Assignment 2: Week 2 Practicum Journal: Safe Prescribing

There is probably no greater responsibility that the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner assumes than the responsibility of prescribing medications. While someone can be harmed by psychotherapy, the level and intensity of the harm generally does not come to the same level of harm that can occur from improper prescribing. The PMHNP must understand his/her responsibility both at a state and federal level when it comes to prescribing medications.

In this Practicum Journal Assignment, you will explore the legalities associated with prescribing controlled substances, as well as what a DEA number is, how to obtain one, and, most importantly, how to prescribe controlled substances in your state.

Students will:

• Analyze roles of the Drug Enforcement Administration
• Analyze PMHNP responsibilities when issued a DEA number
• Analyze DEA number application procedures
• Analyze state requirements for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring
• Analyze PMHNP responsibilities for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring
• Analyze Schedule II-V drug levels

To prepare for this Practicum Journal:

• Review the Learning Resources.

In 2-3 pages:

• Describe the role of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as it pertains to the PMHNP.
• Explain your responsibilities when having a DEA number.
• Explain how you apply for a DEA number.
• Explain your state’s requirements for a safe prescribing and prescription monitoring program. Explain your responsibility as a PMHNP to follow these requirements.
• Provide an example of a drug you may prescribe from each of the Schedule II-V drug levels.

LINKS:

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/drug_of_abuse.pdf

https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/manuals/pract/pract_manual012508.pdf

The nursing process is a tool that puts knowledge into practice. By utilizing this systematic problem-solving method, nurses can determine the health care needs of an individual and provide personalized care.

Write a paper (1,750-2,000 words) on cancer and approach to care based on the utilization of the nursing process. Include the following in your paper:

1. Describe the diagnosis and staging of cancer.
2. Describe at least three complications of cancer, the side effects of treatment, and methods to lessen physical and psychological effects.
3. Discuss what factors contribute to the yearly incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in Americans.
4. Explain how the American Cancer Society (ACS) might provide education and support. What ACS services would you recommend and why?
5. Explain how the nursing process is utilized to provide safe and effective care for cancer patients across the life span. Your explanation should include each of the five phases and demonstrate the delivery of holistic and patient-focused care.
6. Discuss how undergraduate education in liberal arts and science studies contributes to the foundation of nursing knowledge and prepares nurses to work with patients utilizing the nursing process. Consider mathematics, social and physical sciences, and science studies as an interdisciplinary research area.

You are required to cite to a minimum of four sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. 

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.