To Prepare:

Review the national healthcare issue/stressor you examined in your Assignment for Module 1, and review the analysis of the healthcare issue/stressor you selected.
Identify and review two evidence-based scholarly resources that focus on proposed policies/practices to apply to your selected healthcare issue/stressor.
Reflect on the feedback you received from your colleagues on your Discussion post regarding competing needs.

The Assignment (4-5 pages):

Developing Organizational Policies and Practices

Add a section to the paper you submitted in Module 1. The new section should address the following:

Identify and describe at least two competing needs impacting your selected healthcare issue/stressor.
Describe a relevant policy or practice in your organization that may influence your selected healthcare issue/stressor.
Critique the policy for ethical considerations, and explain the policy’s strengths and challenges in promoting ethics.
Recommend one or more policy or practice changes designed to balance the competing needs of resources, workers, and patients, while addressing any ethical shortcomings of the existing policies. Be specific and provide examples.
Cite evidence that informs the healthcare issue/stressor and/or the policies, and provide two scholarly resources in support of your policy or practice recommendations.
Due to the nature of this assignment, your instructor may require more than 7 days to provide you with quality feedback.
Developing Organizational Policies and Practices
Competing Needs Impacting the Selected Healthcare Issue/Stressor

1. Resource Allocation vs. Quality of Care

Description: One of the primary competing needs in healthcare is the allocation of limited resources while maintaining high-quality patient care. For instance, budget constraints may limit the availability of advanced medical equipment or sufficient staffing levels, which can impact patient outcomes.
Example: In a hospital setting, the need to manage costs might lead to reduced staffing levels, which can increase the workload for existing staff and potentially compromise patient care quality.

2. Staff Well-being vs. Patient Care Demands

Description: Another significant competing need is balancing the well-being of healthcare staff with the demands of patient care. High patient volumes and intense work environments can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction among healthcare workers.
Example: Nurses working long shifts without adequate breaks may experience fatigue, which can affect their ability to provide optimal care and increase the risk of errors.
Relevant Policy or Practice in the Organization

Policy: Staffing Ratios Policy

Description: The organization has implemented a staffing ratios policy to ensure a minimum number of nurses per patient in various departments. This policy aims to balance the workload among staff and maintain a high standard of patient care.
Ethical Considerations:
Strengths: Promotes patient safety by ensuring adequate staffing levels, reduces nurse burnout, and improves job satisfaction.
Challenges: Implementing and maintaining appropriate staffing ratios can be financially challenging, especially in times of budget cuts or increased patient admissions.
Recommendations for Policy or Practice Changes

1. Flexible Staffing Models

Description: Implementing flexible staffing models, such as float pools or per diem staff, can help address fluctuations in patient volume without compromising care quality.
Example: During peak times, additional staff can be brought in to manage the increased workload, ensuring that patient care standards are maintained and staff well-being is protected.

2. Enhanced Support Programs for Staff

Description: Developing support programs focused on mental health and well-being can help mitigate the effects of burnout and job dissatisfaction.
Example: Offering regular mental health check-ins, stress management workshops, and access to counseling services can provide staff with the resources they need to cope with the demands of their job.
Evidence-Based Scholarly Resources
Resource 1: A study on the impact of nurse staffing ratios on patient outcomes and nurse job satisfaction. This research highlights the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to ensure high-quality care and reduce nurse burnout1.
Resource 2: An article discussing the benefits of flexible staffing models in healthcare settings. The study provides evidence that flexible staffing can improve patient care and staff well-being by adapting to changing patient volumes2.

By addressing these competing needs through thoughtful policy changes, healthcare organizations can better balance resources, support their workers, and ensure high-quality patient care.

1: NurseJournal.org – The Impact of Nurse Staffing Ratios 2: NurseJournal.org – Benefits of Flexible Staffing Models

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