NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 2: Advancing Nursing Practice Through Evidence-Based Change
Course Context
NURS FPX 4015, part of Capella University’s RN-to-BSN FlexPath program, emphasizes NURS FPX the role of nurses in driving improvements in patient care through leadership, evidence-based practice (EBP), and professional communication. Assessment 2 typically focuses on identifying a clinical issue, reviewing current evidence, and proposing a change strategy that aligns with patient-centered care and organizational goals.
Purpose of Assessment 2
The objective of NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 2 is to give nursing students the opportunity to:
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Apply evidence-based research to a real-world clinical problem.
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Demonstrate skills in critical thinking and clinical reasoning.
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Formulate a practical, patient-centered change proposal.
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Strengthen leadership and collaboration abilities in the healthcare setting.
Key Components of the Assessment
1. Identifying the Clinical Problem
The starting point is to select a relevant, high-impact clinical issue from your current or recent practice setting. Common topics include:
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Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) prevention.
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Reducing patient falls.
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Improving medication administration safety.
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Enhancing patient discharge education.
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Addressing nurse burnout and retention.
Tips for selection:
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Choose a topic you are passionate about.
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Ensure the problem has enough peer-reviewed literature to support your research.
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Align it with your organization’s strategic goals and patient safety priorities.
2. Reviewing the Literature
This section involves comprehensive evidence gathering to support your change proposal.
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Use databases like CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest.
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Include 5–10 scholarly sources published within the last 5 years.
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Evaluate the strength of evidence using frameworks such as the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model or Melnyk’s Levels of Evidence.
Example:
If addressing falls prevention, you might compare evidence on bed alarms vs. hourly rounding to determine the most effective intervention.
3. Developing an Evidence-Based Change Strategy
After identifying the problem and reviewing research, create a clear, actionable plan.
Key considerations:
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Specific intervention: What exactly will be implemented? (e.g., hourly rounding protocol, new patient education program)
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Stakeholders: Who will be involved? (nurses, physicians, patients, families, administration)
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Resources required: Budget, staffing, technology, training.
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Implementation timeline: Short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals.
4. Leadership and Communication
A major component of Assessment 2 is demonstrating how you will lead and communicate effectively during change implementation.
Strategies:
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Use transformational leadership to inspire team members.
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Provide regular updates through staff meetings, emails, or huddles.
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Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration to improve buy-in.
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Apply active listening and conflict resolution skills to address resistance.
Example:
If nurses resist a new documentation process, explain the evidence-based benefits and provide hands-on training sessions.
5. Measuring Outcomes
Measurement ensures that your change is producing desired results.
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Define key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reduced fall rates, increased patient satisfaction scores, or lower readmission rates.
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Use pre- and post-intervention data to compare outcomes.
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Include both quantitative data (statistics) and qualitative feedback (staff and patient perceptions).
Writing Tips for Assessment 2
1. Follow the Required Structure
A clear outline helps meet all rubric criteria:
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Introduction – Introduce the clinical problem and purpose.
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Background – Describe the significance of the problem.
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Literature Review – Summarize and evaluate evidence.
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Proposed Change – Explain your evidence-based intervention.
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Implementation – Describe steps, leadership, and communication strategies.
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Evaluation – Define how you will measure success.
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Conclusion – Reinforce the importance of your proposal.
2. Maintain Scholarly Tone
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Avoid first-person pronouns unless allowed.
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Use APA 7th edition formatting for citations and references.
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Write in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Choosing a topic with little to no recent research.
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Presenting personal opinions instead of evidence-based reasoning.
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Overlooking organizational culture and feasibility in your proposal.
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Forgetting to include measurable outcomes.
Example Outline for a Falls Prevention Project
Title: Reducing Patient Falls in a Medical-Surgical Unit Through Hourly Rounding
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Introduction
Falls in hospitalized patients can lead to injuries, extended stays, and increased NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 2 healthcare costs. The purpose of this project is to evaluate hourly rounding as a falls prevention strategy. -
Background
Current hospital falls rate exceeds the national benchmark of 3.4 falls per 1,000 patient days. -
Literature Review
Studies show hourly rounding reduces falls by improving patient monitoring, addressing needs proactively, and increasing staff visibility. -
Proposed Change
Implement hourly rounding in the medical-surgical unit, with standardized documentation and staff training. -
Implementation Plan
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Training sessions for all nurses.
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Launch over a 3-month trial period.
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Regular audits for compliance.
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Evaluation
Compare pre- and post-intervention falls data and collect staff/patient satisfaction surveys. -
Conclusion
Hourly rounding is an evidence-based, cost-effective method to enhance patient safety and reduce falls.
Conclusion
NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 2 is a valuable exercise in integrating nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, and change management. By selecting a relevant clinical issue, thoroughly reviewing the literature, and creating a well-structured change proposal, you can develop skills that directly enhance patient care quality. Effective leadership, communication, and outcome measurement will ensure that your intervention is both impactful and sustainable.
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