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Week 3: Study Plan
Name
Institution
Course
Instructor
Date
2
My Reflection on Week 2 Practice Exam Results
Becoming a PMHNP requires one to sharpen their skills and be competent in delivering
high-quality, effective, and safe care to patients from diverse populations (Fraino & Selix, 2021).
To achieve this, the National Certification Exam has been used over the years, to assess the
knowledge and core skillsets of prospective PMHNPs in meeting their professional obligations to
the patients and society (Barnes et al., 2021). In Week 2, I did a practice exam that I believe,
with the relevant adjustments, is key to assessing my readiness for the national certification
exam. It is a powerful tool to evaluate my strengths and identify areas of opportunity that require
attention before undertaking the official certification examination. This approach will enhance
my likelihood of attaining the passing score on the first attempt. This study plan addresses my
strengths and opportunities for improvement that were illuminated by the practice test results.
These areas will guide objectives and associated tasks that I need to undertake before attempting
the Board Certification Examination.
My Strengths and Opportunities for Improvement
After reviewing my practice exam results, I can confidently spot several areas of my
strength. I am adept at performing psychiatric assessments utilizing both subjective and
objective data. I understand how to differentiate between various mental health conditions and
appropriately apply my knowledge of psychopharmacological agents commonly used in
psychiatric practice. I also excelled in questions that tested effective communication strategies
with patients. Such questions tested techniques for handling difficult conversations and building
therapeutic nurse-patient alliances. I also demonstrated critical thinking as a skill in many
questions by incorporating legal and ethical considerations into treatment plans.
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Despite feeling confident in various areas, the test highlighted a few gaps that I will use as
opportunities for improvement. I struggled with questions that required me to accurately identify
and apply age-appropriate diagnostic tools for psychiatric assessments. I had some difficulty
with questions that tested on formulating and delivering evidence-based psychotherapy and
medication for mental health disorders in geriatric patients. For insurance and reimbursement
purposes, I should improve my precise billing and coding of diagnostic tests and mental health
procedures. These identified growth opportunities will guide my SMART goals for the
remainder of the academic period.
Study Plan and SMART Goals
SMART Goals
1. To demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the methodologies for selecting and
implementing age-appropriate assessment tools for a minimum of 10 mental disorders by
the end of the academic quarter.
2. To demonstrate mastery of the strategies for formulating and administering psychosocial
and medication intervention plans for a minimum of 10 geriatric mental disorders by the
end of the academic quarter.
3. To demonstrate mastery of the technological resources for billing and coding diagnostic
tests and therapeutic procedures that guarantee a 100% reimbursement rate by the end of
the academic quarter.
Tasks
a) Engage in the complimentary ANCC Readiness Assessments after the daily study
sessions and score a minimum of 80%.
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b) Participate in the PocketPrep online certification examination preparatory course six
times weekly.
c) Utilize Fitzgerald cue cards to enhance comprehension of the concepts and themes
pertinent to the stated objectives.
d) Watch simulation videos that demonstrate strategies for billing and coding diagnostic
evaluations and therapeutic interventions.
e) Allocate 26 hours per week for dedicated study.
Measurement of the Progress
Getting the minimum score necessary to pass each readiness exam.
Daily assessment of tasks accomplished.
Analysis of variance between predicted and observed results using standardized
instruments.
Engaging my preceptor in identifying my areas of improvement and helping me refine
my set goals and tasks.
My 8-Week Timetable
Activity 4:00 – 6:00 6:00 - 6:30 8:00 – 9:00 9:00 – 9:10 9:10 – 10:10 p.m.
Day a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m.
Mondays - Take the Short Go over 60 Coffee break Complete 60
Wednesday online outside Fitzgerald Cue readiness test
s Fitzgerald walk. Cards for the questions.
Certification prior study
Exam Review session
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Course. covering each
content area (in
readiness for
the exam).
Thursdays - Study selected Short nap Go over 60 Coffee Complete 60
Saturdays course Fitzgerald Cue break. readiness test
materials such Cards for the questions
as lecture prior study
notes and session
relevant covering each
textbooks. content area (in
readiness for
the exam).
Sundays 2-hour study group discussion and then rest for the whole day.
Required Resources
1. Advanced Assessment: Interpreting Findings and Formulating Differential Diagnoses,
4th edition by Goolsby, Mary Jo, Laurie Grubbs.
This book contains comprehensive clinical patient assessment, advanced practice content, an
evidence-based approach to clinical decision-making, and several illustrations and case studies.
This will be a tool to sharpen my diagnostic accuracy and deepen my assessment skills.
2. How to Study for Standardized Tests, Ist edition by Sefcik, Donald, Gillian Bice, Frank
Prerost.
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This powerful tool is loaded with test-taking strategies, study skills development, stress
management techniques, and practice exercises that will boost my test-taking skills.
3. Fitzgerald Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam Review & Advanced Practice Update
Family & Adult Program, by Margaret Fitzgerald
Online access to this book will be critical in reinforcing my psychiatric foundational
knowledge and certification examination taking skills.
4. ANCC® Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Examination Articles by StatPearls Inc.
This an excellent online tool for my study plan as it is rich in peer learning opportunities,
expert instructors, and other helpful reference resources that are key to my exam preparation.
5. A study group with my two academic study mates.
Regularly participating in these joint study sessions to discuss challenges encountered during
individual study is beneficial. Additionally, we discuss complex topics emphasizing ethical and
legal case scenarios.
References
Barnes, H., Faraz Covelli, A., & Rubright, J. D. (2021). Development of the novice nurse
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practitioner role transition scale. Journal of the American Association of Nurse
Practitioners, 34(1). https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000566
Fraino, J., & Selix, N. (2021). Facilitating Well-Rounded Clinical Experience for Psychiatric
Nurse Practitioner Students. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 17(8), 1004–1009.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.05.015
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