How would you conduct a needs assessment?

/0 Comments/in /by


Needs Assessment

 When you are engaged in program planning, a needs assessment helps to determine the actuality and details of a specific problem. It also addresses how the target population views the problem—which is critical since their perspective and motivation to change are essential for the success of the program.
 

In this week’s video, the necessity of appraising a community’s assets as well as its challenges is evident as Dr. Donna Shambley-Ebron and Dr. Rebecca Lee discuss needs assessments. What additional insights have you gleaned from the Learning Resources that you intend to apply to your program?
 

For this Discussion, you develop a framework for completing a needs assessment for your program. To do this effectively, it is essential to begin with the program and the population you have identified and then develop an appropriate approach for conducting a needs assessment. This also leads to consideration of the types of data needed and the data collection methods to be used.

To prepare:

  • Consider      aspects of your problem and population (breast cancer in African American women      in the USA) as you review the information on needs assessment presented in      the Learning Resources.
  • How      would you conduct a needs assessment? What considerations would influence      your decision making about this process?
  • What      would be the most efficient and effective methods for collecting data?      What challenges could be encountered?

     

By tomorrow Wednesday 12/19/18 2 pm, write a minimum of 550 words essay in APA format with at least 3 references from the list of required readings below. Include all headers as numbered below:

Post a cohesive scholarly response that addresses the following:

1) Discuss how you would conduct a needs assessment for your selected problem and the target population. Why is this approach appropriate for the problem you have identified? Support your response with evidence from the literature.

 

2) Describe your proposed data collection methods and evaluate any challenges you might encounter.

Required Readings

Assessment and Planning in Health Programs

Chapter 1, “Assessment for Developing Programs and Interventions: The Big Picture”

Chapter 1 notes the importance of looking not just at needs but also the assets associated with the target population and environment; that is, assessing what needs to be addressed given the assets that are present.

Chapter 3, “Data Collection Strategies for Needs Assessments and Evaluations”

In Chapter 3, the authors examine data collection, a key element of needs assessments. They also indicate that it is wise to plan ahead and consider data collection strategies for evaluation at the same time.

Kettner, P. M., Moroney, R. M., & Martin, L. L. (2017). Designing and managing programs: An effectiveness-based approach (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Chapter 4, “Needs Assessment: Theoretical Considerations”

Chapter 5, “Needs Assessment: Approaches to Measurement”

These two chapters provide foundational information as well as guidance for conducting a needs assessment as part of program planning.

Burrows, T., Hutchesson, M., Chai, L,K., Rollow, M., Skinner, G., & Collins, C. (2015). Nutrition interventions for prevention and management of childhood obesity: What do parents want from an eHealth program? Nutrients, 7, 10469–10479 doi:10.3390/nu7125546

Derguy, C., Michel, G., M’Bailara, K., Roux, S., & Bouvard, M. (2015). Assessing needs in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: A crucial preliminary step to target relevant issues for support programs. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 40(2), 156–166 doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2015.1023707

Millard, T., McDonald, K., Elliott, J., Slavin, S., Rowell, S., & Girdler, S. (2014). Informing the development of an online self-management program for men living with HIV: a needs assessment. BMC Public Health, 14, 1209 doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-1209

Springer, A. E. & Evans, A.E. (2016). Assessing environmental assets for health promotion program planning: a practical framework for health promotion practitioners. Health Promotion Perspectives, 6(3), 111–118 doi: 10.15171/hpp.2016.19

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Design and evaluation of programs and projects [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

“Needs Assessment” (featuring Dr. Rebecca Lee, Shiniche Thomas, and Dr. Donna Shambley-Ebron)

You may view this course video by clicking the link or on the course DVD, which contains the same content. Once you’ve opened the link, click on the appropriate media piece.

In this week’s videos, Dr. Rebecca Lee and Dr. Donna Shambley-Ebron discuss needs assessments. Then, Dr. Rebecca Lee demonstrates a windshield assessment along with Seven Hills community resident Shiniche Thomas

Explain why this is the most appropriate model for you to use with this problem.

/0 Comments/in /by

Assignment 1: Initial Analysis for Program Planning

Needs Assessment

“As a concept, need is not only difficult to define but, once defined, difficult to measure” (Kettner, Moroney, & Martin, 2017, p. 63). Likewise, it can be challenging to define and measure assets—yet it is equally important to do so during this phase of program planning. This week’s Learning Resources provide foundational information and guidance for conducting needs assessments, which entails discerning needs that must be addressed in light of the assets that are present.

As you return to Assignment 1, the attention turns to conducting a needs assessment for the problem you have identified. What data collection strategies could be most useful? What issues would likely be encountered? How would you address them?

To prepare for this week’s section of Assignment 1:

  • Continue      (from the Discussion) to:
    • Identify       a viable approach for conducting a needs assessment for your problem.
    • Identify       method(s) of data collection.
    • Assess       potential challenges and propose alternatives/solutions.

The full Assignment 1 is due by day 4 (Thursday 12/20/18) of this week. Instructions have been provided in previous weeks to help you prepare.

By Day 4

To complete:

Write a 3- to 5-page paper, in APA format with at least 7 scholarly references in which you address the following level 1 and 2 header:

Also include an introduction and a conclusion as per APA guidelines.

1) Identification of a Problem and a Population

  • Identify      a problem and a target population.
         (Note: Your problem      should be clearly developed and related to a health-promotion and      disease-prevention issue of national significance. You should select a      target population so that your program can be designed to create maximum      yet realistic impact at the aggregate level.)

2) Using a Theory or Model

  • Analyze      a theory or model that is relevant to your selected problem. Explain why      this is the most appropriate model for you to use with this problem.

3) Literature Review (provide at least 4 scholarly articles less than 5 years old) )

  • Assess      the literature as it relates to your problem. Use evidence from the      literature to support your response to the following question: Why is it important to assist this      population to resolve the selected problem?

4) Needs Assessment

  • Describe      an appropriate approach to conducting a needs assessment for your problem.
  • Identify      method(s) of data collection.
  • Assess      potential challenges and propose alternatives/solutions.

Required Readings

Hodges, B. C., & Videto, D. M. (2011). Assessment and planning in health programs (2nd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Chapter 1, “Assessment for Developing Programs and Interventions: The Big Picture”

Chapter 1 notes the importance of looking not just at needs but also the assets associated with the target population and environment; that is, assessing what needs to be addressed given the assets that are present.

This report offers a guide for the use of the logic model in program planning and outcome-oriented evaluation for nonprofit projects.

Chapter 3, “Data Collection Strategies for Needs Assessments and Evaluations”

In Chapter 3, the authors examine data collection, a key element of needs assessments. They also indicate that it is wise to plan ahead and consider data collection strategies for evaluation at the same time.

  • Chapter 2, “Paint a Picture of Your Target Population:      Assessing Assets and Problems”

This chapter presents valuable information for identifying your target population during program planning. Note: Some of the information in this chapter extends into needs assessment, which will be addressed in Week 4.

Chapter 6, “The Importance and Use of Theories in Health Education and Health Promotion”

The authors describe various theories, noting that theories are not universally applicable to every program.

Kettner, P. M., Moroney, R. M., & Martin, L. L. (2017). Designing and managing programs: An effectiveness-based approach (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

  • Review Chapter 1, “Contemporary Issues in Social      Services Program Planning and Administration” (See attached file).
  • Review Chapter 3, “Understanding Social      Problems” (See attached file).

Review these chapters as needed to help you identify a health care-related problem for program planning and evaluation. For instance, you may find the problem analysis information on page 13 and pages 38–39 beneficial.

Chapter 2, “The Contribution of Theory to Program Planning”

This chapter examines the application of theory in program planning.

Chapter 4, “Needs Assessment: Theoretical Considerations”

Chapter 5, “Needs Assessment: Approaches to Measurement”

These two chapters provide foundational information as well as guidance for conducting a needs assessment as part of program planning.

Adams, J. & Kaplow, R. (2013). A sitter reduction program in an acute health care system. Nursing Economics$, 31(2), 83–89.

Pinto, B.M., Waldemore, M., & Rosen, R. (2015). A community-based partnership to promote exercise among cancer survivors: Lessons learned. International Journal Behavioral Medicine, 22, 328–335 doi 10.1007/s12529-014-9395-5 

Tompa, E., deBoer, H., Macdonald, S., Alarngir, H., Koehoorn, M., & Guzman, J. (2016). Stakeholders’ perspectives about and priorities for economic evaluation of health and safety programs in healthcare. Workplace Health and Safety, 64(4), 163–174 DOI: 10.1177/2165079915620201.

Leading Health Indicators. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2017, from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/Leading-Health-Indicators 

National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2017, from http://www.pressganey.com/solutions/clinical-quality/nursing-quality 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). Healthy People 2020. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2017, from https://www.healthypeople.gov/sites/default/files/HP2020_brochure_with_LHI_508_FNL.pdf 

IOM Future of Nursing Report. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2017, from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ThePracticeofProfessionalNursing/workforce/IOM-Future-of-Nursing-Report-1

Berhane, A., Biadgilign, S., Berhane, A., & Memiah, P. (2015). Male involvement in family planning program in Northern Ethiopia: An application of the Transtheoretical model. Patient Education and Counseling 98, 469–475

Kroelinger, C.D., Rankin, K. M., Chamgers, D.A., Diez Roux, A.V., Huges, K., & Grigorescu, V. (2014). Using the principles of complex systems thinking and implementation sceice to enhance maternal and child health program planning and delivery. Maternal Child Health Journal, 18, 1560–1564. doi 10.1007/s10995-014-1586-9

Silverman, B., Champney, J., Steber, S., & Zubritsky, C. (2015). Collaborating for consensus: Considerations for convening Coalition stakeholders to promote a gender-based approach to addressing the health needs of sex workers. Evaluation and Program Planning 51,17–26 doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.12.002

Smith, T.L., Barlow, P.b., Peters, J.M., & Skolits, G.J. (2015). Demystifying reflective practice: Using the DATA model to enhance evaluators’ professional activities. Evaluation and Program Planning, 52, 142–147.

Burrows, T., Hutchesson, M., Chai, L,K., Rollow, M., Skinner, G., & Collins, C. (2015). Nutrition interventions for prevention and management of childhood obesity: What do parents want from an eHealth program? Nutrients, 7, 10469–10479 doi:10.3390/nu7125546

Derguy, C., Michel, G., M’Bailara, K., Roux, S., & Bouvard, M. (2015). Assessing needs in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: A crucial preliminary step to target relevant issues for support programs. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 40(2), 156–166 doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2015.1023707

Millard, T., McDonald, K., Elliott, J., Slavin, S., Rowell, S., & Girdler, S. (2014). Informing the development of an online self-management program for men living with HIV: a needs assessment. BMC Public Health, 14, 1209 doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-1209

Springer, A. E. & Evans, A.E. (2016). Assessing environmental assets for health promotion program planning: a practical framework for health promotion practitioners. Health Promotion Perspectives, 6(3), 111–118 doi: 10.15171/hpp.2016.19

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Design and evaluation of programs and projects [Video file}. Baltimore, MD: Author.

You may view this course video by clicking the link or on the course DVD, which contains the same content. Once you’ve opened the link, click on the appropriate media piece.

In these videos, Dr. Melissa Willmarth, Dr. Debora Dole, and Dr. Donna Shambley-Ebron provide insights related to defining health care-related problems.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Design and evaluation of programs and projects [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

“Needs Assessment” (featuring Dr. Rebecca Lee, Shiniche Thomas, and Dr. Donna Shambley-Ebron)

You may view this course video by clicking the link or on the course DVD, which contains the same content. Once you’ve opened the link, click on the appropriate media piece.

In this week’s videos, Dr. Rebecca Lee and Dr. Donna Shambley-Ebron discuss needs assessments. Then, Dr. Rebecca Lee demonstrates a windshield assessment along with Seven Hills community resident Shiniche Thomas.

Optional Resources

Algera, M., Francke, A. L., Kerkstra, A., & Van der Zee, J. (2004). Integrative literature reviews and meta-analyses: Home care needs of patients with long-term conditions: Literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 46(4), 417–429.

This article compares literature in the field to determine a profile for people with long-term health care conditions who utilize home care services.

Madden, S. G., Loeb, S. J., & Smith, C. A. (2008). An integrative literature review of lifestyle interventions for the prevention of type II diabetes mellitus. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 17(17), 2243–2256.

This article is an example of an integrative literature review that identifies aspects of nursing programs aimed at prevention of type II diabetes, effectiveness of such programs, and compliance with lifestyle changes after such programs.

Hulton, L. J. (2007). An evaluation of a school-based teenage pregnancy prevention program using a logic model framework. Journal of School Nursing, 23(2), 104–110.

This article describes the use of the logic model to develop, implement, and evaluate a nursing intervention in a school setting.

Johnson, S. S., Driskell, M., Johnson, J. L., Prochaska, J. M., Zwick, W., & Prochaska, J. O. (2006). Efficacy of a transtheoretical model-based expert system for antihypertensive adherence. Disease Management, 9(5), 291–301.

This article introduces the use of the transtheoretical model and stages of change as applied to interventions aimed at medication adherence for patients with hypertension.

Rogers, L. Q., Shah, P., Dunnington, G., Greive, A., Shanmugham, A., Dawson, B., & Courneya, K. S. (2005). Social cognitive theory and physical activity during breast cancer treatment. Oncology Nursing Forum, 32(4), 807–815.

The social cognitive theory is utilized to examine associations with physical activity in breast cancer patients. This article posits that the social cognitive theory can be used as a mediator for intervention evaluation with this population.

W. K. Kellogg Foundation. (2004). Using logic models to bring together planning, evaluation, and action: Logic model development guide. Battle Creek, MI: W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.wkkf.org/resource-directory/resource/2006/02/wk-kellogg-foundation-logic-model-development-guide.

Describe at least five problems

/0 Comments/in /by

Mr. C., a 32-year-old single man, is seeking information at the outpatient center regarding possible bariatric surgery for his obesity. He reports that he has always been heavy, even as a small child, but he has gained about 100 pounds in the last 2–3 years. Previous medical evaluations have not indicated any metabolic diseases, but he says he has sleep apnea and high blood pressure, which he tries to control with sodium restriction. He current works at a catalog telephone center.

Objective Data

  1. Height: 68 inches; Weight 134.5 kg
  2. BP: 172/96, HR 88, RR 26
  3. Fasting Blood Glucose: 146/mg/dL
  4. Total Cholesterol: 250mg/dL
  5. Triglycerides: 312 mg/dL
  6. HDL: 30 mg/dL

Critical Thinking Questions

What health risks associated with obesity does Mr. C. have? Is bariatric surgery an appropriate intervention? Why or why not?

Mr. C. has been diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease and the following medications have been ordered:

  1. Magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide (Mylanta) 15 mL PO 1 hour before bedtime and 3 hours after mealtime and at bedtime.
  2. Ranitidine (Zantac) 300 mg PO at bedtime.
  3. Sucralfate/Carafate 1 g or 10ml suspension (500mg / 5mL) 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.

The patient reports eating meals at 7 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., and a bedtime snack at 10 p.m. Plan an administration schedule that will be most therapeutic and acceptable to the patient.

  1. Assess each of Mr. C.’s functional health patterns using the information given. (Hint: Functional health patterns include health-perception – health management, nutritional – metabolic, elimination, activity-exercise, sleep-rest, cognitive-perceptual, self-perception – self-concept, role-relationship, sexuality – reproductive, coping – stress tolerance.)
  2. What actual or potential problems can you identify? Describe at least five problems

Mr. C., a 32-year-old single man, is seeking information at the outpatient center regarding possible bariatric surgery for his obesity. He reports that he has always been heavy, even as a small child, but he has gained about 100 pounds in the last 2–3 years. Previous medical evaluations have not indicated any metabolic diseases, but he says he has sleep apnea and high blood pressure, which he tries to control with sodium restriction. He current works at a catalog telephone center.

Objective Data

  1. Height: 68 inches; Weight 134.5 kg
  2. BP: 172/96, HR 88, RR 26
  3. Fasting Blood Glucose: 146/mg/dL
  4. Total Cholesterol: 250mg/dL
  5. Triglycerides: 312 mg/dL
  6. HDL: 30 mg/dL

Critical Thinking Questions

What health risks associated with obesity does Mr. C. have? Is bariatric surgery an appropriate intervention? Why or why not?

Mr. C. has been diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease and the following medications have been ordered:

  1. Magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide (Mylanta) 15 mL PO 1 hour before bedtime and 3 hours after mealtime and at bedtime.
  2. Ranitidine (Zantac) 300 mg PO at bedtime.
  3. Sucralfate/Carafate 1 g or 10ml suspension (500mg / 5mL) 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.

The patient reports eating meals at 7 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., and a bedtime snack at 10 p.m. Plan an administration schedule that will be most therapeutic and acceptable to the patient.

  1. Assess each of Mr. C.’s functional health patterns using the information given. (Hint: Functional health patterns include health-perception – health management, nutritional – metabolic, elimination, activity-exercise, sleep-rest, cognitive-perceptual, self-perception – self-concept, role-relationship, sexuality – reproductive, coping – stress tolerance.)
  2. What actual or potential problems can you identify? Describe at least five problems and provide the rationale for each.
  1. and provide the rationale for each.

Discuss how this topic adversely affects the population.

/0 Comments/in /by

Create a 15-20-slide PowerPoint presentation for Mental Health Early Identification and Intervention in the Adolescent Population. Include speaker notes and citations for each slide, and   create a slide at the end for References.

Address the following:

  1. Describe the above subject or topic and associated population your     group has selected. Discuss how this topic adversely affects the     population. How does health disparity affect this population?
  2. Explain evidence-based approaches that can optimize health for     this population. How do these approaches minimize health disparity     among affected populations?
  3. Outline a proposal for health     education that can be used in a family-centered health promotion to     address the issue for the target population. Ensure your proposal is     based on evidence-based practice.
  4. Present a general profile     of at least one health-related organization for the selected focus     topic. Present two resources, national or local, for the proposed     education plan that can be utilized by the provider or the   patient.
  5. Identify interdisciplinary health professionals     important to include in the health promotion. What is their role?     Why is their involvement significant?

Cite at least five scholarly sources to complete   this assignment. Sources should be published within the last 5 years   and appropriate for the assignment criteria and public health content.

Determine how leadership impacts the organizational culture during this change

/0 Comments/in /by


Delta Pacific Case Study

As the change leader for Delta  Pacific Company (DPC), you know certain elements need to be in place by leadership for a change to be successful. DPC wants to change the culture from the more traditional manufacturing environment to one of a contemporary consulting  environment. Now it’s time for you to help the leaders execute a successful  change:

  • Determine how leadership impacts the  organizational culture during this change
  • Examine elements that are critical to making this change sustainable
  • Assess the top mistakes leaders make and determine the best way to avoid those mistakes

As the change leader, it is your  responsibility to help ensure a successful change in the shift of DPC’s  organizational culture. Part of this includes alerting leadership to how their  own behavior impacts change and how change can be sustainable.

Conduct academic research and create a plan to present to the CEO and board in which you complete the following successful change management plan: 2 page minimum 

  • Explanation of leadership behaviors that impact organizational change.
  • Description of critical factors that ensures this cultural shift will be sustainable.
  • Examination of the top mistakes leaders make during a change.
  • Explanation of your recommendations as to the best ways the leaders can avoid making those mistakes.
  • Remember that this is a proposal. Make sure to format your paper properly for your proposal. A proposal is a persuasive document, so make sure to use proper language and tone. Remember, you are the change leader, and you are writing to the CEO. So use a tone in your proposal that is specific to your audience (the CEO)

Evaluate different change management models.

/0 Comments/in /by

  • Analyze leadership and management roles in change management
  • Evaluate different change management models.
  • Examine various roles in change management.
  • Analyze methods for understanding and mapping change in an organization.
  • Critique strategies for removing barriers to change.
  • Examine leadership’s role in executing successful change.

Instructions

Delta Pacific Case Study

You serve as the change leader for Delta Pacific Company (DPC). Up until this point, the organizational culture has been one of a traditional culture as the company had a manufacturing environment. 

DPC has undergone an extensive change from manufacturing to consulting, including  new employee roles and responsibilities, training, and resources. However, there have been organizational barriers and employee resistances to the changes, resulting in a declining profitability. 

You have decided to design a Change Leadership Strategy plan to present to the  leaders of DPC to meet their goal of changing the culture from the more  traditional manufacturing environment to one of a contemporary consulting  environment. To complete your Leading Change Plan, please include the following: 3 page minimum 

  • An APA-formatted title page.
  • Breakdown of the current issues that Delta Pacific are facing.
  • Analyzation of change leadership strategy to be implemented.
  • Classify what type of leader mindset is needed to create a new environment.
  • Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of two popular change models. Include at least three similarities and three  differences. Choose the one that you feel best compliments your strategy .
  • Explain how the change model you decided to use will ensure the most effective and efficient process of changing an organizational culture.
  • Construct a leadership team.
  • Explain the importance of the leader’s position within each area of the change plan. 
  • Include examples of what the leaders should expect during the change process.
  • Continue with your plan to explain at least two specific organizational barriers and at least two specific employee resistance behaviors that are most likely to occur during an organizational culture change.
  • Design strategies to combat those barriers and resistance behaviors.
  • Discuss the behaviors that DPC’s leaders need to exhibit to ensure a positive and successful cultural shift for the long-term.
  • Include the top mistakes leaders make during an organizational culture change and your recommendations to avoid those mistakes (module 6).
  • Please include an APA-formatted reference page to document the sources used for your research. Make sure that your sources are credible.

Identify the nursing challenge and its impact from a nursing perspective

/0 Comments/in /by

 Write a 4–6 page impact report to senior leadership that identifies a nursing-related challenge, analyzes how it affects the organization from a nursing perspective, and details the new position.

Each organization has a unique structure that impacts the behavior of the organization. In health care organizations, this impact is on the ability of the organization to deliver quality patient care. Nursing is an essential component of any health care organization, and nursing leaders must understand the role of nursing and nursing leadership within the total organization. Understanding basic organizational structure, mission, vision, philosophy, and values will better prepare nurse leaders to improve quality and patient outcomes.

Use the Suggested Resources for this assessment to study systems theory, SWOT analysis, and shared governance teams, as background for an Impact Report to Senior Leadership. The report includes a SWOT analysis. The SWOT Analysis Template is linked in attachment

  • Study a facility in your area (Central Florida) and examine its Web site and any available public documents to aid you in completing this assessment. You may wish to examine an organization where you work, where you have worked in the past, or where you did your clinical work.
  • Do not name the organization in your report; instead, identify the type of facility and location. Example: A rehabilitation center in a midsize Midwestern city.

Use the following scenario as the basis for your report:

Scenario
The unit-based Shared Governance Council of the organization where you work has identified a major nursing-related challenge (patient/staff safety, confidentiality, management/staff conflict, poor patient satisfaction survey scores, or nursing staff shortages) within your health care organization.
In an unusual move, your system administrator is considering creating a new nurse leadership position that would have the responsibility and authority to address this specific issue. As a member of the shared governance council’s subcommittee, you have been asked to write the committee’s final report.

Deliverable: Impact Report to Senior Leadership

Write a 4–6 page impact report to senior leadership that identifies the challenge, analyzes how it affects the organization from a nursing perspective, and details the new position.

Example paper of expectations attached to use as example. ******

  • Use systems thinking and leadership theory as tools to approach this problem.

**Construct the report with the following headings:**

The Nursing Challenge:
  • Identify the nursing challenge and its impact from a nursing perspective. Choose from:
    • Patient/staff safety, confidentiality, management/staff conflict, poor patient-satisfaction survey scores, or nursing staff shortages.
The System/Organization:
  • Explain how the nursing challenge creates a gap or conflict between the organization’s statements and practice.
    • Identify the organization type—that is, specialty hospital, teaching hospital, major health care system, et cetera, and summarize the organizational structure, its mission, vision, and philosophy statements.
    • Use systems theory and systems thinking to explain the gap or conflict.
SWOT Analysis:

Use the SWOT Analysis Template linked in Required Resources and include the SWOT analysis table in your paper. *Table is in attachment*

  • Identify organizational factors that impact the situation using a SWOT analysis.
    • For example, a budget cut may cause short staffing, which relates directly to the problem.
  • What factors within the system may facilitate a solution for this problem?
The Position:
  • Assess how the new nurse leader position will have power and influence and impact patient outcomes.
  • How will this position affect change within the organization?
  • Identify key leadership skills, knowledge, or abilities required for the position.
Additional Requirements
  • Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
  • APA formatting: Resources and in-text citations should be formatted according to current APA style and formatting.
  • Length: The report should be 4–6 pages in content length. Include a separate title page and a separate reference page.
  • Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point, double-spaced.
  • Number of resources: Use a minimum of three peer-reviewed resources.

What factors make this policy most attractive to you as an advocate?

/0 Comments/in /by

As you recall, number two on the National Quality Strategy Priorities is person-and family-centered care. Prior to the 1980s, family and visitors were restricted to a few hours at a time and absolutely prohibited to stay overnight. When family arrived on discharge day, they were given minimal instructions on the care of invasive treatments such as bladder irrigation and told to return only if there were problems. As a result, patients did return with raging infections, wound dehiscence, and irreparable complications.

Fortunately, with the advent of patient-and family-centered care, readmissions have been reduced because of adequate training and participation of caregivers. 

Reflect upon what you have learned about changing the concept from families as “visitors” to families as partners. Identify which policy you would prefer to see in your facility as a patient and as a healthcare leader. Use the Institute for Family- and Patient-Centered Care’s website to view sample policies.

1. Choose the policy you would like to see implemented as a family member and as a patient advocate. 

a. Be specific and use the policy content to support your opinion.

b. What factors make this policy most attractive to you as an advocate?

1. Choose the policy you would like to see implemented as a future healthcare leader.

a. Again, be specific and use the policy content to support your opinion.

b. What factors make this policy most attractive to you as a future healthcare leader?

How would the results be used to make a diagnosis?

/0 Comments/in /by


Most ear, nose, and throat conditions that arise in non-critical care settings are minor in nature. However, subtle symptoms can sometimes escalate into life-threatening conditions that require prompt assessment and treatment. Nurses conducting assessments of the ears, nose, and throat must be able to identify the small differences between life-threatening conditions and benign ones. For instance, if a patient with a sore throat and a runny nose also has inflamed lymph nodes, the inflammation is probably due to the pathogen causing the sore throat rather than a case of throat cancer. With this knowledge and a sufficient patient health history, a nurse would not need to escalate the assessment to a biopsy or an MRI of the lymph nodes, but would probably perform a simple strep test.

In this Discussion, you consider case studies of abnormal findings from patients in a clinical setting. You determine what history should be collected from the patients, what physical exams and diagnostic tests should be conducted, and formulate a differential diagnosis with several possible conditions.

Note: By Day 1 of this week, your Instructor will have assigned you to one of the following specific case studies for this Discussion. Also, your Discussion post should be in the Episodic/Focused SOAP Note format, rather than the traditional narrative style Discussion posting format. Refer to Chapter 2 of the Sullivan text and the Episodic/Focused SOAP Template in the Week 5 Learning Resources for guidance. Remember that all Episodic/Focused SOAP notes have specific data included in every patient case. 

Case 1: Nose Focused Exam
Richard is a 50-year-old male with nasal congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and postnasal drainage. Richard has struggled with an itchy nose, eyes, palate, and ears for 5 days. As you check his ears and throat for redness and inflammation, you notice him touch his fingers to the bridge of his nose to press and rub there. He says he’s taken Mucinex OTC the past two nights to help him breathe while he sleeps. When you ask if the Mucinex has helped at all, he sneers slightly and gestures that the improvement is only minimal. Richard is alert and oriented. He has pale, boggy nasal mucosa with clear thin secretions and enlarged nasal turbinates, which obstruct airway flow but his lungs are clear. His tonsils are not enlarged but his throat is mildly erythematous.

Case 2: Focused Throat Exam
Lily is a 20-year-old student at the local community college. When some of her friends and classmates told her about an outbreak of flu-like symptoms sweeping her campus over the past two weeks, Lily figured she shouldn’t take her three-day sore throat lightly. Your clinic has treated a few cases similar to Lily’s. All the patients reported decreased appetite, headaches, and pain with swallowing. As Lily recounts these symptoms to you, you notice that she has a runny nose and a slight hoarseness in her voice but doesn’t sound congested.

Case 3: Focused Ear Exam
Martha brings her 11-year old grandson, James, to your clinic to have his right ear checked. He has complained to her about a mild earache for the past two days. His grandmother believes that he feels warm but did not verify this with a thermometer. James states that the pain was worse while he was falling asleep and that it was harder for him to hear. When you begin basic assessments, you notice that James has a prominent tan. When you ask him how he’s been spending his summer, James responds that he’s been spending a lot of time in the pool.

To prepare:

With regard to the case study you were assigned:

· Review this week’s Learning Resources and consider the insights they provide.

· Consider what history would be necessary to collect from the patient.

· Consider what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. How would the results be used to make a diagnosis?

· Identify at least 5 possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient.

Note: Before you submit your initial post, replace the subject line (“Week 5 Discussion”) with “Review of Case Study ___,” identifying the number of the case study you were assigned.

Post an episodic/focused note about the patient in the case study to which you were assigned using the episodic/focused note template provided in week 5 resources. Provide evidence from the literature to support diagnostic tests that would be appropriate for each case. List five different possible conditions for the patient’s differential diagnosis and justify why you selected each.