This course explores the nursing role in the context of current legal, ethical, political, and economic issues. Students develop skills to effect decisions on issues that influence health for individuals and populations. Credit hours (3), 3 classroom hours.

1. Communicate effectively in health care, political, and institutional settings
2. Develop skill in expressing oneself orally and in writing
3. Analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view
4. Be empowered to make changes in policy using the political process in order to enhance provision of health care and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
5. Be active in making positive changes in the profession of nursing, in the health care environment, and in your sphere of influence.

Grading

• Preparation and participation in class activities 45%
  • class activities and discussions 15 %
  • issue submissions/evaluations 15 %
  • worksheet, quiz, letters, meeting 15 %
• Involvement Project 15%
• Current Issue Presentations 20%
• Final Exam 20%
• Total 100%

• If a student does not complete the EBI/Skyfactor survey, 5% will be deducted off of the final grade.

Grades are determined in accordance with the policy of the Department of Nursing. The grading scale is as follows:

94-100% = A 77-79% = C+

90-93% = A- 74 -76% = C

87-89% = B+ 73-below = F

84 -86% = B

80-83% = B-

Description of Selected Assignments

In Class Discussion 15%

Developing the skills of explanation, clarification, and persuasion in verbal communication is one of the benefits of participation in this course. Appropriate self–expression, exploration of differing ideas and outlooks, and appreciation of others beliefs without demeaning, better prepares you to function in diverse settings. Contributing to discussions in class is an expectation and lack of contributions on a consistent basis will affect your grade.

Issue Analysis 15%

Public opinion is usually driven by media coverage of an issue. Each week you will select an issue from the newspaper, a magazine, the internet, etc. that is produced for the general public. NOT a professional journal. Read the issue and provide an analysis of the issue. Considerations for your analysis: Do you agree with the information presented? Why or Why Not? What do you think should happen about this issue? What action should be taken concerning this issue? Expressing your opinion with logical rational as to why you think the way you do is the objective of this assignment.

Issue Analysis Rubric

Letters to Political Officials

Letters to your senator or representative should be well written, specific, direct, and short. One to two paragraphs is long enough. Only one topic should be addressed in each letter with suggestions for what you think should happen (what that political official should do about your concern). E-mail is the most efficient written communication.

Letter to Representative or Senator Rubric

Involvement Project 15%

Expected Outcome:
Students are active in political processes and become directly involved in professional communications.

General Description:
Governments play a very significant role in health care for its citizens. Consequently, nurses need to be informed and actively involved in communication with government officials and community leaders. Actions taken on a community level to better inform the community about nursing and health care can have a positive influence on individuals as well as policy decisions. Nurses can effectively and directly impact healthcare at local and state levels of government when they understand the politics involved. Nurses can also be active in influencing policy at federal and global levels.

Directions. (Choose one of the following seven projects)

A. One-on-One with Federal Representative

• 1. Select one issue to address-either a topic that is being considered or a topic of concern to you
• 2. Obtain faculty approval
• 3. Research the issue before contact/interaction with a federal government official or their staff person.
• 4. Initiate contact and present position
• 5. Submit documentation
  • a. Method of contact and transcript (rough idea of what took place)
  • b. Summary of interaction (signature of federal legislator or staff)
  • c. Plan for follow-up
• 6. Submit a typed report on your experience. Your report should be a one to three pages description.

B- Honor Society or Nursing Support Group

• 1. Working with colleagues (not more than 2) organize and initiate a SUU Nursing event
• 3. Submit a typed report on your experience. Your report should be a one to three pages description

C- Department Newsletter

• 1. Workings with colleagues (not more than 3) develop a nursing department newsletter.
• 2. Compile newsworthy information in an attractive format that tells the story of SUU Nursing. (Previous editions are available on the Department of Nursing website.)
• 3. Meet with the faculty member with your printed newsletter for approval to publish by March 30.

D- Utah Board of Nursing meeting

• 1. Attend a Utah Board of Nursing Meeting
• Submit a typed report on your experience. Your report should be a one to three pages description

E-Attend the Utah State Legislature.

• Submit a typed report on your experience. Your report should be a one to three pages description

F- Pinning Ceremony

• 1. Work with committee colleagues to plan your class Pinning Ceremony which will be held April 24th.
• Submit a typed report on your experience. Your report should be a one to three pages description.

Current Issues Presentation 20%

Expected Outcome:
Nurses are aware of current issues.

General Description:
Nurses need to be informed about current issues on a local, national and international level. Nurses can positively influence public opinion and policy makers when they have a working knowledge of the issues, concerns and developments impacting the provision, access, and utilization of health care practices.

Directions:

1. 1. Working with one other student select a healthcare issue to analyze and present.
   1. i. Obtain faculty permission for your issue at least 24 hours before the presentation.
   2. ii. Evaluate the merits of your selected issue including but not limited to: Why is this an issue today? Why does it matter? Are there studies, reports, statistics, real stories that validate or strengthen either or both sides?
   3. iii. Develop a News hour which presents the issue from different perspectives. If pro and con opinions exist for your issue present both sides equitably. (Consider presenting the side you least agree with).
   4. iv. Do not fabricate information. Present verifiable facts concerning the issue.
2. 2. Present your issue in a News hour format for the class.
3. 3. Lead a class discussion, which involves exploration of the topic and incorporates questions and insight of your colleagues.
4. 4. Total time: 45-50 minutes (20-25 minutes presentation & 20-25 minutes discussion)

note: If you have never seen the PBS News Hour it is on KUED at 6:00 p.m. and KBYU at 7:00 p.m. locally.

News Hour Performance Criteria

Schedule

Late Assignments

Papers/assignments are due at the first of class or by the time listed on canvas.

Make-up Work

Make-up work for extra credit or in place of missed assignments for class will not be provided.

Regular attendance is expected at all classes. Because classroom discussions and participation are a significant part of this class, points will be deducted when students are not in class or do not participate in discussions. Lack of participation will negatively affect grades. No electronics are allowed during class or lab time periods; this includes laptops, cell phones/smart phones etc. except when requested by instructor.

Nursing Student policies and procedures

Refer to the Nursing Student Handbook posted on the SUU Department of Nursing homepage for specific policies and procedures related to program and course management and progress.

Safety and/or Risks

You are expected to manage your own transportation and assume your own risks when traveling to and from classes, labs, or clinical experiences and when performing duties in class, lab, or clinical experiences. There are inherent risks involved in travel and in lab and clinical experiences.

Professional Conduct

Although satisfactory academic performance is prerequisite to advancement, it is not the sole criterion in the consideration of the suitability of a student for promotion or graduation. Remember that you are in the program not just to learn nursing but to ‘become a nurse’. Appropriate professional behavior in all settings is an expectation of students in the nursing program. The Department of Nursing reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from the SUU Nursing Program if considered to be unsuited to proceed with the study or practice of nursing based upon unprofessional behavior.