During my practicum at The Longevity Center, I observed a strong emphasis on personalized wellness and disease prevention, particularly through regenerative medicine. The clinic prioritized early identification of potential health risks, including hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, autoimmune triggers, and micronutrient deficiencies. These conditions were closely tied to social determinants of health, such as limited financial resources, restricted access to nutritious foods, and variations in community health literacy.

The Center implemented comprehensive intake screenings, health education on lifestyle modifications, and individualized treatment plans aimed at preventing disease progression. However, there was a noticeable gap in connecting patients with broader community resources, which highlighted the need for systemic strategies to address health inequities on a larger scale.

For me as a professional nurse, this experience was deeply impactful. It reinforced the critical link between disease prevention and improved health outcomes, particularly in regenerative medicine, where early interventions are pivotal. I also learned the importance of considering psychosocial, environmental, and economic factors in developing preventive care strategies. My role extended beyond clinical care to include advocacy for health equity, patient education, and collaboration with other sectors. This experience strengthened my perspective that nursing is not only about direct care but also about leading proactive health initiatives that combine science with 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, I witnessed an effective team-based approach to managing chronic diseases. The clinic treated patients with long-term conditions, including metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal dysfunctions, through coordinated care provided by physicians, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, wellness coaches, and laboratory specialists.

The integration of care was facilitated through shared electronic health records and interdisciplinary meetings (huddles) where providers discussed lab results, patient progress, and necessary treatment adjustments. This collaboration was especially critical in cases requiring ongoing monitoring, such as hormone therapy or peptide protocols. While highly effective, challenges remained in standardizing communication and ensuring timely responses to critical patient data.

For me as a nurse, this reinforced the importance of nursing as the bridge in team-based care. My role included educating patients, closely monitoring symptoms, and relaying key updates across disciplines to ensure continuity of care. Nurses served as connectors, helping align treatment goals across the care team. This practicum strengthened my confidence in leading and contributing to interprofessional collaborations, underscoring that successful chronic disease management depends on coordination, consistency, and patient-centered care.

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 specialized in preventive and regenerative medicine, I encountered several situations involving restorative care for patients facing acute crises. Examples included recovery support for individuals experiencing fatigue syndromes, fall-related injuries, and mental health changes such as mood instability.

While acute emergencies like strokes or psychiatric crises were not managed directly, the clinic played an important role in post-crisis recovery. Treatments included platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, peptide therapies, hormone balancing, and in some cases, stem cell therapy for functional restoration and mobility improvement. For mental health concerns, patients were screened for neurotransmitter imbalances and referred to counseling services. However, unlike physical health management, psychiatric care pathways lacked consistent structure.

This experience reshaped my view of acute care in regenerative medicine. I realized that acute management does not always mean immediate crisis intervention; it can also involve planned, restorative strategies that support long-term recovery. As a nurse, I learned to evaluate not just symptoms but also the psychological, social, and environmental contexts of healing. This reinforced my belief that effective recovery requires blending innovative medical therapies with holistic nursing care, ensuring patients regain both function and quality of life.

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, as its primary focus was regenerative and proactive treatments. However, I did witness situations where patients with advanced or irreversible conditions—such as severe autoimmune degeneration or chronic fatigue—transitioned toward a more comfort-focused care model. In these cases, treatment goals shifted from curative intent to improving quality of life, emphasizing energy conservation, emotional well-being, and dignity.

Although the clinic did not offer formal hospice care, principles of palliative nursing were evident. These included pain reduction, emotional support, and adjustments to treatment plans to minimize discomfort. However, discussions about advanced care planning and end-of-life decision-making occurred infrequently, revealing a need for more structured conversations. Additionally, the clinic’s strong culture of rejuvenation and recovery sometimes made it difficult to transition into acceptance-based care for terminally ill patients.

As a nurse, this experience deepened my understanding of the emotional and ethical dimensions of end-of-life care. I realized that palliative care does not equate to giving up—it represents a shift in priorities toward comfort, relationships, autonomy, and peace. This experience taught me that even in forward-looking medical environments, nurses must remain flexible, compassionate, and proactive in advocating for patient dignity and individualized end-of-life planning.

Summary Table of Observations

Reflection Area	What I Observed	Nursing Implication
Wellness & Disease Prevention	Early risk detection, lifestyle education, individualized treatment, but limited systemic outreach.	Nurses must link prevention with community resources and address social determinants of health.
Chronic Disease Management	Interdisciplinary care with shared records and huddles; ongoing monitoring required.	Nurses act as connectors, educators, and advocates ensuring coordination and patient-centered outcomes.
Regenerative & Restorative Care	PRP, peptides, stem cells for recovery; mental health referrals but less structured psychiatric pathways.	Nurses should integrate holistic care by considering both physical and psychosocial aspects of recovery.
Hospice & Palliative Care	Comfort-oriented care for irreversible illness; limited structured end-of-life planning.	Nurses must lead discussions, support dignity, and shift focus to patient comfort and emotional well-being.

References

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2021). The future of nursing 2020–2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25982

World Health Organization. (2022). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health