NURS FPX 4905 Assessment 5

NURS FPX 4905 Assessment 5 Reflection Questions

Student Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX4905 Capstone Project for Nursing

Prof. Name:

Date

Reflection Questions

Wellness and Disease Prevention

Reflect on the health promotion disease prevention interventions you witnessed in your practicum site, as it relates to the social determinants of health most prevalent in your community. What did you see? What does this time mean to you as a professional nurse in your role?

During my practicum at The Longevity Center, I observed a strong emphasis on personalized wellness and preventive healthcare, particularly within the context of regenerative medicine. The clinic prioritized early identification of risk factors such as hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, micronutrient deficiencies, and autoimmune triggers. These conditions often intersected with prevalent social determinants of health in the community, including socioeconomic challenges, limited access to nutritious foods, and variations in health literacy.

The clinic implemented comprehensive intake screenings, patient education programs on lifestyle modifications, and individualized care plans aimed at preventing disease onset. However, there was a noticeable gap in connecting patients to broader community resources to address systemic health disparities, highlighting the need for expanded community-based health promotion efforts.

This experience profoundly shaped my perspective as a professional nurse. I gained a deeper understanding of the integral relationship between disease prevention and clinical outcomes, especially in regenerative medicine where early intervention is critical. I recognized the importance of considering social, psychological, and environmental factors when designing prevention strategies. My nursing role extended beyond direct care to encompass advocacy for health equity, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This practicum reinforced the idea that effective nursing care requires a balance of scientific knowledge, proactive thinking, and compassion.

Chronic Disease Management

Reflect on the integration of interprofessional team-based care as it relates to chronic disease management in your practicum site. What did you see? What does this time mean to you as a professional nurse in your role?

At The Longevity Center, chronic disease management was executed through a highly interdisciplinary approach. Patients with long-term conditions such as metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal imbalances received individualized care plans coordinated by physicians, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, wellness coaches, and laboratory professionals.

The team utilized shared documentation through electronic health records and held frequent interdisciplinary huddles to discuss lab results, patient progress, and updates to care plans. This collaborative framework ensured timely adjustments to therapies, such as hormone optimization or peptide regimens, which required continuous monitoring. Nonetheless, challenges remained in standardizing communication and ensuring rapid responses to critical patient data.

This experience enhanced my appreciation of the nurse’s pivotal role in team-based care. Nurses act as connectors, providing patient education, monitoring clinical signs, and relaying essential information between disciplines. I actively participated in both clinical and communicative aspects of care, supporting continuity and aligning goals across the team. This practicum highlighted that effective chronic disease management relies on consistency, coordination, and mutual trust among healthcare providers. I emerged more confident in my ability to lead and contribute to patient-centered initiatives, advocating for strategies that improve long-term outcomes and enhance quality of life for patients with complex conditions.

Regenerative and Restorative Care

Reflect on the acute management of illnesses such as stroke, mental illness, and falls in your practicum site. What did you see? What does this time mean to you as a professional nurse in your role?

Although The Longevity Center primarily emphasizes regenerative and preventive medicine, I observed several instances of restorative care for patients experiencing acute crises. These included care for individuals with fatigue syndromes, fall-related injuries, and mood disorders. While acute emergencies like strokes or psychiatric crises were referred externally, the clinic significantly contributed to recovery through interventions such as platelet-rich plasma injections, peptide therapies, and hormone balancing.

The clinic adopted an integrative approach, including neurotransmitter imbalance assessments and referrals for counseling in mental health cases. For fall-related injuries, regenerative therapies such as stem cell treatments were employed to improve mobility and functional independence.

This exposure was eye-opening, illustrating that acute management extends beyond immediate crisis response to encompass structured restorative care focused on long-term recovery. I learned to evaluate not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological and social context of recovery. As a nurse, I played a crucial role in guiding patients through these complex recovery processes, applying clinical expertise while maintaining a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Hospice and Palliative Care

Reflect on end-of-life nursing and advanced illness and hospice care in your practicum site.

The Longevity Center did not specialize in hospice or palliative care, given its focus on regenerative medicine and proactive treatment. Nonetheless, patients with severe chronic illnesses or irreversible conditions—such as autoimmune degeneration or chronic fatigue—required a gradual shift from active intervention to comfort-focused care. Treatment goals were adjusted to prioritize patient energy, emotional well-being, and quality of life over curative measures.

Although formal hospice care was limited, the principles of palliative nursing—including comfort, dignity, and shared decision-making—were applied. Strategies were modified to reduce discomfort and support daily functioning. Advanced illness planning occurred infrequently and could benefit from more systematic implementation. The culture of the clinic, centered on vitality and recovery, sometimes complicated the transition to end-of-life support.

This experience deeply influenced my understanding of compassionate nursing care. I learned that palliative care does not signify surrender but a realignment of priorities to enhance patient comfort, autonomy, and meaningful relationships. Even in environments focused on vitality, nurses must remain adaptable, responding to patient values and guiding end-of-life discussions with sensitivity and leadership.

Table Summary of Practicum Reflections

References

World Health Organization. (2023). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

National Institutes of Health. (2022). Regenerative medicine and clinical applications. https://www.nih.gov/research-training/regenerative-medicine

NURS FPX 4905 Assessment 5 Reflection Questions

American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (4th ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author