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Name: Assignment – Case Study Analysis Paper
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Proficient | Competent | Novice | |
Introduction | Points Range: 1.8 (4.00%) – 2 (4.44444%)
Clearly states the purpose of the paper (what’s included, what will be accomplished). Clearly states why the case study was chosen. |
Points Range: 1.6 (3.55555%) – 1.79 (3.97777%)
Average statement about the purpose of the paper (what’s included, what will be accomplished). Average statement about why the case study was chosen. |
Points Range: 0 (0.00%) – 1.59 (3.53333%)
Inadequately states the purpose of the paper (what’s included, what will be accomplished). Inadequately states why the case study was chosen. |
Presentation of Case | Points Range: 2.7 (6.00%) – 3 (6.66666%)
Clearly delineates an appropriate case study from personal experience. Clearly describes the chosen case in 1-2 paragraphs. Does not include any identifying information that would breach confidentiality. Thoughtfully identifies the clinical dilemma/problem that was most difficult in achieving an optimal outcome. |
Points Range: 2.4 (5.33333%) – 2.69 (5.97777%)
Delineates an appropriate case study from personal experience. Describes the chosen case in 1-2 paragraphs. Does not include any identifying information that would breach confidentiality. Identifies the clinical dilemma/problem that was most difficult in achieving an optimal outcome. |
Points Range: 0 (0.00%) – 2.39 (5.31111%)
Shares a case study from personal experience that may/may not fit the assignment (or fails to present a case study at all). Explanation of chosen case is too short/long. Might include identifying information that would breach confidentiality. Fails to identify or inadequately identifies the clinical dilemma/problem that was most difficult in achieving an optimal outcome. |
Evaluation of Theories in Practice | Points Range: 18 (40.00%) – 20 (44.44444%)
Correctly identifies two theories (1 mid-range nursing theory and 1 change theory) that could have made a difference if applied to the chosen case study. Provides two sources for each theory (One, from the theorist, explains the theory. One applies the theory to nursing practice). Properly identifies the strengths, limitations, and usefulness of each theory (mid-range nursing and change theory) in the chosen case. Provides 1-2 paragraphs for each theory. States 2-3 concepts from General Systems Theory that apply to case. |
Points Range: 16 (35.55555%) – 17.99 (39.97777%)
Identifies two theories (1 mid-range nursing theory and 1 change theory) that could have made a difference if applied to the chosen case study. Provides two sources for each theory (One, from the theorist, explains the theory. One applies the theory to nursing practice). Average identification of the strengths, limitations, and usefulness of each theory (mid-range nursing and change theory) in the chosen case. Provides 1-2 paragraphs for each theory. States 2-3 concepts from General Systems Theory that apply to case. |
Points Range: 0 (0.00%) – 15.99 (35.53333%)
Inadequate identification of two theories (1 mid-range nursing theory and 1 change theory) that could have made a difference if applied to the chosen case study. Fails to provides two sources for each theory (One, from the theorist, explains the theory. One applies the theory to nursing practice). Average/below average identification of the strengths, limitations, and usefulness of each theory (mid-range nursing and change theory) in the chosen case. Evaluation of theories is either too short/long. Fails to states 2-3 concepts from General Systems Theory that apply to case. |
Interventions and Outcomes | Points Range: 10.8 (24.00%) – 12 (26.66666%)
Thoroughly addresses whether or not theories alter the perception of the case. Identifies 2-3 interventions based on theories that could be implemented in the chosen case. Support includes documentation from primary sources. |
Points Range: 9.6 (21.33333%) – 10.79 (23.97777%)
Adequately addresses whether or not theories alter the perception of the case. Identifies 2-3 interventions based on theories that could be implemented in the chosen case. Support includes documentation from primary sources. |
Points Range: 0 (0.00%) – 9.59 (21.31111%)
Fails to address or inadequately addresses whether or not theories alter the perception of the case. Does not identify 2-3 interventions based on theories that could be implemented in the chosen case. Support fails to include documentation from primary sources. |
Summary and Conclusion | Points Range: 1.8 (4.00%) – 2 (4.44444%)
Provides accurate overview of the paper’s content. Demonstrates how the purpose of the paper was achieved. Assesses the personal relevance of the paper as a tool for developing a clinical leader. |
Points Range: 1.6 (3.55555%) – 1.79 (3.97777%)
Provides adequate overview of the paper’s content. Average demonstration of how the purpose of the paper was achieved. Average assessment of the personal relevance of the paper as a tool for developing a clinical leader. |
Points Range: 0 (0.00%) – 1.59 (3.53333%)
Provides inadequate overview of the paper’s content. Below average demonstration of how the purpose of the paper was achieved. Below average assessment of the personal relevance of the paper as a tool for developing a clinical leader. |
Formatting, Style, and References | Points Range: 5.4 (12.00%) – 6 (13.33333%)
4-6 pages in length (double spaced). 12 point font, excluding title page, reference page, and appendices. APA formatting. Written in third person with correct grammar, spelling, and style. Uses subheadings for clarity. Appropriate citation of sources within text. |
Points Range: 4.8 (10.66666%) – 5.39 (11.97777%)
4-6 pages in length (double spaced). 12 point font, excluding title page, reference page, and appendices. APA formatting. Written in third person with correct grammar, spelling, and style most of the time. Occasionally uses subheadings for clarity. Appropriate citation of sources within text most of the time. |
Points Range: 0 (0.00%) – 4.79 (10.64444%)
Does not meet paper length expectations (4-6 pages). May or may not use 12 point font (excluding title page, reference page, and appendices). APA formatting used sporadically or not at all. Fails to write in third person with correct grammar, spelling, and style some/most of the time. Occasionally uses subheadings for clarity (or not at all). Inappropriate citation of sources within text most of the time. |
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Case Analysis Paper
The purpose of this paper is to provide you with the opportunity to apply theory and concepts to clinical practice. Your work will assist in development of your clinical leadership in the promotion of optimal outcomes. The paper includes a case study review and evaluation of two theories: one mid-range nursing theory and one change theory. In addition to the two theories chosen, general systems theory should also be considered.
Guidelines
The guidelines for this assignment and criteria for evaluation of the paper follow this page. This paper is viewed as a synthesis of your learning in the course and is worth 35% of your course grade.
References
The McEwen & Wills text provides a framework for examining theories and concepts. For this assignment you will need to go beyond the textbook to primary sources, (original writings of an author).
Using the search techniques discussed in the Library orientation, retrieve a primary source (article/text written by theorist) for each theory chosen. You also need to retrieve a primary source (article/text) that addresses application of each theory chosen. Your references for the selected theories should be included in the reference section of your paper. The references should include: SOURCES CAN BE NO OLDER THAN 5 YEARS AND NEED TO BE PRIMARY SOURCE.
- Selected mid-range nursing theorist (article/chapter written by the theorist)
- Application of the mid-range theorist’s work to practice/research (usually a current article written by someone else, but it could be the theorist)
- Selected change theory (either Lewin or Kotter)
- Application of the selected change theorist’s work to practice
Case Study 8—Theories, Models, and Frameworks From Leadership and Management
Review
Reference theories, models, and frameworks from leadership in chapter 17 of your textbook to complete this activity.
Think Like a Nurse: Case Study 8—Theories, Models, and Frameworks From Leadership and Management
Maria Castillo is a newly appointed nurse manager on a medical-surgical unit in a large university-affiliated medical center. She had been a staff nurse and a charge nurse at a different facility, and this is her first management role. Maria has just completed her master’s degree in nursing administration and is eager to apply her knowledge.
After a few months in her role, she has noted that the morale and productivity on the unit seem very low. In an effort to identify the root of the problem, she has been meeting with staff members to discuss their perceptions of unit functioning and to identify sources of dissatisfaction on the unit. She believes that one of the key factors contributing to the morale issues is the limited advancement opportunity. There are a few older nurses who share the charge nurse roles; there is little input into unit governance by staff, and there is minimal involvement in committees or improvement processes. She also notes that there seems to be conflict between the older and newer staff members. Staff members report that this is how the unit has functioned for as long as everyone can remember. Maria has a number of ideas for change and will utilize her knowledge of theory in implementing change.
Review theories, models, and frameworks from leadership in chapter 17 of your text.
Case Study 8—Theories, Models, and Frameworks From Leadership and Management
Title: Case Study 8—Theories, Models, and Frameworks From Leadership and Management
- What are at least three issues that Maria has identified that she must consider in planning for change?
- For each issue, what is an appropriate theory to guide or support her actions?
- What steps should Maria take to initiate change, and how will the theories that you selected support her actions?
- Will the suggested plan be successful? Why or why not?
Directions for paper based on selection of Case Study 8 above.
Introduction (2 points)
- Introduction to your paper (one paragraph). Include:
- The purpose of your paper
- What you will include
- What you hope to accomplish
- State why you selected this case
Presentation of Case (3 points)
- Select a case from the nine cases you reviewed this week and discuss why you chose this case. The case may be from practice, management, or educational experience.
- Briefly describe the case in your own words, emphasizing the important aspects from your perspective (1–2 paragraphs).
- Identify the clinical dilemma or problem that needs to be addressed to achieve an optimal outcome.
Evaluation of Theories in Practice (20 points)
- Identify two theories, one mid-range nursing theory and one change theory which you believe might have made a difference if applied in this case.
- Find two primary sources for each theory.
- One source, written by the theorist, will explain the theory.
- The second source will be the application of the theory to nursing practice.
- For each theory (mid-range nursing and change theory), identify an overall perspective of the strengths and limitations of that theory and its overall usefulness in this case.
- Documentation from your sources/references is needed to support this discussion
- 1–2 paragraph for each theory
- State two to three (2–3) concepts from General Systems theory that might apply to this case. Required reference is McEwen & Wills (5th edition) text.
- Find two primary sources for each theory.
Interventions and Outcomes (12 points)
- In retrospect, does the perspective of the two chosen theories alter your perception of this case? Discuss each theory separately.
- Would the interventions used in this case change? Discuss why or why not.
- Identify two to three interventions that you would now implement based on your knowledge of these theories. Support for your thinking should include documentation from your primary sources.
Summary and Conclusion (2 points)
- Briefly offer overall comments on the content of this paper, including how the purpose of the paper was achieved
- Assess the relevance of this paper in your development as a clinical leader.
Formatting, Style, and References (6 points)
Requirements:
- 4 to 6 pages in length (double-spaced)
- 12 pt. font, excluding title and reference page and appendices
- APA format is used for all papers submitted in the Department of Nursing
Papers submitted in the Graduate Nursing Program will follow APA Guidelines 7th:
- Paper is to be written in third person with correct grammar, spelling, and style.
- For this paper, use subheadings for clarity and to alert the reader to the criterion you are addressing. An abstract is not needed.
- Appropriate citation of sources within text.
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Case Analysis Paper: Nursing Theories
Student’s Name
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Case Analysis Paper: Nursing Theories
The leadership approaches applied by clinical leaders have a great influence on patient outcomes. In this respect, clinical leaders should analyze their practice situations and identify the appropriate strategies to implement to bring about positive change (Sittrop & Cheryl, 2021). Nursing theories and principles can offer direction to clinical leaders to take action to address situations that they encounter in practice (McEwen & Wills, 2019). The purpose of this paper is to apply nursing theory and concepts to clinical practice. The paper will include a case study review and evaluation of two theories: one mid-range nursing theory (Imogene King’s Theory of Goal Attainment) and one change theory (Kurt Lewin Change Model). In addition to the two theories chosen, general systems theory will also be considered. The specific topics to include in the paper are; presentation of the case, evaluation of theories in practice, and interventions and outcomes. By completing the paper, the student aims to learn how nursing theories and concepts can be applied by clinical leaders to address administrative issues. The primary reason for choosing case study 8 is that it touches on issues that enable one to think like a nurse leader
Presentation of Case
The case that has been chosen for analysis in this paper is Case Study 8 “Theories, Models, and Frameworks From Leadership and Management.” This case is from management/administrative experience. The primary reason for choosing the case is that it addresses issues related to leadership and management, a factor that makes it appropriate for helping the nurse to think as a leader and address issues from nurse leadership perspectives.
To be able to interpret a case study effectively, the learner must be able to identify important aspects that need attention. Case study 8 describes Maria Castillo who was recently appointed to be the nurse manager on a medical-surgical unit in a large university-affiliated medical center. Maria has never served in the management role. She has a degree in nursing administration. After serving in her new position for a few months, Maria has learned a number of management issues in the unit. These include extremely low staff morale and productivity. Detailed investigation to uncover the sources of the problems revealed limited advancement opportunities for staff. Other issues include sharing the charge nurse roles by a few older nurses, minimal staff input into governance, and little involvement of staff in improvement processes and committees. Maria has further noticed that conflict exists between the new nurses and older staff. She anticipates that she will be able to change management issues in the unit by utilizing her knowledge of change theory. There are a number of management problems that need to be addressed to achieve optimal outcomes.
Evaluation of Theories in Practice
Mid-Range Nursing Theory
Nursing theories can be applied to address the management issues in the chosen case study. The mid-range nursing theory that has been chosen for the case study is the Goal Attainment Theory proposed by Imogene King. The theorist first proposed the theory of goal attainment in the 1960s (King, 1992). The theory assumes that the primary goal of the nurse in the life of patients is to help them to develop goals and guide them to take actions that will lead to the realization of those goals. Whether a patient will attain the set goals or not is influenced by the roles of both the nurse and the patient, time, space, and the availability of absence of stress (King, 1992). Goal Attainment Theory has three interacting systems namely the personal system such as growth development, perception, and space; the interpersonal system such as communication role, and stress; and the social system such as authority, power, and decision-making (King, 1992). Araujo et al. (2018) designed a study to examine the effectiveness of King’s theory of goal attainment concepts in promoting adherence to treatment and improving the quality of life for patients with diabetes. They discovered that the application of King’s theory of goal attainment significantly increases patients’ adherence to treatment leading to improvement in quality of life.
The main strength of King’s theory of goal attainment is that it emphasizes the importance of developing achievable as the initial step towards resolving the existing management issues. However, its limitation is that it primarily focuses on the goal attainment for a sick patient without explaining how the concepts can be applied in an organization to address other potential issues. King’s theory of goal attainment is useful because it captures those systems that the medical-surgical unit needs to improve morale and productivity among staff (King, 1992; Araujo et al. (2018).
Change Theory
Leaders of healthcare organizations often apply relevant change theories to direct them to generate reforms that are aimed at improving patient outcomes. The change theory that forms the center of analysis in this paper is Kotter’s 8-step change model. (Kotter, 1996). Kotter assumes that change management processes in organizations usually follow 8 steps namely; creating urgency, forming a strong coalition, developing a vision for reforms, communicating the vision to stakeholders, empowering action, creating quick wins, building on the change, and making the change to stick (Kotter, 1996). Kupferschmid et al. (2021) applied Kotter’s theory of change to control and guide the implementation and sustainability of Delirium Screening in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The utilization of Kotter’s 8-step change model caused effective change implementation and enhanced sustainability.
An important factor that acts as the strength of Kotter’s 8-step model to change is the fact that it emphasizes the need to begin a change process by creating urgency. This helps to set direction that will help to ensure a successful change in the medical-surgical unit. The limitation of Kotter’s change model is that it includes several steps that might take time to implement within a short period of time. However, the change theory is useful because it offers direction for involving stakeholders in decision-making during the change process (Kotter, 1996; Kupferschmid et al., 2021). Generally, applying Kotter’s 8-step change model to the case study will allow staff to communicate their perceptions thereby facilitating the implementation of actions that will improve morale and productivity in the medical-surgical unit.
General Systems Theory
General Systems Theory is one of the theories that have successfully been used by organizations to direct and implement reforms. The major concepts of General Systems Theory include; context and environment (closed system), the use of different paths to reach the same goal (equifinality), and shared features across systems (isomorphism) (McEwen & Wills, 2019). The two concepts that are applicable to the chosen case study are the closed system and equifinality. Precisely, the leader needs to consider the scenario as a closed system that can best be improved by addressing contextual factors within the environment. Additionally, applying equifinality by utilizing different paths to reach the desired goal can enhance success (McEwen & Wills, 2019). General systems theory will help to strengthen the management reforms implemented in the unit to improve morale and productivity.
Interventions and Outcomes
Nurse leaders usually apply new knowledge acquired from different contexts to improve practice and enhance the success of their organizations. The perspectives of King’s Goal Attainment Theory and Kotter’s 8-step model have altered personal perception of the case. For example, by reviewing King’s Theory of Goal Attainment, the student has learned that the management issues presented in the case are not difficult to resolve. Rather, the nurse leader needs to work in collaboration with the staff in the unit to develop achievable goals and work on actions to meet them (Araujo et al., 2018). Besides, by exploring Kotter’s 8-step change model, the student has discovered that the management issues presented in the case can be addressed by following 8 steps rather than one. The change process should begin by creating urgency for change to set direction (Kupferschmid et al., 2021).
The interventions that are currently used in the cases should change to create a conducive environment for all staff. Based on the knowledge acquired from the theories, the nurse leader should set goals for implementing a training program to enhance staff skills, involve staff in decision-making, and create a vision that is aligned with the organization’s goals (Kupferschmid et al., 2021’ Araujo et al., 2018). These interventions combine the perspectives of King’s Theory of Goal Attainment and Kotter’s 8-step model of change.
Summary and Conclusion
This paper describes the application of King’s Goal Attainment theory and Kotter’s 8-step model to a nurse leadership scenario that is characterized by management issues. The purpose of the paper has adequately been achieved through the use of nursing theories to address clinical practice situations. Generally, this paper is highly relevant for a nursing student in his or her development journey as a clinical leader.
References
Araújo, E. S. S., Silva, L. F. D., Moreira, T. M. M., Almeida, P. C., Freitas, M. C., & Guedes, M. V. C. (2018). Nursing care to patients with diabetes based on King’s Theory. Revista Brasiliera de Enfermagem, 71(3):1092-1098. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2016-0268.
King, I. M. (1992). King’s theory of goal attainment. Nursing Science Quarterly, 5(1):19-26. doi: 10.1177/089431849200500107.
Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading change. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
Kupferschmid, M., & Tripathi, S. (2021). Utilization of Kotter’s stages and statistical process control to implement and sustain delirium screening in PICU. Pediatric Quality & Safety, 6(6), e536. https://doi.org/10.1097/pq9.0000000000000536
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2019). A theoretical basis for nursing. 5th ed. Wolters Kluwer.
Sittrop, D. & Cheryl, C. (2021). Minimising risk: The application of Kotter’s change management model on customer relationship management systems: A case study. Journal of Risk and Financial Management 14, 496. https://doi.org/10.3390/ jrfm14100496