Depression and Mental Health
Mental health has become a significant public health concern globally, more so with the presence of the covid-19 pandemic. Life has changed, a lot has changed, compels many people to develop mental health disorders, with depression leading. Depression has thus been ranked as one of the mental health disorders that have the most significant burden for individuals, families, and society. Hence, it is considered a major depressive disorder that causes medical illnesses, tampering with a person’s moods, feelings, and even the mode of thinking concerning actions taken (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2018). As a result, it is mainly associated with sadness feelings, notwithstanding the loss of interest in things once a person’s favorite (American Psychiatric Association, 2018). This paper aims to identify my learning objectives, activities, and the timeline for my practicum experience related to my practice problem.
Learning Objectives
One of my learning objectives is to identify the practice problem of decreasing depression among Adolescents since the Covid-19 pandemic. Concerning its adverse effects, depression may subject its victims to a compromised state of practical reasoning and informed decision to the extent of making and taking irreversible actions such as suicide (Duggan et al., 2017).
Another objective will be a review of clinic policies and forms used to ensure proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of Adolescents with Depression. Utilize the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ 9) screening tool to identify depression in Aolescents quickly and their response to therapy during follow-up visits. PHQ-9 is one of the most helpful research tools used in an outpatient clinical setting. The PHQ-9 is an essential and reliable tool that can measure the severity of depression in patients (Kroenke et al., 2001).
The third objective will appraise my clinical expertise and personal growth in leadership skills with my preceptor. Professional development in evidence-based practice will be paramount during this practicum experience. A DNP-prepared nurse better understands evidence-based clinical guidelines and focuses on translating evidence into practice (McCauley et al., 2020).
Key Activities
The initial vital activity will be to discuss the project plan/practice problem with my preceptor: “Utilizing the PHQ 9 screening tool to decrease depression among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old in outpatient clinical setting.” It is imperative to assess the team’s readiness to implement this change and brainstorm the effect of depression among Adolescents during initial and follow-up visits. Effective planning for intervention starts with discussing the problem and the necessary interventions (Kettner et al., 2017). Collaborate with the clinical team to locate outside community resources that can assist adolescents diagnosed with depression.
Proposed Time Line for My Practicum Experience
Timelines are essential when completing projects. They help organize your work by providing concise directions and priorities. I expect to complete a minimum of 72 hours during my practicum experience. The anticipated timeline for my practicum experience is eleven weeks, and my clinical hours may vary depending on my preceptor’s availability and schedule.
