Assignment Practicum Week 1 Journal Entry As A Future 687512

Assignment Practicum Week 1 Journal Entryas A Future Advanced Pract

Practice – Week 1 Journal Entry 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. 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 in this course.

- Create a timeline of practicum activities based on your practicum requirements.

Paper For Above instruction

The integration of theoretical frameworks into clinical practice is fundamental for advanced practice nurses, especially those specializing in psychotherapy. Selecting appropriate theories provides a foundation for clinical decision-making, enhances therapeutic relationships, and guides interventions to optimize patient outcomes. For this reflection, I have chosen Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring as my nursing theory and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles as my counseling approach to underpin my practice in psychotherapy.

Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring emphasizes the humanistic aspects of nursing, focusing on the caring relationship between nurse and patient. This theory advocates for holistic care that nurtures the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of patients. I selected Watson’s theory because it aligns with my belief that a compassionate, relationship-centered approach fosters trust, facilitates honest communication, and promotes healing. Evidence supports that caring relationships improve patient engagement, adherence, and satisfaction, which are critical outcomes in mental health settings (Watson, 2008; Taylor, 2014).

On the counseling side, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides a structured, evidence-based framework for addressing common mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBT's focus on identifying and restructuring maladaptive thoughts corresponds with my goal to develop practical, goal-oriented interventions. Research demonstrates that CBT is highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving functioning among diverse patient populations (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer, & Fang, 2012). Its adaptability and emphasis on patient empowerment make it an optimal choice for psychotherapy practice.

The three goals I have set for my practicum are: 1) To develop advanced assessment skills for diagnosing mental health conditions, 2) To enhance therapeutic communication skills, and 3) To integrate theoretical knowledge into evidenced-based treatment planning. Corresponding objectives include: a) Conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments under supervision, b) Practicing active listening and motivational interviewing techniques, c) Developing individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments and evidence-based guidelines.

The practicum timeline begins with an initial focus on observation and shadowing during the first month, with activities such as attending case discussions and shadowing experienced clinicians. By the second month, I aim to conduct supervised assessments and initiate brief therapeutic interventions. The third and fourth months will emphasize independent assessment and treatment planning, with ongoing supervision and feedback. As the practicum progresses, I will progressively take on more complex cases while reviewing relevant literature and engaging in reflective practice to refine my skills and ensure adherence to ethical standards and best practices.

References

• Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440.
• Taylor, R. (2014). Watson's Caring Theory: An Overview and Application. Nursing Science Journal, 8(2), 101-106.
• Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring (Revised edition). University Press of Colorado.
• American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
• Neuman, B., & Fawcett, J. (2011). The Neuman Systems Model (6th ed.). Pearson.
• Schechter, C., & Jackson, C. (2013). Developing therapeutic alliances in mental health nursing. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 22(2), 123–131.
• Cummings, G. G., et al. (2018). Leadership styles and their impact on patient outcomes. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(1-2), 23-33.
• Harvey, S., & Bargai, N. (2017). Evidence-based practices in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy Journal, 54(4), 410-422.
• Johnson, M. E., & Smith, L. (2019). Integrating theory into practice: Strategies for advanced practice nurses. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(3), 160-165.
• Benner, P. (2010). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Prentice Hall.