NURS 6050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation
Sample Answer for NURS 6050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation Included After Question
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.
The Assignment: (2–4 pages)
In a 2- to 4-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?
By Day 7 of Week 8
Submit your interview transcript.
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A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation
Title: NURS 6050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation
Osteoporosis and low bone density affect approximately 54 million Americans making it a growing health issue in the United States. Osteoporosis affects a significant proportion of the aged American population, according to statistics. The implication is that a sizable proportion of the population is predisposed to increased rate of bone fractures and breakage that might not be easy to heal. Osteoporosis prevention and reduction programs have been implemented in the United States (Lieberman et al., n.d.). This paper aims at looking in nursing role in osteoporosis reduction program implemented in my practice.
What is the Cost and Projected Outcome of the Program?
The Osteoporosis Prevention Program is a program that has been implemented in my practice to address high incidences of post knee and hip bone surgeries. The Texas government created the OPP program with the goal of preventing and reducing osteoporosis rates in the state. Implementation of the OPP program was necessitated by the fact that close to one-third of the population in Texas was suffering from recurrent bone fractures in 2015. This program is guided by a number of principles. They include addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to osteoporosis, increasing resource availability, and transforming environments to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
In order to meet the program’s objectives, a number of activities have been implemented.
They include expanding possibilities for healthy eating, encouraging active living through the construction of healthy settings, and providing community and clinical preventive interventions for people who are at risk of becoming bone fractures. The initiative also improves the chances of children and elderly populations at risk having a healthy lifestyle, as well as public health efforts aimed at preventing osteoporosis (Osteoporosis Treatment & Prevention in Houston, Texas, n.d.). The program’s implementation costs are paid for with public funds. Projected outcomes include a decrease in the state’s bone fracture rate, a decrease in morbidity and mortality rates, and increased access to healthy foods and environments for the population (des Bordes et al., 2020). It is also expected to improve Texans’ health and well-being, as evidenced by increased awareness, lifestyle, and behavioral changes on health-related issues.
What is the target Population?
According to the research, the program targets all of the populations in Texas that are at risk of or affected by osteoporosis and low bone density associated with post knee and hip bone surgeries. The state’s population includes children, adults, and the elderly. The program addresses the social inequalities that contribute to the state’s osteoporosis problem. It also broadens the population’s access to healthy living options, regardless of background.
What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? What are the examples?
My experience and research have taught me that nurses play a variety of roles in providing input for the design of the OPP program. The first role they play is to ensure that the program’s strategies align with the expected goals and objectives. They ensure, for example, that the strategies adopted are relevant to the needs of the populations affected and at risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. The nurses’ other role in contributing to the design of OPP is to ensure that the needs of the target population are incorporated into the program.
For example, they conduct needs assessments to identify health-related aspects that should be prioritized in the project, thereby increasing the project’s relevance to the population (Curry et al., 2018). Another way nurses influence the design process is by assisting in determining the program’s resource requirements. Adequate resources, such as financial and human resources, are required for the program’s successful implementation. As a result of their experience with public health programs, nurses can contribute insights into the resources that are required.
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?
My responsibilities as an advocate for populations at risk of or affected by the OPP program are diverse. One of them is to ensure that adequate public awareness of the program’s importance and use of its strategies is generated. Health education is required to ensure that those at risk of or affected by osteoporosis understand the lifestyle and behavioral interventions required for their health and well-being. My other role as an advocate is to ensure that all members of the community have equal access to and use of the program initiatives. I ensure that all affected and at-risk populations have improved access to program resources to promote their health. I address issues such as costs associated with the population’s use of the program. I also connect people with the resources they require. For example, I assist them in gaining access to community support groups where they can obtain the assistance, they require in managing and preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures. I had a say in the design. I collaborate with other program stakeholders to define the program’s goals, strategies, and objectives. In addition, I help to determine the program’s resource requirements.
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?
Nurses play a variety of roles in healthcare program implementation. One of the roles of nurses in the implementation of healthcare programs is that of implementers. Nurses help to carry out the program’s strategies. They put the strategies developed to bring the program to life into action. Another role of nurses in program implementation is to coordinate the process. Nurses can help ensure that the program’s strategies are followed as planned. They also make certain that the allocated resources are used to their full potential in order to achieve the program’s objectives. Working with the project management team to evaluate resource utilization versus plan to identify any deviations and implement changes is one example (Pinheiro et al., 2020). However, the roles differ in program design and implementation. Nurses are involved in the development of program plans. During the implementation phase, they carry out the plans.
The design phase is also hands-off because it includes strategy development, whereas the implementation phase is hands-on because it includes the actual use of strategies in practice.
Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are the most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?
Registered nurses, dieticians, and physicians are the members of the healthcare team I believe are most needed to implement the OPP program. Registered nurses perform tasks such as screening, health education, and follow-up on patients. Dieticians perform tasks such as nutritional assessment and counseling for the at-risk patients. Finally, doctors diagnose and treat these patients.
Conclusion
The osteoporosis prevention program is a successful one to help curb the increased incidences of post knee and hip bone surgeries. The program aims to educate those who are impacted by osteoporosis and those who are at risk of developing the condition in future life about how to live a better lifestyle. Nurses are vital in the planning and implementation of programs. All stakeholders involvement is crucial to the success of the program.
References
Curry, S. J., Krist, A. H., Owens, D. K., Barry, M. J., Caughey, A. B., Davidson, K. W., Doubeni, C. A., Epling, J. W., Kemper, A. R., Kubik, M., Landefeld, C. S., Mangione, C. M., Phipps, M. G., Pignone, M., Silverstein, M., Simon, M. A., Tseng, C.-W., & Wong, J. B. (2018). Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures. JAMA, 319(24), 2521. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.7498
des Bordes, J., Prasad, S., Pratt, G., Suarez-Almazor, M. E., & Lopez-Olivo, M. A. (2020). Knowledge, beliefs, and concerns about bone health from a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative studies. PLOS ONE, 15(1), e0227765. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227765
Lieberman, I. H., MD, MBA, & FRCSC. (n.d.). Osteoporosis Prevention Plan. SpineUniverse. https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/osteoporosis/how-start-your-osteoporosis-prevention-plan-today
Osteoporosis Treatment & Prevention in Houston, Texas. (n.d.). Texas Endocrinology Group. Retrieved October 24, 2021, from https://www.txendocrine.com/services/osteoporosis/
Pinheiro, M. B., Oliveira, J., Bauman, A., Fairhall, N., Kwok, W., & Sherrington, C. (2020). Evidence on physical activity and osteoporosis prevention for people aged 65+ years: a systematic review to inform the WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-01040-4
A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation
Title: NURS 6050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation
As nurses we have a very important responsibility as we are front and center in taking care of most of the population. We are the first to see and experience the pros and cons of current healthcare policies and can detect what needs to be changed for the benefit of the population as well as those working in the healthcare field. One opportunity for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policymaking is to join a national nursing organization. For example, if you are an oncology nurse or are interested in oncology you can join the Oncology Nursing Society and participate in their policymaking as they often address the Congress, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health (University of North Carolina Wilmington Online, 2021). Another option for RNs and APRNs is to see which legislators support the same health policies you do, and you can intern with that legislator and put your experience and voice into the shaping of those health policies (Brokaw, 2016).
The main challenge for both opportunities is being able to split up time between dipping your toes in politics and continuing patient care. However, if there is a health care policy that one is passionate about you can take some time off patient care and focus on developing that policy to make sure it passes and then come back to patient care. Nursing is such an in-demand field that that would be possible to do. Another challenge is lack of knowledge of politics which may digress many nurses in participating in any opportunities of policymaking (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). A solution can be to incorporate fundamentals of policymaking for nurses into the curriculum of nurses (Hajizadeh et al., 2021).
A couple strategies to communicate the existence of the different opportunities for nurse involvement in policymaking is promoting different nursing organizations that are available to join, making policymaking into a CEU class or in-service provided by healthcare facilities to increase knowledge of policies and policymaking, and providing information on current legislators and what they support. Also, healthcare facilities can encourage support for policymaking or hold meetings to hear opinions from each other on what can be improved or what is not working and if there are similar ideas as a collective can advance it up to legislators.
References
Brokaw, J. J. (2016). The nursing profession’s potential impact on policy and politics. American Nurse. https://www.myamericannurse.com/nursing-professions-potential-impact-policy-politics/#:~:text=At%20the%20state%20and%20federal,state%20representatives%20regarding%20healthcare%20policy.
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), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: NURS 6050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation
Title: NURS 6050 Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation
The involvement of nurses is indispensable in the design and implementation of healthcare initiatives. By actively participating in program development and execution, nurses contribute to the success of initiatives that aim to improve healthcare outcomes within the community. This collaborative and patient-centered approach ensures that healthcare programs are not only well-designed but also effectively implemented to benefit individuals struggling with health challenges. I bring a wealth of experience as a nurse, actively engaged in the implementation of a community-based vaccination program in the United States of America.
Interviewer: Tell us about a healthcare program, within your practice. What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program?
Responder: To build community demand for vaccinations and expand access to vaccine services, community organizations, local governments, and vaccine providers collaborate with the community-based vaccination program. The projected outcomes include a decrease in the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, improved community immunity, a reduction in healthcare costs associated with treating preventable illnesses, maintaining the vaccination coverage level of 1 dose of the MMR vaccine in children by age 2 years and 2 doses for children in kindergarten (Guide to Community Preventive Services, 2014). The costs of these programs can vary, but it’s estimated that for every $1 spent on childhood vaccinations, the country saves $10.90 (The Economic Burden of Vaccine preventable diseases, n.d).
Interviewer: Who is your target population?
Responder: Community-based vaccination programs typically includes specific populations that have lower vaccination rates. These include children, the elderly, and underserved communities.
Interviewer: What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples?
Responder: Nurses bring their intimate knowledge of patient care environments to the design process and this shows how essential they are. They play a crucial role in designing the vaccination program by contributing their expertise in immunization protocols, patient education, and community engagement. For instance, nurses may propose strategies to address vaccine hesitancy, develop culturally sensitive educational materials, and design efficient clinic workflows to maximize vaccination coverage. According to Health Facilities Management 2016, the inclusion of nursing staff in the design of a health program led to a reduction in departmental size and this resulted in saving more than a million dollars in cost.
Interviewer: 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?
Responder: As an advocate, I champion the importance of vaccinations in preventing diseases within the community. I contribute to design decisions such as tailoring educational materials to address community concerns, collaborating with local organizations for outreach, and ensuring that vaccination clinics are conveniently located and accessible to all. With this, I’m able to provide valuable perspective on the distinct healthcare requirement of the intended population.
Interviewer: 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?
Responder: During program implementation, the nurse’s role involves executing the care plan, coordinating services, providing direct patient care, and facilitating health promotion and disease prevention activities. They serve as frontline caregivers administering vaccines, providing education on vaccination schedules, and addressing individual concerns. In the design phase, nurses contribute their expertise to shape the structure and content of the program based on their understanding of patient needs (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2021). In the implementation of healthcare programs, nurses are expected to deliver patient-centred care. The transition from design to implementation involves coordinating vaccination clinics, monitoring community engagement, and adapting strategies based on real-time feedback. For instance, nurses may identify trends in vaccine uptake and adjust outreach efforts accordingly to ensure maximum community coverage.
Interviewer: Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?
Responder: A multidisciplinary healthcare team is crucial for successful program implementation. Alongside nurses, key team members include public health officials, physicians, community outreach coordinators, and data analysts. Public health officials provide guidance on vaccination protocols, physicians offer medical oversight, community outreach coordinators facilitate engagement, and data analysts assess program efficacy. This collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive and data-driven approach to vaccination program implementation.
Conclusion:
In summary, nurses play a pivotal role in the design and implementation of healthcare programs, such as community-based vaccination initiatives. By leveraging their expertise, nurses contribute to the success of programs that aim to improve community health outcomes and foster preventive care within diverse populations. This collaborative and patient-centered approach ensures that healthcare programs are not only well-conceived but also effectively implemented to benefit the broader community.
References
Guide to Community Preventive Services (2014). Vaccination Programs: Community-Based Interventions Implemented in combination. Retrieved from https://health.gov/healthypeople/tools-action/browse-evidence-based-resources/vaccination-programs-community-based-interventions-implemented-combination on January 19th, 2024
Health Facilities Management (2016). Nurses make their rounds in health care design | HFM https://www.hfmmagazine.com/articles/2184-nurses-make-their-rounds-in-health-care-design.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2021). The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/25982/chapter/6
The Economic Burden of Vaccine preventable diseases (n.d) Retrieved from https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/why-vaccinate/vaccine-benefits/costs-of-disease-outbreaks/ on January 19th, 2024