Despite increased abilities across developmental realms, including the maturation of pain systems involving self-regulation and the coordination of affect and cognition, the transition to young adulthood is accompanied by higher rates of mortality, greater engagement in health-damaging behaviors, and an increase in chronic conditions. Rates of motor vehicle fatality and homicide peak during young adulthood, as do mental health problems, substance abuse, unintentional pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections.
Describe how the advanced practice nurse can play a role in improving the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention.
Post your discussion to the Moodle Discussion Forum. Word limit 500 words. Support your answers with the literature and provide citations and references in APA, 7th ed. format. Please submit by Thursday 11:59pm. Please reply to two (2) of your peers.Discussion #1
Young adulthood is such a unique and complicated time in life. On the outside, it might look like everything is coming together—young people are graduating, starting careers, maybe moving out on their own. But under the surface, this is also a time filled with uncertainty, pressure, and big decisions. And for many, it’s a time when health can start to slip through the cracks. That’s where advanced practice nurses can really step in and make a difference—not just by treating problems, but by helping young adults feel seen, heard, and supported.
One of the most important things nurses can do during this phase is focus on preventive care. A lot of young people don’t go to the doctor unless something feels really wrong. But early screening for things like anxiety, depression, substance use, or risky sexual behavior can catch problems before they grow into something harder to manage. And these conversations don’t have to be clinical or cold—they can happen naturally, in a space where the young adult feels safe opening up. A nurse might ask, “How are you really doing?” and that small question can unlock a much bigger conversation.
Advanced practice nurses also spend time educating young adults about their bodies and their health in a way that’s honest, relatable, and respectful. Let’s face it—this age group is figuring out a lot on their own. They’re Googling symptoms, asking friends, or just hoping things will fix themselves. A nurse can step in with facts, sure—but also with kindness and patience. Whether it’s talking about safe sex, how to manage stress, or how to break a smoking habit, nurses meet young people where they are, without judgment.
What makes this connection so powerful is that nurses build trust. A young adult might not feel comfortable telling a parent or a teacher they’re struggling, but they might confide in a nurse who takes the time to listen. And once that trust is there, it opens the door to early help—maybe that’s counseling, maybe it’s medication, or maybe it’s just coming back for another talk. Either way, that relationship can become a turning point.
Advanced practice nurses are also great at helping young adults navigate the healthcare system—something that can be incredibly confusing at this age. They can explain how insurance works, how to find a therapist, or how to get birth control confidentially. They’re like a guide through the messiness of adulting.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about screenings or interventions. It’s about being there. Nurses bring a sense of calm, care, and connection to a stage of life that often feels chaotic. And by doing so, they help young adults not just avoid illness, but build healthier, more confident futures.
Discussion # 2
The Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse in Promoting Young Adult Health Through Preventive Screening and Intervention
Despite the biological and psychological maturation that occurs during young adulthood—including advancements in self-regulation, emotional processing, and cognitive functioning—this developmental period paradoxically exhibits increased vulnerability to health risks. Young adults experience a surge in morbidity and mortality rates primarily due to behavioral and social factors. Peak incidences of motor vehicle fatalities, homicides, mental health disorders, substance abuse, unintentional pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) underscore the need for effective preventive health strategies during this life stage (Arnett et al., 2022).
Advanced practice nurses (APNs), particularly nurse practitioners, are uniquely positioned to address these health concerns through targeted preventive screening and early intervention. Their holistic and patient-centered approach facilitates the development of trusting relationships, which is crucial for engaging young adults who may otherwise avoid healthcare settings.
Preventive Screening and Health Education
APNs can implement comprehensive screening protocols that encompass mental health evaluations (e.g., depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders), sexual health assessments, and lifestyle risk appraisals. These screenings enable early identification of issues and timely intervention, which is critical given the often asymptomatic nature of conditions like STIs or the stigma associated with mental health concerns (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023).
Education is another pivotal tool APNs utilize. Providing accurate, culturally sensitive information about contraception, STI prevention, healthy relationships, and substance use can empower young adults to make informed decisions about their health. Motivational interviewing and harm reduction strategies are particularly effective communication methods in this population (Lindsey et al., 2021).
Promoting Access and Continuity of Care
APNs can also advocate for and implement models of care that enhance accessibility for young adults, including telehealth services, extended clinic hours, and school- or community-based health programs. These approaches reduce common barriers such as cost, transportation, and time constraints (Bakken et al., 2020).
Moreover, continuity of care—ensuring consistent follow-up and support—can significantly impact long-term outcomes. By maintaining ongoing relationships with patients, APNs can monitor progress, reinforce health education, and adjust care plans as needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although young adulthood is characterized by developmental gains, it is also a time of heightened risk for adverse health outcomes. Advanced practice nurses are in a critical position to mitigate these risks through preventive screening, patient education, and system-level interventions. Their role in bridging gaps in care and fostering preventive health practices is vital to improving outcomes for young adults.