It may seem to you that healthcare has been a national topic of debate among political leaders for as long as you can remember.
Healthcare has been a policy item and a topic of debate not only in recent times but as far back as the administration of the second U.S. president, John Adams. In 1798, Adams signed legislation requiring that 20 cents per month of a sailor’s paycheck be set aside for covering their medical bills. This represented the first major piece of U.S. healthcare legislation, and the topic of healthcare has been woven into presidential agendas and political debate ever since.
As a healthcare professional, you may be called upon to provide expertise, guidance and/or opinions on healthcare matters as they are debated for inclusion into new policy. You may also be involved in planning new organizational policy and responses to changes in legislation. For all of these reasons you should be prepared to speak to national healthcare issues making the news.
In this Assignment, you will analyze recent presidential healthcare agendas. You also will prepare a fact sheet to communicate the importance of a healthcare issue and the impact on this issue of recent or proposed policy.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To Prepare:
- Review the agenda priorities of the current/sitting U.S. president and at least one previous presidential administration.
- Select an issue related to healthcare that was addressed by two U.S. presidential administrations (current and previous).
- Consider how you would communicate the importance of a healthcare issue to a legislator/policymaker or a member of their staff for inclusion on an agenda.
- Use your Week 1 Discussion post to help with this assignment.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid, 1-Page Analysis, and 1-page narrative) with a title page. This is an APA paper. Use 2-3 course resources and at least 2 outside resources.
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Use the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and complete the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid based on the current/sitting U.S. president and the previous president, and their agendas related to the population health concern you selected. Be sure to address the following:
- Identify and provide a brief description of the population health concern you selected.
- Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue.
- Identify the allocation of resources that the presidents dedicated to this issue.
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid on the template, complete the Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis portion of the template, by addressing the following:
- Which administrative agency (like HHS, CDC, FDA, OHSA) would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected and why is this agency the most helpful for the issue?
- How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the presidential agenda? How does it stay there?
- An entrepreneur/champion/sponsor helps to move the issue forward. Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor (this can be a celebrity, a legislator, an agency director, or others) of the healthcare issue you selected and why would this person be a good entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor? An example is Michael J. Fox is champion for Parkinson’s disease.
Part 3: Fact Sheet
Using the information recorded on the template in Parts 1 and 2, develop a 1-page fact sheet that you could use to communicate with a policymaker/legislator or a member of their staff for this healthcare issue. Be sure to address the following:
- Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation.
- Justify the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.
By Day 7 of Week 2
Submit your final version of Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid, Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis, and Part 3: Narrative.
submission information
Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.
- To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK2Assgn+LastName+Firstinitial
- Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
- Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.
Rubric
NURS_6050_Module01_Week02_Assignment_Rubric
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePart 1: Agenda Comparison GridExplain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue. Identify the allocations of resources that the two presidents dedicated to this issue. | 20 to >17.0 ptsExcellentThe response clearly and accurately explains how the presidential administrations approached the issue and identifies the resource allocations dedicated to the issue.17 to >15.0 ptsGoodThe response accurately explains how the presidential administrations approached the issue and identifies the resource allocations dedicated to the issue.15 to >13.0 ptsFairThe response is vague or partially inaccurate in its explanation of how the presidential administrations approached the issue, and/or in the identification of the resources allocated to the issue.13 to >0 ptsPoorThe response is missing or inaccurate in its explanation of how the presidential administrations approached the issue, and/or in the identification of the resources allocated to the issue. | 20 pts | |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePart 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis- Address the following:Which administrative agency would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected? Why is this agency most helpful?How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the agenda? How does it stay there?Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue you selected and justify your selection. | 25 to >22.0 ptsExcellentThe response clearly and accurately identifies an administrative agency most likely to be responsible for addressing the selected healthcare issue and why that agency is most helpful. …Response clearly and accurately explains how the healthcare issue gets on the agenda and remains there. …The response clearly and accurately identifies and justifies the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue selected.22 to >19.0 ptsGoodThe response identifies an administrative agency most likely to be responsible for addressing the selected healthcare issue and why that agency is most helpful. …Response clearly and accurately explains how the healthcare issue gets on the agenda and remains there. …Identification and justification of the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue is included.19 to >17.0 ptsFairThe identification of an administrative agency responsible for addressing the selected healthcare issue is vague or inaccurate and justification is inaccurate or misaligned for why that agency is most helpful. …Explanation of how the healthcare issue gets on the agenda and remains there is vague or inaccurate. …Identification and/or justification of the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue selected is inaccurate or does not align with the healthcare issue.17 to >0 ptsPoorIdentification of an administrative agency responsible for addressing the selected healthcare issue is missing. …Explanation of how the healthcare issue gets on the agenda and remains there is inaccurate or missing. …Identification and/or justification of the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue selected is inaccurate or missing. | 25 pts | |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePart 3: Fact SheetBased on your Agenda Comparison Grid for the healthcare issue you selected, develop a 1-2-page narrative that you could use to communicate with a policy- maker/legislator or a member of their staff for this healthcare issue.Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation.Justify the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues | 30 to >26.0 ptsExcellentCreates an accurate and thorough fact sheet. …Using sufficient evidence, the response provides an accurate synthesis of evidence on why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation. …Response accurately justifies the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.26 to >23.0 ptsGoodCreates an accurate fact sheet. …Using sufficient evidence, the response provides an accurate summary evidence on why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation. …Response accurately justifies the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.23 to >20.0 ptsFairCreates a fact sheet that is partially accurate or incomplete. …Response provides an incomplete or inaccurate summary of evidence on why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation. …Response partially or inaccurately justifies the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.20 to >0 ptsPoorCreates a fact sheet that is inaccurate or incomplete. …Response provides an inaccurate summary of evidence or evidence is missing on why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation. …Response justifying the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues is inaccurate and incomplete or missing. | 30 pts | |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResources | 10 to >8.0 ptsExcellentResponse includes 3 or more course resources and 2 or more outside sources.8 to >7.0 ptsGoodResponse includes 2-3 course resources and 2 outside sources.7 to >6.0 ptsFairResponse includes fewer than 2 course resources and/or fewer than 2 outside resources.6 to >0 ptsPoorResponse includes 2 or fewer resources. | 10 pts | |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting: ParagraphParagraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, low logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. | 5 to >4.0 ptsExcellentParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.4 to >3.0 ptsGoodParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time.3 to >2.0 ptsFairParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%-79% of the time.2 to >0 ptsPoorParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time. | 5 pts | |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting: English Writing StandardsCorrect grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation. | 5 to >4.0 ptsExcellentUses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.4 to >3.0 ptsGoodContains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.3 to >2.0 ptsFairContains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.2 to >0 ptsPoorContains many (≥5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding. | 5 pts | |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting: The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, indentations, parenthetical/in- text citations, and reference list. | 5 to >4.0 ptsExcellentUses correct APA format with no errors.4 to >3.0 ptsGoodContains a few (1-2) APA format errors.3 to >2.0 ptsFairContains several (3-4) APA format errors.2 to >0 ptsPoorContains many (≥5) APA format errors. | 5 pts | |
| Total Points: 100 | |||
Learning Resources
Required Readings
- Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 1, “Informing Public Policy: An Important Role for Registered Nurses” (pp. 11–13 only)
- Chapter 2, “Agenda Setting: What Rises to a Policymaker’s Attention?” (pp. 17–36)
- Chapter 10, “Overview: The Economics and Finance of Health Care” (pp. 171–180)
- Chapter 12, “An Insider’s Guide to Engaging in Policy Activities”
- “Creating a Fact Sheet” (pp. 217-221)
- DeMarco, R., & Tufts, K. A. (2014). The mechanics of writing a policy briefLinks to an external site.. Nursing Outlook, 62(3), 219–224.
- Kingdon, J.W. (2001). A model of agenda-setting with applications. Law Review M.S.U.-D.C.LLinks to an external site.., 2(331)
- Lamb, G., Newhouse, R., Beverly, C., Toney, D. A., Cropley, S., Weaver, C. A., Kurtzman, E., … Peterson, C. (2015). Policy agenda for nurse-led care coordinationLinks to an external site.. Nursing Outlook, 63(4), 521–530. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2015.06.003.
- O’Rourke, N. C., Crawford, S. L., Morris, N. S., & Pulcini, J. (2017). Political efficacy and participation of nurse practitionersLinks to an external site.. Policy, Politics, and Nursing Practice, 18(3), 135–148.
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Enhancing Environmental Health Content in Nursing Practice, Pope, A. M., Snyder, M. A., & Mood, L. H. (Eds.). (n.d.). Nursing health, & environmentLinks to an external site.: Strengthening the relationship to improve the public’s health.
- USA.gov. (n.d.). A-Z index of U.S. government departments and agenciesLinks to an external site.. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a
- USA.gov. (n.d.). Branches of the US governmentLinks to an external site.. https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government
- The White House. (n.d.). The cabinetLinks to an external site.. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-trump-administration/the-cabinet/
- Document: Agenda Comparison Grid Template (Word document)Download Agenda Comparison Grid Template (Word document)
Academic Support Resources
- Respond to the Assignment PromptLinks to an external site.
- Navigate OASIS ResourcesLinks to an external site.
- Paraphrase and Summarize InformationLinks to an external site.
- Locate, Cite, and Reference Journal ArticlesLinks to an external site.
- Organize and Develop ParagraphsLinks to an external site.
- Cite and Reference Learning ResourcesLinks to an external site.
Required Media
- Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2018). Setting the Agenda [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/105568/external_tools/retrieve?display=borderless&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwaldencanvasprod.kaf.kaltura.com%2Fbrowseandembed%2Findex%2Fmedia%2Fentryid%2F1_nhkoo800%2FshowDescription%2Ffalse%2FshowTitle%2Ffalse%2FshowTags%2Ffalse%2FshowDuration%2Ffalse%2FshowOwner%2Ffalse%2FshowUploadDate%2Ffalse%2FplayerSize%2F766x431%2FplayerSkin%2F51364222%2F
