1. Introduction
The PRAC 6635 Clinical Skills Self‑Assessment Form is a structured tool used in advanced practice nursing education.

Purpose:

Help students evaluate their current clinical competencies.

Identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Guide learning objectives and practicum experiences.

It is part of the clinical preparation process in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs.

2. Importance of Self‑Assessment
Encourages self‑reflection and accountability.

Promotes lifelong learning and professional growth.

Aligns student goals with program outcomes.

Helps faculty and preceptors tailor clinical experiences.

Supports evidence‑based practice by identifying gaps in knowledge and skills.

3. Structure of the Form
Typically divided into domains of clinical skills:

Assessment Skills – gathering patient history, performing mental status exams.

Diagnostic Reasoning – applying DSM‑5 criteria, ruling out differential diagnoses.

Therapeutic Interventions – psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, crisis management.

Communication Skills – therapeutic communication, interprofessional collaboration.

Professionalism and Ethics – confidentiality, cultural competence, advocacy.

Documentation – SOAP notes, treatment plans, progress notes.

Each skill is rated on a competency scale (e.g., novice, competent, proficient, expert).

4. Assessment Skills
History Taking: Comprehensive psychiatric, medical, family, and social history.

Mental Status Examination (MSE): Appearance, behavior, speech, mood, thought process, cognition, insight, judgment.

Screening Tools: PHQ‑9, GAD‑7, CAGE, MMSE.

Risk Assessment: Suicide, violence, substance use.

Physical Exam: Basic neurological and systemic assessment when relevant.

5. Diagnostic Reasoning
DSM‑5 Application: Accurate identification of psychiatric disorders.

Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishing between similar presentations (e.g., depression vs. bipolar disorder).

Integration of Data: Combining subjective and objective findings.

Clinical Judgment: Prioritizing patient needs and risks.

6. Therapeutic Interventions
Psychopharmacology:

Knowledge of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics.

Monitoring side effects and drug interactions.

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Supportive therapy, family therapy.

Crisis Intervention:

Managing acute psychiatric emergencies.

Safety planning and hospitalization decisions.

Health Promotion:

Lifestyle counseling, stress management, sleep hygiene.

7. Communication Skills
Therapeutic Communication: Active listening, empathy, motivational interviewing.

Interprofessional Collaboration: Working with physicians, social workers, psychologists.

Patient Education: Explaining diagnoses, treatment options, medication adherence.

Cultural Competence: Respecting diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

8. Professionalism and Ethics
Confidentiality: HIPAA compliance.

Boundaries: Maintaining professional relationships.

Advocacy: Promoting patient rights and access to care.

Ethical Decision‑Making: Handling dilemmas (e.g., involuntary treatment).

Self‑Care: Preventing burnout, maintaining resilience.

9. Documentation
SOAP Notes: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan.

Treatment Plans: Goals, interventions, expected outcomes.

Progress Notes: Tracking patient improvement.

Legal Requirements: Accurate, timely, and complete records.

10. Using the Self‑Assessment Form
Step 1: Complete the form honestly, rating each skill.

Step 2: Identify top strengths (e.g., communication, empathy).

Step 3: Highlight areas needing improvement (e.g., psychopharmacology knowledge).

Step 4: Set learning objectives for practicum.

Step 5: Share with faculty/preceptor to guide clinical placement.

11. Benefits
Provides a baseline for clinical skill development.

Encourages goal‑setting and accountability.

Enhances student‑faculty communication.

Supports competency‑based education.

Prepares students for real‑world practice.

12. Challenges
Students may overestimate or underestimate abilities.

Requires honesty and self‑awareness.

Needs regular updating to reflect progress.

Must be integrated with feedback from preceptors.

13. Role in PMHNP Education
Ensures students are prepared for psychiatric clinical rotations.

Aligns with program outcomes and accreditation standards.

Builds confidence in managing complex psychiatric cases.

Promotes safe, ethical, and effective practice.

14. Case Example
Student A: Rates high in communication but low in psychopharmacology.

Plan: Focus practicum on medication management, attend pharmacology workshops.

Outcome: Improved confidence in prescribing, balanced skill set.

15. Summary
The PRAC 6635 Clinical Skills Self‑Assessment Form is a vital tool for nursing students.

It promotes reflection, competency development, and personalized learning.

Domains include assessment, diagnosis, interventions, communication, professionalism, and documentation.

Used effectively, it enhances clinical readiness and professional growth.

📝 Quiz (15 Questions)
Multiple Choice – Select the best answer.

What is the primary purpose of the PRAC 6635 Self‑Assessment Form? a) Grade students b) Evaluate clinical competencies and guide learning c) Replace exams d) Provide patient feedback

Which domain includes history taking and mental status exams? a) Diagnostic reasoning b) Assessment skills c) Documentation d) Ethics

Which tool screens for depression? a) MMSE b) PHQ‑9 c) CAGE d) GAD‑7

Which skill involves applying DSM‑5 criteria? a) Communication b) Diagnostic reasoning c) Documentation d) Ethics

Which therapy is evidence‑based for depression? a) CBT b) Radiation therapy c) Dialysis d) Chemotherapy

Which medication class treats psychosis? a) Antidepressants b) Antipsychotics c) Anxiolytics d) Mood stabilizers

Which communication technique emphasizes empathy and listening? a) Active listening b) Commanding speech c) Silence only d) Avoidance

Which law governs confidentiality in healthcare? a) OSHA b) HIPAA c) FDA d) CMS

Which documentation format is standard in clinical practice? a) SOAP notes b) SWOT analysis c) PDSA cycle d) Root cause analysis

Which domain includes advocacy and self‑care? a) Professionalism and ethics b) Assessment skills c) Documentation d) Diagnostic reasoning

Which intervention manages acute psychiatric emergencies? a) Crisis intervention b) CBT c) Lifestyle counseling d) Family therapy

Which domain includes collaboration with physicians and social workers? a) Communication skills b) Documentation c) Assessment d) Ethics

Which challenge affects self‑assessment accuracy? a) Overestimating or underestimating abilities b) Faculty feedback c) Access to resources d) Accreditation standards

Which student strength might balance low pharmacology skills? a) Communication b) Documentation c) Ethics d) Assessment

Why is the self‑assessment form important in PMHNP education? a) Ensures readiness for psychiatric clinical rotations b) Eliminates exams c) Focuses only on pharmacology d) Avoids faculty involvement

Answer Key: 1‑b, 2‑b, 3‑b, 4‑b, 5‑a, 6‑b, 7‑a, 8‑b, 9‑a, 10‑a, 11‑a, 12‑a, 13‑a, 14‑a, 15‑a