NRNP PRAC 6665 & 6675 Focused SOAP Note Template Exemplar Guide
This comprehensive guide explains the Focused SOAP Note assignment for Walden University’s NRNP/PRAC 6665 (Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning Practicum) and NRNP/PRAC 6675 (PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan II) courses. It serves as an exemplar and instructional resource to help PMHNP students produce high-quality psychiatric documentation that meets clinical, academic, and legal standards.
Purpose of the Focused SOAP Note
The Focused SOAP Note is a structured, concise psychiatric evaluation tool used primarily for follow-up visits rather than initial comprehensive evaluations. It supports clinical decision-making, continuity of care, billing, and legal protection. In these practicum courses, students document real or simulated patient encounters from the last 3–4 weeks of clinical practice. The note connects classroom theory (e.g., DSM-5-TR diagnostics, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy) to real-world application across the lifespan—from children/adolescents in 6665 to adults/older adults in 6675.
Key Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate proficiency in gathering and synthesizing subjective/objective data.
Formulate accurate differential and primary diagnoses with rationale.
Develop evidence-based, patient-centered treatment plans.
Reflect on ethical, cultural, and legal considerations.
Prepare for video case presentations (often required in Week 7 or similar assignments).
Structure of the Focused SOAP Note Template
Follow the template precisely. Use professional, objective language. Avoid jargon unless defined. Maintain HIPAA compliance (use initials, de-identify data).
Patient Information
Name (initials), Age, Gender, Race/Ethnicity.
Referral source, Date of service, Provider (Student PMHNP under preceptor supervision).
S – Subjective
This section captures the patient’s (and collateral sources’) reported information. It is narrative and detailed but focused.
Required Elements:
Chief Complaint (CC): Patient’s own words (e.g., “I can’t sleep and feel anxious all the time”).
History of Present Illness (HPI): Use OLDCARTS or similar framework — Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating/Alleviating factors, Related symptoms, Treatments tried, Severity. Include relevant psychiatric history, current symptoms, functional impact (work, school, relationships), safety concerns (suicidal/homicidal ideation, self-harm), and substance use.
Past Psychiatric History: Diagnoses, hospitalizations, medications (past/current), therapy, suicide attempts.
Substance Use History: Detailed, including quantity, frequency, last use.
Medical History, Medications, Allergies.
Family Psychiatric/Medical History.
Social History: Living situation, support system, occupation, education, cultural/religious factors, trauma history, legal issues.
Review of Systems (ROS): Pertinent positives/negatives, especially constitutional, neurological, psychiatric.
Tips for Excellence (aim for 300–500 words here): Be thorough yet concise. Quantify symptoms (e.g., “panic attacks 3–4x/week lasting 20 minutes”). Include patient quotes. Demonstrate cultural humility and trauma-informed care.
O – Objective
Factual, measurable data observed by the clinician. Avoid interpretation here.
Key Components:
Vital Signs: BP, HR, RR, Temp, Weight/BMI (especially important with psychotropics).
Mental Status Examination (MSE): Comprehensive and standardized.
Appearance/Behavior
Speech
Attitude
Mood (patient-reported) / Affect (observed)
Thought process/content
Perceptual disturbances
Cognition (orientation, memory, attention)
Insight/Judgment
Risk assessment
Physical Exam: Pertinent findings (e.g., tremor from lithium, EPS from antipsychotics).
Lab/Imaging Results: If available (e.g., metabolic panel, drug screen, PHQ-9/GAD-7 scores).
Rating Scales: Use validated tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, YMRS, etc.) with scores and interpretation.
Best Practice: Document MSE systematically. For example: “Alert, oriented x4, well-groomed, cooperative. Mood ‘okay,’ affect congruent and euthymic. Linear thought process, no delusions or hallucinations. Insight fair, judgment good.”
A – Assessment
Synthesize data into diagnoses and clinical formulation. This is the most critical analytical section.
Elements:
Primary Diagnosis: DSM-5-TR code and name, with specifiers and severity.
Differential Diagnoses: List 2–4 alternatives with rationale for inclusion/exclusion (e.g., “Rule out bipolar vs. unipolar depression – no history of mania”).
Clinical Reasoning: Link subjective/objective findings to diagnosis. Discuss comorbidities, contributing factors (biological, psychological, social), and prognosis.
Strengths/Protective Factors and Risk Factors.
Exemplar Language: “The patient meets DSM-5-TR criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, moderate, with anxious distress. Symptoms have persisted >2 weeks, causing significant impairment. Differential includes adjustment disorder with depressed mood (less likely due to duration and severity) and hypothyroidism (ruled out by normal TSH).”
P – Plan
Actionable, collaborative, evidence-based steps. Multidimensional (biological, psychological, social).
Components:
Pharmacologic: Medication name, dose, titration plan, rationale, monitoring (labs, side effects), education on black-box warnings, adherence.
Psychotherapeutic: Specific modality (e.g., CBT for anxiety, DBT for BPD), frequency, goals, referral if needed.
Diagnostic Tests/Consults: Labs, imaging, specialist referrals.
Education/Counseling: On diagnosis, medications, lifestyle (sleep hygiene, exercise, nutrition), safety planning.
Follow-up: Date/timeframe, crisis resources (e.g., 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Disposition: Safety plan if high risk; hospitalization criteria.
Legal/Ethical Notes: Informed consent, capacity, mandatory reporting if applicable.
Additional Requirements Often Included:
Reflection on practicum experience.
Preceptor signature/verification.
References (APA format, recent evidence-based sources).
Common Pitfalls and Tips for High Grades
Length and Focus: Focused notes are typically 2–4 pages. Balance detail without being overly verbose.
Evidence-Based Practice: Cite guidelines (e.g., APA, AACAP) implicitly through rationale.
Cultural Competence: Address race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status.
Safety First: Always address suicidality/homicidality explicitly.
Objectivity: Subjective = patient report; Objective = clinician observation.
Grammar/Professionalism: Proofread. Use complete sentences.
Rubric Alignment: Review the course rubric carefully — points often awarded for completeness, critical thinking, diagnostics, and plan feasibility.
Sample Case Application (Brief Excerpt)
Patient: 28 y.o. Caucasian female, CC: “Anxiety is ruining my life.”
Subjective: 6-month history of excessive worry… (expand with full HPI).
Objective: MSE shows anxious affect, racing thoughts…
Assessment: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, moderate. Rule out PTSD, thyroid disorder.
Plan: Start escitalopram 10 mg daily, refer to CBT, follow-up in 2 weeks, safety plan provided.
Why This Matters in PMHNP Practice
Mastering Focused SOAP Notes builds skills for independent practice, interdisciplinary communication, and quality improvement. In real clinical settings, these notes support reimbursement, continuity during handoffs, and defensibility in audits or litigation.
Word Count Guidance: Expand each section with patient-specific details from your encounter to reach depth. A full exemplar note plus analysis often exceeds 1000 words easily.
Resources for Further Study:
Walden Learning Resources (template + exemplar).
DSM-5-TR.
Stahl’s Prescriber’s Guide.
APA Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Rating scale manuals.
Practice with multiple cases across the lifespan. Review peers’ or faculty feedback iteratively. Strong documentation reflects strong clinical reasoning — essential for becoming a competent, compassionate PMHNP.