Assessment 4: Lobbying for Change: Writing an advocacy letter

 

Hey there! I'm Meo Khan, a freelance academic writer and your nursing assignment guru. I know you nursing students are busy beyond belief between clinicals, classes, and just life in general. Getting those lengthy policy assessment assignments done can feel straight up impossible sometimes!

But have no fear - I'm here to make these papers feel WAY more manageable for you. Let's chat about how to nail this healthcare policy assessment in your sleep.

First, we got to look at how nurses can team up with local and state politicians to advocate for patients. I know the idea of calling up your representative or showing up at the state house might sound intimidating! But nurses have such an important perspective and some insider tips can help make those connections.

Here's the deal - start by looking up who exactly represents your district. Find their committee assignments and what health policies they've supported. This helps you make the ask specific for them. Fire off, an email to schedule a meeting and highlight you’re a nurse speaking from experience. If they’re busy (and let’s be real, politicians always are), offer to meet with staff instead.

 When you meet, keep it short and sweet. Pick 2-3 policies or investments to focus your asks around. Back it up with data - politicians love their numbers. And share some ANONYMIZED patient stories to tug those heartstrings! After you meet, send a thank you note recapping your asks so they remember. Specifically, here is how you connect with a relevant lawmaker:

Effective Strategies on How to Connect with Lawmakers

Participate in State and National Nurses' Associations: State and national nurses' associations have groups responsible for lobbying legislators and impacting policy that affects the administration of healthcare. The American Nurses Association, the American Academy of Nursing, and your state nurses' association are good places to become involved.

Attend Legislative Sessions: Attend legislative sessions to learn how the system works and connect with your state senate and house representatives to express your opinions.

Identify Your Lawmaker: Identify the lawmaker in the level of government that will best address your issue.

Contact Your Lawmaker: Contact your lawmaker about a particular issue before the Legislature takes action.

How to Write an Advocacy Letter

·       Use Your Personal or Business Address: Use your personal or business address as the return address on your letter.

·       Address Your Legislator Properly: Address your legislator properly, using their correct title and name.

·       State Your Relationship to the Legislator: State your relationship to the legislator, such as being a constituent or a nurse.

·       Describe the Issue: Begin the letter with a short paragraph that describes the issue and the request you are making.

·       Be Factual: Be factual and use common terms and language. Explain the potential impact on patients and/or owners, quality and accessibility of care, animal or human health, and your practice, if relevant.

·       Be Personal: Get personal and talk about how an issue affects you, your colleagues, your patients, your practice, and your community.

·       State What You Want the Person to Do for You: State what you want the person to do for you, such as cosponsoring a bill or supporting a program's continuation or increase in funding.

·       Be Concise: Don't make the communication too wordy. A one-page letter is ideal, but two pages are acceptable.

·       Request a Response: Request a response from the legislator.

·       Include Your Title: Include your title, if you have one.

 

Okay, now onto the fun part - taking all that and putting it into an advocacy letter! Here's an example letter I drafted around mental healthcare access. Peep how I...

·       Addressed it to a specific rep with their info

·       Stated my role as a nurse at City Hospital

·       Made 2-3 defined asks for policies

·       Included a patient story to illustrate the need

·       Said thank you and offered to discuss further

Pretty easy format to follow, right? You got this! Let me know if you need any other tips for tackling these healthcare policy assessments in your nursing program. I'm here to help you ace these assignments AND make time for some much needed self-care. Now go show 'em what nurses can do!

 

Sample Advocacy Letter

Now let's walk through writing an advocacy letter to a government official focused on improving mental health care access.

Date

Representative Jane Doe
123 State House
City, State, Zip

Dear Representative Doe,

As a nurse at City Hospital, I witness the challenges many patients face trying to access mental health services. With suicide rates and substance abuse on the rise in our community, I urge you to prioritize reforms that expand mental health care access.

Specifically, I ask that you:

• Co-sponsor legislation to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health services. Higher rates will incentivize providers to accept Medicaid patients.
• Allocate additional state funding to community mental health centers which provide essential care to uninsured residents.
• Support investments in telepsychiatry programs which can extend access to rural areas with provider shortages.

I share the story of a patient I recently discharged who struggled to find an in-network psychiatrist accepting new patients with Medicaid. After months of searching, her depression and substance abuse worsened until she attempted suicide. Increased reimbursements and funding for underserved areas would prevent cases like this.

Please consider nurses on the frontlines as you work to improve mental health care access this session. I welcome the chance to discuss this further and would appreciate your support on these critical issues.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Info]

Walkthrough Assessment 3: NHS-FPX6008 – Business Case for a New Economic Opportunity

Hey there! Hello, in this post, I am going to walk you through the third assessment of the first course, NHS-FPX6008 from MSN Capella. This assessment is: Business Case for a New Economic Opportunity.

I know you're busy juggling work, family, and your MSN program. This economic assessment seems daunting but I'll walk you through it step-by-step. First things first, take a deep breath - you've got this!

Let's start with the business case. This is where you'll identify a new economic opportunity for a hospital or healthcare organization. Think about an innovation that could help patients or improve care. For example, I proposed a smartphone app to help pregnant women monitor their health. Get creative and choose something you're passionate about!

Next, dig into the opportunities this venture presents. Consider how it could expand reach or access, improve outcomes, or reduce costs. For my app, I highlighted how it makes monitoring easy for rural and low-income women. Back up claims with stats and evidence from research.

Don't forget the risks! Outline any potential downsides, limitations, or costs. I noted how the app can't guarantee full-term pregnancies. Be candid about challenges to present a balanced view.

Step 1: Conduct an Environmental Assessment and Economic Audit

The first step in completing a systematic evaluation is to conduct an environmental assessment and economic audit. This will help you to understand the current state of the organization and identify any economic healthcare issues that need to be addressed. In the attached business case, a thorough analysis of CPH's environment has already been conducted, including an environmental assessment and economic audit. This analysis found that CPH offers high-quality healthcare to pregnant women and strives to meet all of their needs, including obstetric care for mothers and babies. However, there is a need to expand the reach of their services to a mass level, particularly in rural areas.

Step 2: Identify Opportunities for Economic Ventures

The next step is to identify opportunities for economic ventures that can help to address the economic healthcare issues identified in the environmental assessment and economic audit. In the attached business case, the proposed economic venture is the development of a smartphone application called MyHealth. This app will enable pregnant women to monitor and assess themselves without visiting the hospital, which is particularly important during the ongoing pandemic. Through MyHealth, women can monitor their health in urban as well as rural areas, which is a pressing need for rural areas in particular. This will also save them from unnecessary stress, money, and time.

Step 3: Analyze the Projected Opportunities and Associated Risks

Once you have identified an economic venture, the next step is to analyze the projected opportunities and associated risks. In the attached business case, the MyHealth app has several projected opportunities, including expanding the reach of CPH's services to a mass level and enabling pregnant women to monitor their health without visiting the hospital. However, there are also associated risks, such as the risk of design errors that can be extremely expensive to fix once the software is released. It is important to mitigate these risks from day one and develop the app in line with best practices.

Step 4: Conduct a Cost/Benefit Analysis

The final step is to conduct a cost/benefit analysis of the proposed economic venture. In the attached business case, the cost of developing a robust and effective smartphone application can range from $5,000 to $500,000 depending on its aims, quality, and reach. However, the benefits of the MyHealth app are significant, including reducing risks with premature births and enabling pregnant women to monitor their health without visiting the hospital. To contain costs, CPH administration will develop a skill mix in which professionals will be hired as well as certain tasks will be outsourced to experts in the field.In conclusion, completing a systematic evaluation of a unit, facility, or organization to identify economic healthcare issues is an important skill for nurses to have. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can conduct a thorough assessment of an organization and identify opportunities for economic ventures that can help to address economic healthcare issues.

Remember it is not difficult though it might appear overwhelming at first.

For any assistance, feel free to reach me at: meokhan2/at/gmail/dot/com

Walkthrough Assessment 2: NHS-FPX6008 – Economic Decision Making in Health Care

Assessment 2: Capella’s MSN FlexPath Program

The second assessment in Capella University's MSN FlexPath program, NHS-FPX6008 – Economic Decision Making in Health Care, requires you to write a brief 2-3 page report about a health care economic issue that you have already identified. The report should address the reasons why you selected the issue, identify how this issue impacts your work, your colleagues, and your organization, and describe the gap that you see contributing to this issue. Here is a tutorial on how to write this assessment:

Section 1: Introduction

The introduction is the first section of the report and should be used to introduce the topic and provide background information. The introduction should include the following elements:

• Hook: Attract the reader's interest by starting with a statement or question that captures their attention.

• Research question: Clearly state the research question that the report will address.

• Antecedents: Identify the previous work that has been done on the topic.

• Value-added: Explain how the report will add to the previous work.

• Roadmap: Provide a brief overview of the report's structure.

For example, the introduction could start with a statement like "The rising cost of healthcare is a major concern for individuals, organizations, and governments around the world. This report aims to identify a health care economic issue that impacts the work of nurses in the United States and provide recommendations for addressing this issue."

Section 2: Implementation Plan for a New Economic Opportunity

The second section of the report should focus on the implementation plan for a new economic opportunity. This section should include the following elements:

• Vision: Clearly state the vision for the new economic opportunity.
• Mission: Explain the mission of the new economic opportunity.
• Goals: Identify the goals that the new economic opportunity aims to achieve.
• Strategies: Describe the strategies that will be used to achieve the goals.
• Actions: Provide a detailed plan of action for implementing the strategies.

For example, if the new economic opportunity is the development of a smartphone application called MyHealth to help pregnant women monitor their health and pregnancy, this section could include a timeline for the development of the app, including initial planning, strategy building, app development, app designing, branding, and launching.

Section 3: Budget for the Suggested App for Smartphone

The third section of the report should focus on the budget for the suggested app for smartphone. This section should include the following elements:

• Fiscal period: Identify the fiscal period for evaluating the costs and benefits of developing and operating the smartphone application.
• Costs: Provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with developing and operating the smartphone application.
• Revenue plan: Describe the revenue plan for the smartphone application.

For example, if the budget for the MyHealth app includes a fiscal period of five years, this section could include a breakdown of the costs associated with developing and operating the app, as well as a revenue plan that includes charging $99.99 per pregnancy per woman, which would result in $499,950 per annum if 5,000 babies are born in CPH every year.

Section 4: Implementation of the Opportunity

The fourth section of the report should focus on the implementation of the opportunity. This section should include the following elements:

• Timeline: Develop a practicable timeline for the implementation of the opportunity.
• Alignment: Align the smartphone app development strategy with the broader organizational mission.
• Stakeholders: Involve stakeholders from the beginning of the project.

For example, this section could include strategies for involving stakeholders from the beginning of the project, such as holding regular meetings with stakeholders to gather feedback and input.

Section 5: Strategies

The fifth section of the report should focus on strategies for the success of the planned smartphone app. This section should include the following elements:

• Unique value: Offer unique value to users.
• Solving major problems: Solve major problems that users face.
• Clear client base: Have a clear client base.
• Marketing strategy: Have a robust marketing strategy.

For example, this section could include strategies for offering unique value to users, such as providing personalized health recommendations based on user data, and having a robust marketing strategy that includes social media advertising and influencer partnerships.

Section 6: Conclusion

The conclusion is the final section of the report and should summarize the main points of the report and provide recommendations for future action. The conclusion should include the following elements:

• Summary: Summarize the main points of the report.

• Recommendations: Provide recommendations for future action.

For example, the conclusion could summarize the main points of the report, such as the economic opportunity presented by the MyHealth app, and provide recommendations for future action, such as conducting further research on the potential impact of the app on healthcare costs and outcomes.In conclusion, writing the first assessment in Capella University's MSN FlexPath program requires you to identify a health care economic issue, describe its impact, and provide recommendations for addressing the issue. By following the tutorial outlined above, you can successfully complete this assessment and develop the skills necessary to analyze and address health care economic issues.

Appendix

The appendix, however, will need to be appended with a 5-year plan that you will develop based on your report above. Here is a snapshot for you:

The plan is an implementation plan for a new economic opportunity proposed at the City Park Hospital (CPH) in rural California. The budget for the app includes a fiscal period of five years to evaluate the costs and benefits of developing and operating the smartphone application. The plan outlines the projected opening cash balance, funding for CPH, operating receipts, patient services, staff salaries, and cash surplus/deficit for each fiscal year.

For example, in year one, the plan projects an opening cash balance of $0.00, $2,500.00 for supplies/equipment/branding, $50,000.00 for funding for CPH, $1,000.00 for operating receipts, $65,000.00 for patient services, and $6,500 for total staff salaries. The projected cash surplus/deficit for year one is $67,909.00, and the projected closing cash balance is $67,909.00.

In year two, the plan projects an opening cash balance of $0.00, $1,000.00 for supplies/equipment/branding, $65,000.00 for funding for CPH, $1,000.00 for operating receipts, $80,000.00 for patient services, and $110,045.00 for total staff salaries. The projected cash surplus/deficit for year two is $70,421.63, and the projected closing cash balance is $70,421.63.

The plan continues in this manner for years three, four, and five, projecting the opening cash balance, funding for CPH, operating receipts, patient services, staff salaries, cash surplus/deficit, and closing cash balance for each fiscal year.

In summary, the five-year plan is a financial projection for the implementation of the MyHealth app at CPH. It outlines the projected costs and revenues for each fiscal year and provides a framework for evaluating the costs and benefits of developing and operating the smartphone application over a five-year period.

 

Comprehensive Overview of MSN FlexPath from Capella University

Introduction:
Hello, I am MeoKhan, an experienced academic writer who has helped numerous students complete their MSN degree at Capella University. I understand the challenges that students face when pursuing an advanced degree, and I want to make the process easier for others. In this blog post, I will provide a comprehensive overview of each course offered in the MSN FlexPath program at Capella University. If you need any assistance with your coursework, feel free to reach out to me for writing help.

Economic Decision Making in Health Care (NHS-FPX6008)

This course provides an overview of economic decision making in healthcare, including cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and healthcare financing. Students will learn how to apply economic principles to healthcare decision making.Scenario: You are a nurse working in a hospital. Your hospital is considering purchasing a new medical device that is very expensive.

Role of Leadership in Care Coordination (NURS-FPX6618)

This course focuses on the role of leadership in care coordination, including leadership styles, team building, and conflict resolution. Students will learn how to develop leadership skills that are essential for effective care coordination.Scenario: You are a nurse working in a hospital. You have been promoted to a leadership position and are responsible for coordinating care for a group of patients.

Ethical and Legal Concerns in Care Coordination (NURS-FPX6616)

This course covers the ethical and legal concerns that arise in care coordination, including patient privacy, informed consent, and end-of-life care. Students will learn how to navigate these concerns in a healthcare setting.Scenario: You are a nurse working in a hospice care facility. You have a patient who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and requires end-of-life care.

Structural Processes in Care Coord (NURS-FPX6614)

This course focuses on the structural processes involved in care coordination, including care coordination models, care coordination teams, and the use of technology in care coordination. Students will learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of these processes.Scenario: You are a care coordinator in a hospital. You have a patient who has been diagnosed with cancer and requires care from multiple providers.

Biopsychological Concepts for Advanced Nurse Practitioner 2 (NURS-FPX6026)

This course builds on the concepts covered in Biopsychological Concepts for Advanced Nurse Practitioner 1. Topics include neuroendocrinology, genetics, and immunology. Students will learn how to apply these concepts to patient care.Scenario: You are a nurse practitioner working in a primary care clinic. You have a patient who has been diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease.

Healthcare Models Used in Care Coord (NURS-FPX6612)

This course provides an overview of healthcare models used in care coordination, including the medical home model, accountable care organizations, and patient-centered medical homes. Students will learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of these models.Scenario: You are a care coordinator in a hospital. You have a patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes and requires care from multiple providers.

Biopsychological Concepts for Advanced Nurse Practitioner 1 (NURS-FPX6021)

This course covers the biopsychological concepts that are essential for advanced nursing practice. Topics include neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and psychopharmacology. Students will learn how to apply these concepts to patient care.Scenario: You are a nurse practitioner working in a mental health clinic. You have a patient who has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

Introduction to Care Coordination (NURS-FPX6610)

This course provides an introduction to care coordination, including the role of the care coordinator, care coordination models, and the use of technology in care coordination. Students will learn how to assess patient needs and develop care plans.Scenario: You are a care coordinator in a primary care clinic. You have a patient who has multiple chronic conditions and requires care from multiple providers.

Communication Collaboration Case Analysis for MS Learners (NHS-FPX5004)

This course focuses on developing communication and collaboration skills in healthcare. Students will learn how to analyze case studies and apply communication and collaboration strategies to improve patient outcomes.Scenario: You are a nurse working in a hospital. You have a patient who is non-English speaking and requires a translator. You need to collaborate with the translator to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.In conclusion, the MSN FlexPath program at Capella University offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for advanced nursing practice. With the flexibility of the FlexPath learning format, students can earn their MSN degree in as little as 14 months for under $15,000. Whether you are a nurse looking to advance your career or a recent nursing graduate, the MSN FlexPath program at Capella University is an excellent choice. If you need any assistance with your coursework, feel free to reach out to me for writing help.