NR451 Milestone 2: Design for Change Proposal

You have identified a problem and reviewed the evidence. Now we move to the planning phase. In this assignment, you will develop a comprehensive strategy to implement your evidence-based practice (EBP) change. This paper focuses on the “how” and “when” of your project. You will outline the specific steps needed to roll out your intervention, the resources required, and the theoretical framework that will guide your leadership. This is your roadmap for making a tangible difference in patient care.

Course: NR-451 RN Capstone Course

Assessment Type: Written Assignment (Milestone 2)

Length: 4–6 pages (excluding title and reference pages)

Format: APA 7th Edition (Content below formatted for clarity)

Assignment Guidelines and Instructions

Purpose

Great ideas require solid execution plans. The purpose of this assignment is to create a structured proposal for your change project. You will demonstrate your ability to apply nursing theory to practice, plan for logistical needs, and design a method to evaluate success. This proposal serves as the blueprint you would present to stakeholders to get approval for your project.

Course Outcomes (COs)

This assignment assesses the following competencies:

• CO1: Apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision-making in the provision of high-quality nursing care.
• CO5: Utilize high-level communication skills in professional nursing practice.
• CO6: Create a plan for a change project that impacts patient outcomes or nursing practice.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Please write a 4-to-6-page paper addressing the sections below. Ensure your writing is cohesive and flows logically from the problem to the solution.

1. Introduction (approx. 1 paragraph)

Start by briefly restating the practice issue and your PICO question from Milestone 1. This reminds the reader of the context. State the purpose of this paper clearly: to propose a design for implementing an evidence-based change.

2. Proposed Change and Scope (approx. 1 page)

Detail the specific intervention you want to implement. Be descriptive. If you are introducing a new checklist, explain what is on it. If you are starting a new training program, describe the content and format. Connect this solution back to the evidence you found in your systematic review. Explain how this change aligns with the organization’s mission or safety goals.

3. Theoretical Framework (approx. 1 page)

Select a change theory or nursing theory to guide your project. Common choices include Lewin’s Change Model (Unfreezing-Changing-Refreezing) or Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations. Explain the theory briefly and then apply it directly to your project. For example, discuss what specific actions you will take during the “Unfreezing” stage to prepare your staff for the change.

4. Implementation Plan (approx. 1–2 pages)

Break down the logistics. We need to know exactly how this will happen.

• Timeline: Create a realistic schedule. How long will planning take? When does training start? When is the “go-live” date?
• Resources: List what you need. Do you need budget approval for equipment? Do you need tech support? Do you need staff coverage during training sessions?
• Stakeholders: Identify who needs to be involved (nurses, managers, IT, pharmacy) and how you will communicate with them.

5. Evaluation Plan (approx. 1 page)

Describe how you will measure success. Refer back to the “O” (Outcome) in your PICO question. Will you track infection rates, fall numbers, or patient satisfaction scores? Explain when you will collect this data (e.g., 30 days post-implementation) and what tool you will use to measure it.

6. Conclusion (approx. 1 paragraph)

Summarize your proposal. Reiterate the potential positive impact on patient safety or nursing practice. End with a strong statement on why this change is necessary now.

Grading Rubric Criteria

Your grade depends on how well you address the following elements:

1. Introduction & Problem (10%): Clearly restates the PICO and practice issue to set the context.
2. Solution & Evidence (20%): Describes the intervention in detail and links it to the evidence summary from Milestone 1.
3. Change Theory Application (20%): Selects an appropriate theory and specifically applies its concepts to the project steps.
4. Implementation Strategy (25%): Provides a realistic timeline, identifies necessary resources, and outlines a clear communication plan with stakeholders.
5. Evaluation Method (15%): Defines measurable outcomes and data collection methods that align with the PICO question.
6. APA & Mechanics (10%): Writing is professional, clear, and follows APA 7th edition formatting rules for citations and references.

Academic References

• Barrow, J.M., Annamaraju, P. and Toney-Butler, T.J. (2024) ‘Change Management’, in StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459380/
• Curtis, K., Fry, M., Shaban, R.Z. and Considine, J. (2020) ‘Translating research findings to clinical nursing practice’, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(5-6), pp. 862–872. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13586
• Harrison, R., Fischer, S., Walpola, R.L., Chauhan, A., Babalola, T., Mears, S. and Le-Dao, H. (2021) ‘Where do models for change management, improvement and implementation meet? A systematic review of the applications of change management models in healthcare’, Journal of Healthcare Leadership, 13, pp. 85–108. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2147/JHL.S289176
• Melnyk, B.M. and Fineout-Overholt, E. (2022) Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. 5th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
• Nilsen, P. and Birken, S.A. (eds.) (2020) Handbook on implementation science. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.