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

I have multiple important strengths that enhance my ability to be successful in my healthcare and social services career. To begin, the core skill I possess is the capacity to uphold professional boundaries. This skill is crucial as it enables me to offer clients respectful and ethical support while safeguarding their privacy and dignity (Saint-Pierre et al., 2021). Moreover, my unbiased demeanor cultivates a setting in which people with various backgrounds can comfortably express their worries and seek help, thereby encouraging a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to support.

In addition, I possess strong abilities in working effectively with diverse teams of experts from various fields, a crucial skill when it comes to tackling intricate problems in a comprehensive manner. Being skilled in documentation allows me to monitor the progress of clients and uphold the standard of care given (Scruth, 2022). I possess exceptional communication skills that help establish strong relationships with both clients and colleagues.

Above all, I can effectively function both in solo and collaborative environments, demonstrating flexibility in different job contexts. Most importantly, my strong determination to offer excellent care motivates me to continually enhance my skills and remain updated with the latest best practices in the field. Together, these abilities empower me to thrive in my work and contribute positively to the people and the mental health communities which I support.

I am currently spotting numerous exciting opportunities for advancing my professional development. First, the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clinical populations will enhance my knowledge and allow me to customize my healthcare services to a larger group of people. Furthermore, improving my ability to evaluate and diagnose will result in interventions that are more precise and impactful. Developing stronger connections with patients is crucial, as trust and rapport play a vital role in achieving favorable results (Hill & Knox, 2020). Moreover, I will be able to provide better quality care by expanding my understanding of evidence-based practice and enhancing my skills into the mental health nurse practitioner effectively. These growth prospects demonstrate my dedication to constantly enhancing healthcare and mental healthcare services.

1. Goal: My primary goal for the next 11 weeks rotation I will become more proficient in conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.

a. Objective: Learn to recognize the clinical signs and symptoms of common psychiatric disorders.

b. Objective: Develop the ability to perform a thorough mental status examination.

c. Objective: Gain experience in conducting psychosocial assessments.

2. Goal: By midterm I will develop stronger therapeutic relationships with my patients.

a. Objective: Learn to build rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds.

b. Objective: Be able to communicate effectively with patients about their mental health concerns.

c. Objective: Develop the skills to provide supportive and empathic care.

3. Goal: My third goals is to learn more about different medication management strategies by the end of this practicum.

a. Objective: Learn about the different types of psychotropic medications.

b. Objective: Be able to assess the risks and benefits of different medications.

c. Objective: Develop the skills to prescribe and monitor medications safely and effectively.