Who is healthcare professional Juanita Perkins? Get familiar with Juanita Perkins.
Juanita Perkins in her own words.
As
an RN for over 16 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for over
13 years, I have a rich and varied experience. My clinical experience
includes inpatient and outpatient mental health, emergency medicine,
primary care, and occupational health.
Nursing theory has driven my practice from the earliest part of my nursing career. The theory I identify with and use as part of my therapeutic intervention is Hildegard Peplau’s Interpersonal Nursing Theory. This model sees the individual as a human being, and allows for interaction between the nurse and the patient/client on a humanistic level. Peplau’s theory is an extension of Sullivan’s Interpersonal theory, which sees the therapist as a participant observer. As a participant observer, the therapist develops an interpersonal relationship with the client. The nurse/therapist takes on several roles including:
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Stranger: receives the client in the same way one meets a stranger in other life situations provides an accepting climate that builds trust.
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Teacher: who imparts knowledge in reference to a need or interest.
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Resource Person: one who provides specific needed information that aids in the understanding of a problem or new situation.
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Counselor: helps to understand and integrate the meaning of current life circumstances, provides guidance and encouragement to make changes.
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Surrogate: helps to clarify domains of dependence interdependence and independence and acts on clients behalf as an advocate.
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Leader: helps client assume maximum responsibility for meeting treatment goals in a mutually satisfying way.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Reality Theory are also utilized in my clinical practice. I understand that everyone in life are trying to get basic needs met. Whether it’s a person’s attempt at trying to gain Power (which includes achievement and feeling worthwhile as well as winning); achieve Love & Belonging (this includes groups as well as families or loved ones); attain Freedom (includes independence, autonomy, your own 'space'); have Fun (includes pleasure and enjoyment); or simply to Survive (including gaining nourishment, shelter, or sex), or trying to reach self-actualization, we all strive to reach a life goal. When people attempt to get these things in a negative or maladaptive manner, then mental health is impacted.
My Wellness Journey
Where
did my road to wellness begin? Well it began after my 40th birthday. I
hated the way I felt and looked. My energy was low and I felt so
bloated. And I just did not like the fact that I was always short of
breath after going up a flight of stairs, or how uncomfortable I felt in
my clothes. It was time for a change. So Feburary 2012, I signed up
with a Personal Trainer, and I started working out. That was the worst
experience ever! I was so out of shape. I was also in a lot of pain. My
knees popped and my right hip was in pain (from an old injury…long
story). I remember dreading the time when I knew Anthony (my personal
trainer) was going to come by and work me out. I used to think of
excuses I could use to get out of working out.
Well,
once I decided to stick it out, it actually became easier to workout.
In fact, I started looking forward to working out. The nutrition plan,
however, was another challenge. I love sugar and fat (after all, that’s
why I was in the shape I was in…lots of Haggen Daz and tortilla chips). I
struggled to eat proper portion sizes, and drink lots of water (yuck!! I
do not like the taste of water at all!!!). But again, it did get
easier. And when I saw the weight falling off, I was so happy. All the
hard work was worth it!!! Now I am 50 pounds lighter and feeling
great! But my journey is not done yet…still have a long way to go to
reach my goal. I also want to be a role model to all of my patients.
Wellness is for all, not for the select few. It is time for us to
realize the importance of being well. Not only for ourselves, but for
our loved ones and our community. During this journey, I have learned
that health radiates from the inside out. When you are well, those
around you also benefit from your wellness.
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