Learning Resources

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Mason, D. J., Gardner, D. B., Outlaw, F. H., & O’Grady, E. T. (2016). Policy & politics in nursing and health care (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

• Chapter 6, “A Primer on Political Philosophy” (pp. 52–60)
• Chapter 81, “Where Policy Hits the Pavement: Contemporary Issues in Communities” (pp. 642–650)
• Chapter 82, “An Introduction to Community Activism” (pp. 651–659)
• Chapter 84, “How Community-Based Organizations Are Addressing Nursing’s Role in Transforming Health Care” (pp. 664–669)

Glen, P. J. (2013). Health care and the illegal immigrant. Health Matrix: Journal of LawMedicine, 23(1), 197–236.

HealthyPeople.gov. (2016). Determinants of health. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/foundation-health-measures/Determinants-of-Health

Lang, K. P., Veazey-Morris, K., Berlin, K. S., & Andrasik, F. (2016). Factors Affecting Health Care Utilization in OEF/OIF Veterans: The Impact of PTSD and Pain. Military medicine, 181(1), 50-55.

Writing Resources and Program Success Tools

Document: AWE Checklist (Level 4000) (Word document)

This checklist will help you self-assess your writing to see if it meets academic writing standards for this course. Review the items on the checklist to ensure that you meet the next level of expectations of AWE Checklist (Level 4000). In particular please note new expectations for Use of evidence and Credit to Source. Use a scholarly voice.

Walden University. (n.d.). Scholarly voice: Overview. Retrieved June 20, 2017 from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarlyvoice

Walden University. (n.d.). Webinars: Scholarly writing. Retrieved June 20, 2017 from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/webinars/scholarlywriting#s-lg-box-2773859

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden templates: General templates: APA course paper template with advice (6th ed.). Retrieved April 4, 2016, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates/general

Note: (Notice the webinar on using a template. Delete the abstract page in the template. This is not required for this course).The template includes the correct font and formatting: 12 pt. Times New Roman font, double spacing, and 1 inch margins on all sides.

Discussion: Influencing Health and Social Policy

What are the unmet health care needs you see in your community? What determinants of health are related to these unmet needs and what determinants require action and advocacy efforts? How do your identified issues impact your work and your sphere of influence? Consider some of the following examples that affect communities: various needs of veterans (homelessness, post-traumatic stress), immigration, undocumented workers, medical and/or legalized marijuana, reproductive health care, unemployment, poor environmental conditions, limited access to health care, and lack of heath care. How do these issues impact community health and what is your role in the solution of these issues?

To prepare for this Discussion, review the following:

• AWE Checklist (Level 4000)
• Discussion Rubric, provided in the Course Informationarea
• This week’s Writing Resources and Program Success Tools (link to e-guide)
• This week’s readings in the Resources pertaining to influences on health and social policy

By Day 3 of Week 5

Post a response to the following:

• How do the determinants of health (as listed in the lead-in) impact the health of your community?
• How does a particular health determinant impact your practice? (You may choose to address a health determinant that is not listed.)
• As a nursing professional, what can you do about it?
• What are several ways that you can advocate for change in this area?
• Why might you choose to not get professionally involved in this area or in others like it?

Note Initial Post: A 3-paragraph (at least 350 words) response. Be sure to use evidence from the readings and include in-text citations. Utilize essay-level writing practice and skills, including the use of transitional material and organizational frames. Avoid quotes; paraphrase to incorporate evidence into your own writing. A reference list is required. Use the most current evidence (usually less than or equal to 5 years old).

By Day 7 of Week 5

Read two or more of your colleagues’ postings from the Discussion question (support with evidence if indicated).

Respond with a comment that asks for clarification, provides support for, or contributes additional information to two or more of your colleagues’ postings.

Post a Discussion entry on three different days of the week. See the Discussion Rubric found in the Course Information area.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 5 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 7

To participate in this Discussion:

Week 5 Discussion