Refer to the Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies? found in the Week 1 Learning Resources, and consider the quality measures or indicators advanced nursing practice nurs

Desired Clinical Skills for Students to Achieve

Confident (Can complete independently)

Mostly confident (Can complete with supervision)

Beginning (Have performed with supervision or needs 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

X

Differentiating between pathophysiological and psychopathological conditions 

X

Performing and interpreting a comprehensive and/or interval history and physical examination (including laboratory and diagnostic studies) 

X

Performing and interpreting a mental status examination 

X

Performing and interpreting a psychosocial assessment and family psychiatric history 

X

Performing and interpreting a functional assessment (activities of daily living, occupational, social, leisure, educational).

X

Diagnostic reasoning skill in:

Developing and prioritizing a differential diagnoses list

X

Formulating diagnoses according to DSM 5-TR based on assessment data 

X

Differentiating between normal/abnormal age-related physiological and psychological symptoms/changes

X

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) 

X

Evaluating patient response and modify plan as necessary 

X

Documenting (e.g., adverse reaction, the patient response, changes to the plan of care)

X

Psychotherapeutic Treatment Planning:

Recognizes concepts of therapeutic modalities across the lifespan

X

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) 

X

Applies age appropriate psychotherapeutic counseling techniques with individuals and/or any caregivers

X

Develop an age appropriate individualized plan of care

X

Provide psychoeducation to individuals and/or any caregivers

X

Promote health and disease prevention techniques

Self-assessment skill:

Develop SMART goals for practicum experiences 

X

Evaluating outcomes of practicum goals and modify plan as necessary 

X

Documenting and reflecting on learning experiences

X

Professional skills:

Maintains professional boundaries and therapeutic relationship with clients and staff

X

Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to improve clinical practice in mental health settings 

X

Identifies ethical and legal dilemmas with possible resolutions

X

Demonstrates non-judgmental practice approach and empathy

X

Practices within scope of practice

X

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 

X

Implements the screening instrument efficiently and effectively with the clients

X

Interprets results for screening instruments accurately

X

Develops an appropriate plan of care based upon screening instruments response

X

Identifies the need to refer to another specialty provider when applicable

X

Accurately documents recommendations for psychiatric consultations when applicable

X

During the practicum, I demonstrated a strong ability to establish rapport and effective communication with patients. I consistently exhibited empathy, active listening, and clear explanations, which enhanced patient understanding and trust. My clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills also allowed me to contribute effectively to patient assessments and care planning.

While I have a solid foundation in patient communication and clinical skills, there is an opportunity for growth in advanced clinical decision-making. I aim to develop further my ability to synthesize complex patient data, consider differential diagnoses, and create comprehensive treatment plans.

1. Goal: My primary goal is to Improve Diagnostic Expertise by the end of week 11

a. Objective: By the completion of the practicum week 11, I will independently perform patient assessments, including recognizing clinical signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness across the lifespan and comprehensive mental behaviors examinations, for at least 80 different cases.

b. Objective: Within the first week, I will shadow and collaborate with my preceptor to observe his diagnostic processes in diverse clinical scenarios, aiming to learn new techniques and approaches.

c. Objective: By mid-practicum, I will review and analyze diagnostic findings and patient outcomes from at least 15 cases, identifying patterns and improving my ability to recognize early signs of complications.

2. Goal: My second goal is to strengthen Interdisciplinary Collaboration by the end of this clinical term

a. Objective: I will actively participate in inter-professional team meetings with my preceptor for at least 20 patient cases throughout the practicum.

b. Objective: Within the first month, I will initiate elevate my level of functioning to independent and discussions with my preceptor to see if my goal was achieved and perspectives in patient care.

c. Objective: By the end of the practicum, I will lead patient assessment, presenting case, given a diagnosis and created treatment plan

3. Goal: My third goal is to enhance my knowledge in patient education skills

a. Objective: I will assess the effectiveness of my patient education efforts by conducting follow-up evaluations with patients

b. Objective: I will find a clinical problem grounded on a patient case and conduct an extensive literature analysis to identify evidence-based guidelines and studies that inform my treatment decisions.

c. I will develop and implement an evidence-based clinical protocol for a common condition, integrating the latest research findings into my practice.