Week 8: Healthcare Organizations and Delivery Systems
Week 8 Learning Objectives
By the end of this week, students will be able to:Describe the structure and functions of various types of healthcare organizations and delivery systems in the United States.
Compare and contrast different healthcare delivery models (e.g., acute care, ambulatory, long-term care, community/public health, and managed care).
Explain the nurse’s role and scope of practice across different healthcare settings.
Analyze how reimbursement models, regulatory agencies, and healthcare policies influence nursing practice and patient care.
Discuss the impact of healthcare system challenges on professional nursing and patient outcomes.
Required Readings & ResourcesBlack, B. P. (2024). Professional Nursing: Concepts & Challenges (10th ed.), Chapter 8: “Healthcare Organizations and Delivery Systems” (or equivalent pages)
AACN (2021). The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, Domain 7: Systems-Based Practice
Selected articles: Overview of U.S. healthcare delivery models, reimbursement systems (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), and the role of regulatory bodies (e.g., The Joint Commission, CMS)
Video resources:
– “U.S. Healthcare Delivery Systems Overview” (15 min)
– “The Nurse’s Role in Different Care Settings” (10 min)
Infographic: Healthcare Delivery Models Comparison Chart (provided in module)
Week 8 Assignments: Nursing Practice Across Healthcare Settings
Due: Initial Post: Wednesday, 11:59 PM
Minimum of 2 Peer Responses: Sunday, 11:59 PM
Healthcare in the United States is delivered through a complex mix of organizations and systems, each with unique structures, funding mechanisms, and challenges. The setting in which a nurse practices significantly influences their daily responsibilities, scope of practice, and ability to provide holistic care.After completing the Week 8 readings and videos:Select two different healthcare delivery settings (examples: acute care hospital, long-term care facility, ambulatory/outpatient clinic, home health, community/public health agency, or telehealth).
Compare and contrast the nurse’s role and primary responsibilities in each of the two settings you chose.
Discuss one advantage and one challenge for nurses practicing in each setting.
Explain how understanding healthcare organizations and delivery systems helps baccalaureate-prepared nurses advocate for patients and improve care quality.
Your initial post must be 300–350 words minimum. Support your discussion with at least two scholarly sources (textbook counts as one). Use APA 7th edition for in-text citations and the reference list.Response Requirements:
Reply substantively to at least two classmates. In each response (100–150 words), suggest how interprofessional collaboration might differ between their chosen settings or propose one way a BSN-prepared nurse could address a challenge in one of the settings.Grading Rubric (25 points): Clear comparison of two healthcare settings and nurse roles (10 pts)
Discussion of advantages and challenges (8 pts)
Explanation of relevance to BSN practice and advocacy (4 pts)
Scholarly support, APA formatting, and quality of peer responses (3 pts)
2. Healthcare Delivery Models Comparison Paper
Due: Sunday, 11:59 PM
Points: 30 points
Length: 3–4 pages (not including title page and reference page), double-spaced, APA 7th edition format.Assignment Instructions:Choose two different healthcare delivery models/organizations from the following list: Acute care hospital (inpatient)
Long-term care / skilled nursing facility
Ambulatory/outpatient care (e.g., primary care clinic)
Home health agency
Community/public health department
Managed care organization (e.g., HMO or ACO)
Write a formal paper comparing the two models using the following structure:Paper Structure (use these headings):Introduction (½ page) Briefly introduce the two healthcare delivery models you selected and the purpose of the paper.
Description and Comparison (1.5–2 pages) Describe the purpose, typical patient population, and organizational structure of each model.
Compare and contrast:
– Types of services provided
– Funding/reimbursement models (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, value-based care)
– Regulatory oversight
– Common challenges faced by the organization and its staff
Nursing Implications (1 page) Discuss how the nurse’s role, autonomy, and daily responsibilities differ between the two settings.
Explain one specific way a baccalaureate-prepared nurse can contribute to quality improvement or patient safety in each setting.
Address how systems-based practice (AACN Domain 7) applies when working across these different organizations.
Conclusion and Personal Reflection (½ page) Summarize the key similarities and differences.
Reflect on which setting appeals most to you at this stage and why. What skills do you need to develop to practice effectively in that environment?
Requirements: Minimum of three scholarly sources (textbook + at least two additional credible sources such as peer-reviewed journals, ANA, or government reports).
Include a comparison table as an appendix if desired (not counted in page limit).
Submission: Upload as a Microsoft Word document (.docx) to the assignment dropbox.Grading Criteria (30 points): Accurate description and thoughtful comparison of the two models (12 pts)
Depth of nursing implications and connection to BSN role (10 pts)
Quality of conclusion and personal reflection (4 pts)
APA formatting, organization, grammar, and scholarly support (4 pts)
Tips for Success: Use objective, professional language.
Support claims with specific examples (e.g., how reimbursement models affect staffing ratios).
Focus on systems-level thinking rather than individual patient care.
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
