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Peer Review

OpenStax Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

Reviewed:

Oct 28, 2026 by Health Sciences
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 5.0 stars
Content Quality: 5.0 stars
Effectiveness: 4.8 stars
Ease of Use: 5.0 stars
Overview:

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing supports a one-semester psychiatric-mental health nursing course offered at both two-year and four-year institutions. Serving students specializing in psychiatric nursing and those in other health disciplines, this learning resource integrates evidence-based practices with practical communication strategies, preparing students to build therapeutic relationships with patients and caregivers. 

Psychiatric-mental health nursing is appropriate for entry-level nursing students with minimal prior knowledge of the subject matter.  The textbook discusses common psychiatric-mental health diagnoses across the lifespan and offers students self-assessment on understanding at each chapter.

Type of Material:

  • Open (Access) Textbook
Recommended Uses:

  • Homework reading
  • Individual
  • Teamwork activities
  • Class discussion

 

Technical Requirements:

  • Internet Access
  • Web Browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:

After active engagement with the material, the learner will

  • Describe the key concepts of psychiatric-mental health nursing.

 

  • Each section of the OER textbook includes specific section learning objectives.
  • Understand of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of mental health.
  • Apply proven strategies that address various psychiatric conditions 
  • Understand psychiatric nursing practices from a patient-centered approach.
Target Student Population:

  • College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

  • Basic computer skills are necessary to navigate the online book.
  • Speakers for hearing video or can read the transcript.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The book incorporates many other resources, such as the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. QSEN is one integrated resource, but it is no longer updated, and AACN has integrated QSEN concepts into its competencies.
  • The content other than QSEN is accurate, includes citations, and references.
  • Students will benefit from the assessment section in each chapter; these reinforce concepts and deepen learning.
  • The key terms section in each chapter makes it easy to find definitions as the student reads through the chapter.
  • Case studies are appealing and apply chapter learning.
  • A key strength is that the content is comprehensive and holistic. 
Concerns:

  • The QSEN information is no longer being updated.
  • It would benefit from adding the Mini-Cog and other assessments mentioned in the text to either the Appendix or an external link.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The key points for each chapter section are reviewed at the end of the chapter.
  • Static knowledge check questions are included (not interactive with feedback).
  • Key terms, check-your-understanding questions, reflection questions, case studies, and competency assessments are included at the end of each chapter.
  • The question key for Chapters 15, 16, and 19 is found at the end of the book.
  • The goals are direct and easy to discern.
  • The formatting of the text promotes comprehension and ease of use. 

 

Concerns:

  • The book incorporates commercials
  • Did not find the question key for chapters other than 15, 16, and 19.
  • Including the key for some questions, such as the quantitative multiple-choice questions, helps learners check their understanding.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

  • Images include alt text.
  • No split cells noted in tables.
  • Text is selectable.
  • Headings are set up for easy use by screen readers.
  • Section 1.5: This video provides mental health professionals with an introduction to evidence-based practice that can be used for better client care. The video does not include closed captioning, but does include a transcript.
Concerns:

  • Under Section 1.3, the NAMI quiz link goes to a page that reads: Page Not Found.
  • In Section 1.4, the link travels to a page that reads: Page Not Found. For: Faces and Voices of Recovery tries to remove barriers to recovery. They believe that overall health can influence recovery. Read their article The Impact of Wellness on Recovery for additional information.
Other Issues and Comments:

Overall, a great textbook for psychiatric mental-health nursing. The QSEN information and some links are outdated or not found, and some questions should include a key so learners can check their understanding.

Thank you for your scholarship!

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