Pediatrics

Children, like adults, deal with variety of health issues, but they also have issues that are more prevalent within their population. One issue that significantly impacts children is the prescription of drugs for off-label use. As an advanced practice nurse, how do you determine the appropriate use of off-label drugs in pediatrics? Are there certain drugs that should be avoided with pediatric patients?

This week, you examine the practice of prescribing off-label drugs to children. You also explore strategies for making off-label drug use safer for children from infancy to adolescence, as it is essential that you are prepared to make drug-related decisions for pediatric patients in clinical settings.

Reading: 

Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

• Chapter 9, “Drug Therapy in Pediatric Patients” (pp. 58—60)

Corny, J., Lebel, D., Bailey, B., & Bussieres, J. (2015). Unlicensed and off-label drug use in children before and after pediatric governmental initiatives. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 20(4), 316–328. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4557722/

This article highlights pediatric governmental initiatives to prevent unlicensed and off-label drug use in children. Review these initiatives and guidelines and how they might impact your practice as an advanced practice nurse.

Panther, S. G., Knotts, A. M., Odom-Maryon, T., Daratha, K., Woo, T., & Klein, T. A. (2017). Off-label prescribing trends for ADHD medications in very young children. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 22(6), 423–429. doi:10.5863/1551-6776-22.6.423

This study examines the frequency of off-label prescribing to children and explores factors that impact off-label prescribing. This study also examines off-label prescribing to children with ADHD.

Document: Final Exam Study Guide (PDF)

Required Media (click to expand/reduce)

  

Assignment: Off-Label Drug Use in Pediatrics

The unapproved use of approved drugs, also called off-label use, with children is quite common. This is because pediatric dosage guidelines are typically unavailable, since very few drugs have been specifically researched and tested with children.

When treating children, prescribers often adjust dosages approved for adults to accommodate a child’s weight. However, children are not just “smaller” adults. Adults and children process and respond to drugs differently in their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.  

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Children even respond differently during stages from infancy to adolescence. This poses potential safety concerns when prescribing drugs to pediatric patients. As an advanced practice nurse, you have to be aware of safety implications of the off-label use of drugs with this patient group.

To Prepare

· Review the interactive media piece in this week’s Resources and reflect on the types of drugs used to treat pediatric patients with mood disorders.

· Reflect on situations in which children should be prescribed drugs for off-label use.

· Think about strategies to make the off-label use and dosage of drugs safer for children from infancy to adolescence. Consider specific off-label drugs that you think require extra care and attention when used in pediatrics.

Write a 1-page narrative in APA format that addresses the following:

· Explain the circumstances under which children should be prescribed drugs for off-label use. Be specific and provide examples.

· Describe strategies to make the off-label use and dosage of drugs safer for children from infancy to adolescence. Include descriptions and names of off-label drugs that require extra care and attention when used in pediatrics.

I need the following questions answered in 150 words each. Please answer questions as asked with no omissions and please attach references with each question.

MODULE 1

Q1

Statistics is an important component of public health. Explain the relevance of statistics in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a health promotion intervention. How do you envision using statistics in your current or future career?

Q2

Describe the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods. Explain how each are used in public health.

RESOURCES

Read Chapter 1 in Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences.

View “The Human Insights Missing From Big Data,” by Wang (2016), located on the TED website.

URL: https://www.ted.com/talks/tricia_wang_the_human_insights_missing_from_big_data

Read “Statistics and Public Health at CDC,” by Sieber, Green, and Williamson (2006), located on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

URL:https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su5502a9.htm

View “Why You Should Love Statistics,” by Smith (2017), located on the YouTube website.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogeGJS0GEF4&feature=youtu.be

View the following terms in The Visual Learner: Statistics media.

1. Statistics

2. Data

3. Continuous Data

4. Discrete Data

5. Interval Level

6. Ordinal Data

7. Nominal Data

8. Population

9. Sample

10. Parameter

11. Statistic

URL: http://lc.gcumedia.com/hlt362v/the-visual-learner/the-visual-learner-v2.1.html

Read “Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data in Mixed Methods Research – Challenges and Benefits,” by Almalki, from Journal of Education and Learning (2016).

URL: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1110464.pdf

SPSS Statistics will be used to complete some of the case study assignments for this course. Refer to “Using Citrix Workspace” in the GCU Technical Support Help Center for assistance with installing the Citrix Workspace App and preparing for SPSS files.

URL: https://support.gcu.edu/hc/en-us/articles/201144000-Using-Citrix-Workspace

After Citrix has been installed on your computer, you may access SPSS Statistics at https://myapps.gcu.edu.

Read “Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for Public Health,” from PH717 Module 1B – Descriptive Tools: Descriptive Epidemiology and Descriptive Statistics, located on the Boston University Medical Campus, School of Public Health website (2019).

URL: https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/PH717-QuantCore/PH717-Module1B-DescriptiveStudies_and_Statistics/PH717-Module1B-DescriptiveStudies_and_Statistics9.html

 
 

MODULE 2

Q1

Frequency distributions can be graphed with bar charts, histograms or polygons. Choose one variable from the “Health Behavior Data Set” and discuss which type of graph is appropriate and why. Refer to section 2.3 in the Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences textbook as needed for assistance.

Q2

The mean, median, and mode are measures of central tendency. Explain why these measures are crucial to public health data analysis.

STUDY MATERIALS

Read Chapters 2, 3, and 5 (section 5.1) in Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences. URL: 

http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/macmillan-learning/2016/using-and-interpreting-statistics_a-practical-text-for-the-behavioral-social-and-health-sciences_ebook_3e.php

Read “Data Collection for Program Evaluation,” located on the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice website (2019).  URL: https://www.nwcphp.org/docs/data_collection/data_collection_toolkit.pdf

Read “Statistical Methods Used in the Public Health Literature and Implications for Training of Public Health Professionals,” by Hayat, Powell, Johnson, and Cadwell, from PLoS One (2017). URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5462407/

View the following tutorials from the SPSS Tutorials media.

1. Frequency Tables and Histograms

2. Descriptive Statistics

URL:https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/v3.1/#/media-element/CHSS;CONHCP/1DF486B2-8C58-E811-B595-005056BDD6DE

View the following terms in The Visual Learner: Statistics media.

1. Confounding

2. Histogram

View the following calculations in The Visual Learner: Statistics media.

1. Frequency Distribution

2. Measure of Center      “Mean”

3. Measure of Center      “Median”

4. Measure of Center      “Mode”

5. Range and Standard Deviation

6. Variance

URL: http://lc.gcumedia.com/hlt362v/the-visual-learner/the-visual-learner-v2.1.html

You will use Microsoft Excel for your assignment, and you will need to enable to Data Analysis ToolPak add-in. The “Enabling Data Analysis ToolPak” guide located on the GCU Technical Support website, contains instructions for the add-in for both PC and Mac.

URL: https://support.gcu.edu/hc/en-us/articles/360039768454-Excel-Add-ins

You will use Microsoft Excel for your assignment, and you will need to enable to Data Analysis ToolPak add-in. The “Enabling Data Analysis ToolPak” guide located on the GCU Technical Support website, contains instructions for the add-in for both PC and Mac. URL: https://support.gcu.edu/hc/en-us/articles/360039768454-Excel-Add-ins

View “The Beginner’s Guide to Excel – Excel Basics Tutorial,” by Technology for Teachers and Students (2017), located on the YouTube website. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwbho0CgEAE&feature=youtu.be

 
 

MODULE 3

Q1

Summarize the six steps of hypothesis testing. Propose a scenario in which hypothesis testing is applied to public health data.

Q2

Compare and contrast descriptive and inferential statistics. Discuss why both descriptive and inferential statistics are used in the analysis of public health data.

STUDY MATERIALS

Read Chapters 6 in Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences.

URL:http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/macmillan-learning/2016/using-and-interpreting-statistics_a-practical-text-for-the-behavioral-social-and-health-sciences_ebook_3e.php.

Read “Significance,” by Frey, from The SAGE Encyclopedia of Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation (2018).

URL: https://methods.sagepub.com/reference/the-sage-encyclopedia-of-educational-research-measurement-and-evaluation/i18904.xml

Read “Chapter 12 Descriptive Statistics,” by McGregor, from Understanding and Evaluating Research: A Critical Guide (2018).

URL: https://methods-sagepub-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/book/understanding-and-evaluating-research/i2843.xml

View “Statistical Significance, the Null Hypothesis and P-Values Defined and Explained in One Minute,” by One Minute Economics (2018), located on the YouTube website.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb75_GFPD9A&feature=youtu.be

View “SPSS for Beginners 1: Introduction,” by Research Design (2011), located on the YouTube website.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADDR3_Ng5CA&feature=youtu.be

View the following tutorials from the SPSS Tutorials media.

1. Frequency Tables and Histograms

2. Descriptive Statistics

URL: https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/v3.1/#/media-element/CHSS;CONHCP/1DF486B2-8C58-E811-B595-005056BDD6DE

SPSS Statistics will be used to complete some of the case study assignments for this course. Refer to “Using Citrix Workspace” in the GCU Technical Support Help Center for assistance with installing the Citrix Workspace App and preparing for SPSS files.

URL: https://support.gcu.edu/hc/en-us/articles/201144000-Using-Citrix-Workspace

After Citrix has been installed on your computer, you may access SPSS Statistics at https://myapps.gcu.edu.

View “Introduction to SPSS,” by GCU Academics – Nursing (2020). Use this resource to assist you in completing the topic assignment.

URL: https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/v3.1/#/media-element/CONHCP/62DF3BAF-5A03-EB11-9111-005056BDE9D6

 
 

MODULE 4

Q1

Correlation is a common statistic to measure a general linear relationship between two variables. Explain why correlation does not equal causation.

Q2

Explain the differences between parametric and nonparametric tests. How do you determine if a parametric or nonparametric test should be used when analyzing data?

STUDY MATERIALS

Read Chapters 13 and 15in Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences.

URL: http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/macmillan-learning/2016/using-and-interpreting-statistics_a-practical-text-for-the-behavioral-social-and-health-sciences_ebook_3e.php

Read “Correlation of Sleep Quality With Physical Activity and Memory Among Young Adults,” by Dubey, Tiwari, and Siddiqui, from Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (2019).

URL:https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=135203343&site=ehost-live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=ehost

Read “The Role of Community-Wide Wearing of Face Mask for Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Epidemic Due to SARS-CoV-2,” by Cheng et al., from Journal of Infection (2020).

URL: https://www-sciencedirect-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/science/article/pii/S0163445320302358?via%3Dihub

Explore the “Adolescent and School Health” page located on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

URL: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/

Utilize topics from the Loom Help Center website for assistance on installing Loom software and software usage.

URL: https://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/opentest-inc/2018/loom_1e.php

View “Conducting a Pearson Correlation and Chi-Square Test in SPSS,” by GCU Academics – Nursing (2020). Use this resource to assist you in completing the topic assignment.

URL: https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/?mediaElement=210EADEC-5A03-EB11-9111-005056BDE9D6

 
 

MODULE 5

Q1

Compare the various types of ANOVA by discussing when each is most appropriate for use. Include specific examples to illustrate the appropriate use of each test and how interaction is assessed using ANOVA.

Q2 

When analyzing public health data, describe the steps you would take to determine what statistical test to conduct. Discuss the impact of data type on test selection.

STUDY MATERIALS

Read Chapters 7-12 in Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences.

URL:http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/macmillan-learning/2016/using-and-interpreting-statistics_a-practical-text-for-the-behavioral-social-and-health-sciences_ebook_3e.php

View the following tutorials from the SPSS Tutorials media.

1. One-Sample t-Test

2. Matched Pairs t-Test

3. Independent Samples t-Test

4. One-Way ANOVA

5. Two-Way ANOVA-Between Groups

URL:https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/v3.1/#/media-element/CHSS;CONHCP/1DF486B2-8C58-E811-B595-005056BDD6DE

View the following calculations in The Visual Learner: Statistics media.

1. Introduction to t-test

2. One Sample t-Test

3. Two Sample t-Test

4. One Way ANOVA

5. Effect Size One Way ANOVA

6. Two Way ANOVA

7. Effect Size Two Way ANOVA

URL: http://lc.gcumedia.com/hlt362v/the-visual-learner/the-visual-learner-v2.1.html

Read “Changing the Face of Health Education via Health Interventions: Social Ecological Perspectives on New Media Technologies and Elementary Nutrition Education,” by Bissell, Baker, Pember, Zhang, and Yang, from Health Communication (2019).

URL: https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/10410236.2018.1507659

Read “Can a Community-Led Intervention Offering Social Support and Health Education Improve Maternal Health? A Repeated Measures Evaluation of the PACT Project Run in a Socially Deprived London Borough,” from Brown, Luderowski, Namusisi-Riley, Moore-Shelley, and Bolton, from International Journal of Environmental and Public Health (2020).

URL: https://search-proquest-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/2393647115?accountid=7374

Read “Choosing the Correct Statistical Test in SAS, STATA, SPSS and R,” by Leeper, from Choosing the Right Statistic, located on the UCLA Institute for Digital Research and Education Statistical Consulting website.

URL: https://stats.idre.ucla.edu/other/mult-pkg/whatstat/

Read “Variables Associated With Job Satisfaction Among Mental Health Professionals,” by Fleur, Grenier, Bamvita, and Farand, from PLoS ONE (2018).

URL: https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/2122532147?accountid=7374

Examine the general information about the “Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System” survey, located on the Adolescent and School Health (2018) page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

URL: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyYouth/data/yrbs/index.htm

Review the documentation and questionnaires provided in “YRBSS Data and Documentation” (2018), located on the National YRBS Datasets and Documentation page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

URL: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/data.htm

Read “2015 YRBS Data User’s Guide” (2016), located on the Adolescent and School Health page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

URL: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/2015/2015_yrbs-data-users_guide_smy_combined.pdf

Read the “2015 State and Local Youth Risk Behavior Survey” (YRBS), located on the Adolescent and School Health page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

URL: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/questionnaires.htm

Utilize topics from the Loom Help Center website for assistance on installing Loom software and software usage.

URL: https://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/opentest-inc/2018/loom_1e.php

View “Conducting a t-Test and ANOVA in SPSS,” by GCU Academics – Nursing (2020). Use this resource to assist you in completing the topic assignment.

URL: https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/?mediaElement=6616F929-5B03-EB11-9111-005056BDE9D6

 
 

MODULE 6

Q1

Given the limited amount of statistical calculations required by some public health positions, explain why it is important for you to know how to utilize appropriate software to analyze public health data. Support your ideas with reasons, facts, and examples.

Q2

Discuss three strengths of the linear regression? Identify a peer-reviewed study that uses linear regression in its analysis. Explain why linear regression was used and discuss one challenge in interpreting the results. Include the permalink with your citation.

STUDY MATERIALS

Read Chapter 14 and 16 in Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences.

URL: http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/macmillan-learning/2016/using-and-interpreting-statistics_a-practical-text-for-the-behavioral-social-and-health-sciences_ebook_3e.php

View the Linear Correlation tutorial in the SPSS Tutorials media.

URL: https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/v3.1/#/media-element/CHSS;CONHCP/1DF486B2-8C58-E811-B595-005056BDD6DE

View the calculations for “Linear Regression” in The Visual Learner: Statistics media.

URL: http://lc.gcumedia.com/hlt362v/the-visual-learner/the-visual-learner-v2.1.html

Read “How to Control Confounding Effects by Statistical Analysis,” by Pourhoseingholi, Baghestani, and Vahedi, from Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench (2012).

URL: https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.lopes.idm.oclc.org/pmc/articles/PMC4017459/

Read “Variables Associated With Job Satisfaction Among Mental Health Professionals,” by Fleury, Grenier, Bamvita and Farand, from PLoS ONE (2018).

URL: https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/2122532147?accountid=7374

 
 

MODULE 7

Q1

Describe three methods for qualitative data collection and discuss an example of when each method would be used.

Q2

Describe the process of coding qualitative data. Identify the distinguishing factors between inductive and deductive coding.

STUDY MATERIALS

Read “Comparison Between Qualitative Research and Quantitative Research,” in Chapter 6 and read Chapter 8 in GCU Doctoral Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Concepts.

This textbook references an assigned dissertation. You are not required to complete a dissertation for this course.

URL: http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/grand-canyon-university/2015/gcu-doctoral-research_quantitative-and-qualitative-research-concepts_ebook_1e.php

Read “A Review of Qualitative Data Analysis Practices in Health Education and Health Behavior Research,” by Raskind et al., from Health Education and Behavior (2019), available as authors manuscript from PubMed Central (PMC), located on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website.

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6386595/pdf/nihms-990092.pdf.

Review “Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for Public Health,” from PH717 Module 1B – Descriptive Tools: Descriptive Epidemiology and Descriptive Statistics, located on the Boston University Medical Campus, School of Public Health website (2019).

URL: https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/PH717-QuantCore/PH717-Module1B-DescriptiveStudies_and_Statistics/PH717-Module1B-DescriptiveStudies_and_Statistics9.html

Read “Lessons Learned in Promoting Evidence-Based Public Health: Perspectives From Managers in State Public Health Departments,” by Allen et al., from Journal of Community Health (2018).

URL: https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/2009849333?accountid=7374

Read “Section 15: Qualitative Methods to Assess Community Issues,” from “Chapter 3: Assessing Community Needs and Resources,” of the Community Assessment toolkit, located on the Community Tool Box website.

URL: https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/assessment/assessing-community-needs-and

Read “Focus Groups Inform a Mobile Health Intervention to Promote Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and Engagement in Physical Activity Among People Living With HIV,” by Henry, Quintana, Moore, Garcia, and Montoya, from BMC Public Health (2019).

URL: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-018-6386-5

 
 

MODULE 8

Q1

Refer back to your response to Topic 1 DQ 1: “Statistics is an important component of public health. Explain the relevance of statistics in the planning, implementation and evaluation of a health promotion intervention. How do you envision using statistics in your current or future career?” After completing the course, how has your vision changed regarding the role statistics will have in your current or future career?

Q2

Discuss an ethical challenge you might face as a researcher when collecting and analyzing data from human subjects. What is an IRB and why is it necessary?

STUDY MATERIALS

Review Chapter 16 in Using and Interpreting Statistics: A Practical Text for the Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences.

URL:http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/macmillan-learning/2016/using-and-interpreting-statistics_a-practical-text-for-the-behavioral-social-and-health-sciences_ebook_3e.php

View “Talk Nerdy to Me,” by Marshall (2012), located on the TED website.

URL: https://www.ted.com/talks/melissa_marshall_talk_nerdy_to_me

Read “Conducting High-Value Secondary Dataset Analysis: An Introductory Guide and Resources,” by Smith et al., from Journal of General Internal Medicine (2011).

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3138974/

Read “Successful Scientific Writing and Publishing: A Step-by-Step Approach,” By Iskander, Wolicki, Leeb, and Siegel, from Tools and Techniques (2018), located on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

URL: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2018/18_0085.htm

Read “The Belmont Report,” by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (1979), located on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website.

URL: https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/sites/default/files/the-belmont-report-508c_FINAL.pdf

Read “IRB FAQs” on the IRB Institutional Review Board, located on the Grand Canyon University website.

URL: https://cirt.gcu.edu/irb_documents/irbstudentresearchersfaqsdocx

Discuss an example of how a nurse leader was successful in spearheading change within an organization, institution, or the government that impacted healthcare policy. What driving forces led to the nurse leader’s success? What obstacles were encountered and how were they addressed? 

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Expectations

Initial Post:

• Length: A minimum of 250 words, not including references
• Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA from within the last 5 years

 Directions for Preparing the Scholarly Worksheet

1. Read each of the instructions.
2. Download and complete the required Clarifying Research Worksheet under Templates below.
3. Review the Week 5 Assignment Tutorial (Links to an external site.) (Transcript (Links to an external site.)) which reviews your Week 5 Assignment. Tutorial may look slightly different session to session. Grading criteria and rubric will be the same.
4. Two or more supporting scholarly sources are required. Textbooks are not allowed and should not be used as a scholarly source. Use the school Library to locate relevant, scholarly sources.
5. No more than two direct quotes are allowed. You should be using mostly your own words to demonstrate your understanding of the topics/criteria for this assignment. Citations and references must be included.
6. Submit the completed assignment on the Week 5: Assignment.

Templates

Clarifying Research Worksheet (Links to an external site.)

Best Practices

• For questions about this assignment, please contact your instructor.
• Spell check for spelling and grammar errors prior to final submission. 
• Please see the grading criteria and rubrics.
• Please use your browser’s File setting to save or print this page.
• Integrity Matters: Review the syllabus and follow the Academic Integrity policy in the Student Handbook (Links to an external site.).

Scholarly Sources and Citations 

• Two or more supporting scholarly sources are required.
• No more than two direct quotes are allowed.
• Use APA format in citations and references.

References

American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN). (2008). Executive summary: The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. http://www.aacnnursing.org/Education-Resources/AACN-Essentials

QSEN Institute. (2020). QSEN competencies. http://qsen.org/competencies/pre-licensure-ksas/

Assignment 2: Clinical Skills Self-Assessment

Photo Credit: AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Before embarking on any professional or academic activity, it is important to understand the background, knowledge, and experience you bring to it. You might ask yourself, “What do I already know? What do I need to know? And what do I want to know?” This critical self-reflection is especially important for developing clinical skills such as those for advanced practice nursing.

The PMHNP Clinical Skills List and PMHNP Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form provided in the Learning Resources can be used to celebrate your progress throughout your practicum and identify skills gaps. The skills list covers all necessary skills you should demonstrate during your practicum experiences.

For this Assignment (just as you did in PRAC 6645), you assess where you are now in your clinical skill development and make plans for this practicum. Specifically, you will identify strengths and opportunities for improvement regarding the required practicum skills. In this practicum experience, when developing your goals and objectives, be sure to keep assessment and diagnostic reasoning in mind. As you complete your self-assessment this week, you may wish to look back over your self-assessments from prior practicums to reflect on your growth.

To Prepare

• Review the clinical skills in the PMHNP Clinical Skills List document. It is recommended that you print out this document to serve as a guide throughout your practicum.
• Review the “Developing SMART Goals” resource on how to develop goals and objectives that follow the SMART framework.
• Review the resources on nursing competencies and nursing theory, and consider how these inform your practice.
• Download the PMHNP Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form to complete this Assignment.

The Assignment

Use the PMHNP Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form to complete the following:

• Rate yourself according to your confidence level performing the skills identified in the Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form.  
• Based on your ratings, summarize your strengths and opportunities for improvement.   
• Based on your self-assessment and theory of nursing practice, develop three to four (3–4) measurable goals and objectives for this practicum experience. Include them on the designated area of the form.