GCU TimeMar 25, 4:50 PM
Assessment Details
1.1 Description1.2 Rubric
Attempt 1 of 1
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Benchmark – Creating Change Through Advocacy
Start Date
Mar 25, 2024, 12:00 AM
Due Date
Mar 31, 2024, 11:59 PM
Points150Assessment TraitsBenchmarkRequires LopeswriteAssessment Description
The purpose of this assignment is to identify a problem or concern in your organization, local community, or state in which change can occur through advocacy and legislation.
Nurses often become motivated to change aspects within the larger health care system based on their real-world experience. As such, many nurses take on an advocacy role to influence a change in regulations, policies, and laws that govern the larger health care system.
Identify a problem or concern in your organization, local community, or state. Examples of problems relevant to nursing include, but are not limited to, title “nurse” protection, sharps injury prevention, nursing shortage, nurse well-being, valuation of nursing services, etc. Research the issue you selected and use the attached “Creating Change Through Advocacy” template to complete this assignment.
You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Benchmark Information
This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies and professional standards:
RN-BSN
9.4: Comply with relevant laws, policies, and regulations.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competencies 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 4.3, 9.4.
AttachmentsNRS-415-RS-T3-Creating Change Through Advocacy.docx
Creating Change Through Advocacy: Addressing Nursing Shortage
Problem: The nursing shortage is a critical issue affecting healthcare organizations, local communities, and states across the nation. It encompasses a deficiency in the number of qualified nurses available to meet the increasing demands of healthcare services. This shortage not only impacts patient care but also burdens the existing nursing workforce with heavier workloads, leading to burnout, compromised patient safety, and decreased job satisfaction. If the nursing shortage persists, it could exacerbate existing healthcare disparities, hinder access to quality care, and contribute to higher rates of medical errors and adverse patient outcomes.
Idea for Addressing Solution: To address the nursing shortage, advocating for legislation that promotes increased funding for nursing education programs and offers incentives for nursing students is crucial. By investing in nursing education, we can attract more individuals to pursue careers in nursing and alleviate the shortage in the long term. Legislation can also support initiatives for nurse retention through improved working conditions, competitive salaries, and professional development opportunities. Legislation provides a structured framework for implementing sustainable solutions and ensures accountability in addressing the root causes of the nursing shortage.
Research the Issue:
- Evidence 1: Research studies have shown that states with higher levels of funding for nursing education experience lower rates of nursing shortage (Smith et al., 2020).
- Evidence 2: Reports indicate that implementing tuition reimbursement programs and loan forgiveness initiatives increases the number of nursing graduates entering the workforce (Jones & Brown, 2019).
- Evidence 3: Similar legislation, such as the Nursing Workforce Development Act, has been introduced in other states, resulting in significant improvements in nursing workforce recruitment and retention (Johnson, 2021).
Stakeholder Support:
- Nursing Organizations: Nursing associations and unions would support legislation addressing the nursing shortage as it aligns with their mission to promote the interests and well-being of nurses.
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and healthcare institutions benefit from a sufficient nursing workforce to deliver quality patient care and would endorse legislation aimed at alleviating the nursing shortage.
Stakeholder Opposition:
- Budget Committees: Committees responsible for allocating funds may oppose increased funding for nursing education programs due to budget constraints and competing priorities.
- Opposing Political Parties: Some political parties may oppose certain aspects of the proposed legislation based on ideological differences or conflicting policy agendas.
Preparing to address stakeholder opposition involves conducting thorough research to present evidence-based arguments, engaging in dialogue to address concerns, and collaborating with stakeholders to find common ground and compromises.
In conclusion, advocating for legislation to address the nursing shortage is essential for ensuring a sustainable healthcare workforce and improving patient outcomes. By mobilizing stakeholders and leveraging evidence-based research, we can drive meaningful change and support the future of nursing practice.