NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations – Step-by-Step Guide
The first step before starting to write the NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.
How to Research and Prepare for NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations
The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility.
Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.
How to Write the Introduction for NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations
The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.
How to Write the Body for NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations
The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.
How to Write the In-text Citations for NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations
In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:
The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.
How to Write the Conclusion for NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations
When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.
How to Format the Reference List for NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations
The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication.
Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:
References
Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456
Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.
An Example NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Change Management, and Policy Considerations Follows:
Assessing the Problem: Mental Health Crises in Adults
Mental health crises, which have become a burgeoning public health issue all over the world, are experienced by millions of adults worldwide annually. This can take the form of either emotional or psychological distress, such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, severe anxiety, or psychotic symptoms (World Health Organization, 2022). Timely intervention and efficient assistance systems are necessary to facilitate the whole process that promotes the safety of the person experiencing the mental health crisis and promotes their well-being (Colizzi et al., 2020). Nurses are heavily involved with patients due to their daily contact with them and their knowledge of crisis management. Therefore, they are at the forefront of identifying at-risk individuals, de-escalating the situation and getting them partners with the right resources. In this evaluation, the problem of a mental health crisis is stated and reviewed through the lens of leadership, collaboration, communication, change management, and policy analysis.
Defining the Problem
The mental health crisis exists, at least worldwide, and the persons affected are cutting across ages and demographics. Mental health crises are a range of extreme emotional distresses that fundamentally disrupt a person’s capacity to think or behave in a usual way. The incidence of such episodes can be set by a range of factors like existing mental health disorders (depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder), traumatic events, genetics, stress in the environment, drug abuse, or stress in life in general (World Health Organization, 2022). The symptoms often include intense feelings of anxiety, depression, suicidal behavior, or psychotic episodes, which may be life-threatening, hence the need for an immediate response from concerned persons to protect the health of the individual and society.
As per the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 2020 data indicates that the number of adults in America diagnosed with a major depressive episode (MDE) is estimated to be 21 million, while it accounts for about 8.4% of the population in the same year. Moreover, 4.3 million people have already been diagnosed with Mental health disorders known as anxiety-related conditions. Furthermore, the NIMH data revealed that in 2020, 9.8 million American adults were diagnosed with a severe mental illness (SMI) that adversely affected their daily lives (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2023). These facts show that mental health disorders are widespread, and they can lead to crises. The ramifications of mental health crises transcend delimiting boundaries. During the crisis period, people may harm themselves or attempt suicide, thus diversifying the risk of injury or even death for themselves. Moreover, it can result in a higher demand for healthcare, an increased number of emergency room visits, and hospitalization. The financial cost associated with mental crises etymology is high. It is a problem for individuals and also for the healthcare system.
Relevance to Nursing Practice
Nurses are frequently the primary contact in recognizing and managing mental health crises. Nurses encounter people in different emotional levels of distress and attend to them to ensure high-quality services (Cranage & Foster, 2022). Through the identification of the warning portents of a mental health crisis, nurses can start with proper interventions for the patients and see to it that the safety of the patients or the people around them is protected at all times.
Through using standard assessment tools and their clinical expertise, nurses determine the level of risk for individuals of self-harming or harming others or others and, subsequently, plan the appropriate interventions. They use de-escalation strategies such as active listening, validating the perspectives of distressed ones, and setting clear lines to calm an agitated or aggressive individual down (Abozaid et al., 2022). These methods ensure a secure space for them to experience a therapeutic moment. The nurses can help implement crisis intervention protocols, which include calling emergency services, organizing for psychiatric evaluation, or providing resources for psychological support. They also offer crisis patients with mental health education on mental disorders, coping strategies, and available social systems. Besides, they help with emotional support and reassurance during the most challenging times. Nurses collaborate with other healthcare specialists, for example, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and social workers, to develop a treatment plan encompassing all aspects of an individual’s crisis.
Evidence-Based Practice
An increasing number of studies confirm the fact that appropriate nursing therapies are accessible in stabilizing mental health disorders. Ryan and Oquendo’s study (2020) revealed that nurses could identify individuals with suicide risk by employing a structured risk assessment tool. Another study implemented de-escalation training, proving that nurses’ confidence and ability to manage challenging patient behaviors were improved (Abozaid et al., 2022). For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis hotlines, and psychiatric emergency services reduce crisis severity and prevent undesirable outcomes. These studies stress the need for evidence-based practice to ensure that nurses are armed with the requisite skills to respond rapidly to mental health incidents.
While evidence-based practice can be an effective intervention strategy in real-life settings, several challenges may hinder its implementation. Limited staff and time pressures may take the trend out of the patients in detail as it is impossible to conduct exhaustive assessments or give detailed education. Besides, the availability of mental health resources differs a lot from one healthcare setting to another and between the various geographic locations (Hopwood et al., 2023). Nurses may be confronted with establishing links between the patients involved in a crisis and the proper treatment, limited by a shortage of available services or long waiting times.
Nurses’ theoretical frameworks can guide the approach to mental health crisis intervention. Crisis Intervention theory prioritizes assessment, de-escalation techniques, and discovering individual supports for immediate aid. (Lavoie et al., 2022) The person-centered approach emphasizes an engaging and friendly atmosphere, which aids individuals in restoring control and believing in themselves. (Yao and Kabir, 2023) These structures serve as a basis for nurses to build therapeutic relationships with those suffering from mental illnesses.
Policy Implications
State board nursing practice standards and organizational policies affect mental health care delivery. These regulations define the scope of nurse practices, delineating the acts that can be done independently and those that require other healthcare professionals’ cooperation (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Policies regarding licensing, scopes of practice, and reimbursement for mental health services affect the appeal and quality of care delivery to people in crisis. As an example, nurses can administer some medications in significant cases of mental health symptoms under the supervision of a psychiatrist in a psychiatric NPA.
Furthermore, NPAs can also involve nurses in drafting the specific protocols that nurses are to follow upon seeing patients with mental health problems, like being required to write reports whenever suicidal ideation is encountered. Many health institutions have a set of protocols and systems, and patients’ suicidal thoughts or attempts have specific guidelines. This may involve, for example, restraint use, de-escalation techniques, and the involvement of security personnel. Moreover, they may create protocols for transferring patients to a higher level of care and calling for the paramedics via them.
State and organizational policies can influence nurses’ capacity to tackle mental health crises in several ways:
- Scope of Practice: The NPAs and policies of the facility where the nurses work should be clear so that the nurses can determine the legal and ethical boundaries in which they can work (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). They should also define what they are entitled to do.
- Standardization of Care: Regulations and protocols enable consistent and science-based care for individuals having crises at various sites.
- Collaboration: Policies may list various roles that nurses and other health professionals can play, which will promote teamwork during crisis times.
- Resource Allocation: Administrative decisions may determine who has access to resources, such as a crisis team or a mental health consultant, affecting the quality of care provided.
Nurses can have a meaningful impact on the policy-making created to deal with mental health crisis intervention. Nurses can do that by advocating for policies that will increase the accessibility of mental health services, funding, and dedication to mental well-being.
Leadership Strategies for Improved Outcomes
Effective leadership is salient to bettering the condition of patients, providing patient-centric care, and maximizing patients’ experience during mental health emergencies. Here are some leadership strategies nurses can implement:
- Championing Mental Health Awareness: To this end, the nurses with leadership positions should take the initiative to create mental health education programs in their respective organizations and the community (Colizzi et al., 2020). Educational activities are essential for this goal as they can develop an approach for recognizing mental health crisis signs and symptoms in employees and building a culture of help-seeking.
- Building Collaborative Teams: Developing high-caliber interdisciplinary teams consisting of nurse practitioners, physicians, social workers, and case managers is the primary step. A collaborative care system between professionals from various fields ensures a holistic approach to crisis management and chronic recovery.
- Developing Crisis Response Protocols: Nurses themselves may contribute to the design of the crisis response framework or adjust to the one in place at facilities where they practice (Cranage & Foster, 2022). This information is based on scientific research, considering safety problems and the responsibilities of all staff concerned.
- Advocacy for Increased Resources: Nurse leaders can push for more staffing resources to be allocated so that nurses will have more time to conduct assessments and interventions (Hajizadeh et al., 2021). A further step they can take is to build pressure to broaden the accessibility to mental health facilities at the institutional level, including crisis, telepsychiatry services, and substance abuse treatment programs.
- Mentorship and Training: Continuous education and training on mental health crisis intervention for staff members should be incorporated into continuous education and training plans. When nurses work in crisis intervention settings, giving them access to mentorship enhances their skills and leads to their winning confidence.
Through the leadership initiatives, nurses will craft a healthcare system that will be more favorably disposed to people who experience mental health distress.
Conclusion
Mental health problems in crises are one of the pressing public health concerns. Nurses are indispensable in recognizing these problems, applying effective interventions, and linking people with the available support systems. Through evidence-based practices and collaboration with other healthcare professionals and leaders, nurses can impact improved outcomes, patient-centered care experience, and sturdy support available to people struggling with mental health crises. Finding ways to make policy changes and advancing for more resources is also part of the strategy to enable all individuals to get the help they seek during a crisis.
NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 1 References
Abozaid, D. A., Momen, M., Ezz, N. F. A. E., Ahmed, H. A., Al-Tehewy, M. M., El-Setouhy, M., El-Shinawi, M., Hirshon, J. M., & Houssinie, M. E. (2022). Patient and visitor aggression de-escalation training for nurses in a teaching hospital in Cairo, Egypt. BMC Nursing, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-022-00828-y
Colizzi, M., Lasalvia, A., & Ruggeri, M. (2020). Prevention and early intervention in youth mental health: Is it time for a multidisciplinary and trans-diagnostic model for care? International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 14(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-020-00356-9
Cranage, K., & Foster, K. (2022). Mental health nurses’ experience of challenging workplace situations: A qualitative descriptive study. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 31(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12986
Hajizadeh, A., Zamanzadeh, V., Kakemam, E., Bahreini, R., & Khodayari-Zarnaq, R. (2021). Factors influencing nurses participation in the health policy-making process: A systematic review. BMC Nursing, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00648-6
Hopwood, H., Harris, D., Sevalie, S., Gloria Ejehiohen Iyawa, & Julie Langan Martin. (2023). The barriers and facilitators to decentralized nurse-led mental health service delivery in Sierra Leone. Community Mental Health Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-023-01087-0
Lavoie, J. A. A., Alvarez, N., & Kandil, Y. (2022). Developing community co-designed scenario-based training for police mental health crisis response: A relational policing approach to de-escalation. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 37(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-022-09500-2
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023, April). Mental health by the numbers. NAMI; National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/mhstats
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024). Depression | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Nami.org. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression#:~:text=Some%20will%20only%20experience%20one
Ryan, E. P., & Oquendo, M. A. (2020). Suicide risk assessment and prevention: Challenges and opportunities. FOCUS, 18(2), 88–99. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20200011
World Health Organization. (2022). Mental Health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
Yao, L., & Kabir, R. (2023). Person-centered therapy (rogerian therapy). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589708/
Now that you are done with assessment 1, your next task is NURS-FPX4900 Assessment 2 Assessing the Problem: Quality, Safety, and Cost Considerations, coming up next, and builds on assessment 1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When approaching a 500-word essay, it’s essential to understand the nuances of this compact form of writing. These frequently asked questions will guide you through the process of crafting a concise and impactful essay.
How many pages is a 500-word essay typically?
A 500-word essay usually spans about one page if single-spaced or two pages when double-spaced, with standard margins and a 12-point font size.
Can you provide examples of a well-structured 500-word essay?
Certainly, to see the structure and flow of a well-written essay, you might want to take a look at a student’s writing guide that provides insights and examples.
Are there specific formatting guidelines for a 500-word essay?
Formatting guidelines typically involve using a legible font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, with double-spacing and one-inch margins on all sides. Check any specific requirements your instructor might have provided.
What are some effective strategies for writing a personal essay of 500 words?
For a personal essay, focus on a singular event or characteristic, ensuring your ideas are clear and you reflect on the significance of the subject matter. Use concise language and powerful imagery to maximize impact.
What topics are suitable for a concise 500-word essay?
Choose topics you can thoroughly address within the word limit, such as a personal anecdote, a critical analysis of a poem, or a focused argument on a singular point or issue.
How much time should you allocate to write a 500-word essay effectively?
Depending on your familiarity with the topic and writing proficiency, allocate anywhere from one to several hours for planning, drafting, and revising to ensure a well-presented essay.