mental health treatments may include:
Mood stabilizers
Antidepressants
Anti anxiety agents
Antipsychotic / neuroleptic drugs
Sedatives/hypnotics
Specific adverse effects may include:
Dystonia
Akathisia
Parkinsonian syndrome
Tardive dyskinesia
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Orthostatic hypotension
Photosensitivity
Toxicity
Hypertension / hypotension
Weight gain
Activities to promote consumer dignity may include:
Communicate with consumer - inform, explain
Confidentiality, privacy and respect
Facilitate choice where reasonable
Provide consistency and consideration
Attention to hygiene, grooming and positive self image
Provide encouragement
Safety and security
Inclusion in formal decision-making processes where possible
Therapeutic environment may include:
Non judgmental
Safe
Consistent
Consumer focussed
Promotion of independence
Types of therapies may include:
Counselling
Group Therapy
Pharmacological
Electroconvulsive therapy
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of performance in a work context is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations and should occur on more than one occasion and be assessed by a registered nurse with qualifications in mental health
Observation must include:
key features of the Mental Health Act
Enrolled/Division 2 nurse's role and responsibilities within the mental health environment
rights of the client in a mental health environment
nursing management of common mental health disorders, specific medications and support strategies within the defined scope of practice
documentation
assessment of risk
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the clinical workplace or in a simulated clinical work environment and under the normal range of clinical environment conditions
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Questioning - verbal and writing
Participation in supervision/reflective practice activities
Role play/simulation
Reflective journal
To ensure consistence of performance evidence should be collected over time and include a range of different clinical situations
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
This unit is recommended to be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:
HLTAP501B Analyse health information
HLTEN502B Apply effective communication in complex situations
HLTEN509B Apply legal and ethical parameters
This competency unit incorporates the content of:
HLTEN410B Deliver nursing care to consumers with mental health issues
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of performance in a work context is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations and should occur on more than one occasion and be assessed by a registered nurse with qualifications in mental health
Observation must include:
key features of the Mental Health Act
Enrolled/Division 2 nurse's role and responsibilities within the mental health environment
rights of the client in a mental health environment
nursing management of common mental health disorders, specific medications and support strategies within the defined scope of practice
documentation
assessment of risk
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the clinical workplace or in a simulated clinical work environment and under the normal range of clinical environment conditions
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Questioning - verbal and writing
Participation in supervision/reflective practice activities
Role play/simulation
Reflective journal
To ensure consistence of performance evidence should be collected over time and include a range of different clinical situations
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
This unit is recommended to be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:
HLTAP501B Analyse health information
HLTEN502B Apply effective communication in complex situations
HLTEN509B Apply legal and ethical parameters
This competency unit incorporates the content of:
HLTEN410B Deliver nursing care to consumers with mental health issues
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9221 | HLTEN510A | Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWA08 | HLTENN009 | Implement and monitor care for a person with mental health conditions | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D096 | HLT51607 | Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2 nursing) | Qualification |
| J108 | HLT51612 | Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled-Division 2 nursing) | Qualification |