NGR 5700 Decision Making Process Paper Example
NGR 5700 Decision-Making Process Paper – Assignment
NGR 5700 DBX-DL01: Decision Making Course
Florida National University
Course Information
Course Number: NGR 5700
Course Title: Decision Making
Course Credits: 3.0000
NGR 5700 Decision Making Process Paper Assignment Brief
Assignment Instructions Overview
This assignment requires students to craft a 6–8-page scholarly paper exploring a significant and relevant issue in nursing practice. The paper must compare and contrast three different decision-making approaches from a multidisciplinary perspective. Students must examine how various levels of nursing professionals—staff nurses, nurse leaders/managers, and nurse practitioners—would address the chosen issue using these decision-making frameworks. The topic selected should have an impact across all levels of nursing practice and must be approved by the course instructor prior to writing.
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The assignment must follow APA 7th edition formatting, with at least 10 scholarly references (excluding the textbook). The page count does not include the title page or reference list. Students should critically analyze and reflect on their personal decision-making style and identify a funding source applicable to the selected nursing issue.
Understanding Assignment Objectives
The primary objective of this paper is to develop and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how different decision-making models influence nursing practice across all levels. Students are expected to:
Identify and describe a current, complex issue in nursing that has wide-reaching implications.
Compare and contrast decision-making approaches and analyze how they are applied by various nursing roles.
Evaluate the effectiveness, limitations, and real-world applicability of these approaches.
Reflect on personal decision-making philosophies and how these align with professional practice.
Identify potential funding sources that support initiatives related to the selected issue.
This assignment promotes critical thinking, multidisciplinary awareness, and scholarly writing, preparing students to engage in evidence-based decision-making in complex healthcare environments.
The Student’s Role
Students are expected to take a leadership-oriented, scholarly approach in the development of this paper. This includes:
- Conducting a comprehensive literature review on the selected issue.
- Applying critical reasoning to evaluate and synthesize decision-making frameworks.
- Understanding the nuanced differences in practice scope and authority among nurse leaders, staff nurses, and nurse practitioners.
- Demonstrating advanced communication through clear, coherent, and organized academic writing.
- Ensuring academic integrity by properly citing all sources using APA 7th edition guidelines.
- Engaging in self-reflection to articulate how decision-making models align with their professional values and practice style.
Competencies Measured
This assignment evaluates several graduate-level competencies essential for advanced nursing practice, including:
- Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning: Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex decision-making models to real-world nursing problems.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Understanding how different nursing roles contribute uniquely to issue resolution using varied decision-making strategies.
- Leadership and Policy Awareness: Evaluation of leadership responsibilities and strategies in addressing systemic nursing issues.
- Professional Identity and Advocacy: Reflection on personal decision-making style and how it integrates with nursing ethics and leadership.
- Scholarly Communication: Proficiency in academic writing, organization, APA formatting, and use of scholarly references.
- Resource Utilization and Financial Literacy: Ability to identify and explain potential funding mechanisms to support practice change or innovation.
NGR 5700 Decision Making Process Paper Example
Introduction
The nursing shortage and high nurse turnover rates are pressing challenges that affect the entire healthcare system. These issues compromise patient safety, overburden existing staff, and reduce overall job satisfaction across all nursing roles. From bedside nurses to nurse managers and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), all levels of the profession are impacted. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the demand for registered nurses continues to exceed supply, a situation projected to intensify with an aging population and workforce (AACN, 2022). This paper explores various decision-making approaches used to tackle the nursing shortage and turnover, comparing how these strategies differ among staff nurses, nurse leaders, and nurse practitioners. It also includes a reflection on the decision-making model most aligned with personal and professional nursing philosophies, and identifies a potential funding source to support intervention.
Background and Significance
Nurse turnover and workforce shortages are global health issues with profound implications on care quality, healthcare costs, and staff morale. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) projects over 203,000 openings for registered nurses each year through 2031, mainly due to retirements and the ongoing pandemic aftermath. High turnover is particularly prominent among early-career nurses, with studies reporting rates as high as 27% in the first year of employment (Kelly et al., 2021). The effects are widespread—bedside nurses face increased workloads, nurse leaders struggle to maintain safe staffing ratios, and nurse practitioners experience care delays due to insufficient support staff.
The significance of this issue spans all nursing levels. At the bedside, turnover causes burnout and moral distress, often leading to further resignations (Moss et al., 2022). For nurse managers, frequent departures disrupt team cohesion and continuity of care. APRNs are indirectly affected as they rely on support staff to execute comprehensive care plans efficiently. Addressing this issue requires collaborative and informed decision-making approaches tailored to each role within the healthcare system.
Decision-Making Models: Comparison and Contrast
Several decision-making models can be applied to tackle nurse turnover and shortages, including the Rational Decision-Making Model, Shared Decision-Making Model, and Transformational Leadership Model. Each offers unique benefits and limitations depending on the nursing role involved.
Rational Decision-Making Model
This model involves identifying a problem, gathering data, generating alternatives, evaluating options, choosing the best alternative, implementing it, and monitoring results (Bazerman & Moore, 2019). For nurse managers, this structured approach is ideal for evaluating staffing needs and budget constraints.
- Benefits: It provides a logical, evidence-based framework ideal for administrative decisions involving staffing projections and scheduling algorithms.
- Limitations: The model may not account for emotional or contextual variables such as morale or interprofessional dynamics, making it less useful for bedside nurses under acute stress.
Shared Decision-Making Model (SDM)
The SDM model emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders, incorporating diverse perspectives to reach consensus (Elwyn et al., 2017). Bedside nurses often engage in this model informally, using unit-based councils or staff committees.
- Benefits: It promotes engagement, empowerment, and job satisfaction—key factors in reducing turnover.
- Limitations: The process can be time-consuming and less efficient in urgent staffing crises.
Transformational Leadership Model
Transformational leaders inspire and motivate through vision, individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, and role modeling (Avolio & Bass, 2004). Nurse practitioners and nurse leaders often adopt this model to foster a positive work culture.
- Benefits: Encourages innovation and morale, aligning with long-term retention goals.
- Limitations: Relies heavily on the leader’s charisma and may not yield immediate, measurable results.
Role-Specific Application of Decision-Making Approaches
Staff Nurse (Bedside)
Bedside nurses deal with the immediate impact of shortages. Their decision-making is often reactive, focused on prioritizing care under pressure. The Shared Decision-Making Model is particularly suitable here, as it involves nurses in discussions about staffing policies, workload balance, and care delivery.
For instance, a hospital with a nurse-led staffing committee that meets monthly to propose solutions can increase retention by allowing bedside nurses to voice concerns and implement changes (Sharma & Rani, 2021).
Nurse Leader/Manager
Nurse managers often rely on the Rational Decision-Making Model. They assess turnover metrics, absenteeism, overtime rates, and productivity data to plan recruitment and retention interventions. For example, they may implement flexible scheduling software after conducting a cost-benefit analysis, balancing staff needs with organizational limitations (Lasater et al., 2021).
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
NPs operate between direct care and leadership, often using a Transformational Leadership Model. As clinical leaders and mentors, they are in a unique position to inspire staff. For example, they may introduce evidence-based practices such as mindfulness sessions or peer-support programs to combat burnout (Wei et al., 2020). Their decisions often blend clinical insight with system-level awareness.
Personal Philosophy and Preferred Decision-Making Approach
As a nursing professional, the Shared Decision-Making Model best aligns with my personal and professional philosophy, which centers on collaboration, mutual respect, and empowerment. I believe effective decisions emerge when all stakeholders are included, especially those directly impacted. Nurses at all levels bring valuable experiential knowledge that can guide practical and sustainable interventions.
In addressing the nursing shortage, this model allows for transparent communication, decentralized leadership, and greater accountability. For instance, involving frontline nurses in discussions about staffing ratios or mental health initiatives ensures that implemented changes are both feasible and well-received. This participatory approach not only improves decision quality but also promotes a culture of trust and shared ownership.
Potential Funding Source
Addressing the nursing shortage requires financial resources for recruitment campaigns, mental health support, retention bonuses, and leadership development programs. One suitable funding source is the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), specifically its Nurse Corps Scholarship Program and Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) Grants.
The NWD grant supports educational institutions and healthcare facilities aiming to diversify and expand the nursing workforce. It funds initiatives that promote recruitment and retention of nurses from underserved areas, including mentorship and wellness programs (HRSA, 2024). Facilities could apply for HRSA grants to support resilience training, peer mentoring, and flexible staffing initiatives—all of which reduce turnover.
Another relevant source is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center, which funds pilot programs that improve care delivery and workforce outcomes. For example, a nurse-led staffing model aimed at reducing burnout could be submitted as an innovation proposal.
These funding sources align with the national agenda to stabilize and strengthen the nursing workforce, offering financial backing for programs that directly address the chosen topic.
Conclusion
The nursing shortage and high turnover rates are complex issues requiring strategic, evidence-based, and inclusive decision-making. By comparing and applying decision-making models across bedside nurses, nurse leaders, and nurse practitioners, we can appreciate the importance of context, role, and philosophy in shaping decisions. The Shared Decision-Making Model emerges as the most suitable for fostering collaboration and sustainable change. With support from funding bodies like HRSA and CMS, these efforts can be amplified to retain and empower a resilient nursing workforce.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2022). Nursing shortage factsheet. https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage
Avolio, B. J., & Bass, B. M. (2004). Multifactor leadership questionnaire: Manual and sampler set (3rd ed.). Mind Garden, Inc.
Bazerman, M. H., & Moore, D. A. (2019). Judgment in managerial decision making (8th ed.). Wiley.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational outlook handbook: Registered nurses. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
Elwyn, G., Frosch, D., Thomson, R., Joseph-Williams, N., Lloyd, A., Kinnersley, P., … & Barry, M. (2017). Shared decision making: A model for clinical practice. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 32(6), 675–682. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-017-4030-6
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). (2024). Nursing workforce diversity program. https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/nursing-workforce-diversity
Kelly, L. A., Gee, P. M., & Butler, R. J. (2021). Impact of nurse burnout on organizational and position turnover. Nursing Outlook, 69(1), 96-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.06.008
Lasater, K. B., Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., French, R., Martin, B., Reneau, K., … & McHugh, M. D. (2021). Chronic hospital nurse understaffing meets COVID-19: An observational study. BMJ Quality & Safety, 30(8), 639-647. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2020-011512
Moss, M., Good, V. S., Gozal, D., Kleinpell, R., & Sessler, C. N. (2022). A critical care societies collaborative statement: Burnout syndrome in critical care health-care professionals. Chest, 161(2), 513-525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2021.08.054
Sharma, P., & Rani, R. (2021). Shared decision making and job satisfaction among nurses. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 117, 103882. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103882
Wei, H., Roberts, P., Strickler, J., & Corbett, R. W. (2020). Nurse leaders’ strategies to foster nurse resilience. Nursing Management, 51(1), 42-49. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NUMA.0000610614.58068.93
Detailed Assessment Instructions for the NGR 5700 Decision Making Process Paper Assignment
Decision-Making Process Paper
Instructions
In this assignment, you will be writing a 6–8-page paper identifying, comparing and contrasting at least 3 different decision-making approaches of care from a multidisciplinary perspective using a pertinent and significant topic in nursing (examples might include nursing shortage and nurse turn- over, nurse staffing ratios, unit closures and restructuring, use of contract employees (i.e., registry and travel nurses), continuous quality improvement and patient satisfaction, and magnet designation or another current and relevant nursing issue) the topic MUST BE APPROVED by your nursing instructor before writing the paper. . You are required to use APA 7th edition format and the page count does not include title page or reference page. Reflect on your own decision-making practices and the implications this will have regarding differing approaches taken of nursing leaders and staff nurses/clinical practitioners in decision making within to issues in practice. To complete this assignment, do the following:
- Select and describe an issue in nursing that impacts nurses at all levels from bedside to advanced practice. Make sure to provide an adequate background and its significance to all levels of nursing using a strong review of the literature.
- Compares and contrast how you would expect a nurse leader/manager, a bedside/staff nurse and a nurse practitioner to address your selected issue using various decision-making approaches. There must be a detailed analysis of the benefits and limitations of various decision-making approaches that are applied appropriately to the level of nursing practice to address the selected issue/problem. This is informed from course readings, literature, clinical scenarios and other evidence-based and scholarly sources.
- Identify the decision-making approach or approaches that best fits your personal and professional philosophy of nursing and explain why the approach is suited to your personal inquiry style. How would it help to address your chosen topic if not mentioned or applied in the above description.
- Identify a possible funding source that addresses your topic. Consider looking at federal, state, and local organizations. For example: There are many grants available through the CDC, HRSA, etc. Again, this need to be specifically applied with sufficient details
- Use at least 10 references other than your main text. Uses APA 7th edition formatting
| CRITERION | STRONG | AVERAGE | WEAK |
| Identification and description of an issue in nursing that impacts all levels of nursing practice from bedside to advanced practice with a good background and significance (21 pts) | 15-21 pts
Identifies, describes and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the nursing issue as it relates to all levels of nursing practice with a specific and strong background and significance to nursing |
8-14 pts
Identifies, describes and demonstrates an acceptable understanding of the nursing issue as it relates to all levels of nursing practice illustrating some but not explicit background and significance of the topic to nursing |
0-7 pts
Identifies, describes and demonstrates an incomplete and vague understanding of the nursing issue as it relates to all levels of nursing practice with a vague and unclear background and significance |
| Compare and contrast various types of decision-making models that could be utilized to enhance knowledge about your topic (21 pts) | 15-21 pts
Presents an insightful and thorough analysis of various decision- making approaches with good comparing and contrasting of the various limitations and benefits of each of the decision-making approaches that specifically addresses the identified problem/topic. |
8-14 pts
Presents a somewhat thorough analysis of various decision-making approaches with a somewhat good comparing and contrasting of the various limitations and benefits of each of the decision-making approaches that somewhat but not specific in addressing the identified problem/topic |
0-7 pts
Little to no analysis of. various decision- making approaches with a limited and vague comparing and contrasting of the various limitations and benefits of each of the decision-making approaches that is vague and limited in addressing the identified problem/topic |
| Appropriate and clear application of the selected decision- making approaches from the perspective of a bedside/staff | 15-21 pts
Presents an insightful and thorough application of selected decision-making |
8-14 pts
Presents a somewhat insightful but not thorough application of selected decision- |
0-7 pts
Limited and vague application of selected decision-making approaches from the |
| nurse, nurse leader/manager and nurse practitioner that is realistic and appropriate to the level of nursing practice, the problem and the decision- making approach (21 pts) | approaches from the perspective of 3 levels of nursing practice that is realistic and specific to the level of nursing practice, the decision- making model and the identified problem. | making approaches from the perspective of 2-3 levels of nursing practice that is somewhat realistic but not all together specific to the level of nursing practice, the decision- making model and/or the identified problem. | perspective of less than 2 levels of nursing practice that is unrealistic and vague to the level of nursing practice, the decision making model and/or the identified problem |
| Identify the decision- making approach or approaches that best fits your personal and professional philosophy of nursing and how would it help to address your chosen topic. (21pts) | 15-21 pts
Sophisticated explanation of personal decision-making approach that fits with professional philosophy of nursing. Excellent description of how this decision-making model/theory will address your chosen topic. |
8-14 pts
Appropriate explanation of personal decision- making approach that fits with professional philosophy of nursing. Excellent description of how this decision- making model/theory will address your chosen topic. |
0-7 pts
Limited explanation of personal decision- making approach that fits with professional philosophy of nursing. Excellent description of how this decision- making model/theory will address your chosen topic. |
| Identify a possible funding source that addresses your topic (18 pts) | 13-18- pts
Integrated and full descriptions of an appropriate funding source that addresses your chosen topic. The description includes real-world examples of fundings sources that include federal, state, and local organizations |
7-12 pts
Somewhat integrated but not full description of an appropriate funding source that addresses your chosen topic. The description includes real-world examples of fundings sources but limited with either federal and state or local organizations |
0-6 pts
Limited to no description of an appropriate funding source that addresses your chosen topic. The description includes a less than real-world example of only a limited scope of funding and only includes one type of funding either state or federal or local organization. |
| Writing Mechanics: | 13-18- pts | 7-12 pts | 0-6 pts |
| Language and direction of the paper follows the assignment outline and is clear and easy to follow. (18 pts) | Demonstrates clarity, conciseness and correctness;
writing is free of grammar and spelling errors. The assignment outline was followed and guides the paper content appropriately |
Somewhat concise and clear grammar and spelling used.
Guidelines was mostly used to guide the paper content. Some spelling and grammar issues (less than 3-4 errors within paper) |
Many deficiencies in
grammar, spelling, or failure to follow the assignment guidelines. Writing has frequent spelling and grammar errors |
| APA formatting (paper is formatted per APA 7th edition guidelines including font, level of headings, appropriate number of references, in-text and reference list citations) (18 pts) | 13-18- pts
APA formatting is followed throughout the paper with correct citations and includes at least 10 scholarly references that are correctly APA 7th ed. citations. |
7-12 pts
APA formatting is mostly followed throughout the paper with mostly correct citations with at least 8 to 9 scholarly references but not required 10 and/or 2-3 incorrect APA 7th ed. referencing or formatting |
0-6 pts
Multiple errors in APA formatting throughout the paper identified. Fewer than 8 scholarly references provided in the paper and/or > 3 to 4 errors in APA 7th ed referencing and formatting. |
| Total: 138 pts |
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