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Week 11: Journal Entry
Student Name
Walden University
PRAC 6665: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan I
Practicum Latanya Battle-Wherry
Date: …… 2
Week 11: Journal Entry
Learning From Experiences
During my clinical experience, I was able to fully formulate specific diagnoses based on the assessment data received through individual subjective and objective data, as well as develop
a differential diagnosis for such clients. I was also able to fully perform a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and was able to utilize different intake forms specific to each client seen for an initial intake evaluation. For my third goal, I was able to work with the preceptor in formulating an appropriate treatment plan for clients that incorporated both medications and psychotherapy that was specific for each client.
One challenging client I encountered was a 56-year-old African American female with multiple diagnoses, but specifically severe psychosis and paranoia. What made this client so difficult to treat was the fact that she would not leave her place of living and would not allow anyone to come to her house to assess her. She was having issues with weakness and falling, and stated her medications would make her ankles roll. Without actually being able to do a full physical assessment or being able to do any kind of diagnostics, it became more and more difficult to treat her and figure out exactly what was going on with her, and put her safety more at risk. Another client that was difficult to treat was a 5-year-old African American male with ADHD combined, Conduct disorder, and ODD. It was hard finding a medication that his insurance would cover, and amphetamines were causing him to lose weight. He was very hyper and would come into the office and run around, which made it difficult to assess him in any way.
Upon his last visit, he was up to 1 mg of Risperdal and 7.5 mg of Adderall, and the medications did not touch his symptoms. At this point, it was becoming difficult to find medication management that would work for him. A third client that was difficult was a 22-year-old African
Week 11: Journal Entry
Student Name
Walden University
PRAC 6665: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan I
Practicum Latanya Battle-Wherry
Date: …… 2
Week 11: Journal Entry
Learning From Experiences
During my clinical experience, I was able to fully formulate specific diagnoses based on the assessment data received through individual subjective and objective data, as well as develop
a differential diagnosis for such clients. I was also able to fully perform a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and was able to utilize different intake forms specific to each client seen for an initial intake evaluation. For my third goal, I was able to work with the preceptor in formulating an appropriate treatment plan for clients that incorporated both medications and psychotherapy that was specific for each client.
One challenging client I encountered was a 56-year-old African American female with multiple diagnoses, but specifically severe psychosis and paranoia. What made this client so difficult to treat was the fact that she would not leave her place of living and would not allow anyone to come to her house to assess her. She was having issues with weakness and falling, and stated her medications would make her ankles roll. Without actually being able to do a full physical assessment or being able to do any kind of diagnostics, it became more and more difficult to treat her and figure out exactly what was going on with her, and put her safety more at risk. Another client that was difficult to treat was a 5-year-old African American male with ADHD combined, Conduct disorder, and ODD. It was hard finding a medication that his insurance would cover, and amphetamines were causing him to lose weight. He was very hyper and would come into the office and run around, which made it difficult to assess him in any way.
Upon his last visit, he was up to 1 mg of Risperdal and 7.5 mg of Adderall, and the medications did not touch his symptoms. At this point, it was becoming difficult to find medication management that would work for him. A third client that was difficult was a 22-year-old African
