Walden University PMHNP Practice 6645 Clinical Skills List

Walden University Pmhnp Prac 6645 Clinical Skills Listtarget Patient P

Walden University PMHNP PRAC 6645 Clinical Skills List Target Patient Population: Across the Lifespan with individuals, groups, and families Desired Clinical Skills for Students to Achieve Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation skills in: · Recognizing clinical signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness across the lifespan · Differentiating between pathophysiological and psychopathological conditions · Performing and interpreting a comprehensive and/or interval history and physical examination (including laboratory and diagnostic studies) · Performing and interpreting a mental status examination · Performing and interpreting a psychosocial assessment and family psychiatric history · Performing and interpreting a functional assessment (activities of daily living, occupational, social, leisure, educational). Diagnostic reasoning skill in: · Developing and prioritizing a differential diagnoses list · Formulating diagnoses according to DSM 5 based on assessment data · Differentiating between normal/abnormal age-related physiological and psychological symptoms/changes Pharmacotherapeutic skills in: · Selecting appropriate evidence based clinical practice guidelines for medication plan (e.g., risk/benefit, patient preference, developmental considerations, financial, the process of informed consent, symptom management) · Evaluating patient response and modify plan as necessary · Documenting (e.g., adverse reaction, the patient response, changes to the plan of care) Psychotherapeutic Treatment Planning: · Recognizes concepts of therapeutic modalities across the lifespan · Selecting appropriate evidence based clinical practice guidelines for psychotherapeutic plan (e.g., risk/benefit, patient preference, developmental considerations, financial, the process of informed consent, symptom management, modality appropriate for situation) · Applies age appropriate psychotherapeutic counseling techniques with individuals, families, and groups · Develop an age appropriate individualized plan of care · Provide psychoeducation to individuals, families, and groups · Promote health and disease prevention techniques Professional skills: · Maintains professional boundaries and therapeutic relationship with clients and staff · Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to improve clinical practice in mental health settings · Identifies ethical and legal dilemmas with possible resolutions · Demonstrates non-judgmental practice approach and empathy · Practices within scope of practice · Demonstrate ability Selecting and implementing appropriate screening instrument(s), interpreting results, and making recommendations and referrals · Demonstrates selecting the correct screening instrument appropriate for the clinical situation · Implements the screening instrument efficiently and effectively with the clients · Interprets results for screening instruments accurately · Develops an appropriate plan of care based upon screening instruments response Documentation of Completed Competency/Clinical Skill Competency/Clinical Skill Completed Preceptor Signature Date PMHNP PRAC 6645 Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form Desired Clinical Skills for Students to Achieve Confident (Can complete independently) Mostly confident (Can complete with supervision) Beginning (Have performed with supervision or need supervision to feel confident) New (Have never performed or does not apply) Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation skills in: Recognizing clinical signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness across the lifespan Differentiating between pathophysiological and psychopathological conditions Performing and interpreting a comprehensive and/or interval history and physical examination (including laboratory and diagnostic studies) Performing and interpreting a mental status examination Performing and interpreting a psychosocial assessment and family psychiatric history Performing and interpreting a functional assessment (activities of daily living, occupational, social, leisure, educational). Diagnostic reasoning skill in: Developing and prioritizing a differential diagnoses list Formulating diagnoses according to DSM 5 based on assessment data Differentiating between normal/abnormal age-related physiological and psychological symptoms/changes Pharmacotherapeutic skills in: Selecting appropriate evidence based clinical practice guidelines for medication plan (e.g., risk/benefit, patient preference, developmental considerations, financial, the process of informed consent, symptom management) Evaluating patient response and modify plan as necessary Documenting (e.g., adverse reaction, the patient response, changes to the plan of care) Psychotherapeutic Treatment Planning: Recognizes concepts of therapeutic modalities across the lifespan Selecting appropriate evidence based clinical practice guidelines for psychotherapeutic plan (e.g., risk/benefit, patient preference, developmental considerations, financial, the process of informed consent, symptom management, modality appropriate for situation) Applies age appropriate psychotherapeutic counseling techniques with individuals, families, and/or groups Develop an age appropriate individualized plan of care Provide psychoeducation to individuals, family, and/or groups Promote health and disease prevention techniques Self-Assessment skills: Develop SMART goals for practicum experiences Evaluating outcomes of practicum goals and modify plan as necessary Documenting and reflecting on learning experiences Professional skills: Maintains professional boundaries and therapeutic relationship with clients and staff Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to improve clinical practice in mental health settings Identifies ethical and legal dilemmas with possible resolutions Demonstrates non-judgmental practice approach and empathy Practices within scope of practice Selecting and implementing appropriate screening instrument(s), interpreting results, and making recommendations and referrals: Demonstrates selecting the correct screening instrument appropriate for the clinical situation Implements the screening instrument efficiently and effectively with the clients Interprets results for screening instruments accurately Develops an appropriate plan of care based upon screening instruments response Identifies the need to refer to another specialty provider when applicable Accurately documents recommendations for psychiatric consultations when applicable Summary of strengths: Opportunities for growth: Now, write three to four (3–4) possible goals and objectives for this practicum experience. Ensure that they follow the SMART Strategy, as described in the Learning Resources. 1. Goal: a. Objective: b. Objective: c. Objective: 2. Goal: a. Objective: b. Objective: c. Objective: 3. Goal: a. Objective: b. Objective: c. Objective: 4. Goal: a. Objective: b. Objective: c. Objective: Signature: Date: Course/Section:

Paper For Above instruction

The practicum experience outlined for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Walden University encompasses comprehensive skill development across clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, pharmacotherapeutic management, psychotherapeutic planning, and professional practice. These competencies are essential for preparing students to provide holistic, evidence-based mental health care across varied populations and settings. This paper delineates specific SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and objectives tailored to these clinical skill areas, aligning with the overarching aim of fostering autonomous and proficient practitioners.

Introduction

The role of a PMHNP requires mastery of diverse skills, ranging from psychiatric evaluations to collaborative therapeutic interventions. The practicum serves as a critical platform for translating theoretical knowledge into practical competence. Structured goal setting, guided by the SMART framework, ensures systematic progress and tangible outcomes for students during their clinical rotations.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Skills

Developing expertise in recognizing clinical signs and symptoms across the lifespan is foundational. Students must learn to differentiate between physiological and psychopathological conditions, conduct thorough histories, physical exams, mental status assessments, and psychosocial evaluations. For instance, a goal might focus on enhancing ability to perform a mental status examination independently within a defined timeframe.

Diagnostic Reasoning

Diagnostic reasoning is pivotal in formulating accurate diagnoses aligned with DSM-5 standards. The goal pertains to prioritizing differential diagnoses based on assessment data, fostering critical thinking, and reducing diagnostic errors. A SMART objective would entail mastering differential diagnosis formulation for specific cases within a set period.

Pharmacotherapeutic Management

Proficiency in medication management involves selecting appropriate evidence-based guidelines, evaluating responses, and modifying treatment plans deliberately. For example, a goal could aim at competent medication management for common psychiatric conditions, recognizing adverse reactions, and documenting interventions appropriately within a specific session timeline.

Psychotherapeutic Treatment Planning

Applying age-appropriate psychotherapeutic techniques and developing individualized care plans requires skill and sensitivity. Goals might include implementing specific counseling modalities with diverse client groups and providing psychoeducational sessions, all within designated timeframes.

Professional and Ethical Practice

Maintaining professional boundaries, collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and resolving ethical dilemmas are integral. Objectives here would focus on demonstrating these skills through role-play, case discussions, and reflective journaling during practicum periods.

Sample SMART Goals and Objectives

  1. Goal 1: Achieve competency in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations by the end of the practicum.

    • Objective a: Perform at least 10 mental status examinations independently with supervision by week 6.
    • Objective b: Complete psychosocial assessments on at least 15 clients across different age groups within the practicum.
    • Objective c: Differentiate between normal and abnormal age-related psychological changes in 90% of cases evaluated.

  2. Goal 2: Develop diagnostic reasoning skills aligned with DSM-5 standards.

    • Objective a: Formulate at least 5 differential diagnoses for diverse case scenarios by week 8.
    • Objective b: Achieve 80% accuracy in DSM-5 diagnosis formulation during case presentations throughout the practicum.
    • Objective c: Attend case conferences and receive feedback to refine diagnostic reasoning skills monthly.

  3. Goal 3: Enhance pharmacotherapeutic competence in medication management.

    • Objective a: Review evidence-based guidelines for common psychiatric medications within the first four weeks.
    • Objective b: Prescribe and monitor medication plans for at least 10 patients, documenting responses and adverse reactions accurately.
    • Objective c: Modify medication regimens based on patient response and emerging clinical data in at least 80% of cases.

  4. Goal 4: Expand psychotherapeutic treatment planning and intervention skills.

    • Objective a: Apply at least three different psychotherapeutic modalities with diverse clients during the practicum.
    • Objective b: Develop individualized treatment plans for at least 12 clients, incorporating age-appropriate techniques and psychoeducation.
    • Objective c: Evaluate the outcomes of therapeutic interventions, adjusting plans as needed, with documentation for each case.

Conclusion

Establishing clear, SMART goals in clinical practicum enhances skill acquisition and ensures systematic competence development for PMHNP students. With structured objectives focusing on evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and therapy, students can progress toward independence and excellence in mental health care. Consistent reflection, supervision, and feedback remain vital to transforming these goals into clinical mastery, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and advancing mental health services.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Gurung, R. A. R., & Sharma, C. (2018). Evidence-based practice in mental health nursing. Nursing Research, 67(4), 268-278.
  • Hoffman, K., & Zautra, A. (2015). Psychotherapy and psychiatric nursing: Techniques and skills. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 22(6), 432-438.
  • Kaplan, H. I., & Sadock, B. J. (2015). Synopsis of Psychiatry (11th ed.).
  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Mental health statistics. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics
  • Reeder, S., & Buckley, S. (2019). Foundations of psychiatric-mental health nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.
  • Stuart, S. (2018). Essentials of psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts, practice, and research. Elsevier.
  • Walden University. (2023). Practicum guidelines for PMHNP students. Walden University Publications.
  • World Health Organization. (2017). Mental health policies and plans. https://www.who.int/mental_health/en/
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage Publications.

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