Strategies For Academic Portfolios NURS 6003

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios

In the realm of marketing, a successful branding strategy is one of the most important contributors to organizational success. A solid branding strategy can help add visibility and credibility to a company’s products.

Similarly, nurse-scholars can build a personal brand to add visibility and credibility to their work. You can begin building your brand by developing and maintaining an academic portfolio. Such an activity can help share the results of your efforts and contribute to your success. This week’s Discussion asks you to consider and share strategies for building your portfolio.

To Prepare:

  • Reflect on strategies that you can pursue in developing portfolios or portfolio elements that focus on academic achievements.
  • Review one or more samples from your own research of resources focused on portfolio development.

By Day 3

Post an explanation of at least two strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals. Then, explain how those goals may align with the University’s emphasis on social change. Be specific and provide examples.

Support main post with 3 of more current, credible sources and cite source within content of posting and on a reference list in proper APA.

By Day 6

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days, by offering additional ideas regarding academic achievements to include or offering alternative ways of presenting the current achievements.

Be sure to offer support from at least 2 current, credible sources in each required response to classmates’ main post and cite per APA.

Strategies for Academic Portfolios Example 1

Professional development through training and training has immense value. In particular, Havea & Mohanty (2019) agrees that training and education the capabilities of individuals and improve the level of productivity. In part, education and training provide the respective profession with the required capabilities, which is further reflected in the quality of work and the overall quality of the rendered services (Havea & Mohanty, 2019). Thus, some of the strategies put in place to advance and develop the academic portfolio are through engaging in training and education.

In this approach, attaining the required skills and competence was enhanced through completion of the curriculum and within a given time duration also has a positive impact on the quality of services rendered to the patient and the health care users. Thus, the entire academic activities required to achieve certification will be included in the professional development goals. In this case, in adherence to the academic domain, the goal of engaging in professional development would be to increase technical skills and competence through continuous education.

The second strategy that is incongruent with continuous education is to engage in Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) competence and gain the ability and new knowledge from others and also be part of the greater efforts to disseminate knowledge and information. Continuous education and engagement in professional practice have been cited as having positive impacts on professional development.

The after-mentioned goals focus on the need to engage in education and training as part of the professional development goals. The goals are also incongruent with the University’s social change. In particular, social change is defined as the deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, actions, and strategies to promote worth and dignity. In this regard, professional development contributes to the process of creating ideas and applying the ideas to actual practice to promote worth and dignity (Raymond, 2020).

For instance, through CE, a professional has the ability to stay up to date with current information and develop new skills which can be implemented in the practice setting to provide quality care. Secondly, engaging in nursing competence is also part of the greater efforts, which also allowed for the application of ideas to improve the dignity and worth of the patient, families, and other health care stakeholders. Thus, the professional goals support the university’s social change through the advancement of practice.

Strategies For Academic Portfolios NURS 6003 References

Havea, P. H., & Mohanty, M. (2019). Professional development and sustainable development goals. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69902-8_53-1

Raymond, L. (2020). Academic guides: Center for social change: Walden and social change. Academicguides.waldenu.edu. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/social-change/mission

Sample 2 Week 8 Discussion By MO

Choosing a career is a daunting and challenging endeavor because the results of the decisions are likely to affect life for decades. My selected nursing specialization is psychiatry and the specific field that I wish to pursue is the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Nurses within this specialization assist individuals with mental illnesses and treat them to enhance their quality of life (Kells & Mathis, 2022).

Strategies For Academic Portfolios NURS 6003

Because each profession has its own set of requirements that must be completed to succeed in that field, it is very challenging to choose this specialty among the many available. I have considered focusing on this specialization because of several reasons. Numerous individuals commit suicide in the United States and other countries due to being bullied, experiencing anxiety and depression, or suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (Bennett, 2021). Also, several people, particularly adolescents, abuse substances due to emotional dysregulation, and the therapist can aid them in controlling their symptoms by addressing these specific issues.

Teenagers constitute the great majority of substance abusers. By becoming a therapist, I can help all these people. In addition, a PMHNP is responsible for appropriately diagnosing patients and supervising their treatment programs to enhance their quality of life. Being a therapist, I can contribute to the mental and spiritual well-being of patients, and can also influence their physical health. This is because a person’s mental health directly impacts their physical health.

There is another approach to benefit humanity which is assisting individuals in recovering from traumatic experiences and leading fruitful lives. This appears to be a severe issue that is also pretty intriguing. While working as a PMHNP, I can provide specialized care to individuals with challenging irrational beliefs. This specialization is likely to bring several challenges for me. My family has some concerns about me getting into this specialization.

Numerous people believe that individuals with mental disorders are treacherous and will attack anyone at any time (Parola & Marcionetti, 2021). This is one reason my family does not want me to pursue my interest in this topic. Few hospitals are willing to position their employees in clinical settings in order for them to qualify as PMHNPs, presenting a second obstacle. Another challenge is peer pressure.

My friends are going into other specializations, and they want me to consider those options, despite not being interested. This leaves an imprint to think about the choice again. While working as a PMNHP, I will provide my service as a nurse practitioner and in this way, I can take a part to save the lives of the people that die every day due to psychological reasons (Nelson et al., 2021; Raynor et al., 2021).

American Psychological Association (APA, 2022) is one of the organizations working for individuals with mental health disorders and how these impact their social and personal functioning. The organization also publishes comprehensive treatment guidelines for different mental health disorders that help therapists deal with patients and bring them back to life. I have never been a member of this organization. I intend to become a member of this organization after completing a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from a prestigious institute and working as a therapist or as a PMHNP.

Strategies For Academic Portfolios NURS 6003 References

American Psychological Association. (2022). Become a Full Member of APA. https://www.apa.org/members/your-membership/member#:~:text=To%20be%20a%20full%20member%20of%20APA%20you

Bennett, C. (2021). Improving mental health education in nursing school. Nursing2021, 51(9), 48-53. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NURSE.0000769868.09336.15

Kells, M., & Jennings Mathis, K. (2022). Influence of COVID‐19 on the next generation of nurses in the United States. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 1(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16202

Nelson, S. C., Jeffrey, J. K., Lustbader, A., Rak, J., Gandhi, M., Krishna, R., Merriman, M., Keels-Lowe, V., & Hoisington-Stabile, A. (2021). Effective partnership care models with advanced practice psychiatric nurses. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 30(4), 827-838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2021.07.005

Parola, A., & Marcionetti, J. (2021). Career decision-making difficulties and life satisfaction: the role of career-related parental behaviors and career adaptability. Journal of Career Development, 49(4), 557-229. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845321995571

Raynor, P., Eisbach, S., Murillo, C., Polyakova-Norwood, V., & Baliko, B. (2021). Building psychiatric advanced practice student nurse competency to conduct comprehensive diagnostic interviews using two types of online simulation methods. Journal of Professional Nursing, 37(5), 866-874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2021.06.009

Strategies For Academic Portfolios NURS 6003 Rubric Detail

  Excellent Good Fair Poor
Main Posting 45 (45%) – 50 (50%) Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources. Supported by at least three current, credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. 40 (40%) – 44 (44%) Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth. Supported by at least three credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. 35 (35%) – 39 (39%) Responds to some of the discussion question(s). One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed. Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Post is cited with two credible sources.Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors.

Contains some APA formatting errors.

0 (0%) – 34 (34%) Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately. Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria. Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Contains only one or no credible sources.Not written clearly or concisely.

Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors.

Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style.

Main Post: Timeliness 10 (10%) – 10 (10%)Posts main post by day 3. 0 (0%) – 0 (0%) 0 (0%) – 0 (0%) 0 (0%) – 0 (0%) Does not post by day 3.
First Response 17 (17%) – 18 (18%) Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Strategies For Academic Portfolios NURS 6003

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.

15 (15%) – 16 (16%) Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. 13 (13%) – 14 (14%) Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. 0 (0%) – 12 (12%) Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited.
Second Response 16 (16%) – 17 (17%) Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed.

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.

14 (14%) – 15 (15%) Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. 12 (12%) – 13 (13%) Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. 0 (0%) – 11 (11%) Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited.
Participation 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days. 0 (0%) – 0 (0%) 0 (0%) – 0 (0%) 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days.
Total Points: 100

NURS 6003 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY-MAKING

Word cloud generators have become popular tools for meetings and team-building events. Groups or teams are asked to use these applications to input words they feel best describe their team or their role. A “word cloud” is generated by the application that makes prominent the most-used terms, offering an image of the common thinking among participants of that role.

What types of words would you use to build a nursing word cloud? Empathetic, organized, hard-working, or advocate would all certainly apply. Would you add policy-maker to your list? Do you think it would be a very prominent component of the word cloud?

Nursing has become one of the largest professions in the world, and as such, nurses have the potential to influence policy and politics on a global scale. When nurses influence the politics that improve the delivery of healthcare, they are ultimately advocating for their patients. Hence, policy-making has become an increasingly popular term among nurses as they recognize a moral and professional obligation to be engaged in healthcare legislation.

To Prepare:

  • Revisit the Congress.gov website provided in the Resources and consider the role of RNs and APRNs in policy-making.
  • Reflect on potential opportunities that may exist for RNs and APRNs to participate in the policy-making process.

Write an explanation of at least two opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making.

Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges.

Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities to participate in policy-making.

Be specific and provide examples.

NURS 6003 ADVOCATING FOR THE NURSING ROLE IN PROGRAM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

Interview Transcript Paper

As their names imply, the honeyguide bird and the honey badger both share an affinity for honey. Honeyguide birds specialize in finding beehives but struggle to access the honey within. Honey badgers are well-equipped to raid beehives but cannot always find them. However, these two honey-loving species have learned to collaborate on an effective means to meet their objectives. The honeyguide bird guides honey badgers to newly discovered hives. Once the honey badger has ransacked the hive, the honey guide bird safely enters to enjoy the leftover honey.

Much like honeyguide birds and honey badgers, nurses and health professionals from other specialty areas can—and should—collaborate to design effective programs. Nurses bring specialties to the table that make them natural partners to professionals with different specialties. When nurses take the requisite leadership in becoming involved throughout the healthcare system, these partnerships can better design and deliver highly effective programs that meet objectives.

In this Assignment, you will practice this type of leadership by advocating for a healthcare program. Equally as important, you will advocate for a collaborative role of the nurse in the design and implementation of this program. To do this, assume you are preparing to be interviewed by a professional organization/publication regarding your thoughts on the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs.

To Prepare:

  • Review the Resources and reflect on your thinking regarding the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs.
  • Select a healthcare program within your practice and consider the design and implementation of this program.
  • Reflect on advocacy efforts and the role of the nurse in relation to healthcare program design and implementation.

In a 2- to 3-page paper, create an interview transcript of your responses to the following interview questions:

  • Tell us about a healthcare program, within your practice. What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program?
  • Who is your target population?
  • What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples?
  • What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design?
  • What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation?
  • How does this role vary between design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples?
  • Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?

NURS 6003 THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

POLICY EVALUATION

In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. A critical component of any policy design is evaluation of the results. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters?

Some nurses may be hesitant to get involved with policy evaluation. The preference may be to focus on the care and well-being of their patients; some nurses may feel ill-equipped to enter the realm of policy and political activities. However, as you have examined previously, who better to advocate for patients and effective programs and polices than nurses? Already patient advocates in interactions with doctors and leadership, why not with government and regulatory agencies?

In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

To Prepare:

  • In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making.
  • Review the Resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you.

Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.

Write an evaluation topic and a brief description of the evaluation. Discuss how social determinants impact this issue.

ASSESSING A HEALTHCARE PROGRAM/POLICY EVALUATION

Program/policy evaluation is a valuable tool that can help strengthen the quality of programs/policies and improve outcomes for the populations they serve. Program/policy evaluation answers basic questions about program/policy effectiveness. It involves collecting and analyzing information about program/policy activities, characteristics, and outcomes. This information can be used to ultimately improve program services or policy initiatives.

Nurses can play a very important role assessing program/policy evaluation for the same reasons that they can be so important to program/policy design. Nurses bring expertise and patient advocacy that can add significant insight and impact. In this Assignment, you will practice applying this expertise and insight by selecting an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation and reflecting on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program/policy.

To Prepare:

  • Review the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template provided in the Resources.
  • Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you.
  • Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.

The Assignment: (2–3 pages)

Based on the program or policy evaluation you selected, complete the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template. Be sure to address the following:

  • Describe the healthcare program or policy outcomes.
  • How was the success of the program or policy measured?
  • How many people were reached by the program or policy selected?
  • How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?
  • At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?
  • What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?
  • What specific information on unintended consequences was identified?
  • What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy?
  • Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation?
  • Be specific and provide examples.
  • Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?
  • Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?
  • Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after 1 year of implementation.

Please Stick to 3 pages.

Thanks for all your help

Program/Policy Evaluation Grading Rubric

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Program/Policy Evaluation Based on the program or policy evaluation you selected, complete the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template. Be sure to address the following:

· Describe the healthcare program or policy outcomes.· How was the success of the program or policy measured?

· How many people were reached by the program or policy selected? How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?

· At what point in time in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?

35 to >31.0 pts
Excellent
Using sufficient evidence, response clearly and accurately describes the healthcare program or policy outcomes. …Response accurately and clearly explains how the success of the program or policy was measured. …Response accurately and clearly describes how many people were reached by the program or policy and accurately describes the impact of the program or policy. …Response accurately and clearly indicates the point at which time the program or policy evaluation was conducted. 31 to >27.0 pts
Good
Using sufficient evidence, response accurately describes the healthcare program or policy outcomes. …Response accurately explains how the success of the program or policy was measured. …Response accurately describes how many people were reached by the program or policy and accurately describes the impact of the program or policy. …Response accurately indicates the point at which time the program or policy evaluation was conducted. 27 to >24.0 pts
Fair
Description of the healthcare program or policy outcomes is inaccurate or incomplete. …Explanation of how the success of the program or policy was measured is inaccurate or incomplete. …Description of how many people were reached by the program or policy and the impact is vague or inaccurate. …Response vaguely describes the point at which the program or policy evaluation was conducted. 24 to >0 pts
Poor
Description of the healthcare program or policy outcomes is inaccurate and incomplete or is missing. …Explanation of how the success of the program or policy was measured is inaccurate and incomplete or is missing. …Description of how many people were reached by the program or policy and the associated impacts is vague and inaccurate or is missing. …Response of the point at which time the program or policy was conducted is missing.
35 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Reporting of Program/Policy Evaluations· What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?· What specific information on unintended consequences was identified?· What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit the most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples.· Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?· Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?· Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after 1 year of implementation. 50 to >44.0 pts
Excellent
Response clearly and thoroughly explains in detail: -specific information on outcomes and unintended consequences identified through the program or policy evaluation. -the stakeholders involved in the program or policy evaluation. -who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation. -whether the program met the original intent and outcomes, including an accurate and detailed explanation of the reasons supporting why or why not. -whether the program should be implemented, including an accurate and detailed explanation of the reasons supporting why or why not. -at least two ways that the nurse advocate could become involved in the evaluation of the program or policy after 1 year of implementation. 44 to >39.0 pts
Good
Using sufficient evidence, response accurately identifies the data used to conduct the program or policy evaluation. Response explains in detail specific information on outcomes and unintended consequences identified through the program or policy evaluation. Response explains in detail the stakeholders involved in the program or policy evaluation. Response explains who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation. Response includes an accurate explanation of whether the program met the original intent and outcomes, including an accurate explanation of the reasons supporting why or why not. Response includes an accurate explanation of whether the program should be implemented, including an accurate explanation of the reasons supporting why or why not. Response includes an accurate explanation of two ways that the nurse advocate could become involved in the evaluation of the program or policy after 1 year of implementation. 39 to >34.0 pts
Fair
Response vaguely or inaccurately identifies the data used to conduct the program or policy evaluation. Explanation of specific information on outcomes and unintended consequences identified through the program or policy evaluation is vague or incomplete. Explanation of the stakeholders involved in the program or policy evaluation is vague or inaccurate. Explanation of who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation is vague or inaccurate. Explanation of whether the program/policy met the original intent and outcomes, and the reasons why or why not is incomplete or inaccurate. Explanation of whether the program or policy should be implemented, and the reasons why or why not, is incomplete or inaccurate. Explanation of ways that the nurse advocate could become involved in the evaluation or policy after 1 year of implementation is incomplete or inaccurate. 34 to >0 pts
Poor
Identification of the data used to conduct the program or policy evaluation is vague and inaccurate or is missing. Response includes vague and incomplete or is missing explanation of: -specific information on outcomes and unintended consequences identified through the program or policy evaluation. -the stakeholders involved in the program or policy evaluation. -who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation. -whether the program or policy met the original intent and outcomes, and the reasons why or why not. -whether the program or policy should be implemented, and the reasons why or why not. -ways that the nurse advocate could become involved in the evaluation or policy after 1 year of implementation.
50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, low logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused– neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria. 5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. …A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion is provided which delineates all required criteria. 4 to >3.0 pts
Good
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time. …Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not descriptive. 3 to >2.0 pts
Fair
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time. …Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is vague or off topic. 2 to >0 pts
Poor
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time. …Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is incomplete or missing.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Written Expression and Formatting – English Writing Standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation 5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors. 4 to >3.0 pts
Good
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 3 to >2.0 pts
Fair
Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 2 to >0 pts
Poor
Contains many (≥5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Written Expression and Formatting:

The paper follows correct APA format for title page, font, spacing, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list). 5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Uses correct APA format with no errors. 4 to >3.0 pts
Good
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors. 3 to >2.0 pts
Fair
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors. 2 to >0 pts
Poor
Contains many (≥5) APA format errors.
5 pts
Total Points: 100

NURS 6050: Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health Example

Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template

Use this document to complete the Module 5 Assessment Assessing a Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation.

Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation  

The Impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on diabetes care

Description  
How was the success of the program or policy measured?

 

 

The ACA is the most significant healthcare-related legislation in the USA since Medicare’s establishment in 1966. According to Furmanchuk et al. (2021), the ACA included provisions to address quality, cost, access to health insurance coverage, and the expansion of health coverage to more Americans. However, in relation to diabetes care, the success of this policy was measured based on a variety of parameters such as diabetic diagnostics and management, access to care, and improvement in the quality of care. Diabetic diagnostics was assessed through screening programs to detect undiagnosed diabetes. On the other hand, access to care was measured through insured visits by both diabetic and prediabetic patients (Furmanchuk et al., 2021). Meanwhile, diabetic management and quality of care were measured using the level of control of biomarkers such as HbA1c values, Medicaid expenditures, and access to medications.

 

How many people were reached by the program or policy selected? How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?

 

The policy targeted Americans with preexisting diabetes, prediabetics, and the undiagnosed.

According to Myerson et al. (2019), approximately 37.3 million people in the US have diabetes, a value that correlates to 28.7 million diagnosed and 8.5 million undiagnosed. Similarly, Myerson et al. (2019) estimate another 96 million people as prediabetic. Consequently, the ACA policy targeted all these individuals. The exact comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the ACA on diabetes care is yet to be done. Nonetheless, the existing studies reveal the following effects of ACA on diabetes care. ACA led to the expansion of Medicare services in several states by advocating for coverage of preexisting illnesses. 

Luo et al. (2019), in their study, observed that the health insurance coverage for people with diabetes increased in both Medicaid expansion and non-expansion states with a larger increase in Medicaid expansion states (P < .05, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.96). Consequently, residents in expansion states were more likely to afford physician visits, annual checkups, and personal doctor.

Similarly, Marino et al. (2020), observed a reduction in adjusted mean HbA1c levels (8.24% [67 mmol/mol] to 8.17% [66 mmol/mol]) among insured compared to uninsured whose HbA1c levels increased (8.12% [65 mmol/mol] to 8.29% [67 mmol/mol]; difference-in-differences [DID] −0.24%; P < 0.001). The newly insured under the ACA also showed greater reductions in systolic blood pressure and LDL levels compared to the uninsured. 

Myerson et al. (2019) found that an additional 1.9 million people, 1.2 million of whom had low income, gained health insurance after ACA implementation. However, Furmanchuk et al. (2021) detected an insignificant increase of 0.21 (95% CI −2.10 to 2.52) in the prescription for diabetes medications among low-income persons after the implementation of ACA, although this study attributed its findings to confounding variables such as all prescription measures instead of per enrollee measures. Finally, concerning cost, Furmanchuk et al. (2021) established that a reduction in cost following the implementation of ACA remains an arguable achievement as the out-of-pocket payments decreased while Medicare expenditures increased significantly.

 

At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?

 

The Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) is tasked with the assistance of the implementation of numerous reforms of the ACA. Following implementation, the policy has to be evaluated to determine its progress or success and whether changes should be made. This was done by Post Affordable Care Act Evaluation (PACE), a case-control observational study sponsored by Oregon Health and Science University, prospective in nature, that began in Jan 2012 and was completed on October 24, 2018. 

The study recruited 1939848 participants and spanned through initial implementation, full implementation, and expansion and scale-up stages of program implementation. However, several other studies have evaluated the impact of ACA on the US healthcare system and focused on distinct parameters.

What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?

 

Electronic Health Records (EHR) from major academic health systems in various states of the USA were utilized, HER data from OCHIN practice-based research network, Community Health Centers data, HER data from Accelerating Data Values Across a National Community Health Center Network (ADVANCE), Clinical Data Research Network (CDRN). The aforementioned sources provided patient-related data, diabetes biomarkers, insurance coverage, and cost estimates.
What specific information on unintended consequences were identified?

 

The penalty for not purchasing health insurance the first year was $95 per person or 1% of the income, whichever is greater, an amount that will grow yearly. Similarly, the poor and the uninsured residing in states that do not expand Medicaid will benefit the least. Finally, as for physicians, the ACA pays lower rates than private health plans.
What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples.

 

The stakeholders identified include consumers, employers (payors and policymakers), states, and healthcare providers (Furmanchuk et al., 2021). The healthcare consumers are the key stakeholders of the ACA as the act targets them. The results from the evaluation of policy will increase insurance coverage by advocating for Medicare expansion across several states. 

Similarly, emphasis will be placed on preventive care to ensure that prediabetic individuals are screened and diagnosed early to improve the overall healthcare outcomes. Additionally, the currently uninsured consumers will benefit the most as they can buy affordable health insurance on the exchanges whose premiums are 16% lower than those projected by the Congressional Budget (Furmanchuk et al., 2021).

 

 

Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?

 

Arguably, the program met the original intent and objectives. First and foremost, the program managed to reduce the number of uninsured diabetics as it allowed coverage for preexisting illnesses and screening programs. The program also managed to increase the level of control of diabetes through early diagnosis and management as well as access to care and medications (Marino et al., 2020). However, in terms of cost, the care has been associated with high increases in taxes and insurance premiums required to pay for the care (Luo et al., 2019). The quality of healthcare has seemingly not improved as the timeliness of care and physician communication, and access remained unchanged. Similarly, the impact of ACA on primary care physician shortage at the national level is yet to be studied.

 

 

Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?

 

I would recommend the implementation of this policy at my place of work. The ACA policy increases the diagnosis and early detection of diabetes which are crucial for subsequent management and prevention of associated complications. Likewise, being a chronic condition, access to healthcare and medication results in medication and treatment compliance.
Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after one year of implementation.

 

The nurses participate in policy evaluation at the state and federal levels by joining the professional nursing organization as well as undertaking internships with elected officials to work and assess matters affecting healthcare (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Furthermore, nurses participate in policy evaluation by gathering information and knowledge to be used for policy reviewing using evidence-based research and data. Finally, nurses engage in policy evaluation by voting and writing to their state representatives regarding healthcare policy (Hajizadeh et al., 2021).

 

 

General Notes/Comments
  • The ACA on diabetic care has not yet fully met its objectives.
  • The ACA Medicaid expansion is yet to be undertaken by all states of the US
  • Nurses should participate in policy evaluation.

 

 

References                                                                                                         

Furmanchuk, A., Liu, M., Song, X., Waitman, L. R., Meurer, J. R., Osinski, K., Stoddard, A., Chrischilles, E., McClay, J. C., Cowell, L. G., Tachinardi, U., Embi, P. J., Mosa, A. S. M., Mandhadi, V., Shah, R. C., Garcia, D., Angulo, F., Patino, A., Trick, W. E., … Black, B. S. (2021). Effect of the Affordable Care Act on diabetes care at major health centers: newly detected diabetes and diabetes medication management. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, 9(1), e002205. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2021-002205

Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: a systematic review. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 128. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6

Luo, H., Chen, Z. A., Xu, L., & Bell, R. A. (2019). Health care access and receipt of clinical diabetes preventive care for working-age adults with diabetes in states with and without Medicaid expansion: Results from the 2013 and 2015 BRFSS. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice: JPHMP, 25(4), E34–E43. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0000000000000832

Marino, M., Angier, H., Springer, R., Valenzuela, S., Hoopes, M., O’Malley, J., Suchocki, A., Heintzman, J., DeVoe, J., & Huguet, N. (2020). The Affordable Care Act: Effects of insurance on diabetes biomarkers. Diabetes Care, 43(9), 2074–2081. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc19-1571

McIntyre, A., & Song, Z. (2019). The US Affordable Care Act: Reflections and directions at the close of a decade. PLoS Medicine, 16(2), e1002752. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002752

Myerson, R., Romley, J., Chiou, T., Peters, A. L., & Goldman, D. (2019). The affordable care act and health insurance coverage among people with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes: Data from the national health and nutrition examination survey. Diabetes Care, 42(11), e179–e180. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc19-0081

NURS 6003 ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PART 4: FINALIZING THE PLAN

PLEASE USE

(Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) AS A SPEACIALTY.

MSN specialization is (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP

At some point in every construction project, efforts turn from design and the focus moves to actual construction. With the vision in place and the tools secured, the blueprint can be finalized and approved. Then it is time to put on hardhats and begin work.

Throughout the course you have developed aspects of your Academic and Professional Development Plan. You have thought a great deal about your vision and goals, your academic and professional network of support, research strategies and other tools you will need, the integrity of your work, and the value of consulting the work of others. With your portfolio in place, it is now time to finalize your blueprint for success.

Much as builders remain cognizant of the building standards as they plan and begin construction, nurses must remain mindful of the formal standards of practice that govern their specialties. A good understanding of these standards can help ensure that your success plan includes any steps necessary to excel within your chosen specialty.

In this Assignment you will continue developing your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan by developing the final component–a review of your specialty standards of practice. You will also submit your final version of the document, including Parts 1–4.

To Prepare:

  • Review the scope and standards of practice or competencies related to your chosen specialty in the resources for this module.
  • Review the MSN specializations offered at  Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • .( Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP
  • Examine professional organizations related to the specialization you have chosen and identify at least one to focus on for this Assignment.
  • Reflect on the thoughts you shared in the Discussion forum regarding your choice of a specialty, any challenges you have encountered in making this choice, and any feedback you have received from colleagues in the Discussion.

The Assignment:

Complete the following items and incorporate them into the final version of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

  • With the resources specific to the MSN specialization shared in this module, write a paragraph or make a Nursing Specialty Comparison table, comparing at least two nursing specialties that include your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
  • Write a 2- to 3-paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this Module’s Discussion forum.
  • Identify the professional organization related to your chosen specialization for this Assignment, and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.

PLEASE USE USE ( Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)  AS A SPEACIALTY.

PLEASE USE THE ATTACHED TEMPLATE TO COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT.

PLEASE USE

(Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) AS A SPEACIALTY.

MSN specialization is (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Thank you

Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4 Grading Rubric

Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Complete the following items for part 4 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan: Compare at least two nursing specialties, including your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization. 30 to >26.0 pts
Excellent
A detailed comparison is provided that accurately and fully describes the selected and second-preferred specialization. 26 to >23.0 pts
Good
A partial comparison is provided that partially describes the selected and second-preferred specialization. 23 to >20.0 pts
Fair
A vague or inaccurate comparison is provided that describes the selected and second-preferred specialization. 20 to >0 pts
Poor
A comparison is missing.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Write a 2-3 paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum. 30 to >26.0 pts
Excellent
A clear and accurately justified statement describes in detail the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with sufficient evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum. 26 to >23.0 pts
Good
A partially justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with some evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum. 23 to >20.0 pts
Fair
A vague or inaccurately justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with vague evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum. 20 to >0 pts
Poor
A justified statement is missing.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Identify the professional organization related to the specialization you have chosen to focus on for this Assignment and explain how you can become an active member of this organization. 25 to >22.0 pts
Excellent
The response clearly identifies and accurately describes in detail the professional organization related to the specialization selected. … The response clearly and accurately describes in detail how to become an active member of this organization. 22 to >19.0 pts
Good
The response partially describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. … The response partially describes how to become an active member of this organization. 19 to >17.0 pts
Fair
The response vaguely or inaccurately describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. … The response vaguely or inaccurately describes how to become an active member of this organization. 17 to >0 pts
Poor
Missing professional organization… Missing how to become a member
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Final version of template includes parts 1-4 (entire template) compiled into one cohesive document 5 to >0.0 pts
Excellent
Final version of template includes parts 1-4 (entire template) compiled into one cohesive document 0 pts
Fair
NA 0 pts
Good
NA 0 pts
Poor
Final version of template not compiled into one cohesive document
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization :Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. 5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. 4 to >3.0 pts
Good
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time. 3 to >2.0 pts
Fair
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time. 2 to >0 pts
Poor
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Written Expression and Formatting—English Writing Standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation. 5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors. 4 to >3.0 pts
Good
Contains a few (one or two) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 3 to >2.0 pts
Fair
Contains several (three or four) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 2 to >0 pts
Poor
Contains many (five or more) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
5 pts
Total Points: 100

NURS 6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 5: Professional Development

In this week’s Discussion you were introduced to the concept of an academic portfolio to begin building your own brand. Portfolios have value that go beyond brand-building however. An academic and professional portfolio can also help you to build your own vision and mission and establish your development goals. In this regard, a portfolio becomes yet another tool in your toolbox as you build your success.

In this Assignment you will continue developing your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan by developing the fifth component: a portfolio for your academic and professional efforts.

To Prepare:

  • Consider your goals for academic accomplishments while a student of the MSN program.

The Assignment:

  • Using the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template in which you began to work on in Week 1, and have continued working on through this course, in Part 5, you will create a fully developed and accurate curriculum vitae (CV) based on your current education and professional background.

Note: Add your work for this Assignment to the original document you began in the Week 1 Assignment, which was built off of the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template.

By Day 7

Submit Part 5.

Remember to include an introduction paragraph which contains a clear and comprehensive purpose statement which delineates all required criteria, and end the assignment Part with a conclusion paragraph.

Week 6: Standards of Practice

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). Standards of Practice [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Standards of Practice [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Final Thoughts [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Analyze difficulties in determining nursing specializations (D)
  • Compare nursing specialties (A)
  • Justify selection of MSN specialization (A)
  • Analyze nursing specialization professional organization engagement strategies (A)
  • Create Academic Success and Professional Development Plans(A)

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Cherry, B., Caramanica, L, Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019). Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 517-519.

Echevarria, I. M. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing, 48(12), 35–38.  

Quinn-Szcesuil, J. (2016). Why you should join a nursing association. Retrieved from https://dailynurse.com/join-nursing-association/

Truant, R., & Chan, R. J. (2017). Future ready: Strengthening oncology nursing leadership in the context of professional oncology nursing organizations. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 27(1), 2-4.

Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing

Document: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template (Word document)

Choose among the following to review your specialization’s Scope and Standards of Practice or Competencies:

American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author. 

Nursing Informatics

E-book: Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice

Nursing Education
Website: Competencies for the Academic Nurse Educator

National League for Nursing. (2019). Nurse educator core competency. Retrieved from http://www.nln.org/professional-development-programs/competencies-for-nursing-education/nurse-educator-core-competency
Note: The competencies for the Academic Nurse Educator do not encompass the competencies or scope and standards of practice for the Nursing Professional Developer. The set of competencies associated with that specific role within the Nurse Education specialization will be examined in future competencies throughout your specialization program of study.

Nurse Executive
Website: Nurse Executive Competencies

American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2015). AONL Nurse Executive competencies. Retrieved from https://www.aonl.org/resources/nurse-leader-competencies

Public Health Nursing
Website: Public Health Nurse Competencies

Quad Council Coalition. (2018). Community/Public Health Nursing [C/PHN] competencies. Retrieved from http://www.quadcouncilphn.org/documents-3/2018-qcc-competencies/

American Nurses Association. (2013). Public health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.) Silver Spring, MD: Author.

Public Health Nursing
E-book: Public Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice

Optional Resources

Walden University. (n.d.). Subject Research: Nursing. Retrieved November 9, 2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/subject/nursing

Also Read: NURS 6241: STRATEGIC PLANNING IN HEALTH CARE HW 6