Clinical Practicum III for PMH Advanced Practice Nursing

Catalog description

This is the third clinical course in the four clinical course sequence for PMH NP students. In this course, students apply the knowledge and skills previously learned in GNMH 545 to integrate theoretical content into advanced assessing, diagnosing, and intervening in mental health alterations and psychiatric disorders, with a diagnostic reasoning focus on substance use disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, personality disorders and trauma-related disorders across the lifespan. Evolving understanding of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (current edition) is used as the basis for diagnostic nomenclature. Students will demonstrate skills in utilizing appropriate evidence-based screening tools, completing initial diagnostic interviews, formulating differential diagnoses, and implementing initial and ongoing treatment plans based on shared decision making. Treatments include evidenced-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Case-based simulations and clinical practicum provide students opportunities to integrate theory and practice in supervised clinical experiences. Analysis of process dynamics and nursing interventions occurs during supervision. Attention is given to self-care management strategies to avoid moral distress, secondary trauma, and burnout.