******************A message from the instructor******************please read EVE

******************A message from the instructor******************please read EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi All,

I wanted to let you know how I grade discussions in this course so that you will be clear about what I expect. Simply put, I use the rubric in order to make sure I am consistent across all courses. I often have students tell me that other instructors did not deduct for certain things, so I want to clarify how I grade and what my expectations are.

Of course, in discussion I look to make sure you cover the items that are supposed to be discussed, that you utilize APA formatting and that in general your post is easy to read/understand. In your Initial Discussion Post I expect you to include an introductory paragraph with a purpose statement. Subsequently you would include the “body” of the post including the requisites of the discussion post, then a summary/conclusion. References are to be formatted according to APA (I know that these get messed with some when posting, so no worries there).

At least 3 Level 1 headings are to be used in your Initial Discussion Post (don’t be surprised if there are deductions made if you have not included them).

You are supposed to participate in discussion on 3 different days and I check to ensure that this is done (and that all posts are completed on or before Day 6 – that day being Saturday until 10:00 PM (CST). Points are deducted for not participating in discussion on 3 different days and posts made on Day 7 are not counted. So, if not submitted in time, do not waste your time posting.

You are required to post your Initial Post on or before Day 3 by 10:00 PM CST. Points are deducted for failing to meet this guideline – in other words you will be marked late. You are also required to respond to 2 of your fellow classmates’ Initial Posts. Points are deducted for not responding to 2 of your classmates’ Initial Posts. All posts are supposed to be of substantive content and/or ask a thoughtful question.

You are additionally supposed to respond to anyone (and that includes me) who makes a comment on your post.

Keep in mind that one of your requirements is to have a backup in the case of internet issues with your primary source. That means that internet difficulties are not acceptable as an excuse for not meeting the requirements of the Weekly Discussion Board or your Assignment.

Communication is of the utmost importance so keep me apprised if you are having any difficulties and that should be done as they arise and not after deadlines have been missed.

Keep in mind that posts are to be made on or before Day 6 (Saturday). Discussions cannot be made up. That is a university policy, not mine. So, if you miss a discussion, I usually advise that it’s not beneficial for you to try to “make it up” as there is no allowance for that, so it’s best to save your time and use it on something that will contribute to your success in the course, such as working on your assignment and/or working on your next discussion.

If you were to ask 10 people what they believe to be the most significant issue facing healthcare today, you might get 10 different answers. Escalating costs? Regulation? Technology disruption? Social Determinant such as environment/community, education, access/quality to healthcare?

These and many other topics are worthy of discussion. Not surprisingly, much has been said in the research, within the profession, and in the news about these topics. Whether they are issues of finance, quality, workload, or outcomes, there is no shortage of changes to be addressed.

In this Discussion, you examine a national healthcare issue and consider how that issue may impact your work setting. You also analyze how your organization has responded to this issue.

To Prepare:

• Review the Resources and select one current national healthcare issue/stressor to focus on.
• Reflect on the current national healthcare issue/stressor you selected and think about how this issue/stressor may be addressed in your work setting.
  Post a description of the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected for analysis, and explain how the healthcare issue/stressor may impact your work setting. Which social determinant(s) most affects this health issue? Then, describe how your health system work setting has responded to the healthcare issue/stressor, including a description of what changes may have been implemented. Be specific and provide examples.
  Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days who chose a different national healthcare issue/stressor than you selected. Explain how their chosen national healthcare issue/stressor may also impact your work setting and what (if anything) is being done to address the national healthcare issue/stressor.

NURS_6053_Module01_Week01_Discussion_Rubric

NURS_6053_Module01_Week01_Discussion_Rubric

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMain Posting	50 to >44.0 pts Excellent Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources. … Supported by at least three current, credible sources. … Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. 44 to >39.0 pts Good Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. … At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth. … Supported by at least three credible sources. … Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. 39 to >34.0 pts Fair Responds to some of the discussion question(s). … One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed. … Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. … Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. … Post is cited with two credible sources. … Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors. … Contains some APA formatting errors. 34 to >0 pts Poor Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately. …Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria. … Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. … Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. … Contains only one or no credible sources. …Not written clearly or concisely. … Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors. … Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style.	50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMain Post: Timeliness	10 to >0.0 pts Excellent Posts main post by day 3. 0 pts Poor Does not post by day 3.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFirst Response	18 to >16.0 pts Excellent Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. … Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. … Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. …Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. … Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. … Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. … Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. 16 to >14.0 pts Good Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. … Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. … Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. … Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. … Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. 14 to >12.0 pts Fair Response is on topic and may have some depth. … Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. … Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. … Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. 12 to >0 pts Poor Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. … Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. … Responses to faculty questions are missing. … No credible sources are cited.	18 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSecond Response	17 to >15.0 pts Excellent Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. … Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. … Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. … Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. … Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. … Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. … Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. 15 to >13.0 pts Good Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. … Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. … Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. … Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. … Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. 13 to >11.0 pts Fair Response is on topic and may have some depth. … Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. … Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. … Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. 11 to >0 pts Poor Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. … Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. … Responses to faculty questions are missing. … No credible sources are cited.	17 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeParticipation	5 to >0.0 pts Excellent Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days. 0 pts Poor Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days.	5 pts
Total Points: 100

PLEASE WRITE TWO RESPONSES TOT MY CLASSMATES

#1 Hello Professor and class,

Addressing Childhood Obesity in Pediatric Home Health Care Settings

In this discussion, we will explore how pediatric home health agencies are responding to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, the impact of this health issue on work settings, and the strategies implemented to support affected children and their families.

One significant national healthcare issue/stressor in pediatric care is the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. Pediatric obesity can lead to numerous health complications, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues, and it poses significant challenges for healthcare providers and families alike. As a pediatric home health nurse, the increasing rate of childhood obesity is alarming, and all hands should be on deck to help battle this issue (Kansra et al., 2020). In a pediatric home health agency setting, the impact of childhood obesity is multifaceted. Children with obesity often require ongoing medical management, dietary support, and lifestyle interventions to address their health needs effectively. An important point is that obesity can exacerbate existing health conditions or lead to the development of new ones which makes this issue one that needs to be addressed.

Social determinants affecting this health issue.

Among the social determinants of health, factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food options, and community resources play crucial roles in addressing childhood obesity. Families facing financial constraints may struggle to afford nutritious foods or access recreational opportunities for physical activity. Moreover, disparities in healthcare access and education can contribute to the prevalence of obesity in certain populations (Slonim, 2023).

Responses or solutions provided by my home health agency.

There can be a lot of challenges faced during the implementation of solutions to issues facing healthcare. These obstacles may arise from various factors, including financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, technological complexities, resistance to change among stakeholders, and disparities in access to resources (Dixon-Woods et al., 2012). Several attempts had been made previously by my agency, however not all worked. In response to the challenge of childhood obesity, my pediatric home health agency has played a vital role in providing holistic care and support to affected children and their families. This includes:

Comprehensive Assessments: We make sure to conduct thorough assessments of each child’s health status, including nutritional needs, physical activity levels, and any underlying medical conditions contributing to obesity.

Individualized Care Plans: Developing individualized care plans that address the specific needs of each child and family, incorporating dietary modifications, exercise routines, and behavioral interventions (Smith et al., 2020).

Nutritional Counseling: Providing nutritional counseling and education to families on healthy eating habits, portion control, meal planning, and reading food labels.

Physical Therapy and Exercise Programs: Offering physical therapy services and developing personalized exercise programs to promote physical activity and improve mobility (Smith et al., 2020).

Psychosocial Support: Providing psychosocial support to children and families to address emotional and behavioral factors contributing to obesity, including stress, self-esteem issues, and body image concerns.

Community Partnerships: Collaborating with community organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to promote obesity prevention initiatives, increase access to healthy food options, and create supportive environments for physical activity (Story et al., 2009). This has been my favorite as local elementary schools offer nutritious food to families regardless of whether the children attend the school or not. There is always a long line of people whenever these events are being held.

Conclusion

In summary, childhood obesity represents a significant healthcare issue with far-reaching implications for pediatric home health agencies. By implementing multidisciplinary approaches that address the medical, nutritional, psychosocial, and environmental factors associated with obesity, these agencies can play a crucial role in supporting children and families in their journey towards healthier lifestyles and improved overall well-being.

References

Dixon-Woods, M., McNicol, S., & Martin, G. (2012). Ten challenges in improving quality in healthcare: Lessons from the health foundation’s programme evaluations and relevant literature: Table 1. BMJ Quality & Safety, 21(10), 876–884. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2011-000760Links to an external site.

Kansra, A. R., Lakkunarajah, S., & Jay, M. (2020). Childhood and adolescent obesity: A review. Frontiers in pediatrics, 8, 581461. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.581461Links to an external site.

Slonim, A. (2023). Top challenges facing healthcare: Back to basics. Physician Leadership Journal, 10(2), 12–14. https://doi.org/10.55834/plj.2064149664Links to an external site.

Smith, J. D., Fu, E., & Kobayashi, M. A. (2020). Prevention and management of childhood obesity and its psychological and health comorbidities. Annual review of clinical psychology, 16, 351–378. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-100219-060201Links to an external site.

Story, M., Nanney, M. S., & Schwartz, M. B. (2009). Schools and obesity prevention: Creating school environments and policies to promote healthy eating and physical activity. The Milbank quarterly, 87(1), 71–100. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0009.2009.00548.xLinks to an external site.

#2

Kristy Samudio

MondayFeb 26 at 2:51pm

Main Discussion Post

The nursing shortage is a significant problem affecting healthcare today. Globally, there is expected to be a deficit of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, and in the United States, the nursing shortage is projected to be nearly 79,000 by 2025 (Bagwell et al., 2024). Several factors have led to the nursing shortage. First, the generation known as the “baby boomers” is aging, leading to a surge in retirements. The number of nurses entering the profession has been insufficient to meet the needs of the aging population, which has led to a significant shortage of nurses (Tamata & Mohammadnezhad, 2022). Further potentiating the problem is the lack of nursing faculty and preceptors to develop the next generation of nurses. According to The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2022), nearly 92,000 qualified applicants were turned down from nursing programs due to a lack of faculty, clinical sites, preceptors, and budget constraints in 2021. Without the proper resources to develop new nurses, the increased workload on current nurses has led to burnout, and healthcare organizations struggle to find strategies to retain staff.

Social determinants also contribute to the healthcare worker shortage, as many are unable to attend higher education due to a lack of finances and/or transportation. This follows the overall trend of fewer people attending college. The organization I am employed with has taken steps to attempt to obtain and retain nursing staff, but this continues to remain an issue.

First, the organization has partnered with local community colleges to increase current employees’ acceptance into nursing programs. For instance, those working as a CNA or BHT can apply for tuition assistance from the company and may move into an RN role after completing the nursing program. In addition, the company offers financial incentives to current employees who refer RNs to the organization.

According to Sullivan et al. (2022), the most common causes of burnout identified in nursing include increased workload, moral distress, flawed support systems, limited resources, limited training, and bullying. To address these issues, the company created a prn non-benefited staffing program to fill the holes to ensure staff is available to meet operational needs, so the burden does not fall on the nurses working on days that are understaffed. Many experienced nurses have transitioned into this role, which has resulted in an increase in inexperienced core staff who have not had consistent training with experienced nurses.

Finally, efforts have been made by leadership to make staff familiar with the employee-assistance program which offers free counseling services for staff. In addition, a “relaxation room” was created that offers massage chairs, aromatherapy, and recreational games that can be utilized on breaks to help staff decompress.

The nursing shortage continues to affect healthcare organizations, staff, and patients. The rising cost of healthcare in the United States has put an emphasis on efficiency and cost-saving measures, which has resulted in an increased workload for nurses with few resources. Employers have a responsibility to create a supportive environment that values the physical and mental health of its employees.

References

Bagwell, G. A., Cesario, S. K., Fraser, D., Kenner, C., & Walker, K. (2024). Breaking the cycle of nursing chaos: The need to address the nursing shortage. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 30(1), 2–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2023.11.017Links to an external site.

Sullivan, V., Hughes, V., & Wilson, D. (2022). Nursing burnout and its impact on health. Nursing Clinics of North America, 57(1), 153–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2021.11.011Links to an external site.

Tamata, A., & Mohammadnezhad, M. (2022). A systematic review study on the factors affecting shortage of nursing workforce in the hospitals. Nursing Open, 10(3), 1247–1257. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.1434Links to an external site.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2022). Nursing shortage fact sheet. https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-shortageLinks to an external site.