Category: Nursing

Introduction to the Planning Process

STRATEGIC PLANNING IN HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS

Discussion: Introduction to the Planning Process

The nursing process provides a cornerstone for care. Engaging in assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation helps to move the patient from his or her current state toward a desired outcome.

How does this correlate with the strategic planning process?

In this Discussion, you examine similarities and differences between the nursing process and strategic planning. You also consider why it is important for a nurse leader-manager to be familiar with the planning hierarchy and to apply business principles to promote strategic change at the organizational or systems level.

To prepare:

Review the information related to the nursing process and the strategic planning process addressed in Chapter 4 of the Sare and Ogilvie text and the other Learning Resources. Think about how the nursing process is similar to and different from the strategic planning process.

Reflect on the value of nurse leader-managers’ contributions to strategic planning, as discussed by Dr. Huston in this week’s media.

Using the Walden library, identify an example from the literature that demonstrates why it is beneficial for nurse leader-managers to be familiar with the planning hierarchy and why they should be engaged in strategic planning in addition to and in contrast with operational planning.

Post an explanation of how you view the similarities and differences between the nursing process and the strategic planning process. Share an example from the literature that demonstrates why it is beneficial for nurse leader-managers to be aware of the planning hierarchy and why they should be engaged in strategic planning in addition to and in contrast with operational planning.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days using one or more of the following approaches:

Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information or research.

Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.

Validate an idea with your own experience and additional resources.

Required Readings

Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2015). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Chapter 7, “Strategic and Operational Planning” (pp. 138–161)

(Note: You may have read this in a previous course.)

This chapter describes the planning hierarchy and provides foundational information on strategic planning. As you read, think about distinctions between strategic and operational planning, as well as why a nurse leader-manager needs to be aware of and engaged in both.

Sare, M. V., & Ogilvie, L. (2010). Strategic planning for nurses: Change management in health care. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

“Introduction” (pp. xiii–xiv)

Chapter 1, “Why Nursing Needs Strategic Planning: Professional Empowerment in the New Millennium” (pp. 3–16)

Chapter 2, “The Healthcare Habitat: The Evolving Professional Home of Nursing” (pp. 17–40)

Chapter 3, “The Business That We Find Ourselves In” (pp. 41–53)

Chapter 4, “Just What Is Strategic Planning?” (pp. 57–82)

Chapter 1 sets the context for why strategic planning is important for nurses and introduces key terms, while Chapter 2 addresses the evolving landscape of healthcare. Chapter 3 explores the merging of nursing care and business, as well as developments leading up to the current business model of care. Chapter 4 examines the nursing process and strategic planning.

Carney, M. (2009). Enhancing the nurses’ role in healthcare delivery through strategic management: Recognizing its importance or not? Journal of Nursing Management, 17(6), 707–717.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

The author examines the importance of strategic planning for nurse leader-managers and the extent to which nurses have adopted strategic planning into language and self-perception.

Fairholm, M. R., & Card, M. (2009). Perspectives of strategic thinking: From controlling chaos to embracing it. Journal of Management and Organization, 15(1), 17–30.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article addresses strategic planning and strategic thinking,which can be used to fill the gaps of strategic planning.

Lafley, A. G., Martin, R. L., Rivkin, J. W., & Siggelkow, N. (2012). Bringing science to the art of strategy: Leaders rarely succeed in marrying empirical vigor and creative thinking. Here’s how they could do better. Harvard Business Review, 90(9), 56–66.

Retrieved from https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/pl/57319184/57319186/32e10ac6b49a087fb3f3b290416c5148

This article outlines how to blend creativity with a scientific method to succeed in strategic planning.

Paul, J., Charles, T., & Davis, S. (2011). Plan for success. An effective planning cycle can reap big rewards. Marketing Health Services, 31(4), 13–15.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article describes the planning process used by Geisinger Health System.

Peled, R., & Schenirer, J. (2009). Healthcare strategic planning as part of national and regional development in the Israeli Galilee: A case study of the planning process. Health Information Management Journal, 38(3), 43–50.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This case study demonstrates the application of three phases of strategic planning to optimally allocate scarce resources.

American Nurses Association. (2012b). The nursing process. Retrieved from http://nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/What-is-Nursing/Tools-You-Need/Thenursingprocess.html

This item outlines the nursing process, which is a foundation for nurses in varying roles and different settings. The nursing process involves assessment, diagnosis, outcomes/planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Authenticity Consulting. (n.d.a). All about strategic planning. Retrieved March 8, 2013, from http://managementhelp.org/strategicplanning/index.htm

View the description of strategic planning.

Harvard Business Review. (2013). HBR blog network. Retrieved from http://blogs.hbr.org

Search for and read blog posts related to strategic planning.

Healthy People 2020. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2012, from http://healthypeople.gov/2020/default.aspx

View the information related to health care-related issues in the United States and consider their significance for strategic planning.

Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. (n.d.).Retrieved January 28, 2012, fromhttp://www.iom.edu

Search this site for information related to the current health care environment and strategic planning.

National Institute of Nursing Research. (2011). Bringing science to life: NINR strategic plan. Retrieved from http://www.ninr.nih.gov/AboutNINR/NINRMissionandStrategicPlan

Read the information related to strategic planning for the National Institute of Nursing Research.

Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2012, from http:/www.shsmd.org/

Team Building and Addressing Barriers to Planned Change

STRATEGIC PLANNING IN HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS

Discussion: Team Building and Addressing Barriers to Planned Change

Planning and implementing change can be quite challenging, especially in a complex health care environment. No matter what kind of change is undertaken, there are likely to be some obstacles. Yet, wise leader-managers, and those with whom they work, recognize that change is necessary and revitalizing; they see that planned change can not only contribute to organizational sustainability but also promote high-quality care and positively impact patient outcomes. These leader-managers harness a larger vision and engage in forethought and analysis to minimize and address barriers to planned change.

Based on what you have learned about the change process and strategic planning, what barriers do you think may arise related to the change you are proposing through your Course Project? How would you cultivate stakeholder involvement and promote team building for your planned change?

As you think about these questions, consider the following statement: “The system will evolve based on changes in the behavior of the people in the system” (Nesse, Kutcher, Wood, & Rummans, 2010, p. 27).

Do you agree? Why or why not? How does this relate to the specifics of your strategic plan?

To prepare:

Review the information presented in the Learning Resources, including Dr. Carol Huston’s comments on addressing barriers to implementing a strategic plan change. Consider insights related to change theory, common barriers to change, and strategies for addressing these barriers that relate to the implementation of your proposed change.

Identify specific barriers you are likely to encounter with your proposed change, including resistance to change. Evaluate strategies that may be used to minimize or address these barriers.

Think about the value of stakeholder involvement in planned change, as well as the specifics of stakeholder participation in your strategic plan to champion the change. Who should be involved in strategic planning and at what point? How could they serve as change champions?

Post an explanation of strategies you would use to minimize or address barriers, including resistance to change, related to your strategic plan. Explain how you would promote stakeholder involvement for your proposed change, and encourage them to become change champions.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days using one or more of the following approaches:

Provide feedback on their strategies for addressing barriers to change.

Suggest additional strategies for addressing barriers or resistance.

Offer additional insights for identifying appropriate stakeholders.

Suggest additional stakeholders or change champions to be involved.

Required Readings

Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2015). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Chapter 8, “Planned Change” (pp. 162–180)

(Note: You may have read this in a previous course.)

Sare, M. V., & Ogilvie, L. (2010). Strategic planning for nurses: Change management in health care. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

Review Chapter 7, “The Three Key Elements of the Strategic Planning Process: A Vision That Guides Nursing’s Future Action”

“The Architect, Change Agent, and Communicator: Three Crucial Roles in Strategic Planning” section (pp. 135–136)

Chapter 9, “Understanding Change Theory: Strategic Planning Change Agents” (pp. 171–194)

Chapter 10, “Communicating the Strategic Plan” (pp. 195–212)

Chapter 11, “Eight Cautionary Tales of Strategic Planning” (pp. 215–226)

Chapter 9 examines change theories and how these theories can be applied in strategic planning. Chapter 10 explores the importance of communication throughout the strategic planning process and how strong communication and reduce barriers to change. Chapter 11 provides examples from the field of strategic planning efforts.

Gerrish, K., McDonnell, A., Nolan, M., Guillaume, L., Kirshbaum, M., & Tod, A. (2011). The role of advanced practice nurses in knowledge brokering as a means of promoting evidence-based practice among clinical nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67(9), 2004–2014.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article describes some of the barriers to change (in this case, implementing evidence-based practices) that nurses encounter and examines knowledge brokering to facilitate change.

McMurray, A., Chaboyer W., Wallis, M., & Fetherston, C. (2010). Implementing bedside handover: Strategies for change management. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19(17/18), 2580–2589.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article examines a change in nursing handover practices to analyze change management with attention to individuals’ attitudes, motivations, and concerns. See Figure 2 for example of unfreezing, moving, and freezing.

Nesse, R. E., Kutcher, G., Wood, D., & Rummans, T. (2010). Framing change for high-value healthcare systems. Journal for Healthcare Quality, 32(1), 23–28.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

The authors address factors that impede change and discuss change management principles, including the value of team investment for facilitating change.

Developing a Balanced Scorecard in Healthcare Organizations

STRATEGIC PLANNING IN HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS

Discussion: Developing a Balanced Scorecard

How does a group gauge whether the strategic changes they implement are creating sound business results?

The effective use of a balanced scorecard can facilitate alignment between strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations. The balanced scorecard may serve as a valuable tool for monitoring progress and assessing the outcomes of a strategic plan and provide a practical means of communication.

In this Discussion, you examine the use of a balanced scorecard to measure performance related to finances, customer/client satisfaction, internal processes, and learning and growth.

To prepare:

Review the information in the Learning Resources, including this week’s media presentation, focusing on the development of performance metrics for a strategic plan. See Figure 8-6: Design your Balanced Scorecard in the Sare and Ogilvie course text.

With your Course Project in mind, think about how you would develop a balanced scorecard to measure performance, including the processes you would use to gather appropriate data.

Consider how the use of a balanced scorecard reflects the importance of being able to evaluate progress, assess the impact of planned change on performance, and determine if the costs are justified in terms of the outcomes.

Post an explanation of your plan for creating a balanced scorecard as part of your Course Project, including the processes you would use to gather data to measure performance. Explain how the use of this balanced scorecard would enable you to evaluate progress, assess the impact of your proposed change, and determine if the costs are justified in terms of the outcomes.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses. (I will send the peer responses on the handshake private message)

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by offering suggestions for further developing their balanced scorecards. Ask questions to peer responses at the end of every response. Cite your responses.

Developing a Balanced Scorecard in Healthcare Organizations Required Readings

Sare, M. V., & Ogilvie, L. (2010). Strategic planning for nurses: Change management in health care. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

Chapter 8, “Overview of Strategic Planning Theories: Strategic Planning Architecture” (pp. 147–166)

Fields, S. A., & Cohen, D. (2011). Performance enhancement using a balanced scorecard in a patient-centered medical home. Family Medicine, 43(10), 735–739.

Copyright 2011 by Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. Reprinted by permission of Society of Teachers of Family Medicine via the Copyright Clearance Center.

The authors discuss using a balanced scorecard for quality improvement in patient-centered medical homes.

Groene, O., Brandt, E., Schmidt, W., & Moeller, J. (Aug 2009). The balanced scorecard of acute settings: Development process, definition of 20 strategic objectives and implementation.International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 21(4), 259–271.

Copyright 2009 by Oxford University Press – Journals. Reprinted by permission of Oxford University Press – Journals via the Copyright Clearance Center.

In this article, the authors discuss the use of a balanced scorecard as a tool for strategic planning in hospitals. The article includes an example of a strategy map, timeline, and balanced scorecard.

Jeffs, L., Merkley, J., Richardson, S., Eli, J., & McAllister, M. (2011). Using a nursing balanced scorecard approach to measure and optimize nursing performance. Nursing Leadership, 24(1), 47–58.

Copyright 2011 by Longwoods Publishing Corporation. Reprinted by permission of Longwoods Publishing Corporation via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Kollberg, B., & Elg, M. (2011). The practice of the balanced scorecard in health care services.International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 60(5), 427–445.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

The authors look at the use of a balanced scorecard for health care performance management in Sweden.

Lupi, S., Verzola, A., Carandina, G., Salani, M., Antonioli, P., & Gregorio, P. (2011). Multidimensional evaluation of performance with experimental application of balanced scorecard: A two year experience. Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation, 9(1), 7.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article examines the application of a balanced scorecard within a unit in a hospital to compare performance results and goal achievement.

Balanced Scorecard Institute. (2013). Balanced scorecard basics. Retrieved fromhttp://www.balancedscorecard.org/BSCResources/AbouttheBalancedScorecard/tabid/55/Default.aspx

View the information on this website to learn about balanced scorecards.

Mountain State Group. (n.d.) Balanced scorecards for small rural hospitals: Concept overview and implementation guidance. Retrieved March 13, 2013, fromhttp://www.ruralcenter.org/sites/default/files/Final%20BSC%20Manual%2010.18F.pdf

The Scarborough Hospital. (2013). Balanced scorecard. Retrieved fromhttp://tsh.to/pages/Balanced-Score-Card

This website provides an example of a balanced scorecard.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. (2013). Balanced scorecard. Retrieved fromhttp://sunnybrook.ca/scorecard/index.asp#sr

American Cancer Society ACS) Eliminating Cancer

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. The goals of ACS are to prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish the suffering from the disease through research, education, advocacy, and service (American Cancer Society, 2017). Being diagnosed with cancer presents devastating news to the victim, their family, and friends. A lot of unanswered questions come to the person’s mind, the pain, suffering and death. Questions of what the person had done throughout their lives that could have possibly led to their present diagnosis.

For a friend who is struggling with grief and denial, I would recommend going to the ACS website at www.cancer.org. ACS offers a multitude of programs and services for cancer patients to help them on their road to recovery. Recommendation of services depends on the type of cancer and its complications. For a woman who had a mastectomy, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, one recommendation may be to complete patient’s support services. ACS assists patients with resources in many communities and help by partnering with pharmaceutical companies to provide chemotherapy medications (American Cancer Society, 2016). Also, they subsidize for hotel accommodations for patients that travel out of their community – even out of their state – for treatment. There are many other services including providing cosmetologists who volunteer their time to give makeup lessons and free makeup products to take home to combat the side effects of chemotherapy.

There are many factors that may lead to health disparities in cancer; one of those factors is tobacco usage. Tobacco is the largest contributor to cancer mortality as it causes nearly one-fifth of all cancer-related deaths. In addition to cancer, tobacco can also lead to deadly infections such as Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), human papilloma virus (HPV), and Heliobacteria Pylon (Institute of Medicine, 2007). Of course, tobacco is not the only contributor to cancer as factors such as alcohol usage, occupational exposures, environmental pollutions, bad diets and lack of exercise all play a major role in the cause of cancer amongst individuals around the world (Institute of Medicine, 2007). Cutting down on all these bad habits could lead to a long, cancer free life. However, certain cancers can be hereditary. For people who have a long family history of such, bi-annual doctor visits are highly recommended to keep track of one’s certain health status.

ACS understands that even if all the necessary precautions are taken to prevent cancer from occurring, that it still may not be enough. That is why organization funds the Cancer Control and Prevention Research. The research program concentrates on studying the “behaviors that can reduce cancer risk, improve early detection, or enhance the quality of life of patients and families” (American Cancer Society, 2017). There is even an emphasis placed on research focusing on improving health equity in disadvantaged groups and communities. Such steps taken by ACS will naturally lead to the reduction in cancer as a disease and build upon hope for those suffering the disease.

REFERENCES

American Cancer Society. (2017). We Fund Forward-Thinking Cancer Research. Retrieved August 09, 2017, from https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research.html

American Cancer Society. (2016, April 29). When Someone You Know Has Cancer. Retrieved August 09, 2017, from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/talking-about-cancer/when-someone-you-know-has-cancer.html

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Cancer Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries; Sloan FA, Gelband H, editors. Cancer Control Opportunities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2007. 2, Cancer Causes and Risk Factors and the Elements of Cancer Control. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK54025/

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis of Health Care Organizations

STRATEGIC PLANNING IN HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS

Discussion: Preparing for a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis (SWOT analysis)

As SWOT framework does not have a strictly defined structure, sometimes it becomes an art more than a science, which makes it difficult for practitioners to use SWOT and extract strategies from it.

— Sepehr Ghazinoory, Mansoureh Abdi, and Mandana Azadegan-Mehr, “SWOT Methodology: A State-of-the-Art Review for the Past, a Framework for the Future”

How does the statement above resonate with what you have learned about SWOT analysis thus far? This Discussion serves as preparation for the SWOT analysis you are conducting for your Course Project. How would you approach this part of strategic planning to address the unmet need you have identified?

To prepare:

Review the Learning Resources, including this week’s media presentation, focusing on the elements of a SWOT analysis.

Think about your Course Project and the data sources you could analyze to conduct a SWOT analysis at your selected location.

Reflect on who else, besides yourself, should be involved in conducting the SWOT analysis related to the identified unmet need.

Consider how values and experiences may influence perceptions related to SWOT analysis. Think about the specific group, unit, or organization that is the focus of your Course Project. How would conducting a SWOT analysis in this setting versus another affect the investigation? How would the involvement of certain individuals—and the lack of involvement by others—affect the analysis?

Post an explanation of your plan for conducting a SWOT analysis as part of your Course Project, including data sources that could be used. Explain how the setting and individuals conducting the analysis might influence the process and results of the SWOT analysis.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by offering another strategy or aspect of analysis that could be included in their SWOT analysis.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis of Health Care Organizations Required Readings

Ghazinoory, S., Abdi, M., & Azadegan-Mehr, M. (2011). SWOT methodology: A state-of-the-art review for the past, a framework for the future. Journal of Business Economics & Management, 12(1), 24–48.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article provides a valuable introduction to SWOT analysis and presents a SWOT matrix for developing strategies.

Hamidi, K., & Delbahari, V. (2011). Formulating a strategy for a university using SWOT technique: A case study. Australian Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences, 5(12), 264–276.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

The author examines the application of SWOT analysis at a university.

Houston, K, T., Bradham, T. S., Muñoz, K. F., & Guignard, G. H. (2011). Newborn hearing screening: An analysis of current practices. Volta Review, 111(2), 109–120.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article provides an example of SWOT analysis related to early detection and intervention of hearing problems in newborns.

White, K. R., & Blaiser, K. M. (2011). Strategic planning to improve EHDI programs. Volta Review, 111(2), 83–108.

Retrieved from http://ajbasweb.com/old/ajbas/2011/December-2011/264-276.pdf

This article describes the methods used to conduct a SWOT analysis and then identify specific recommendations for action.

Levels of Evidence

Read the discussion post below.

In your response.

1. Explain why you decided to respond to this particular post.

2. Ask a question.

3. Propose additional sources of evidence, or build upon foundational knowledge.

4. Your response must be a minimum of 250 words in length.

5. You MUST cite references from a peer reviewed scholarly source, using APA style.

Levels of Evidence

Type of peer-reviewed articles located

There were not very many peer reviewed articles on the topic of aligning physician services in an academic medical center to create a faster, more efficient on boarding process. However, the few that were discovered which would be appropriate.

• Beginning Employment: A guide for a new nurse practitioner in the Journal of Nurse practitioner from 2014. Some of the content in this article relates to the process of hospital credentialing and privilege as well as the Medicare enrollment process.

• Four Ways to Avoid a Credentialing Cash Flow Crisis in the Journal of Medical Practice Management from 2015. It includes additional content related to the impact of delayed Medicare Credentialing which will result in loss of Medicare Payments.

White papers or Opinion papers

There are multiple white papers available on credentialing, privileging, Medicare enrollment and health plan enrollment. In the hospital and government payor credentialing industry, white papers are prevalent and exist within many peer organizations as guidelines for best practice. These will be an integral part of the research for this project.

Industry experts

Multiple industry experts will be consulted and interviewed on this project. Most notably will be physicians who have had experience with the laborious and rigorous process of hospital, government payor and private payor credentialing as it relates to onboarding. Additionally, interviews with peers as well as with vendors within technology companies who offers tools that can potentially manage the alignment of physician services to assist in streamlining the physician onboarding process.

Appropriate Research, not evidence based

According to Stichler (2015), some researchers use focus groups, questionnaires and surveys to develop useful evidence to measure results or guide decisions. This will be a vital part of this project. Physician satisfaction surveys will be used in addition to interviews with peers at other academic medical centers.

References:

Dillon, D., &Hoyson, P. M. (2014). Beginning employment: A guide for the new nurse practitioner. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 10(1), 55-59. doi:http://dx.doi.org.library.capella.edu/10.1016/j.nurpra.2013.09.009

Stichler, J. F. (2015). Evaluating evidence-based studies and design projects. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 8(3), 96-104. doi:http://dx.doi.org.library.capella.edu/10.1177/1937586715571110

Toth, C. (2015). Four ways to avoid a credentialing cash flow crisis. The Journal of Medical Practice Management: MPM, 30(4), 226-227. Retrieved from http://library.capella.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.library.capella.edu/docview/1661567396?accountid=27965

STRATEGIC PLANNING IN HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS

Discussion: Identifying Resources

All change involves a negotiation of resources.

Think of a significant change you have made in your personal or professional life, such as your decision to enroll in this graduate program. Did you consider what resources would be needed in order to succeed with this planned change? If so, how did you evaluate the fiscal and time commitments you would need to make? How did you assess your readiness to take on the challenges that might lie ahead? What activities or milestones functioned as dependencies in your plan? What other obligations, plans, or aspirations did you deprioritize or delay to make available the necessary resources? Did you discover—after you were already invested in this change—that you needed more or different resources to continue on?

As you propose and evaluate changes with an organizational or systems-level impact, it is especially important to consider what resources may be required and what trade-offs may be needed to bring the change to fruition and achieve sustainability.

As preparation for your Course Project, in this Discussion you consider the resources that would be required to implement your proposed change.

To prepare:

Review the resources listed in “Appendix 7: Sample Template of the Strategic Planning Process” in the Sare and Ogilvie course text. In addition, consider the other Learning Resources that focus on the process of identifying resources for a strategic plan. Conduct additional research as necessary to deepen your thinking about resource identification for strategic planning.

Reflect on the results of the SWOT analysis you conducted for your Course Project (submitted in Week 7), and consider what resources may be needed to address the weaknesses and threats and build upon opportunities and strengths you identified. Evaluate the specific financial, personnel, and time resources that you would need to carry out your proposed change.

Think about how you would leverage the resources you currently have and those you plan to acquire or develop to create the best possible results. For instance, consider the following:

What trade-offs would you need to make to ensure that you have sufficient financial resources? How would you raise capital?

Who would you need to hire or promote, what training should be provided, and/or what workload adjustments would you need to make to have the right personnel in place?

What is a reasonable timeline for adoption and implementation given the parameters of this change and other organizational or group priorities?

Post an explanation of the specific resources (e.g., financial, personnel, time) needed to address the weaknesses and threats and build upon opportunities and strengths you identified through your SWOT analysis. Explain how you would leverage these resources to carry out the change you are proposing through your strategic plan.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days using one or more of the following approaches:

Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information or research.

Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.

Validate an idea with your own experience and additional resources.

Risk Communication

Step 1: Go to the website and, under Risk Communication, click on “Emergency Preparedness and Response.”

Step 2: Read through the information on this page and then click on “Information on Specific Types of Emergencies.”

Step 3: Next, browse through this information and click on “Recent Outbreaks and Incidents.”

Step 4: Under “Select a Year,” click any from 2015 to the present.

Step 5: Choose one of the recent outbreaks for your investigation.

In your paper:

Identify the incident/outbreak you selected for which risk communication was essential.

Describe the situation that occurred and provide some statistics to display the severity of the incident.

What types of communication/procedures were used during this incident? Provide examples on the information that was disseminated and how it aided in resolving the situation.

Approach to Care of Cancer

Write a nursing paper describing the approach to Care of Cancer. In addition, include the following in your paper:

1. Describe the Diagnosis and Staging of Cancer.

2. Describe at Least Three Complications of Cancer, the Side Effects of treatment, and Methods to Lessen Physical and Psychological Effects.

3. Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This Approach to Care of Cancer assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

You are required to submit this Approach to Care of Cancer assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

Approach to Care of Cancer Rubric

1

Unsatisfactory 0-72%

0.00% 2

Less Than Satisfactory 72-75%

75.00% 3

Satisfactory 76-79%

79.00% 4

Good 80-89%

89.00% 5

Excellent 90-100%

100.00%

80.0 %Content

30.0 %Explanation of the Diagnosis and Staging of Cancers is Provided. An explanation of the diagnosis and staging of cancers is not provided. An explanation of the diagnosis and staging of cancers is provided but is missing relevant information. An explanation of the diagnosis and staging of cancers is provided that meets the assignment criteria. An explanation of the diagnosis and staging of cancers is provided that is offered in a detailed manner. An explanation of the diagnosis and staging of cancers is provided that is offered in a detailed manner, while demonstrating higher level or critical thinking.

20.0 %At Least Three Complications of Cancer are Identified With Comprehensive Discussion of Available Treatments. Less than three complications of cancer are identified. At least three complications of cancer are identified but lacking a comprehensive discussion of available treatments. At least three complications of cancer are identified with a comprehensive discussion of available treatments. More than three complications of cancer are identified with a comprehensive discussion of available treatments. More than three complications of cancer are identified with a comprehensive discussion of available treatments, while demonstrating higher level or critical thinking.

30.0 %Provides Recommendations to Address Physiological and Psychological Side Effects of Care. Recommendations to address physiological and psychological side effects of care are lacking. Recommendations to address physiological and psychological side effects of care are missing relevant information. Recommendations to address physiological and psychological side effects of care meet the assignment criteria. Recommendations to address physiological and psychological side effects of care are offered in a detailed manner. Recommendations to address physiological and psychological side effects of care are offered in a detailed manner, while demonstrating higher level or critical thinking.

15.0 %Organization and Effectiveness

5.0 %Thesis Development and Purpose Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or vague; purpose is not clear. Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development of the paper. It is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are comprehensive; contained within the thesis is the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

5.0 %Paragraph Development and Transitions Paragraphs and transitions consistently lack unity and coherence. No apparent connections between paragraphs are established. Transitions are inappropriate to purpose and scope. Organization is disjointed. Some paragraphs and transitions may lack logical progression of ideas, unity, coherence, and/or cohesiveness. Some degree of organization is evident. Paragraphs are generally competent, but ideas may show some inconsistency in organization and/or in their relationships to each other. A logical progression of ideas between paragraphs is apparent. Paragraphs exhibit a unity, coherence, and cohesiveness. Topic sentences and concluding remarks are appropriate to purpose. There is a sophisticated construction of paragraphs and transitions. Ideas progress and relate to each other. Paragraph and transition construction guide the reader. Paragraph structure is seamless.

5.0 %Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or sentence construction are used. Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, and/or word choice are present. Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used. Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used. Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

5.0 %Format

2.0 %Paper Format (1- inch margins; 12-point-font; double-spaced; Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier) Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly. Template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken; lack of control with formatting is apparent. Template is used, and formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present. Template is fully used; There are virtually no errors in formatting style. All format elements are correct.

3.0 %Research Citations (In-text citations for paraphrasing and direct quotes, and reference page listing and formatting, as appropriate to Approach to Care of Cancer assignment) No reference page is included. No citations are used. Reference page is present. Citations are inconsistently used. Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper. Sources are appropriately documented, although some errors may be present. Reference page is present and fully inclusive of all cited sources. Documentation is appropriate and GCU style is usually correct. In-text citations and a reference page of the Approach to Care of Cancer paper are complete. The documentation of cited sources is free of error.

100 %Total Weightage

Environmental public health issue the community

Read the module Home page and required readings. Read through this assignment and the Assignment Expectations.

Based on the background readings for this module (along with other relevant sources of credible information), your task is to write an essay in which you discuss an environmental public health issue in your community.

Instructions

You can submit your paper in a question-and-answer format. In other words, list the questions and provide a short answer to each.

1. State the name of your community. At what time in your life did you live in this community? (i.e., were you raised there during childhood, do you live there now, or was it during another time in your life?)

2. Identify a specific environmental public health issue in the community.

3. Explain briefly why rates of disease or illness might be impacted by this environmental health issue. Please write 1–2 paragraphs about this, and be sure to cite sources rather than simply stating your opinion.

4. Identify one credible source of Environmental Health Data on that issue. (Please write 2–3 sentences maximum. Please provide a description of the source and a link (i.e., hyperlink or URL) directly to relevant data sources.

5. Discuss whether rates of disease or illness for the issue are being tracked in the community. Please write 2–3 paragraphs about this, and be sure to cite sources rather than simply stating your opinion.