NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan

NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan Instructions

Now that you are in the final course in your program, it is time to turn in earnest to preparing for certification and licensure. You will need to take and pass the national PMHNP certification exam. Once certified, you will then be eligible to apply for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in the state desired. It will be up to you to ensure you are knowledgeable about the practice agreements, scope of practice, and prescriptive authority in your state (California).

Although a movement called the APRN Consensus Model is attempting to standardize NP regulations nationally, it is still the case that requirements vary state to state. In some states, NPs may establish an independent practice without the supervision of an MD. Additionally, states are currently categorized as either allowing full practice, reduced practice, or restricted practice.

Full practice states allow NPs to evaluate, order diagnostics, diagnose, and treat patients. They are licensed under the exclusive authority of the state board of nursing for the appropriate state. Many states may require prescriptive authority protocols in addition to collaborative agreement.

Another important area to consider and plan for is prescriptive authority. The appropriate board, which may be the medical board, state board of pharmacy, or nursing board, grants prescriptive authority under state law for the appropriate state licensure.

The federal government grants the authority to write for a controlled substance, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) verifies this action through by the appropriate state board. Drug Enforcement Agency registration is granted at the federal level and has additional requirements/fees for the registration process.

In this Discussion, you will locate and review the practice agreements in the state in which you plan to practice, identify potential collaboration requirements in your state, and understand the certification and licensing process that you will need to follow.

Also Read: Assignment 1: Evaluation and Management E/M NRNP 6675

TO PREPARE:

• Review practice agreements in your state.
• Identify whether your state requires physician collaboration or supervision for nurse practitioners, and if so, what those requirements are.
• Research the following:
  • How do you get certified and licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in your state?
  • What is the application process for certification in your state?
  • What is your state’s board of nursing website?
  • How does your state define the scope of practice of a nurse practitioner?
  • What is included in your state practice agreement?
  • How do you get a DEA license?
  • Does your state have a prescription monitoring program (PMP)?
  • How does your state describe a nurse practitioner’s controlled-substance prescriptive authority, and what nurse practitioner drug schedules are nurse practitioners authorized to prescribe?

By Day 3 of Week 1

Post a summary of your findings on your state based on the questions listed above. Explain the types of regulations that exist and the barriers that may impact nurse practitioner independent practice in your state. Be specific. Also, describe what surprised you from your research.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 1

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days in one or more of the ways listed below.

• Share an insight from having viewed your colleagues’ posts.
• Suggest additional actions or perspectives.
• Share insights after comparing state processes, roles, and limitations.
• Suggest a way to advocate for the profession.
• Share resources with those who are in your state.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply! 

NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan Example

I intend to practice in California after completing my nursing and receiving the necessary licensure. The California Board of registered nursing licenses and certifies nurses for practice in the state. To qualify for the licensure and certification to practice in California, one must have completed the relevant level of nursing training and passed the relevant nursing council examination.

For certification as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), the applicants must submit copies of their transcripts electronically and only through the nursing school, college, university, or the organization providing the transcripts. Most importantly, the applicant must first be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in the state of California.

Applying for certification and licensure as an APRN is entirely done online through the board’s website and the board’s email (California Board of Registered Nursing, n.d.). Various documents required are stated and submitted through email. The website defines the scope of practice for various APRNs and public health nurses (Huynh & Haddad, 2021). The state of California has multiple regulations that define the nursing practice.

The California Nursing Practice Act defines these regulations as well as the bruising scope for licensed nurses in the state (California Board of Registered Nursing, 2013). The Drug Enforcement Authority (DEA) certification application is made through the United States Department of Justice. What surprised me from my research was that California is one of the few states that grant nurses full practice authority.

Physical supervision and collaboration are not required for independent practice. However, this authority is only granted to these registered APRNs who have completed at least 4600 hours of practice under physician supervision before the transition to full authority. The timeline restriction is one of the barriers that I expect to meet during practice. However, I hope it is for the best. This law was passed and will be applied into practice from 2023 (Nurse.org, n.d.). California is a state that I cherish, and can wait to practice and enjoy the full authority of practice.  

References

California Board of Registered Nursing. (n.d.). Advanced practice and certification. Rn.ca.Gov. Retrieved February 27, 2022, from https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/ad-pract.shtml

California Board of Registered Nursing. (2013). California nursing practice act. Board of Registered Nursing. https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-i-15.pdf

Huynh, A. P., & Haddad, L. M. (2021). Nursing Practice Act. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

Nurse.org. (n.d.). California grants Nurse Practitioners full practice authority by 2023. Nurse.Org. Retrieved February 27, 2022, from https://nurse.org/articles/california-nurse-practitioners-full-practice/

NRNP 6675 Week 1 Discussion: Certification and Licensure Plan Example

Certification and Licensure Plan

The path to becoming a certified and licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is highlighted in the PMHNP program’s final course. This essay explores the critical steps in getting certified and licensed in Florida. We will look at becoming certified and licensed, signing practice agreements, having prescriptive authority, and analyzing state laws and other potential impediments to independent practice.

Certification and Licensure Process in Florida

Florida has a structured procedure with key milestones for becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). The key to obtaining licensure is passing the national PMHNP certification exam, the requirement for success. In addition, it is crucial to thoroughly understand Florida-specific practice agreements, scope of practice guidelines, and prescriptive authority standards (Buppert, 2021). With this information, nurse practitioners can better provide patient-centered care that adheres to state rules, ensuring that established standards are followed while maximizing healthcare results.

State Practice Agreements and Scope of Practice

Florida’s approach to APRN practice regulation reflects a larger trend toward empowering healthcare professionals. Notably, Florida exempts nurse practitioners from needing physician supervision or collaboration, allowing them to practice independently. This flexibility enables nurse practitioners to independently conduct examinations, diagnose, and deliver treatments. By adopting such a forward-thinking regulatory framework, Florida recognizes nurse practitioners’ advanced abilities and competencies, establishing an atmosphere supporting higher patient care standards (National Panel for Psychiatric Mental Health NP Competencies 2003).

Certification and Application Process

The certification and licensure procedure entails crucial steps and is vital to becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Florida. The keystone of this procedure is passing the national PMHNP certification exam, a big step that signifies a nurse practitioner’s capacity for advanced practice. This thorough test evaluates the skills and information needed to succeed in the psychiatric-mental health industry, ensuring nurse practitioners are ready to provide patients with high-quality care (DeNisco, 2023).

The next critical step is navigating the application procedure. Aspiring nurse practitioners must gather and submit proof of their educational accomplishments, clinical experience, and successfully passing the certification exam. They are confirmed to be capable of handling advanced practice obligations by this paperwork. During this stage, the Florida Board of Nursing is a crucial resource, providing comprehensive information about the requirements, application requirements, and deadlines (DeNisco, 2023). By providing clear instructions to potential nurse practitioners, this central center improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the application process.

Florida’s Board of Nursing website is a goldmine of useful information and is frequently updated and accessible. It provides detailed instructions that assist in guaranteeing correctness and completeness as it walks nurse practitioners through the complexities of creating and submitting their applications. The website also emphasizes the importance of following deadlines and meeting all standards, essential to efficiently processing applications. By fostering transparency and coherence in the application process, this portal acts as a dynamic resource that speeds up the process of Florida nurse practitioners being certified and licensed.

Prescriptive Authority and Controlled-Substance Prescription

In Florida, nurse practitioners can recommend prescriptions, including restricted narcotics. The acquisition of prescriptive authority is the foundation for this crucial aspect of their job. To obtain this ability, nurse practitioners must go through the painstakingly laid out application process for a DEA license (Zakhari, 2021). With the help of this license, nurse practitioners will be able to provide patients with a wide range of medical needs with comprehensive treatment that includes the responsible prescription of restricted medications.

Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) and Nurse Practitioner Drug Schedules

Florida takes a proactive stance regarding upholding the integrity and safety of drug use. Implementing a Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), a crucial instrument created to track the dispensation and use of prescription medications, is a good example. Given that they are required to follow the PMP protocols when prescribing drugs, nurse practitioners are essential to the success of this endeavor.

Additionally, according to state regulations, nurse practitioners have the power to prescribe drugs as long as they fall under specific prescription schedules (National Panel for Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Competencies 2003). These schedules outline the precise classes of medications that nurse practitioners are permitted to prescribe, reaffirming their status as responsible and informed healthcare providers.

Regulations and Barriers to Independent Practice

Florida does not require physician participation or supervision, reflecting the state’s progressive stance on the independent practice of nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners can practice to the fullest extent of their education and training in this regulated framework. The opposition of some medical associations, organizational structures within healthcare organizations, and public perceptions of nurse practitioners’ abilities are all possible obstacles to independent practice (Zakhari, 2021).

Surprising Findings

Florida’s strong autonomy for nurse practitioners, which allows them to offer care without requiring physician involvement or oversight, is one unexpected discovery. This innovative strategy fits the changing healthcare landscape by allowing nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive patient care. A further indication of the confidence in nurse practitioners’ clinical judgment and knowledge is the inclusion of banned substances in the scope of their practice.

In conclusion, this essay shows that the process for APRNs in Florida to become certified and licensed is well-organized and supports autonomy and patient-centered care. The state has acknowledged nurse practitioners’ talents by not requiring collaboration or supervision. Nurse practitioners are given the skills necessary to deliver high-quality treatment and contribute to the healthcare system when they can navigate the intricacies of certification, license, and regulatory frameworks.

References

Buppert, C. (2021). Nurse practitioner’s business practice and legal guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

DeNisco, S. M. (2023). Role development for the nurse practitioner (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

National Panel for Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Competencies 2003 PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER COMPETENCIES. (n.d.).

Zakhari, R. (2021). The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certification review manual. Springer Publishing Company.

NRNP 6675 Week 2 Assignment 1 – Evaluation And Management (E/M)

Insurance coding and billing is complex, but it boils down to how to accurately apply a code, or CPT (current procedural terminology), to the service that you provided. The payer then reimburses the service at a certain rate. As a provider, you will have to understand what codes to use and what documentation is necessary to support coding.

For this Assignment, you will review evaluation and management (E/M) documentation for a patient and perform a crosswalk of codes from DSM-5-TR to ICD-10. 

TO PREPARE

• Review this week’s Learning Resources on coding, billing, reimbursement.
• Review the E/M patient case scenario provided.

THE ASSIGNMENT

• Assign DSM-5-TR and ICD-10 codes to services based upon the patient case scenario. 

Then, in 1–2 pages address the following. You may add your narrative answers to these questions to the bottom of the case scenario document and submit altogether as one document.

• Explain what pertinent information, generally, is required in documentation to support DSM-5-TR and ICD-10 coding.
• Explain what pertinent documentation is missing from the case scenario, and what other information would be helpful to narrow your coding and billing options.
• Finally, explain how to improve documentation to support coding and billing for maximum reimbursement.   

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 2

Submit your Assignment.

NRNP 6675 Week 2 Assignment 2 Study Plan

Can you imagine an athlete deciding to run a marathon without training for the event? Most ambitious people who have set this goal will follow a specific training plan that will allow them to feel confident and prepared on the big day. Similarly, if you want to feel confident and prepared for your certification exam, you should create and follow a plan that will thoroughly prepare you for success.

In this Assignment, you will review the study plan that you developed in NRNP 6665, and revise your plan as necessary, which will serve as the road map for you to follow to attain your certification.

TO PREPARE

• Reflect on the study plan you created in NRNP 6665. Did you accomplish your SMART goals? What areas of focus still present opportunities for growth?

THE ASSIGNMENT

• Revise your study plan summarizing your current strengths and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop 3–4 new SMART goals for this quarter 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.
• 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 2

Submit your study plan.

NRNP 6675 Week 3 Assignment – Focused Soap Note For Anxiety, PTSD and OCD

In assessing patients with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma and stressor-related disorders, you will continue the practice of looking to understand chief symptomology in order to develop a diagnosis. With a differential diagnosis in mind, you can then move to a treatment and follow-up plan that may involve both psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic approaches. 

In this Assignment, you use a case study to develop a focused SOAP note based on evidence-based approaches. 

TO PREPARE

• Review this week’s Learning Resources. Consider the insights they provide about assessing and diagnosing anxiety, obsessive compulsive, and trauma-related disorders.
• Review the Focused SOAP Note template, which you will use to complete this Assignment. There is also a Focused SOAP Note Exemplar provided as a guide for Assignment expectations.
• Review the video, Case Study: Dev Cordoba. You will use this case as the basis of this Assignment. In this video, a Walden faculty member is assessing a mock patient. The patient will be represented onscreen as an avatar.
• Consider what history would be necessary to collect from this patient.
• Consider what interview questions you would need to ask this patient.

THE ASSIGNMENT

Develop a Focused SOAP Note, including your differential diagnosis and critical-thinking process to formulate a primary diagnosis. Incorporate the following into your responses in the template:

• Subjective: What details did the patient provide regarding their chief complaint and symptomology to derive your differential diagnosis? What is the duration and severity of their symptoms? How are their symptoms impacting their functioning in life?
• Objective: What observations did you make during the psychiatric assessment?  
• Assessment: Discuss the patient’s mental status examination results. What were your differential diagnoses? Provide a minimum of three possible diagnoses with supporting evidence, listed in order from highest priority to lowest priority. Compare the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for each differential diagnosis and explain what DSM-5-TR criteria rules out the differential diagnosis to find an accurate diagnosis. Explain the critical-thinking process that led you to the primary diagnosis you selected. Include pertinent positives and pertinent negatives for the specific patient case.
• Plan: What is your plan for psychotherapy? What is your plan for treatment and management, including alternative therapies? Include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, alternative therapies, and follow-up parameters, as well as a rationale for this treatment and management plan. Also incorporate one health promotion activity and one patient education strategy.
• Reflection notes: What would you do differently with this patient if you could conduct the session again? Discuss what your next intervention would be if you could follow up with this patient. Also include in your reflection a discussion related to legal/ethical considerations (demonstrate critical thinking beyond confidentiality and consent for treatment!), health promotion, and disease prevention, taking into consideration patient factors (such as age, ethnic group, etc.), PMH, and other risk factors (e.g., socioeconomic, cultural background, etc.).
• Provide at least three evidence-based, peer-reviewed journal articles or evidenced-based guidelines that relate to this case to support your diagnostics and differential diagnoses. Be sure they are current (no more than 5 years old).

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 3

Submit your Focused SOAP Note.

MEDICATION REVIEW

Review the FDA-approved use of the following medicines related to treating anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and related disorders:

Posttraumatic stress disorder		Reversal of benzodiazepine effects		Social anxiety disorder
citalopram clonidine desvenlafaxine escitalopram fluoxetine fluvoxamine mirtazapine nefazodone paroxetine prazosin (nightmares) propranolol (prophylactic) sertraline venlafaxine		flumazenil		citalopram clonidine desvenlafaxine escitalopram fluoxetine fluvoxamine isocarboxazid moclobemide paroxetine phenelzine pregabalin sertraline tranylcypromine venlafaxine

Obsessive-compulsive disorder
citalopram clomipramine escitalopram fluoxetine fluvoxamine paroxetine sertraline venlafaxine vilazodone

NRNP 6675 Week 5 Assignment – Focused Soap Note for Schizophrenia Spectrum, Other Psychotic, and Medication-Induced Movement Disorders

Psychotic disorders change one’s sense of reality and cause abnormal thinking and perception. Patients presenting with psychotic disorders may suffer from delusions or hallucinations or may display negative symptoms such as lack of emotion or withdraw from social situations or relationships. Symptoms of medication-induced movement disorders can be mild or lethal and can include, for example, tremors, dystonic reactions, or serotonin syndrome.

For this Assignment, you will complete a focused SOAP note for a patient in a case study who has either a schizophrenia spectrum, other psychotic, or medication-induced movement disorder. Have a look at NRNP 6675 Week 2 Assignment 1: Evaluation and Management (E/M).

TO PREPARE

• Review the Focused SOAP Note template, which you will use to complete this Assignment. There is also a Focused SOAP Note Exemplar provided as a guide for Assignment expectations.
• Review the video, Case Study: Sherman Tremaine. You will use this case as the basis of this Assignment. In this video, a Walden faculty member is assessing a mock patient. The patient will be represented onscreen as an avatar.
• Consider what history would be necessary to collect from this patient.
• Consider what interview questions you would need to ask this patient.

THE ASSIGNMENT

Develop a focused SOAP note, including your differential diagnosis and critical-thinking process to formulate a primary diagnosis. Incorporate the following into your responses in the template:

• Subjective: What details did the patient provide regarding their chief complaint and symptomology to derive your differential diagnosis? What is the duration and severity of their symptoms? How are their symptoms impacting their functioning in life? 
• Objective: What observations did you make during the psychiatric assessment?  
• Assessment: Discuss the patient’s mental status examination results. What were your differential diagnoses? Provide a minimum of three possible diagnoses with supporting evidence, and list them in order from highest priority to lowest priority. Compare the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for each differential diagnosis and explain what DSM-5-TR criteria rules out the differential diagnosis to find an accurate diagnosis. Explain the critical-thinking process that led you to the primary diagnosis you selected. Include pertinent positives and pertinent negatives for the specific patient case.
• Plan: What is your plan for psychotherapy? What is your plan for treatment and management, including alternative therapies? Include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, alternative therapies, and follow-up parameters, as well as a rationale for this treatment and management plan. Also incorporate one health promotion activity and one patient education strategy.
• Reflection notes: What would you do differently with this patient if you could conduct the session again? Discuss what your next intervention would be if you were able to follow up with this patient. Also include in your reflection a discussion related to legal/ethical considerations (demonstrate critical thinking beyond confidentiality and consent for treatment!), health promotion, and disease prevention, taking into consideration patient factors (such as age, ethnic group, etc.), PMH, and other risk factors (e.g., socioeconomic, cultural background, etc.).
• Provide at least three evidence-based, peer-reviewed journal articles or evidenced-based guidelines that relate to this case to support your diagnostics and differential diagnoses. Be sure they are current (no more than 5 years old).

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 5

Submit your Focused SOAP Note.

NRNP 6675 Week 7 Assignment – Controversy Associated with Personality and Paraphilic Disorders

Between 10% and 20% of the population experience personality disorders. They are difficult to treat as individuals with personality disorders are less likely to seek help than individuals with other mental health disorders. Treatment can be challenging as they do not see their symptoms as painful to themselves or others.

Paraphilic disorders are far more common in men than in women, and generally quite chronic, lasting at least two years. Treatment of these disorders usually involves both psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic treatments.

In this Assignment, you will explore personality and paraphilic disorders in greater detail. You will research potentially controversial elements of the diagnosis and/or treatment and explain ethical and legal considerations when working with these disorders.

TO PREPARE

• Review this week’s Learning Resources and consider the insights they provide on assessing, diagnosing, and treating personality and paraphilic disorders.
• Select a specific personality or paraphilic disorder from the DSM-5-TR to use for this Assignment.
• Use the Walden Library to investigate your chosen disorder further, including controversial aspects of the disorder, maintaining the therapeutic relationship, and ethical and legal considerations. 

THE ASSIGNMENT

In 2–3 pages:

• Explain the controversy that surrounds your selected disorder.
• Explain your professional beliefs about this disorder, supporting your rationale with at least three scholarly references from the literature.
• Explain strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a patient that may present with this disorder.
• Finally, explain ethical and legal considerations related to this disorder that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important.

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 7

Submit your Assignment. 

NRNP 6675 Week 8 Assignment – Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Psychiatric Emergencies

The diagnosis of psychiatric emergencies can include a wide range of problems—from serious drug reactions to abuse and suicidal ideation/behaviors. Regardless of care setting, the PMHNP must know how to address emergencies, coordinate care with other members of the health care team and law enforcement officials (when indicated), and effectively communicate with family members who are often overwhelmed in emergency situations. In their role, PMHNPs can ensure a smooth transition from emergency mental health care to follow-up care, and also bridge the physical–mental health divide in healthcare.

In this week’s Assignment, you explore legal and ethical issues surrounding psychiatric emergencies, and identify evidence-based suicide and violence risk assessments. 

TO PREPARE

• Review this week’s Learning Resources and consider the insights they provide about psychiatric emergencies and the ethical and legal issues surrounding these events.

THE ASSIGNMENT

In 2–3 pages, address the following:

• Explain your state laws for involuntary psychiatric holds for child and adult psychiatric emergencies. Include who can hold a patient and for how long, who can release the emergency hold, and who can pick up the patient after a hold is released.
• Explain the differences among emergency hospitalization for evaluation/psychiatric hold, inpatient commitment, and outpatient commitment in your state.
• Explain the difference between capacity and competency in mental health contexts.
• Select one of the following topics, and explain one legal issue and one ethical issue related to this topic that may apply within the context of treating psychiatric emergencies: patient autonomy, EMTALA, confidentiality, HIPAA privacy rule, HIPAA security rule, protected information, legal gun ownership, career obstacles (security clearances/background checks), and payer source.
• Identify one evidence-based suicide risk assessment that you could use to screen patients.
• Identify one evidence-based violence risk assessment that you could use to screen patients.

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 8

Submit your Assignment. Attach copies of or links to the suicide and violence risk assessments you selected.

MEDICATION REVIEW

Review the FDA-approved use of the following medicines related to treating psychiatric emergencies:

Catatonia	Extrapyramidal side effects	Mania
alprazolam chlordiazepoxide clonazepam clorazepate diazepam estazolam flunitrazepam flurazepam loflazepate lorazepam midazolam oxazepam quazepam temazepam triazolam	benztropine diphenhydramine trihexyphenidyl	alprazolam (adjunct) aripiprazole asenapine carbamazepine chlorpromazine clonazepam (adjunct) iloperidone lamotrigine levetiracetam lithium lorazepam (adjunct) lurasidone olanzapine quetiapine risperidone sertindole valproate (divalproex) ziprasidone zotepine

NRNP 6675 week 9 discussion – Prescribing for Older Adults and Pregnant Women

After assessing and diagnosing a patient, PMHNPs must take into consideration special characteristics of the patient before determining an appropriate course of treatment. For pharmacological treatments that are not FDA-approved for a particular use or population, off-label use may be considered when the potential benefits could outweigh the risks.

In this Discussion, you will investigate a specific disorder and determine potential appropriate treatments for when it occurs in an older adult or pregnant woman. 

TO PREPARE:

• Choose one of the two following specific populations: either pregnant women or older adults. Then, select a specific disorder from the DSM-5-TR to use.
• Use the Walden Library to research evidence-based treatments for your selected disorder in your selected population (either older adults or pregnant women). You will need to recommend one FDA-approved drug, one non-FDA-approved “off-label” drug, and one nonpharmacological intervention for treating the disorder in that population.

BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 9

• Recommend one FDA-approved drug, one off-label drug, and one nonpharmacological intervention for treating your chosen disorder in older adults or pregnant women.
• Explain the risk assessment you would use to inform your treatment decision  making. What are the risks and benefits of the FDA-approved medicine? What are the risks and benefits of the off-label drug?
• Explain whether clinical practice guidelines exist for this disorder, and if so, use them to justify your recommendations. If not, explain what information you would need to take into consideration.
• Support your reasoning with at least three current, credible scholarly resources, one each on the FDA-approved drug, the off-label, and a nonpharmacological intervention for the disorder.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 9

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days who selected different disorders. Propose an alternative on-label, off-label, or nonpharmacological treatment for the disorders. Justify your suggestions with at least two references to the literature. 

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply! 

NRNP 6675 Week 10 Assignment – Nurse Practitioner Professional Career Planner

As you approach the end of your Master of Science in Nursing program and prepare for a career as a nurse practitioner, you will want to create a cover letter, resume, and portfolio that best represent your knowledge, skills, and abilities as a professional in the field of nursing.

For this Assignment, you will create a Career Planner, which includes these elements, that you can use as you pursue your next professional role.

TO PREPARE

• Review the Career Planner Guide. This document contains the requirements for the Assignment as well as resources to consult.
• Seek out other resources on cover letters, resumes, and other professional resources, as needed. The Walden University Career Planning and Development site has information on many topics of relevance

THE ASSIGNMENT

Develop a cover letter, resume, philosophy statement, and other professional resources that meet the requirements outlined in the Career Planner Guide.

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 10

Submit your Career Planner.

NRNP 6675 Week 10 Assignment 2 – National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Competencies

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has determined nine broad areas of core competence that apply to all nurse practitioners, regardless of specialty or patient population focus. NONPF created the first set of Nurse Practitioner Competencies in 1990; the most recent updates were incorporated in 2017. This course was designed to prepare you to synthesize knowledge gained throughout the program and to apply each of the nine core competencies within your selected areas of practice and your representative communities.

The nine areas of competency are:

• Scientific Foundations
• Leadership
• Quality
• Practice Inquiry
• Technology and Information Literacy
• Policy
• Health Delivery System
• Ethics
• Independent Practice

TO PREPARE

• Review this week’s Learning Resources, focusing on the NONPF Core Competencies Content.

THE ASSIGNMENT

For each of the nine NONPF competencies, write one paragraph explaining how the program has prepared you to meet the competency (for a total of at least nine paragraphs). Then, propose how you plan to engage in social change in your community as a nurse practitioner. Finally, describe 1–2 legislative and/or advocacy activities in which your state nurse practitioner organization(s) are involved. Be specific and provide examples.

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 10

Submit your Assignment.