NR 576 - Week 4 Clinical Practicum Setting

My name is [Your Name], and I am thrilled to be a part of this class. Currently, I am completing my clinical practicum at an internal medicine office where I primarily attend to middle-aged adults and older adults. In this setting, I am engaged in managing a diverse range of health conditions and delivering comprehensive care to our patients.

Clinical Practicum Setting

In my clinical practicum at an internal medicine office, I have the opportunity to provide care to a broad demographic, with a focus on middle-aged adults (45-64 years) and older adults (65 years and older). The clinical setting emphasizes preventative care, chronic disease management, and holistic patient-centered care, essential elements in nursing practice that align with nursing theories such as Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, which emphasizes caring as a central component in nursing.

Preventive Care Screenings for Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Colorectal Cancer Screening

According to Healthy People 2030, colorectal cancer screening is crucial for adults aged 45 to 75 years. The recommended screening methods include:

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
Colonoscopy every 10 years
CT Colonography

These screenings aim to detect colorectal cancer at an early, more treatable stage, significantly impacting patient outcomes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020).

Breast Cancer Screening

Healthy People 2030 also emphasizes the importance of breast cancer screening for women aged 50 to 74 years. The primary screening method is:

Mammogram

The recommended frequency is every two years for women within this age group. Women aged 40 to 49 should have individualized discussions with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions based on their risk factors and preferences (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020).

Guidelines for Preventive Care Screenings

Providers utilize evidence-based guidelines to determine appropriate screenings. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is a critical source, offering graded recommendations based on a thorough evaluation of the balance between benefits and harms of various screenings (USPSTF, 2021). Additionally, guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other authoritative bodies such as the American Cancer Society (ACS) provide valuable insights and protocols for preventive care.

Incorporating these guidelines ensures that patient care is aligned with the latest evidence-based practices, promoting optimal health outcomes. The integration of such guidelines reflects the principles of the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies, particularly evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, which are foundational to the nursing profession.

References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Healthy People 2030: Objectives for Improving Health and Well-being. Retrieved from https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/cancer

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). (2021). The Guide to Clinical Preventive Services 2021. Retrieved from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics

Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring. University Press of Colorado