Week 10 Assignment 2

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) established nine core competencies to ensure that nurse practitioners (NPs) deliver high-quality, evidence-based care. My educational journey has prepared me to integrate these competencies into psychiatric and mental health practice: Week 10 Assignment 2.

Scientific Foundations Competency

My program has enhanced my capacity to assess evidence in science and translate it into the real clinical practice. In the pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based pathophysiology classes, the mental health disorders were understood clearly. Thus, based on the present state of knowledge of the efficacy of psychotropic medications and other forms of therapy, I am able to provide the patients with the best feasible therapeutic strategies.

Leadership Competency

Leadership skills are critical for driving change in mental healthcare. My program has equipped me to work with psychiatrists, therapists as well as social workers in the care of patients. I also possess advocacy skills which enable me to have policies that enhance access to mental health (Abu-Baker et al., 2021). For instance, I have participated in the discussions of the organizers regarding the possibilities of using a trauma-informed approach involving target clients being treated in psychiatric facilities.

Quality Competency

Quality improvement is essential for patient safety and positive outcomes. I have learned to use frameworks such as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model to evaluate treatment effectiveness. In psychiatric care, ensuring medication adherence is a key quality measure. My training has emphasized strategies such as motivational interviewing to help patients stay committed to their treatment plans, thereby reducing hospital readmissions.

Practice Inquiry Competency

I have also learned the ability to translate research into practice and enhance care through more inquiry. In my coursework, the focus has been on the application of the best practice approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and the dialectical behavioural therapy when it comes to mental health disorders (Nakao et al., 2021). I will be able to make appropriate clinical decisions about patients in light of the existing guidelines on treatment for mental disorders.

Technology and Information Literacy Competency

Technology plays a crucial role in modern psychiatric practice. The program has equipped me to use EHR and CDS to monitor the patients’ improvement and patients’ care plans. It has allowed me to gain knowledge of telehealth services that are vital in enhancing access to mental health since this is an area that has been challenged in most areas or regions.

Policy Competency

Policy advocacy is a vital aspect of psychiatric nursing. I have been able to learn about policies in relation to healthcare and psychiatric procedures including the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. By comprehending these policies, I can photograph fair healthcare treatment of persons suffering from mental ailments. Also, I am willing to offer legislation in an effort to increase the appropriate utilization of psychiatric services.

Health Delivery System Competency

My training has provided an in-depth understanding of healthcare systems and their impact on psychiatric care. I have learned the importance of integrating mental health services into primary care settings to ensure early intervention and comprehensive treatment. Collaborative care models, where primary care providers work alongside psychiatric specialists, have been a key focus of my education.

Ethics Competency

Ethical considerations are particularly important in psychiatric practice, where issues such as informed consent and patient autonomy frequently arise. My program has focused on ethical theories for dealing with challenging issues, which include formulating the right approach to the use of coerced treatment. Therefore, applying ethical principles will enable me to respect patient rights while delivering effective and safe treatment (Manderius et al., 2023).

Independent Practice Competency

My education has prepared me to function as an independent psychiatric nurse practitioner, diagnosing and managing mental health conditions across diverse populations. I have accumulated knowledge in performing integrated/complete psychiatric assessment and diagnosing, medication management and treatment, and counseling. Also, during my practice, the teams have taught me when multi-disciplinary teamwork should be adopted in providing care to patients.

Social Change as a Nurse Practitioner

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Maple Grove, Minnesota, I plan to engage in social change by promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma. One way of achieving this is through carrying out community awareness programs which aim at helping people to identify early signs of the mental disorder and when to seek help (Kumar et al., 2020). Finally, I also plan to encourage routine mental health check-ups like other forms of check-ups so that people receive early and appropriate intervention.

Legislative and Advocacy Activities

The Minnesota Nurse Practitioners (MNNP) organization actively advocates for legislative changes to improve NP practice. One of the outlined movements is the drive towards attaining Full Practice Authority where NPs can practice independently. Another legislative approach is aiming at the development of the use of telecommunication technology in providing psychiatric care, especially in areas where this service is infrequent. This way, working in these advocacy activities will enable me to make changes and development in mental health services in my state.

References

Abu-Baker, N. N., AbuAlrub, S., Obeidat, R. F., & Assmairan, K. (2021). Evidence-based practice beliefs and implementations: A cross-sectional study among undergraduate nursing students. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-020-00522-x

Kumar, A., Kearney, A., Hoskins, K., & Iyengar, A. (2020). The role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in improving mental and behavioral health care delivery for children and adolescents in multiple settings. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 34(5), 275–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.022

Manderius, C., Clintståhl, K., Sjöström, K., & Örmon, K. (2023). The psychiatric mental health nurse’s ethical considerations regarding the use of coercive measures – a qualitative interview study. BMC Nursing, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-023-01186-z

Nakao, M., Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive–behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, 15(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-021-00219-w

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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.

Week 10 Assignment 2

The nine areas of competency are:

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

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.