Walden University MSN Nursing Assignment: Developing Organizational Policies and Practices

Walden University MSN students in leadership courses regularly complete assignments that address real-world organizational challenges. This written assignment draws from modules in NURS 6053 Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership, focusing on policy development to manage competing needs in healthcare settings.

Assignment Overview

Course Context: MSN Core – Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership (similar to NURS 6053)

Assessment Task: Write a 4- to 5-page paper (1,050–1,400 words) analyzing competing needs and developing a policy recommendation.

Due Date: End of relevant week/module (varies by course schedule).

Assignment Instructions

Identify a relevant practice issue in healthcare where competing needs create ethical or policy challenges (for example, workforce staffing shortages impacting patient safety, resource allocation during budget constraints, or mandatory overtime affecting nurse well-being). Then, address the following in your paper:

1. Describe the selected issue and the competing needs of the workforce, resources, and patients involved.
2. Explain how these competing needs influence the development or revision of organizational policy.
3. Identify at least two current policies or practices that address the issue, including any relevant ethical considerations.
4. Critique the policies using evidence from scholarly sources, noting strengths and limitations.
5. Propose one policy alternative or addition that better balances the competing needs, supported by evidence.
6. Recommend strategies for advocacy and implementation of the proposed policy, considering stakeholder buy-in and potential barriers.
7. Discuss how the policy aligns with broader healthcare goals and Walden’s commitment to social change.

Formatting and Submission Requirements

• Length: 4–5 pages (1,050–1,400 words), excluding title page and references.
• APA 7th edition format, with level headings, title page, and reference list.
• Scholarly writing with clear organization and evidence integration.
• Include at least 4–6 peer-reviewed sources published within the last 5 years.
• Submit through the course platform by the deadline.

Grading Rubric Criteria

• Identification of competing needs (20%): Accurate and relevant description.
• Policy analysis and critique (30%): Evidence-based, thorough evaluation.
• Proposed policy recommendation (25%): Feasible, justified with evidence.
• Advocacy and implementation strategies (15%): Practical and stakeholder-focused.
• Writing quality, APA format, references (10%): Professional, error-free.

Assignments on organizational policies build essential leadership skills for MSN graduates at Walden University. Students in recent years have explored topics like staffing ratios and burnout prevention in similar tasks.

Interprofessional leadership and policy development remain key to addressing healthcare challenges and promoting equitable care in 2025–2026.

References

Broome, M. and Marshall, E. S. (2021) Transformational leadership in nursing: from expert clinician to influential leader. 3rd edn. New York: Springer Publishing Company.

Kelly, P. and Tazbir, J. (2022) Essentials of nursing leadership & management. 8th edn. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Weberg, D., Mangold, K., Porter-O’Grady, T. and Malloch, K. (2019) Leadership for evidence-based innovation in nursing and health professions. 2nd edn. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Figueroa, C. A., Harrison, R., Chauhan, A. and Meyer, L. (2019) ‘Priorities and challenges for health leadership and workforce management globally: a rapid review’, BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), p. 239. doi:10.1186/s12913-019-4080-7.

Alvesson, M. and Sveningsson, S. (2020) ‘Changing organizational culture: cultural change work in progress’, Leadership, 16(3), pp. 289–307. doi:10.1177/1742715017748875.