Assignment Practicum Week 1 Journal Entry As A Future Advanc

Assignment Practicum Week 1 Journal Entryas A Future Advanced Pract

As a future advanced practice nurse, it is important that you are able to connect your classroom experience to your practicum experience. By applying the concepts you study in the classroom to clinical settings, you enhance your professional competency. Each week, you complete an assignment that prompts you to reflect on your practicum experiences and relate them to the material presented in the classroom. This week, you begin documenting your practicum experiences in your Practicum Journal.

Students will analyze nursing and counseling theories to guide practice in psychotherapy, summarize goals and objectives for personal practicum experiences, and produce timelines for practicum activities. In preparation for this course’s practicum experience, address the following in your Practicum Journal: select one nursing theory and one counseling theory to best guide your practice in psychotherapy, explain why you selected these theories, support your approach with evidence-based literature, develop at least three goals and at least three objectives for the practicum experience, and create a timeline of practicum activities based on your requirements.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In preparing for my practicum as an aspiring advanced practice psychiatric nurse, I have selected a combination of nursing and counseling theories to guide my clinical approach effectively. The nursing theory I have chosen is the Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory, and the counseling theory I have selected is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These theories provide a comprehensive framework that promotes therapeutic relationships, emotional understanding, and evidence-based intervention strategies vital in mental health practice.

Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory emphasizes the significance of nurse-patient relationships as central to therapeutic progress. Developed by Hildegard Peplau, this theory posits that the nurse’s understanding of patients' experiences and active engagement can facilitate growth and recovery (Peplau, 1952). I chose this theory because it underscores the importance of building trust, establishing rapport, and understanding patients’ psychological needs, which are fundamental in psychotherapy. Evidence indicates that therapeutic alliances can significantly influence treatment outcomes, making Peplau’s model particularly relevant in psychiatric settings (Gonzalez & Bell, 2017).

Coupled with Peplau's theory, I will employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as my counseling approach. As described by Wheeler (2014), CBT is an evidence-based modality focusing on identifying and restructuring maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Its structured and goal-oriented nature aligns well with my objective of promoting patient independence and symptom management. The effectiveness of CBT for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis, supports its selection as a guiding counseling modality (Khawaja, Pollock, & Westermeyer, 2011).

My goals for the practicum include improving therapeutic communication skills, developing a robust understanding of psychiatric assessment, and mastering evidence-based interventions like CBT. Corresponding objectives involve engaging in active listening during patient interactions, conducting comprehensive mental health assessments, and applying CBT techniques in simulated and real patient encounters. I aim to complete all assessments and therapy sessions within designated timeframes, progressively building confidence and competence in my practice.

My timeline begins with the first month dedicated to observing experienced practitioners, understanding protocols, and familiarizing myself with clinical documentation. Weeks two through four involve co-facilitating therapy sessions, applying Peplau and CBT principles under supervision, and documenting progress. The subsequent months will focus on independently managing patient cases, fine-tuning therapeutic skills, and participating in interdisciplinary team meetings. Throughout this period, I plan to participate in weekly supervision, attend case conferences, and reflect regularly in my practicum journal to assess growth and address challenges.

In summary, combining Hildegard Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy equips me with a comprehensive, theory-informed approach to psychotherapy. These frameworks help foster meaningful nurse-patient relationships and implement structured, proven interventions. My goal is to develop into a competent mental health nurse capable of applying these theories effectively in diverse clinical situations, ultimately improving patient outcomes through empathetic engagement and evidence-based care.

References

  • Gonzalez, G., & Bell, J. (2017). Building therapeutic alliances in mental health practice. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 35(3), 45-52.
  • Khawaja, I. S., Pollock, K., & Westermeyer, J. J. (2011). The diminishing role of psychiatry in group psychotherapy: A commentary and recommendations for change. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(11), 20–23.
  • Peplau, H. E. (1952). Interpersonal relations in nursing. G. P. Putnam's Sons.
  • Wheeler, K. (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice. Springer.
  • Gonzalez, G., & Bell, J. (2017). Building therapeutic alliances in mental health practice. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 35(3), 45-52.
  • Khawaja, I. S., Pollock, K., & Westermeyer, J. J. (2011). The diminishing role of psychiatry in group psychotherapy: A commentary and recommendations for change. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(11), 20–23.
  • Peplau, H. E. (1952). Interpersonal relations in nursing. G. P. Putnam's Sons.
  • Wheeler, K. (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice. Springer.
  • Gonzalez, G., & Bell, J. (2017). Building therapeutic alliances in mental health practice. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 35(3), 45-52.
  • Khawaja, I. S., Pollock, K., & Westermeyer, J. J. (2011). The diminishing role of psychiatry in group psychotherapy: A commentary and recommendations for change. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(11), 20–23.