NURS – 6050 Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health
Sample Answer for NURS – 6050 Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health Included After Question
Regardless of political affiliation, every citizen has a stake in healthcare policy decisions. Hence, it is little wonder why healthcare items become such high-profile components of presidential agendas. It is also little wonder why they become such hotly debated agenda items.
Consider a topic that rises to the presidential level. How did each of the presidents (Trump, Obama, and Bush) handle the problem? What would you do differently?
To Prepare:
- Review the Resources and reflect on the importance of agenda setting.
- Consider how federal agendas promote healthcare issues and how these healthcare issues become agenda priorities.
By Day 3 of Week 1
Post your response to the discussion question: Consider a topic that rises to the presidential level. How did each of the presidents (Trump, Obama, and Bush) handle the problem? What would you do differently?
By Day 6 of Week 1
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by expanding on their response and providing an example that supports their explanation or respectfully challenging their explanation and providing an example.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 1 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 1
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 1 Discussion
It may seem to you that healthcare has been a national topic of debate among political leaders for as long as you can remember.
To access your rubric:
Week 2 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 2 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7 of Week 2
To submit your Assignment:
Week 2 Assignment
Next Module
To go to the next module:
Module 2
Module 2: Legislation (Weeks 3-4)
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Legislation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze how cost-benefit analysis affects legislative efforts
- Analyze legislative intent of bills
- Identify proponents and opponents of bills
- Analyze legislative process of bills
- Advocate policy position for bills
| Due By | Assignment |
| Week 3, Days 1-2 | Read/Watch/Listen to the Learning Resources. Compose your initial Discussion post. |
| Week 3, Day 3 | Post your initial Discussion post. Begin to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 3, Days 4-5 | Review peer Discussion posts. Compose your peer Discussion responses. Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 3, Day 6 | Post at least two peer Discussion responses on two different days (and not the same day as the initial post). |
| Week 3, Day 7 | Wrap up Discussion. |
| Week 4, Days 1-6 | Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 4, Day 7 | Deadline to submit your Assignment. |
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 3, “Government Response: Legislation” (pp. 37–56)
- Chapter 10, “Overview: The Economics and Finance of Health Care” (pp. 180–183 only)
Congress.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.congress.gov/

United States Senate. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.senate.gov/


Document: Legislation Grid Template (Word document)
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Working with Legislators [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Introduction to Health Policy and Law with Joel Teitelbaum [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Credit: Provided courtesy of the Laureate International Network of Universities.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Contemporary Issues in Public Health Policy with Joel Teitelbaum [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Peter Beilenson: Population Health [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Discussion: Politics and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Regardless of political affiliation, individuals often grow concerned when considering perceived competing interests of government and their impact on topics of interest to them. The realm of healthcare is no different. Some people feel that local, state, and federal policies and legislation can be either helped or hindered by interests other than the benefit to society.
Consider for example that the number one job of a legislator is to be reelected. Cost can be measured in votes as well as dollars. Thus, it is important to consider the legislator’s perspective on either promoting or not promoting a certain initiative in the political landscape.
To Prepare:
- Review the Resources and reflect on efforts to repeal/replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Consider who benefits the most when policy is developed and in the context of policy implementation.
By Day 3 of Week 3
Post an explanation for how you think the cost-benefit analysis in terms of legislators being reelected affected efforts to repeal/replace the ACA. Then, explain how analyses of the voters views may affect decisions by legislative leaders in recommending or positioning national policies (e.g., Congress’ decisions impacting Medicare or Medicaid). Remember, the number one job of a legislator is to be re-elected. Please check your discussion grading rubric to ensure your responses meet the criteria.
By Day 6 of Week 3
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by expanding on their explanation and providing an example that supports their explanation or respectfully challenging their explanation and providing an example.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 3 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 3
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 3 Discussion
Assignment: Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
As a nurse, how often have you thought to yourself, If I had anything to do about it, things would work a little differently? Increasingly, nurses are beginning to realize that they do, in fact, have a role and a voice.
Many nurses encounter daily experiences that motivate them to take on an advocacy role in hopes of impacting policies, laws, or regulations that impact healthcare issues of interest. Of course, doing so means entering the less familiar world of policy and politics. While many nurses do not initially feel prepared to operate in this space effectively, the reward is the opportunity to shape and influence future health policy.
To Prepare:
- Select a bill that has been proposed (not one that has been enacted) using the congressional websites provided in the Learning Resources.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Legislation Grid; 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement)
Be sure to add a title page, an introduction, purpose statement, and a conclusion. This is an APA paper.
Part 1: Legislation Grid
Based on the health-related bill (proposed, not enacted) you selected, complete the Legislation Grid Template. Be sure to address the following:
- Determine the legislative intent of the bill you have reviewed.
- Identify the proponents/opponents of the bill.
- Identify the target populations addressed by the bill.
- Where in the process is the bill currently? Is it in hearings or committees?
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Based on the health-related bill you selected, develop a 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement that addresses the following:
- Advocate a position for the bill you selected and write testimony in support of your position.
- Describe how you would address the opponent to your position. Be specific and provide examples.
- At least 2 outside resources and 2-3 course specific resources are used.
By Day 7 of Week 4
Submit your completed legislation grid and testimony/advocacy statement.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK4Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click the Week 4 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click the Week 4 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK4Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 4 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 4 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7 of Week 4
To submit your Assignment:
Week 4 Assignment
Next Module
Module 3: Regulation (Weeks 5-6)
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Regulation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Compare state/regional board of nursing regulations
- Compare boards of nursing and professional nurse associations
- Analyze members of boards of nursing
- Analyze state regulations for healthcare
| Due By | Assignment |
| Week 5, Days 1–2 | Read/Watch/Listen to the Learning Resources. Compose your initial Discussion post. |
| Week 5, Day 3 | Post your initial Discussion post. Begin to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 5, Days 4-5 | Review peer Discussion posts. Compose your peer Discussion responses. Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 5, Day 6 | Post at least two peer Discussion responses on two different days (and not the same day as the initial post). |
| Week 5, Day 7 | Wrap up Discussion. |
| Week 6, Days 1-6 | Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 6, Day 7 | Deadline to submit your Assignment. |
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 4, “Government Response: Regulation” (pp. 57–84)

Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Regulatory Process [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Healthcare economics and financing [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Quality improvement and safety [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Discussion: Professional Nursing and State-Level Regulations
Boards of Nursing (BONs) exist in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. Similar entities may also exist for different regions. The mission of BONs is the protection of the public through the regulation of nursing practice. BONs put into practice state/region regulations for nurses that, among other things, lay out the requirements for licensure and define the scope of nursing practice in that state/region.
It can be a valuable exercise to compare regulations among various state/regional boards of nursing. Doing so can help share insights that could be useful should there be future changes in a state/region. In addition, nurses may find the need to be licensed in multiple states or regions.
To Prepare:
- Review the Resources and reflect on the mission of state/regional boards of nursing as the protection of the public through the regulation of nursing practice.
- Consider how key regulations may impact nursing practice.
- Review key regulations for nursing practice of your state’s/region’s board of nursing and those of at least one other state/region and select at least two APRN regulations to focus on for this Discussion..
By Day 3 of Week 5
Post a comparison of at least two APRN board of nursing regulations in your state/region with those of at least one other state/region. Describe how they may differ. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain how the regulations you selected may apply to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who have legal authority to practice within the full scope of their education and experience. Provide at least one example of how APRNs may adhere to the two regulations you selected.
By Day 6 of Week 5
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days and explain how the regulatory environment and the regulations selected by your colleague differ from your state/region. Be specific and provide examples.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 5 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 5
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 5 Discussion
Assignment: Regulation for Nursing Practice Staff Development Meeting
Nursing is a very highly regulated profession. There are over 100 boards of nursing and national nursing associations throughout the United States and its territories. Their existence helps regulate, inform, and promote the nursing profession. With such numbers, it can be difficult to distinguish between BONs and nursing associations, and overwhelming to consider various benefits and options offered by each.
Both boards of nursing and national nursing associations have significant impacts on the nurse practitioner profession and scope of practice. Understanding these differences helps lend credence to your expertise as a professional. In this Assignment, you will practice the application of such expertise by communicating a comparison of boards of nursing and professional nurse associations. You will also share an analysis of your state board of nursing.
To Prepare:
- Assume that you are leading a staff development meeting on regulation for nursing practice at your healthcare organization or agency.
- Review the NCSBN and ANA websites to prepare for your presentation.
The Assignment: (8- to 9-slide PowerPoint presentation)
Develop a 8- to 9-slide PowerPoint Presentation that addresses the following:
- Describe the differences between a board of nursing and a professional nurse association.
- Describe the board for your specific region/area.
- Who is on the board?
- How does one become a member of the board?
- Describe at least one state regulation related to general nurse scope of practice.
- How does this regulation influence the nurse’s role?
- How does this regulation influence delivery, cost, and access to healthcare?
- Describe at least one state regulation related to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
- How does this regulation influence the nurse’s role?
- How does this regulation influence delivery, cost, and access to healthcare?
- Include Speaker Notes on Each Slide (except on the title page and reference page)
By Day 7 of Week 6
Submit your Regulation for Nursing Practice Staff Development Meeting Presentation.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK6Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click the Week 6 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click the Week 6 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK6Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
- Due to the nature of this assignment, your instructor may require more than 5 days to provide you with quality feedback.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 6 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 6 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7 of Week 6
To submit your Assignment:
Week 6 Assignment
Next Module
To go to the next module:
Module 4
Module 4: Healthcare Program Design and Implementation (Weeks 7-8)
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Design and Implementation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze health policies
- Analyze opportunities for RNs and APRNs to participate in policy-making
- Analyze strategies for overcoming challenges for participating in policy-making
- Recommend strategies to improve the advocacy and communication of policy-making opportunities
- Analyze healthcare programs
- Analyze the role of the nurse in healthcare program design
- Analyze the role of the nurse as advocates for target populations of healthcare programs
- Analyze the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation
- Analyze healthcare teams necessary for implementing healthcare programs
| Due By | Assignment |
| Week 7, Days 1–2 | Read/Watch/Listen to the Learning Resources. Compose your initial Discussion 1 post. |
| Week 7, Day 3 | Post your initial Discussion 1 post. Begin to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 7, Days 4-5 | Review peer Discussion 1 posts. Compose your peer Discussion 1 responses. Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 7, Day 6 | Post at least two peer Discussion 1 responses on two different days (and not the same day as the initial post). |
| Week 7, Day 7 | Wrap up Discussion 1. |
| Week 8, Days 1–2 | Compose your initial Discussion 2 post. Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 8, Day 3 | Post your initial Discussion 2 post. Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 8, Days 4-5 | Review peer Discussion 2 post.Compose your peer Discussion 2 post. Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 8, Day 6 | Post at least two peer Discussion 2 responses on two different days (and not the same day as the initial post). |
| Week 8, Day 7 | Wrap up Discussion 2. Deadline to submit your Assignment. |
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 5, “Public Policy Design” (pp. 87–95 only)
- Chapter 8, “The Impact of EHRs, Big Data, and Evidence-Informed Practice” (pp. 137–146)
- Chapter 9, “Interprofessional Practice” (pp. 152–160 only)
- Chapter 10, “Overview: The Economics and Finance of Health Care” (pp. 183–191 only)


Congress.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.congress.gov/
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Getting your Program Designed and Implemented [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Health policy and politics [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Discussion 1: Evidence Base in Design
When politics and medical science intersect, there can be much debate. Sometimes anecdotes or hearsay are misused as evidence to support a particular point. Despite these and other challenges, however, evidence-based approaches are increasingly used to inform health policy decision-making regarding causes of disease, intervention strategies, and issues impacting society. One example is the introduction of childhood vaccinations and the use of evidence-based arguments surrounding their safety.
In this Discussion, you will identify a recently proposed health policy and share your analysis of the evidence in support of this policy.
To Prepare:
- Review the Congress website provided in the Resources and identify one recent (within the past 5 years) proposed health policy.
- Review the health policy you identified and reflect on the background and development of this health policy.
By Day 3 of Week 7
Post a description of the health policy you selected and a brief background for the problem or issue being addressed. Explain whether you believe there is an evidence base to support the proposed policy and explain why. Be specific and provide examples.
By Day 6 of Week 7
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by either supporting or respectfully challenging their explanation on whether there is an evidence base to support the proposed health policy they described.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 7 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 7
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 7 Discussion
Discussion 2: 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.
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post 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.
By Day 6 of Week 8
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’* posts by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 8 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 8
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 8 Discussion
Assignment: Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation
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.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK8Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click the Week 8 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click the Week 8 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK8Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 8 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 8 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7 of Week 8
To submit your Assignment:
Week 8 Assignment
Next Module
To go to the next module:
Module 5
Module 5: Program/Policy Evaluation (Weeks 9-10)
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Program Policy and Evaluation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze opportunities for RNs and APRNs to participate in program/policy evaluations
- Analyze strategies for overcoming challenges for participating in program/policy evaluations
- Recommend strategies to improve the advocacy and communication of program/policy evaluations
- Describe healthcare program/policy outcomes
- Analyze healthcare program/policy evaluations
- Analyze the role of the nurse advocate in program/policy evaluation
| Due By | Assignment |
| Week 9, Days 1–2 | Read/Watch/Listen to the Learning Resources. Compose your initial Discussion post. |
| Week 9, Day 3 | Post your initial Discussion post. Begin to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 9, Days 4-5 | Review peer Discussion posts. Compose your peer Discussion responses. Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 9, Day 6 | Post at least two peer Discussion responses on two different days (and not the same day as the initial post). |
| Week 9, Day 7 | Wrap up Discussion. |
| Week 10, Days 1-6 | Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 10, Day 7 | Deadline to submit your Assignment. |
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 7, “Health Policy and Social Program Evaluation” (pp. 116–124 only)
Document: Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Template (Word document)
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Importance of Program Evaluation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Peter Beilenson: Ethics and advocacy [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in 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.
By Day 3 of Week 9
Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that currently exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review. 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. Be specific and provide examples.
By Day 6 of Week 9
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 9 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 9
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 9 Discussion
Assignment: 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.
By Day 7 of Week 10
Submit your completed healthcare program/policy evaluation analysis.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK10Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click the Week 10 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click the Week 10 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK10Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
- Due to the nature of this assignment, your instructor may require more than 5 days to provide you with quality feedback.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 10 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 10 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7 of Week 10
To submit your Assignment:
Week 10 Assignment
Module 5: Looking Ahead
Please Note: The Module 6, Week 11 Assignment, Global Healthcare Comparison Matrix and Narrative Statement, is due on Day 5 of Week 11.
Next Module
To go to the next module:
Module 6
Module 6: Global Healthcare Issues (Week 11)
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Global Healthcare Issues [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Compare healthcare policies related to global healthcare issues in the U.S. and abroad
- Analyze the impact of the social determinants of health on global healthcare issues
- Analyze how policy impacts the health of the global population
- Analyze how policy impacts the role of the nurse
- Compare how global health issues impact local healthcare organizations and policies in the U.S and abroad
- Recommend advocacy for the incorporation of a global perspective into local practice and the role of the nurse leader
- Analyze impacts of the incorporation of a global perspective into local practice and the role of the nurse leader
- Analyze how a global perspective represents and contributes to social change
| Due By | Assignment |
| Week 11, Days 1–2 | Read/Watch/Listen to the Learning Resources. |
| Week 11, Day 3-4 | Begin to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 11, Day 5 | Deadline to submit your Assignment. |
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 11, “The Impact of Globalization: Nurses Influencing Global Health Policy” (pp. 194–208)

Document: Global Health Comparison Matrix (Word document)
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Global Healthcare Issues [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Final Thoughts [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Accessible player [Control]
Assignment: Global Healthcare Comparison Matrix and Narrative Statement
Note: This Assignment is due on Day 5 of Week 11.
If you talk about a possible poor health outcome, do you believe that outcome will occur? Do you believe eye contact and personal contact should be avoided?
You would have a difficult time practicing as a nurse if you believed these to be true. But they are very real beliefs in some cultures.
Differences in cultural beliefs, subcultures, religion, ethnic customs, dietary customs, language, and a host of other factors contribute to the complex environment that surrounds global healthcare issues. Failure to understand and account for these differences can create a gulf between practitioners and the public they serve.
In this Assignment, you will examine a global health issue and consider the approach to this issue by the United States and by one other country.
To Prepare:
- Review the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global health agenda and select one global health issue to focus on for this Assignment.
- Select at least one additional country to compare to the U.S. for this Assignment.
- Reflect on how the global health issue you selected is approached in the U.S. and in the additional country you selected.
- Review and download the Global Health Comparison Matrix provided in the Resources.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Global Health Comparison Matrix; 1-page Plan for Social Change)
Part 1: Global Health Comparison Matrix
Focusing on the country you selected and the U.S., complete the Global Health Comparison Matrix. Be sure to address the following:
- Consider the U.S. national/federal health policies that have been adapted for the global health issue you selected from the WHO global health agenda. Compare these policies to the additional country you selected for study.
- Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each policy.
- Explain how the social determinants of health may impact the global health issue you selected. Be specific and provide examples.
- Using the WHO’s Organization’s global health agenda as well as the results of your own research, analyze how each country’s government addresses cost, quality, and access to the global health issue selected.
- Explain how the health policy you selected might impact the health of the global population. Be specific and provide examples.
- Explain how the health policy you selected might impact the role of the nurse in each country.
- Explain how global health issues impact local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries. Be specific and provide examples.
Part 2: A Plan for Social Change
Reflect on the global health policy comparison and analysis you conducted in Part 1 of the Assignment and the impact that global health issues may have on the world, the U.S., your community, as well as your practice as a nurse leader.
In a 1-page response, create a plan for social change that incorporates a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader.
- Explain how you would advocate for the incorporation of a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader.
- Explain how the incorporation of a global perspective or lens might impact your local practice and role as a nurse leader.
- Explain how the incorporation of a global perspective or lens into your local practice as a nurse leader represents and contributes to social change. Be specific and provide examples
By Day 5 of Week 11
Submit Part 1 and Part 2 of your Assignment.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK11Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click the Week 11 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click the Week 11 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK11Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 11 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 11 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 5 of Week 11
To submit your Assignment:
Week 11 Assignment
Congratulations! After you have finished all of the assignments for this Module, you have completed the course. Please submit your Course Evaluation by Day 7.
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NURS – 6050 Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health
Title: NURS – 6050 Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health
Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health
Depression is a mental impairment condition which affects a high percentage of the American population. The paper aims at analyzing the steps taken by the administrations of the current American president compared to the mental healthcare development and strategic implementation initiated by the previous two presidents. The rise in mental impairment has drastically risen over the past decades and implementation of sustainable strategies should be prioritized to enhance proper diagnosis and treatment.
Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet or Talking Points Brief Assignment Template for Part 1 and Part 2
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Use this Agenda Comparison Grid to document information about the population health/healthcare issue your selected and the presidential agendas. By completing this grid, you will develop a more in depth understanding of your selected issue and how you might position it politically based on the presidential agendas.
You will use the information in the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid to complete the remaining Part 2 and Part 3 of your Assignment.
| Identify the Population Health concern you selected. |
Mental Health (Depression) Issues |
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| Describe the Population Health concern you selected and the factors that contribute to it. | Mental health has various sources and effects in healthcare. Depression is a leading mental health issue that has been adversely witnessed over the past decades and amount to adversarial health effects in the long run if care is not established. Depression affects the thinking, actions and feelings of persons depending on the capacity of strain and stress. Loss of importance to issues that were ones prioritized by an individual and persistent sadness sensations are the characteristics related to depression. Bereavement, property and job loss are some of the causes of depression as illustrated by scholars. The impacts of depression on physical and emotional complications leads to irregularities at the work place and home. Research indicates that approximately 9 million of the American population are depressed as a result of various factors thus initiative remedies must be introduced in health care (Jellineck, 2017). Social, genetic features, environmental features, alteration of brain tissues and physiological effects are some of the adverse effects related to depression. Reduction of interest, fatigue, worthless feelings, change in appetite and mood are noticeable attributes prescribed as depression symptoms.
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| Administration (President Name) | President Trump | President Obama | President Bush |
| Describe the administrative agenda focus related to this issue for the current and two previous presidents. |
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| Identify the allocations of financial and other resources that the current and two previous presidents dedicated to this issue. |
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| Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue. |
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Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid, complete the following to document information about the population health/healthcare issue your selected
| Administration (President Name) | President Trump | President Obama | President Bush |
| Which administrative agency would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected?
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Depression can be effectively managed through NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) if proper administration and planning is initiated. NIMH provides solutions to metal impairment and strives to instil prevention and cure remedies to patients. The mission of NIMH is the provision of awareness and treatment to patients suffering from mental disorders (Turale, 2019).
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Medicaid Service Provision and CMS (Center for Medicare) would be the best under Obama since it gives detailed services to mentally impaired patients in US under governmental Department of Health Services. Public and private institutions offering mental health assistance fall under the health board in regulating their eligibilities and operations | The creation and introduction of Freedom Commission by George Bush was meant to undertake research and study on mental health issues within the American territories. The recommendations issued by the agency in 2003 required improvement and adjustments in addressing the depression issues and adequate provision of remedies. |
| How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the agenda for the current and two previous presidents? How does it stay there? | The improvisation of better and modern facilities in Obamacare and other mental health departments by Trump has improved service delivery and treatment. However, the current insurance policies provide negative effects to patients suffering from depression and other mental impairment illnesses (Turale, 2019). The prioritization of mental impairment agenda by Trump due to the various shooting occurrences have enhanced the health laws and services. | Equal and effective opportunities to healthcare was an agenda portrayed by the Obama administration in the improvement and provision of better and affordable healthcare treatment. The mentally impaired were provided with affordable and low insurance policies through Obama administration thus enhancing cheap and reliable medical care services. | The fight against the use of illegal drugs was mostly actualized during George Bush regime. He valued the facilitation of better healthcare and therefore provided adjustments in healthcare through financial assistance. |
| Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue you selected for the current and two previous presidents? | The expression of concern and need to improve healthcare has been witnessed in Donald Trump administration through various avenues such as religious leaders. Depression being a mental condition affects a significant proportion of the American citizens and effective strategies should be improvised in healthcare. Given that Trump listens more to Evangelicals, they would be best placed to advocate for the matter. | President Obama played a significant role in changing and improving the healthcare conditions and regulations. During his time, lobby groups would play an integral role in championing the issues. | The creation of a health research body by George Bush initiated improvement healthcare avenues and as such, they would sponsor the matter in the administration. In addition, the mentally impaired patients had access to better and affordable healthcare. |
Narrative with the Facts
Legislative inclusion of depression as a priority agenda should be embraced by the relevant legislators due to the problems initiated by the disease in the United States of America. Depression is one of the health hazards with a significant effect on the American population. Research indicates that there are numerous depression cases that lack actual diagnosis procedures. In addition, some diagnosed cases fail to attain treatment due to lack of financial abilities and ignorance (Schwarzenberg & Georgieff, 2018). Therefore, rules and regulations in healthcare formulated by legislators on healthcare would improve on the diagnosis and treatment procedures of depression. Mental healthcare has a huge gap despite the creation of medical strategies by previous governmental regimes. Improved means of conducting research on mental impairment particularly depression should be introduced within the various healthcare bodies in attaining better and reliable solutions.
Doctors, nurses and other health practitioners have the mandate and right in the improvement of metal healthcare through formulations of advanced policies and provision of quality services to the patients (Staebler et al., 2017). Experiences witnessed by the health practitioners should act as referral sources of data and information in enhancing the provision of improved and adequate mental solutions to the patients. In addition, the transfer of knowledge of the patient’s condition to the immediate family members and preferable handling mechanism should be addressed by nurses as one of treatment improvement strategies.
Conclusion
Early and immediate diagnosis of mental conditions is a key element in treating and minimizing further mental complications. Depression is effectively treatable but ranges with the various stages of the patients. Consequently, early detection of depression leads to timely diagnosis and treatment which also reflects on the cost of treatment.
References
Jellineck, M. (2017). A path beyond advocacy to improve mental health services for children and families. Population Health Management, 171 (7), 615-616. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.0216
Schwarzenberg, S. J. & Georgieff, M.K. (2018). Advocacy for improving nutrition in the first 1000 days to support childhood development and adult health. American Academy of Pediatrics, 141 (2), 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-3716
Staebler, S. et al. (2017). Policy and political advocacy: Comparison study of nursing faculty to determine current practices, perceptions, and barriers to teaching health policy. Journal of professional nursing, 33 (5), 350-355.
Tabak, R.G. et al. (2015). Accessing evidence to inform public health policy: A study to enhance advocacy. Public Health, 129 (6), 698-704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2015.02.016
Turale, S. (2019). The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. Nursing and health policy perspectives, 66 (3), 302-304. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12550