Rewrite Due 06/14/2022 At 5 am original

1

Clinical self evaluation

College of Nursing-PMHNP, Walden University

PRAC - 6645C Psychotherapy with Multiple Modalities Practicum

June 06, 2021

This study source was downloaded by 100000806925124 from CourseHero.com on 06-12-2022 17:00:27 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/106136305/Wk1Assign2elfevalpaperdocx/

2

Clinical self evaluation

Strengths and opportunities are qualities of all people. As a psychiatric mental

health nurse practitioner student, it is important to evaluate strengths and opportunities honestly

and accurately. It is critical to be aware of our strengths and weaknesses, so we can remain

focused, continuing to gain knowledge to improve our weaknesses and maintain our strengths.

The purpose of this paper is the address three strengths and three weaknesses that I would like to

improve by week 10 of this clinical rotation.

Strengths

I believe communication skills are one of my biggest strengths that I have improved over

the years related to my nursing position as a manager. It is important to me, to maintain a

professional balance and building rapport with peers, staff, patients, and families. As a leader, it

is essential to communicate effectively. Communication skills are beneficial as it establishes

rapport, positive relationships improving services for our patients.

Professional skills are imperative and affect every aspect of our career. It is important to

have professional behaviors, boundaries, and respect for peers, patients, and families. I believe it

is important to be open to suggestions and accepting of feedback to improve my skillset (Mata et

al., 2021). In my years of working as a nurse, I have had significant growth. A strength includes

self-assessment skills. I have learned to evaluate myself in skills I need to improve and tailor my

strengths. I have been told by my direct supervisor, that I have worked with for over ten years,

that she has seen my growth. Initially, it was hard for me to see and accept, that has come with

years and experience. I am able to process many things with my supervisor and it has taught me

to see different perspectives and to see myself in what opportunities I need to work on.

Opportunities

This study source was downloaded by 100000806925124 from CourseHero.com on 06-12-2022 17:00:27 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/106136305/Wk1Assign2elfevalpaperdocx/

3

Differential Diagnosis: It is critical to obtain and gather thorough information from

patients, including both subjective and objective information. It is important to understand the

patient's perception as well as what is seen objectively. History is important when formulating an

accurate diagnosis. I find it difficult at times to look at differential diagnoses. With my

preceptor's guidance, she suggested also identify social risks, such as potentially life-threatening

for the patient and recognizing patterns, signs, and symptoms. Differential diagnosis is needed

until we can make a firm diagnosis, this can be related to not enough information and duration of

symptoms (APA, 2013).

Another skill, I want to improve are pharmacotherapeutic skills. Enhanced training and

knowledge are imperative along with collaborating and educating patients that will lead to

thoughtful and informed comprehensive care (Gardner, 2014). It is necessary to select

appropriate treatment and prescribing the correct medication for patients related to their

diagnosis and symptoms. I have several tools to help me gain knowledge and feel comfortable in

this skill. My previous preceptor told me he still uses Epocrates as a resource. I have invested in

online phone applications including Epocrates and online med ed. I also continue to read and

study, as it is so important to understand how the medications affect the body.

Psychotherapeutic Treatment Planning, I also would like to continue to improve. Often

impatient, we gather information from the history and patient interviews to develop a treatment

plan. As the patient interacts with the providers, therapist, and social workers, the plan will

change depending on the patient's response. With therapy, patients can develop alternative

methods to identify stressors and using skills learned for positive outcomes (Horowitz, 2019).

Often, patients, I work with, do not feel things will work. I started doing group therapy

last semester. I remember the first time, I was so nervous. My preceptor reminded me that I am

This study source was downloaded by 100000806925124 from CourseHero.com on 06-12-2022 17:00:27 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/106136305/Wk1Assign2elfevalpaperdocx/

4

facilitating the group, and we want the patients to talk and share. I often also encounter patients

that tell me nothing works for them. Sometimes I don’t know how to respond. I completed my

first week of this rotation and went in feeling much more confident with groups. I often am

assigned, children and adolescent groups. My experience has given me more ideas on how to

engage the patients and still be therapeutic.

Conclusion

I have identified strengths that I have that have become stronger with education,

training, and practice. I also am able to identify and acknowledge the skills I need to improve. It

is important to be honest, acknowledge opportunities to improve my knowledge. Gaining

knowledge, training, and experience benefits both provider and patient care promoting positive

and optimal outcomes.

This study source was downloaded by 100000806925124 from CourseHero.com on 06-12-2022 17:00:27 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/106136305/Wk1Assign2elfevalpaperdocx/

5

References

APA. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). [MBS Direct].

Retrieved from https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780890425572/

Gardner, D. M. (2014). Competent Psychopharmacology. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry,

59(8), 406–411. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674371405900802

Horowitz, M. J. (2019). Formulation as a basis for planning psychotherapy treatment (2nd ed.).

American Psychiatric Association.

Mata, A., deAzevedo, K., & Braga, L. P. (2021). Training in communication skills for self-

efficacy of health professionals: a systematic review. Hum Resour Health, 19(30).

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-021-00574-3

This study source was downloaded by 100000806925124 from CourseHero.com on 06-12-2022 17:00:27 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/106136305/Wk1Assign2elfevalpaperdocx/ Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)