PRAC 6675 – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Care Across the Lifespan II Practicum
This is the final of four practicum courses in the advanced practice psychiatric-mental health curriculum. Students apply advanced knowledge of psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and psychiatric assessment to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and older adults across various clinical settings. Under the supervision of a qualified preceptor and faculty, students develop clinical competence in comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, differential diagnosis, treatment planning (integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology), and evaluation of outcomes. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based, culturally responsive, person-centered care, ethical decision-making, and preparation for independent PMHNP practice. Students must complete a minimum of 160 practicum hours and document a minimum of 80 patient encounters (students must log every hour and every encounter).
Prerequisites: Successful completion of prior practicum courses (e.g., PRAC 6635, PRAC 6645, PRAC 6665) and corresponding didactic courses. Must be taken concurrently with or after NRNP 6675.
Course Learning Outcomes:
Demonstrate advanced clinical skills in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and management across the lifespan.
Integrate psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic interventions in treatment plans.
Apply ethical, legal, and regulatory standards in clinical practice.
Evaluate personal clinical strengths and areas for growth through self-assessment and reflection.
Prepare for national certification and entry-level PMHNP practice.
The course spans 11 weeks, with a strong focus on clinical hours, documentation, and reflective assignments rather than traditional weekly discussions.
Week 1: Orientation, Self-Assessment, and Practicum Planning
Weekly Notes:
Review practicum expectations, policies, and site requirements. Complete a self-assessment of clinical skills. Develop a personalized Practicum Experience Plan (PEP) aligned with course objectives and certification preparation. Focus on goal-setting for hours and diverse patient populations.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
What are your primary goals for this final practicum, and how do they build on previous experiences?
Identify potential challenges in your clinical site and strategies to address them.
Weekly Assignments:
Assignment 1: Clinical Skills Self-Assessment (using the provided template) – Rate proficiency in areas such as psychiatric interviewing, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy techniques.
Assignment 2: Practicum Experience Plan (PEP) – Submit a detailed plan including objectives, measurable goals, and timeline for 160 hours.
Begin logging clinical hours and patient encounters in Meditrek.
Week 2: Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation and Documentation
Weekly Notes:
Emphasize thorough psychiatric evaluations, use of screening tools, and accurate documentation. Review age-specific considerations for children, adults, and older adults.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
N/A (focus on clinical application and journaling).
Weekly Assignments:
Submit 1–2 comprehensive psychiatric evaluation notes (using Walden template).
Practicum Journal Entry: Reflect on initial clinical experiences, strengths observed, and feedback from preceptor.
Log minimum hours/encounters.
Week 3–4: Anxiety, Trauma, OCD, and Mood Disorders
Weekly Notes:
Apply diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning for anxiety, PTSD, OCD, depressive, and bipolar disorders. Integrate CBT, supportive therapy, and medication management. Focus on suicide risk assessment and safety planning.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Peer discussion on challenging cases encountered (e.g., treatment-resistant depression or trauma in adolescents).
Weekly Assignments:
Focused SOAP Notes (2–3 total across weeks) for patients with these disorders.
Journal Entry: Discuss application of evidence-based interventions and cultural considerations.
Continue clinical hours logging (aim for consistent weekly progress toward 160 total).
Week 5: Psychotic and Neurocognitive Disorders
Weekly Notes:
Management of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, medication monitoring (e.g., side effects, labs), and care for neurocognitive disorders in older adults.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
N/A.
Weekly Assignments:
SOAP Note for a patient with psychotic symptoms or cognitive impairment.
Mid-Practicum Review: Submit updated hours log and self-reflection on progress toward goals.
Week 6: Mid-Practicum Evaluation and Substance Use Disorders
Weekly Notes:
Focus on addictive disorders, co-occurring conditions, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction strategies.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Share experiences with substance use cases and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Weekly Assignments:
Journal: Reflect on preceptor feedback and personal growth in managing complex cases.
1–2 SOAP Notes.
Midterm Practicum Feedback Form (from preceptor).
Week 7–8: Special Populations – Children/Adolescents, Personality, and Eating Disorders
Weekly Notes:
Developmental considerations in pediatric psychiatry, disruptive behaviors, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Emphasis on family involvement and ethical issues.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Discuss ethical dilemmas encountered (e.g., confidentiality with minors or capacity in older adults).
Weekly Assignments:
SOAP Notes for pediatric or special population cases.
Journal Entries focusing on therapeutic alliance and family dynamics.
Week 9: Complex Case Management and Grand Rounds Preparation
Weekly Notes:
Synthesize skills through complex, comorbid cases. Prepare for case presentations.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Peer review and discussion of interesting or challenging cases from practicum.
Weekly Assignments:
Grand Rounds–style Case Presentation (PowerPoint or written summary of a complex patient).
Updated clinical logs.
Week 10: Ethical/Legal Issues, Telehealth, and Practice Readiness
Weekly Notes:
Review telepsychiatry, scope of practice, documentation standards, and transition to independent practice.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
How have your views on PMHNP practice evolved, and what areas need further development?
Weekly Assignments:
Final Journal Entry: Comprehensive self-reflection on practicum experiences, feedback received, and future goals.
Continue logging hours.
Week 11: Course Synthesis, Final Evaluation, and Closure
Weekly Notes:
Complete all remaining hours, evaluate achievement of objectives, and reflect on overall growth. Prepare documentation for certification and licensure.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Final reflection: What are your key takeaways from the PMHNP program?
Weekly Assignments:
Final Practicum Evaluation (Preceptor and Student forms).
Submit all clinical logs verifying 160+ hours and 80+ encounters.
Final Self-Assessment and Portfolio Summary.
Additional Course Elements
Clinical Requirements: 160 minimum practicum hours; students must log every hour and patient encounter. Diversity in age groups and diagnoses is strongly encouraged.
Required Resources: Practicum Manual, DSM-5-TR, clinical templates (SOAP, Psychiatric Evaluation), Meditrek for logging.
Grading: Based on clinical performance, timely logs, journal reflections, SOAP notes, self-assessments, and preceptor evaluations.
Important Policies: Cannot be taken concurrently with other PRAC courses except the paired NRNP 6675. Students must follow all site, Walden, and state regulations.
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