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…

Introduction A Practicum Experience Plan (PEP) is a structured document that outlines the goals, objectives, strategies, and evaluation methods for a nursing student’s practicum placement. It serves as a roadmap for experiential learning, ensuring that students gain practical skills aligned with program outcomes and professional standards. The PEP is central to advanced nursing education, particularly…

A 72 year old male presented for a follow up for Alzheimer’s dementia with behavioral disturbances. His wife reported increased agitation in the evenings. The patient was oriented to person only, with labile affect. Intervention: Discussed behavioral strategies and safety planning with caregiver.

13 year old female with Dissociative Disorder and Mood Disorder presented for therapy after recent self-isolative behaviors and memory gaps. She described periods of “spacing out” during emotional distress and reported low mood and poor sleep. Mental status noted a detached affect and inconsistent eye contact. The session involved reality orientation, mindfulness training, and supportive…

1.A 45 year old female with Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorder and Mood Disorder presented for a psychotherapy follow-up. She reported recurrent nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness related to past domestic abuse. The patient displayed tearfulness, avoidance of trauma reminders, and difficulty trusting others. Mental status revealed anxious and depressed mood, restricted affect, and fair insight.…

Blog: strategies for empowerment In this course, you will produce a series of Blog entries to be shared with your colleagues. Blogs help facilitate a meaningful and more informal classroom environment—one that fosters dialogue, interaction, and the dissemination of ideas in a functional platform (Kuo et al., 2017). Blogs also promote community-building and a collaborative…

Introduction The NURS 8002: Foundations and Essentials for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) course begins with a Week 1 Blog assignment. This activity is designed to help students reflect on their personal and professional journeys, identify strategies for success, and connect their goals with Walden University’s mission of positive social change. Blogging encourages self‑reflection,…

Introduction The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework highlights the non‑medical conditions that influence health outcomes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), SDOH are “the circumstances in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life”. These determinants explain why…

Introduction Walden University was founded in 1970 with a vision of combining academic excellence with a commitment to positive social change. This mission remains central to its identity, guiding students, faculty, and alumni to use knowledge not only for personal advancement but also for improving society. Walden defines social change as a deliberate process of…

Introduction Nursing practice is guided by a conceptual framework often referred to as the metaparadigm of nursing. This framework consists of four central domains: Person, Environment, Health, and Nursing. These domains provide a holistic lens through which nurses understand patients, deliver care, and advance the discipline. By integrating these domains, nurses ensure that care is…