PRACTICUM-JOURNAL ENTRY
According to various studies regarding how to improve care outcomes, nurses who have undergone through training are known to contribute to this since they have the competency of utilizing their knowledge, skills, and attitudes that can result to quality improvement and patient initiatives in health care systems. Trained usually have skills in four areas, including relationship building, probing, empowering, and challenging. However, through the integration of counseling theories and nursing theories into practice, clinicians are expected to have knowledge and skills that can be used when dealing with increasingly complicated patient care situations (Petprin, 2016). Therefore, in this paper, we will discuss the nursing and counseling theories that have been selected, develop goals and objectives that are necessary for my experience, and then develop a timeline of practicum activities.
Selected Nursing and Counseling Theories
Nursing Theory
Nursing theory is a set of descriptions, propositions, ideas, and conventions that are derived from a nursing model or other subjects used by nurses when assessing, planning, and implementing patient care through the provided framework, hence, enhancing research and practice. Usually, these theories are used by clinicians to describe, predict, and explain the phenomenon of nursing. Therefore, considering the significance of nursing theories to nursing practice, nurses can use theories as a plan for reflection that can be used when examining a particular direction where the plan is required to head. Theories such as; Theory of comfort (Katherine Kolcaba), Theory of interpersonal relations (Hildegard Peplau), and Self-care deficit nursing theory (Dorothea Orem), are examples of nursing theories that are generally used by caregivers during their clinical practice.
Therefore, when giving care services to patients who have mental issues, I prefer using the Theory of Human Caring introduced by Jean Watson. Based on this theory, nursing is defined by caring since humans cannot be treated as objects and that humans cannot be separated from self, other, nature, and the broader workforce (Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, n.d). Usually, the structure of the science of caring is built upon carative factors that can be demonstrated and practiced, towards improving care outcomes. Therefore, when applying this theory into practice, caring science will assist in embracing the positive energy that flows from integrated mind, body, and spirit that will mutually benefit both the patient and the nurse. Also, this theory will allow me to assert my beliefs, values, and reasons concerning why I became a nurse.
Counseling Theory
During psychotherapy treatment, counseling theories are considered to be very crucial since they give plans that can be used by healthcare professionals especially when interpreting patient’s behaviors, thoughts, and feelings when providing healthcare services to them. Although counseling theories and therapies overlap considerably, they can be organized into four broad groups where each group is characterized primarily by background, behavior, emotions, and thoughts (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2012).
Therefore, when recommending which type of counseling theory that will be selected, I will prefer using theories emphasizing on behavior. Usually, behavior counseling focuses on the present manifestation of observable behaviors and targets a broad range of behaviors, including substance use, eating, interpersonal skills, self-care, and many others. Behavior counseling is considered useful since it incorporates a wide variety of strategies that can facilitate change (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2013). Also, through behavioral counseling, patients will be taught to learn new techniques and skills on how to overcome their mental health issues accordingly, hence, changing how they think and feel.
Developing Goals and Objectives
Goals:
- To acquire knowledge and skills that will advance my professional experience.
- To identify how theoretical and practical learning practices can be integrated towards achieving the desired care outcomes.
- To consult and practice as per the requirements of the ethical standards.
Objectives:
- Utilize my professional experience and counseling expertise in improving patient care outcomes.
- Develop a cohesive relationship with the patients as well as provide a comfortable environment when assessing them.
- Integrate nursing and counseling theories when evaluating the patients, and support them towards improving their quality of life.
Timeline of Practicum activities
Activity
Timeline
Explore nursing and counseling theories that will be used when assessing the patient.
To end by May 7, 2019
Meet clinical supervisors, clinical supervisors, staff, and other professional physicians of the designated hospital, as well as consult about various professional, ethical standards.
To end by May 14, 2019
Assess and treat patients by giving them a comfortable environment by creating a cohesive relationship with them.
To be accomplished by July 26, 2019
Pinpoint and share achievements and challenges experienced during my practicum with other colleagues and the clinical supervisor.
To be accomplished by Aug 7, 2019
Present the report about the experience and achievements to the institution.
To be achieved by July 15, 2019
References
Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring | Hospital in Redlands, CA. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.redlandshospital.org/nursing-excellence/jean-watsons-theory-of-human caring/
Petprin, A. (2016). Psychiatric and mental health nursing. Nursing Theory. Retrieved from http://www.nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/psychiatric-and-mental-health- nursing.php
Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2012). Clinical interview: Intake, assessment, & therapeutic alliance [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.
Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2013). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.