Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4905 Capstone Project for Nursing
Prof. Name
Date
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 detection of risk factors, including hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, micronutrient deficiencies, and autoimmune triggers. These factors are often influenced by prevalent social determinants of health in the community, such as socioeconomic status, limited access to nutritious food, and variations in health literacy.
The clinic implemented comprehensive intake assessments, patient education on lifestyle modifications, and individualized treatment plans to prevent disease onset. However, I noticed gaps in community outreach and limited access to systemic resources to address broader social health disparities. This highlighted the need for more robust community-based health promotion strategies.
This practicum was profoundly impactful for me as a professional nurse. It reinforced the critical relationship between disease prevention and clinical outcomes, particularly in regenerative medicine, where early intervention is essential. I recognized the importance of incorporating social, psychological, and environmental factors into preventive strategies. My nursing role extended beyond clinical care to include advocating for health equity, providing individualized patient education, and fostering interagency collaboration. Overall, the experience emphasized the necessity of combining scientific knowledge with compassionate care in nursing practice.
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 approached through an interprofessional, team-based model. Patients with long-term conditions such as metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal imbalances received care coordinated among physicians, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, wellness coaches, and laboratory professionals. The team utilized shared electronic health records and held regular interdisciplinary huddles to review lab results, monitor patient progress, and adjust care plans accordingly.
These collaborative efforts ensured timely interventions for conditions requiring ongoing management, such as hormone optimization and peptide therapy. Despite the structured teamwork, challenges remained in standardizing communication and responding promptly to critical data.
This experience deepened my understanding of the nurse’s role in team-based chronic disease management. Nurses serve as crucial connectors, educating patients, monitoring symptoms, and facilitating communication between disciplines. My practicum allowed me to participate in both clinical and communicative functions, contributing to continuity of care and alignment of care goals. I developed confidence in my ability to lead and collaborate in patient-centered initiatives, supporting better long-term outcomes and quality of life for individuals with complex conditions.
| Component | Observations at Practicum Site | Professional Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Disease Management | Interdisciplinary collaboration; individualized care plans; shared EHR; regular team huddles | Nurses act as connectors and educators; crucial in continuity and quality of care |
| Challenges | Communication standardization; timely response to critical data | Reinforces need for proactive communication and leadership in care coordination |
| Outcome | Enhanced patient monitoring and care plan adjustment | Improved long-term outcomes and patient quality of life |
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 focused on regenerative and preventive care, I observed restorative interventions for patients experiencing acute health challenges, including fatigue syndromes, fall-related injuries, and mood disturbances. While acute events like strokes or psychiatric crises were not directly treated at the clinic, interventions such as platelet-rich plasma injections, peptide protocols, and hormone balancing significantly supported symptom stabilization and functional recovery.
The integrative approach included identifying neurotransmitter imbalances and referring patients to counseling for mental health support. Stem cell therapies and other regenerative strategies were applied to restore mobility and independence after injuries. This experience highlighted that acute management extends beyond crisis intervention, encompassing structured restorative support focused on long-term recovery.
As a professional nurse, I learned the value of integrating innovative biological treatments with patient-centered approaches. I gained insight into evaluating not only physical symptoms but also psychological and social factors affecting recovery. My role involved guiding patients through complex restorative processes using both clinical expertise and compassionate 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 due to its emphasis on regenerative medicine. However, some patients with severe chronic or irreversible illnesses required care that shifted from active interventions to symptom management, prioritizing quality of life. In these cases, the clinic focused on patient comfort, emotional well-being, and energy conservation, reflecting core palliative principles such as dignity and shared decision-making.
Although formal hospice protocols were absent, the clinic’s approach demonstrated the importance of adapting care goals to patient needs. Discussions about advanced illness planning were infrequent and highlighted an area for improvement. Despite the clinic’s culture of rejuvenation, providers acknowledged the need for compassionate redirection in end-of-life care.
This experience was transformative for me as a professional nurse. I realized that palliative care emphasizes comfort, autonomy, and emotional support rather than the cessation of care. It reinforced the role of nurses in leading end-of-life discussions and ensuring dignified care, even in settings focused on vitality and longevity.
World Health Organization. (2022). Social determinants of health. WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health
Institute of Medicine. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Chronic disease management. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease
