Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student
Based on your practice exam question results from Week 2, identify strengths and areas of opportunity and create a tailored study plan to use throughout this course to help you prepare for the national certification exam. This will serve as an action plan to help you track your goals, tasks, and progress. You will revisit and update your study plan in NRNP 6675, and you may continue to refine and use it until you take the exam.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. (Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
TO PREPARE
- Reflect on your practice exam question results from Week 2. Identify content-area strengths and opportunities for improvement.
- Also reflect on your overall test taking. Was the length of time allotted comfortable, or did you run out of time? Did a particular question format prove difficult?(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
THE ASSIGNMENT
- Based on your practice test question results, and considering the national certification exam, summarize your strengths and opportunities for improvement. Note: Your grade for this Assignment will not be derived from your test results but from your self-reflection and study plan.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
- Create a study plan for this quarter to prepare for the certification exam, including three or four SMART goals and the tasks you need to complete to accomplish each goal. Include a timetable for accomplishing them and a description of how you will measure your progress.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
- Describe resources you would use to accomplish your goals and tasks, such as ways to participate in a study group or review course, mnemonics and other mental strategies, and print or online resources you could use to study.
BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 3
Submit your study plan.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area. (Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
- To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK3Assgn2+last name+first initial.
- Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
- Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.
Rubric
NRNP_6665_Week3_Assignment2_Rubric
NRNP_6665_Week3_Assignment2_Rubric
CriteriaRatingsPts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBased on your practice test question results and considering the national certification exam, summarize your strengths and opportunities for improvement.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
25 to >22.0 pts
Excellent
The response provides an accurate, clear, and complete summary of both the strengths and opportunities for improvement.
22 to >19.0 pts
Good
The response provides an accurate summary of both the strengths and opportunities for improvement.
19 to >17.0 pts
Fair
The response provides a somewhat vague and/or inaccurate summary of both the strengths and opportunities for improvement.
17 to >0 pts
Poor
A summary of both the strengths and opportunities for improvement are incomplete or missing.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCreate a study plan, including three or four SMART goals and the tasks you need to complete to accomplish each goal. Include a timetable for accomplishing them and a description of how you will measure your progress.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
30 to >26.0 pts
Excellent
The response provides three or four clear and appropriate SMART goals for the study plan, including tasks to complete to accomplish each goal. A clear timeline is provided for the study plan as well as a description of how progress toward goal completion will be measured.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
26 to >23.0 pts
Good
The response provides three or four appropriate SMART goals and objectives for the practicum experience. Appropriate tasks, timeline, and description of how progress will be measured are provided.
23 to >20.0 pts
Fair
The response provides three or four somewhat vague or general goals for the study plan. Tasks, timeline, and description of how progress toward goals will be measured are vague or somewhat inappropriate.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
20 to >0 pts
Poor
The response provides three or four unclear or inappropriate goals for the study plan, or goals are missing. Tasks, timeline, and a description for how progress will be measured are incomplete or missing.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDescribe resources you would use to accomplish your goals and tasks, such as ways to participate in a study group or review course, mnemonics and other mental strategies, and print or online resources you could use to study.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
30 to >26.0 pts
Excellent
The response provides a clear description of appropriate resources to support the study plan that are tailored to individual need.
26 to >23.0 pts
Good
The response provides a description of appropriate resources to support the study plan that are somewhat tailored to individual need.
23 to >20.0 pts
Fair
The response provides a description of general resources that are not tailored to individual need.
20 to >0 pts
Poor
The response provides a description of inappropriate resources to support the study plan, or the description of resources is vague or missing.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused—neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction are provided that delineate all required criteria.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion are provided that delineate all required criteria.
4 to >3.5 pts
Good
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are stated, yet are brief and not descriptive.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
3.5 to >3.0 pts
Fair
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are vague or off topic.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
3 to >0 pts
Poor
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity <60% of the time. Purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion were not provided.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – English Writing Standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors
4 to >3.5 pts
Good
Contains one or two grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
3.5 to >3.0 pts
Fair
Contains several (three or four) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
3 to >0 pts
Poor
Contains many (five or more) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, parenthetical/narrative in-text citations, and reference list.
5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Uses correct APA format with no errors
4 to >3.5 pts
Good
Contains one or two APA format errors
3.5 to >3.0 pts
Fair
Contains several (three or four) APA format errors
3 to >0 pts
Poor
Contains many (five or more) APA format errors
5 pts
Total Points: 100
Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student
As a PMHNP student, test exams are crucial in developing thinking, decision-making, and logic. PMHNPs should develop entry-level competence to emphasize the speciality’s philosophy and meet the population’s needs. The board certification exam tests the pre-determined entry-level competencies before registration as a PMHNP (American Nurses Credentialing Centre [ASCC], n.d.). This assignment reflects my strengths and weaknesses based on practice test results and study plans for the certification exam.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
Strengths and Weaknesses
My core strengths include identifying psychiatric signs and symptoms, interpreting clinical data to make differential diagnoses, and promoting disease prevention and health. Mental health data, psychiatric signs, and symptoms are crucial for definitive mental health diagnosis and treatment planning (Boland & Verduin, 2021). Health prevention and disease promotion is a crucial competence for PMHNP as it helps promote psychological well-being and reduce symptoms and incidences of mental disorders, respectively (Thomas et al., 2017). Moreover, I am competent in recognizing and resolving mental health dilemmas and recommending appropriate mental health care. Mental health dilemmas are common, and the role of PMHNP is to solve ethical dilemmas and help patients solve interpersonal dilemmas (Boland & Verduin, 2021).(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
The test outcome shows that my weaknesses include psychotropic drug use, mental health communication and collaboration, and evidence-based psychotherapies. Communication and collaboration are central to nurse-patient and nurse-nurse relationships (Ball et al., 2021). Appropriate communication is key to effective mental healthcare practice, quality health outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Besides, collaboration is central to mitigating practice-related issues such as medication errors, high workload, and consequent burnout among nurses. On the other hand, the ability to translate evidence and select appropriate evidence-based interventions is key to effective mental healthcare (Curtis et al., 2017). Translating evidence is a crucial competence that allows a PMHNP to identify effective interventions and make crucial clinical decisions in mental healthcare settings. Therefore, I intend to improve these weaknesses to enhance my entry-level competency for PMHNP, pass the certification exam, and contribute to effective mental healthcare services in the country.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
Goals and Study Plan
My first goal is to develop my understanding and enhance my competence in psychotropic drug use, which I intend to achieve by attempting at least 40 related questions weekly and reviewing online resources on psychopharmacology, and pharmacological prescription guidelines. My second goal is to enhance my knowledge of mental health communication and multidisciplinary collaboration approaches, which I intend to achieve by attempting at least 40 related questions weekly, reading and reviewing existing class resources, and library resources, and consulting with my teachers and peers. My third goal is to enhance my knowledge and understanding of implementing evidence-based psychotherapies.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
|
6-week study plan for the PMHNP certification exam | ||||||
|
Week |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
|
1 |
· Review the practice test questions to reaffirm strengths and weaknesses and set goals. |
· Study Pharmacotherapeutics of medication · Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
|
· Managing and recommending Pharmacotherapeutics |
· Pharmacodynamics of psychotropic drugs. · Attempt ANCC questions; domain
|
· Consult with the lectures. · Pharmacokinetics of psychotropic drugs. |
· Discuss with peers |
|
2 |
· Study therapeutic communication |
· Study communication within and outside mental health setting · Ethical issues in IT |
· Study effective communication and information principles in a mental healthcare setting. |
· Legal issues in IT · Attempt ANCC questions; domain II
|
· Consult with the lectures. · Translating scientific health research |
· Discuss with peers |
|
3 |
· Study psychopathology. |
· Study treatment modalities · Evidence-based practice |
· Study psychotherapy theories and modalities · Evidence-based care standards |
· Current clinical guidelines · Attempt ANCC questions; domain III
|
· Consult with the lectures. · Quality improvement methods/measures |
· Discuss with peers |
|
4 |
· Review the practice test questions to reaffirm strengths and weaknesses and set goals. |
· Study Pharmacotherapeutics of medication · Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
|
· Managing and recommending Pharmacotherapeutics |
· Pharmacodynamics of psychotropic drugs. · Attempt ANCC questions; domain
|
· Consult with the lectures. · Pharmacokinetics of psychotropic drugs. |
· Discuss with peers |
|
5 |
· Study therapeutic communication |
· Study communication within and outside mental health setting · Ethical issues in IT |
· Study effective communication and information principles in a mental healthcare setting. |
· Legal issues in IT · Attempt ANCC questions; domain II
|
· Consult with the lectures. · Translating scientific health research |
· Discuss with peers |
|
6 |
· Study psychopathology. |
· Study treatment modalities · Evidence-based practice |
· Study psychotherapy theories and modalities · Evidence-based care standards |
· Current clinical guidelines · Attempt ANCC questions; domain III
|
· Consult with the lectures. · Quality improvement methods/measures |
· Discuss with peers |
Resources
Many resources are available to guarantee my preparation for the PHMNP certification exam. I will use the provided reading materials and access additional learning material through the Walden University library and other online resources, including the American Nurses Credentialing Centre. Moreover, the faculty is well-equipped with experienced mental health educators and professionals from whom I will consult. I will equally practice only questions and review available PMHNP quizzes, relating them to the competency themes tested in the ANCC certification examinations.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
Conclusion
Competence is critical for registration as a PMHNP. Moreover, competence is central to quality and safe mental healthcare practice. Considering the rising care of mental health disorders, the need for mental health personnel, and the socioeconomic impacts associated with mental health, it is vital for student nurses to develop entry-level competency, which ensures that only competent nurses are given a chance to serve the nursing sector. Therefore, I intend to follow through with my plan and consistently review my goals to ensure that I am competent for the certification exams and deliver quality and safe mental healthcare after that.(Personal Reflection and Study Plan As a PMHNP student)
References
American Nurses Credentialing Centre. (No date). Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™). Available at: https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner/ (Accessed 12 December 2022)
Thomas, S., Jenkins, R., Burch, T., Calamos Nasir, L., Fisher, B., Giotaki, G., … & Wright, F. (2017). Promoting mental health and preventing mental illness in general practice. London Journal of Primary Care, 8(1), 3-9. https://doi.org/10.1080%2F17571472.2015.1135659
Boland, R., & Verduin, M. (2021). Kaplan & Sadock’s Concise Textbook of Clinical Psychiatry. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2021). Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination-E-Book: An Interprofessional Approach. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Curtis, K., Fry, M., Shaban, R. Z., & Considine, J. (2017). Translating research findings to clinical nursing practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(5-6), 862-872. https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fjocn.13586
