Walden University NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History – Step-By-Step Guide
This NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History task requires you to lay the foundation for how you will succeed professionally and academically. You are required to align your vision with Walden University’s mission and vision. These steps will help you find it easy to succeed as a student in the institution and during your later years as a healthcare practitioner. Another objective will be to review the vision and mission statements of the university and the course’s learning outcomes. In doing so, you will understand how the university’s principles align with your values.
Understanding how the university supports academic success and social change can further help your development. It also requires you to identify professional and academic teams and individuals that will be essential in supporting your journey toward academic and professional development. The discussion also requires that you introduce yourself to other colleagues, explaining how your personal goals align with the vision and the missions of the university.
How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History
The initial stage in researching Walden University NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History will be the review of Walden University and the College of Nursing resources, which includes the visions and the missions of the institution. You can access these resources from the university’s website and other academic resources provided in the learning modules. The resources will be essential in guiding you on aligning your values with them and making any necessary changes to bring about a positive change.
Subsequently, you will review the learning outcomes that articulate the competencies and skills that you will be required to develop by the end of the course. Going through the course outcomes will help you pinpoint areas where your professional and academic goals align with the course objectives, ensuring you gain the necessary skills and competencies to achieve personal and professional aspirations.
Additionally, you will take on the role of a clinician who is building a health history for a particular new patient assigned by your Instructor. Then based on the assigned patient, describe how your communication and interview techniques for building a health history differ with each patient. Explain how you might target your questions for building a health history based on the patient’s social determinants of health. Examine what risk assessment instruments would be appropriate to use with each patient, or what questions you would ask each patient to assess his or her health risks.
Another step will be to identify the potential teams and individuals you can collaborate with to progress. You will rely on various strategies to identify them, such as analyzing the profiles of the relevant faculty advisors who can mentor youth throughout the program. You can also seek the help of student support services such as career advisors to connect you with other peers. You can also join online communities and professional nursing organizations to expand their professional network.
You will look for articles and resources on your assigned patient case study and presenting issue to guide you on the best strategies for forming and maintaining professional relationships, as well as how to use platforms like LinkedIn to look for job prospects and get opportunities to attend professional seminars and conferences. The last step after the research will be to synthesize the information to be used in writing the discussion post. By following the research approach designed above, you will see that your discussion post is comprehensive and evidence-based and considers your personal goals and the help from the university and the faculty.
How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History
The introduction will include a summary of myself, your professional background and academic aspirations. You will also explore how the university’s mission, vision and goals align with your academic and professional objectives. You will explain how the institution’s commitment to academic success and social change can help you become an effective healthcare worker in the future. They can also expound on how the learning outcomes will be crucial to meeting their goals. They will also highlight how networking will be crucial in helping them get opportunities to interact with other people and attend professional seminars and conferences.
How to Write the body for NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History
Writing the body for NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History will involve several paragraphs, each with a main point and supporting evidence. You will highlight the importance of the case study presenting health issue in helping a nurse like you to access multiple opportunities in the healthcare field. You will be straight to the point, ensuring your points are understood. You will also ensure that you end with a conclusion sentence to summarize the content of each paragraph to promote comprehension.
How to Write the In-text citations for NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History
In-text citations are a way for the writer to give credit to the authors for the resources they have used to write a paper. They involve informing the reader of the content about the author from which the ideas used have been borrowed. This involves mentioning the author and the date that the original resource was published, which is usually included in parentheses. The writer can choose to directly quote the author or summarize the content in their own words. In-text citations are a way for writers to inform the readers that the content is not their own words but that they have borrowed the insights from someone else.
APA requires that one include the author’s last name and the date of publication in parenthesis when citing at the beginning of a sentence, for example, as in “Author (2012) concludes that a person is innocent until proven guilty.” One can also include the author and the date in parenthesis when the statement is given first before crediting the author, as in “A person is innocent until proven guilty (Author, 2012).” When more than two writers are involved, the statement “et al.” is used to show that there are other writers who are referred to, like in “A person is innocent until proven guilty (Author et al., 2012).”
How to format the reference list for NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History
The reference list must always start on a new page with the title “References,” which should be in title case, bolded, and centered. The references should be sorted in ascending order. Each entry should start with the list of authors, the title of the journal or book, the date of publication, and the name of the journal. If a journal is referenced, the title should be in a title case, and each letter of the name of the journal should be capitalized. If a website is referenced, the date of access to the resource should be given with an active hyperlink to the resource. In the case of a journal, the hyperlink to the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) should be provided.
References
Walden University. (n.d. a). College of Nursing. Retrieved June 3, 2020, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398
Walden University. (n.d. b). Writing Center. Retrieved June 3, 2020, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter
NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History Instructions
Effective communication is vital to constructing an accurate and detailed patient history. A patient’s health or illness is influenced by many factors, including age, gender, ethnicity, and environmental setting. As an advanced practice nurse, you must be aware of these factors and tailor your communication techniques accordingly. Doing so will not only help you establish rapport with your patients, but it will also enable you to more effectively gather the information needed to assess your patients’ health risks.
For this Discussion, you will take on the role of a clinician who is building a health history for a particular new patient assigned by your Instructor.
To prepare:
With the information presented in Chapter 1 of Ball et al. in mind, consider the following:
By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned a new patient profile by your Instructor for this Discussion. Note: Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your new patient profile assignment.
- How would your communication and interview techniques for building a health history differ with each patient?
- How might you target your questions for building a health history based on the patient’s social determinants of health?
- What risk assessment instruments would be appropriate to use with each patient, or what questions would you ask each patient to assess his or her health risks?
- Identify any potential health-related risks based upon the patient’s age, gender, ethnicity, or environmental setting that should be taken into consideration.
- Select one of the risk assessment instruments presented in Chapter 1 or Chapter 5 of the Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination text, or another tool with which you are familiar, related to your selected patient.
- Develop at least five targeted questions you would ask your selected patient to assess his or her health risks and begin building a health history.
By Day 3 of Week 1
- Post a summary of the interview and a description of the communication techniques you would use with your assigned patient. Explain why you would use these techniques. Identify the risk assessment instrument you selected, and justify why it would be applicable to the selected patient. Provide at least five targeted questions you would ask the patient.
By Day 6 of Week 1
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days who selected a different patient than you, using one or more of the following approaches:
- Share additional interview and communication techniques that could be effective with your colleague’s selected patient.
- Suggest additional health-related risks that might be considered.
- Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
Resource List
Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
- Chapter 1, “The History and Interviewing Process”
This chapter explains the process of developing relationships with patients in order to build an effective health history. The authors offer suggestions for adapting the creation of a health history according to age, gender, and disability.
- Chapter 5, “Recording Information”
This chapter provides rationale and methods for maintaining clear and accurate records. The authors also explore the legal aspects of patient records.
Sullivan, D. D. (2019). Guide to clinical documentation (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.
- Chapter 2, “The Comprehensive History and Physical Exam” (pp. 19–29)
Deckx, L., van den Akker, M., Daniels, L., De Jonge, E. T., Bulens, P., Tjan-Heijnen, V. C. G., … Buntinx, F. (2015). Geriatric screening tools are of limited value to predict decline in functional status and quality of life: Results of a cohort study. BMC Family Practice, 16, 1–12. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1186/s12875-015-0241- x
NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History Example 1
Effective communication and accurate risk assessment are crucial components of providing patient-centered care in the healthcare sector. Every patient brings a unique set of circumstances that influence their health, making it imperative for healthcare professionals to adapt their communication techniques and utilize appropriate risk assessment instruments. In this discussion, I will explore the interview and communication techniques tailored for a 22-year-old LGBTQIA female Hispanic immigrant living in a middle-class suburb. I will also delve into the rationale behind the chosen techniques and the applicability of the selected risk assessment instrument.
Communication Techniques
- Cultural sensitivity and empathy: Understanding the patient’s Hispanic immigrant background, I would adopt an approach that reflects cultural sensitivity and empathy. I can create a trustworthy and respectful environment by understanding her immigrant story and potential language barriers. Demonstrating empathy enables her to feel understood and valued, fostering open communication (Siregar et al., 2021).
- Non-judgmental language: Given the patient’s LGBTQIA identity, it is essential to use non-judgmental language that shows respect for her sexual orientation and gender identity. I can gain vital insights into potential health risks particular to her identity by providing an environment in which she feels confident discussing these aspects of her life.
- Active Listening: Employing active listening techniques can help me understand the patient’s unique challenges and experiences. I can identify underlying concerns that are not readily evident by carefully listening to her story. Active listening also signifies my commitment to her well-being (Siregar et al., 2021).
- Inclusivity: Inclusivity is key when discussing her middle-class suburban environment. I would ask about her access to healthy food, recreational facilities, and potential stressors associated with her socioeconomic status. These questions address her unique circumstances and enable me to understand her health context comprehensively (Siregar et al., 2021).
- Open-ended questions: To foster deeper insights, I would employ open-ended questions. I can obtain information from the patient that might not surface in response to closed-ended questions by encouraging her to express her thoughts and feelings in her own words. This technique enhances patient engagement and encourages her to take an active role in her healthcare.
Rationale for Communication Techniques
The chosen communication techniques stem from the understanding that patients are multidimensional individuals influenced by their backgrounds. Cultural sensitivity and empathy create an environment where the patient feels valued and understood, leading to more open communication. Non-judgmental language promotes trust and allows the patient to discuss sensitive aspects of her identity (Siregar et al., 2021). Active listening and open-ended questions demonstrate my commitment to her well-being, enhancing the quality of the patient-provider relationship. Inclusivity addresses her unique suburban context, highlighting my consideration for her complete health picture.
In the interview process, I would seek to understand her experiences as an immigrant, challenges related to her LGBTQIA identity, sources of support in dealing with stress, perceptions of healthy living, and any instances where her identity or status impacted healthcare interactions. These questions provide a foundation for building a comprehensive health history and addressing potential health risks associated with her unique circumstances.
Selected Risk Assessment Instrument
The “minority stress model” is a pertinent risk assessment framework for this patient. This model focuses on the impact of unique stressors faced by minority individuals, including LGBTQIA individuals, and how these stressors influence their health. The model’s applicability lies in recognizing the compounded stressors originating from her LGBTQIA identity and immigrant status, which can significantly impact her well-being (Ball et al., 2023).
The “minority stress model” is applicable because it aligns with the patient’s experiences as a Hispanic immigrant and a member of the LGBTQIA community. This model recognizes that stressors resulting from societal discrimination and stigma can lead to adverse health outcomes. As an immigrant, she might face challenges accessing culturally competent care and navigating the healthcare system. Additionally, her LGBTQIA identity might expose her to unique stressors related to discrimination (Michael, 2020). I can comprehensively assess her risk factors by utilizing this model and designing interventions to address her stressors.
Targeted Questions
- Can you share your experiences as an immigrant and how they have influenced your access to healthcare services?
- How do you cope with the potential stressors associated with being an LGBTQIA individual in your daily life?
- Could you discuss your typical sources of support when dealing with stress, health concerns, or challenges in your life?
- What are your perceptions of healthy living within your middle-class suburban environment? How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?
- Have you ever encountered situations where your LGBTQIA identity or immigrant status affected your interactions with healthcare providers? If so, could you elaborate on those experiences?
Conclusion
Tailoring communication techniques and selecting appropriate risk assessment instruments are paramount for delivering patient-centered care. In the case of a 22-year-old LGBTQIA female Hispanic immigrant living in a middle-class suburb, employing culturally sensitive and inclusive communication techniques fosters trust and openness. The “Minority Stress Model” serves as a valuable risk assessment instrument, recognizing and addressing the complex stressors tied to her unique background. By integrating these strategies, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of care and empower patients to take an active role in their health journey.
NURS 6512 Week 1 Discussion Building a Health History References
Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2023). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (10th ed.). Elsevier Mosby.
Michael B. J., (2020). The minority stress model deserves reconsideration, not just extension. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(7), 2265-2268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-019-01606-9
Siregar, I., Rahmadiyah, F., & Siregar, A. F. Q. (2021). Therapeutic communication strategies in nursing process of angry, anxious, and fearful schizophrenic patients. British Journal of Nursing Studies, 1(1), 13-19. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4529-6525
Building a Health History Example Discussion Response
Hi M,
As we aim to enhance our skills as advanced nurse practitioners, I agree with your emphasis on cultural competence, communication techniques, and risk assessment tools that add to patient care. As a nurse, it is crucial to employ motivational interviewing techniques that involve collaborative conversations with the patients that empower them to express their thoughts and concerns openly (Diamond-Fox, 2021). By using open-ended questions and reflections, the nurse can know and understand the patient’s values and motivations regarding birth control, fostering more patient-centered care.
Moreover, when taking the history of a patient on birth control, it is necessary to discuss the patient’s knowledge about different contraceptive methods and their preferences (Ball et al., 2018). Utilizing visual aids and diagrams can enhance the patient’s understanding, especially if language or health literacy is a concern. This aligns with my emphasis on respecting the patient’s culture, language, and literacy skills to ensure effective communication.
Other health-related risks, such as mental health assessment beyond the psychosocial assessment, could be beneficial. College students often face stressors related to academic pressures, social adjustments, and emotional well-being. Incorporating questions about stress management, coping mechanisms, and mental health support should provide a more holistic view of the patient’s health. From my own experiences, I believe that discussing the importance of regular health check-ups, including screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical cancer, contributes to preventive care and aligns with the overall well-being of a sexually active individual.
References
Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2018). Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination: An Interprofessional Approach. Mosby.
Diamond-Fox, S. (2021). Undertaking consultations and clinical assessments at an advanced level. British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 30(4), 238–243. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2021.30.4.238
Also read:
NURS 6512 Week 2 Discussion: Diversity and Health Assessments
NURS 6512 Week 4: Assessment of the Skin, Hair, and Nails
NURS 6512 Week 6: Assessment of the Abdomen and Gastrointestinal System
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