NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem Leadership Collaboration Communication Change Management and Policy Considerations

NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem Leadership Collaboration Communication Change Management and Policy Considerations

Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX 4900 Capstone project for Nursing

Prof. Name

Date

Problem Description and Impact

Oliver James, a 16-year-old high school student, has been hospitalizate to the hospital following a suicide attempt, highlighting a severe patient health problem of depression and anxiety in adolescents. His case exemplifies the critical issue of untreated mental health conditions escalating to life-threatening situations. Over the past six months, Oliver’s parents have noticed his withdrawal from social activities, a drop in academic performance, and excessive use of social media, which they believe has negatively impacted his self-esteem and mood. In the United States, prevalent mental health issues among children and adolescents include ADHD and anxiety, each affecting around 9.4% to 9.8% of this population. A significant depressive episode affects approximately one-fifth of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. Among young people, there are alarmingly high rates of ongoing melancholy, suicide thoughts, and restricted access to mental health services (Bitsko et al., 2022).

During my practicum, I will work closely with Oliver, his family, and mental health professionals to develop a personalized care plan integrating evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to address his severe anxiety and depression. I also plan to utilize digital health technologies like telehealth and mobile apps for continuous monitoring and support beyond the hospital (Philippe et al., 2021). Adolescent mental health is a focal point in my nursing practice, extending beyond clinical care to advocacy for policy reforms and community outreach.

Collaborating with school counselors, pediatricians, and community organizations, I aim to establish a robust support network for adolescents like Oliver, enhancing health outcomes and addressing systemic challenges. This includes promoting programs like “Teen Mental Health First Aid” to increase student awareness and resilience (Childs et al., 2020). Addressing severe depression and anxiety in adolescents is critical for preventing suicide and other serious outcomes. As a nurse, I will leverage my assessment, intervention, and advocacy skills to promote mental health education and resilience-building programs and ensure ongoing support through local agencies. I aim to advance mental health care standards in nursing practice by implementing innovative, personalized interventions for Oliver and similar adolescents.

Evidence-Based Approach to Guide Nurses

Practical nursing actions for managing mental illness in patients like Oliver are firmly rooted in evidence from professional sources and peer-reviewed literature. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is essential for Oliver’s mental health, and nurses play a crucial role in delivering structured sessions and monitoring progress. Collaboration with therapists ensures treatment effectiveness; however, limited availability of trained therapists in rural areas leads to delayed therapy initiation and continuity gaps (Philippe et al., 2021). Therapeutic communication in mental health nursing involves nurses using practical skills to assess needs, provide emotional support, and collaboratively set treatment goals.

Building trust with patients enhances engagement and adherence to treatment plans, facilitating comprehensive care tailored to mental health needs. However, time constraints from high patient caseloads hinder nurses’ ability to dedicate sufficient time to each patient, impacting the depth of therapeutic interactions (Xue & Heffernan, 2021). Nurses are critical in promoting patients’ mental health through education on mindfulness, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles, aiding in resilience and symptom management. Personalized routines are crafted to support immediate well-being and long-term mental health strategies. However, a lack of accessible community resources, like affordable fitness facilities and programs, poses a barrier to engaging Oliver and others in recommended self-care practices (Pinho, 2021).