NRS 428 Assignment: Benchmark Policy Brief

Assignment: Benchmark Policy Brief

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Chemical exposure is one of the environmental issues within the United States of America’s healthcare system that affect different populations. United States citizens are exposed to thousands of chemicals every single day through drinking water, foods, consumer products and air pollution. Communities are usually unaware of the threats caused by chemical exposures. Chemical released into the environment come from different sources including industries, healthcare companies, human activities such as burning of leaded fuel and pollution of rivers and lakes. Ensuring a clean and a safe environment often prove to be difficult because of continuous human activities that release harmful chemicals into the environment. Almost every activity introduces some of the waste into the environment. Trucks, cars, and

buses often release exhaust gases while in operation (Damalas & Koutroubas, 2016). On the other hand, manufacturing and industrial processes usually hazardous and solid wastes. Some of these wastes are composed of harmful chemicals that are dangerous for human life and the environment at large. Exposure can occur when people come into contact with the above harmful chemicals directly or indirectly. Indirect contact may involves coming into contact with the substance which is contaminated.

Chemical exposure frequently affects populations other than those living in suburbs and slums. Those who live in low-income areas or slums, on the other hand, are at a higher risk of chemical exposure. In other words, some communities, such as minority, low-income, and indigenous groups, are always more vulnerable to disease. Some studies suggest that exposure to hazardous chemicals is related to where you live or where you live. Individuals who live near industries, along roadsides, and near hazardous waste sites are more likely to be exposed to hazardous chemicals (Ren et al., 2017). Additionally, individuals or populations with pre-existing diseases may be more vulnerable to chemical pollutants released into the environment. People suffering from asthma, for example, may become more susceptible to chemical pollutants. Underlying health issues or pre-existing medical conditions can increase the risks of chemical exposure.

Local, state, and national levels of chemical exposure occur. It could also be considered a global health concern, given that human activities that result in the release of chemicals into the environment can be found everywhere. As a result, governments at the state, local, and national levels must become highly prepared to deal with pollution that may result in advanced health complications. There is evidence of chemical exposure in various forms. Chemical exposure is evidenced by the increased release of hazardous substances from various industries. Chemical exposure is also demonstrated by the use of leaded fuel in a motor vehicle. Lead is toxic to the brain, especially in children. Most communities are unaware of the potential dangers of chemical exposure. Furthermore, the potential health consequences may become unclear (Wardrop et al., 2016). The American Public Health Association is always willing to help initiatives that improve surveillance or tracking of exposure-related health effects. The organization is also working to improve scientific knowledge, cut additional spending, and increase public understanding.

Problem Statement

Chemical exposure continues to affect different populations in the United States. Harmful pollutants often case increased complications especially for the individuals with underlying health factors. There are always both long term and short term impacts of chemical exposure. Some of the problems associated with the exposure to harmful chemicals include organ damage, development of asthma or allergies, weakening of immune system, birth defects and reproductive problems, physical defects in the development of fetus and children, and cancer (Wardrop et al., 2016). The increase in the rate of cancer infections is often attributed to the exposure to chemicals. The increased complications caused by exposure to chemicals can often lead to death. Therefore, there is the need for the authorities to enhance the formulation of policies and strategies that can be used to regulate the release of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

Write a 750-1,000-word policy brief that summarizes the issue, explains the effect on the population, and proposes a solution to the issue.

The benchmark assesses the following competencies:

1.4 Participate in health care policy development to influence nursing practice and health care.

Research public health issues on the “Climate Change” or “Topics and Issues” pages of the American Public Health Association (APHA) website. Investigate a public health issue related to an environmental issue within the U.S. health care delivery system and examine its effect on a specific population.

Follow this outline when writing the policy brief:

1. Describe the policy health issue. Include the following information: (a) what population is affected, (b) at what level does it occur (local, state, or national), and (c) evidence about the issues supported by resources.

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2. Create a problem statement.

3. Provide suggestions for addressing the health issue caused by the current policy. Describe what steps are required to initiate policy change. Include necessary stakeholders (government officials, administrator) and budget or funding considerations, if applicable.

4. Discuss the impact on the health care delivery system.

Include four peer-reviewed sources and two other sources to support the policy brief.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, An abstract/thesis is required.

Assessment Description

Benchmark – Policy Brief – Rubric

Collapse All Benchmark – Policy Brief – RubricCollapse All

Description of Policy Health Issue

24 points

Criteria Description

Description of Policy Health Issue

5. Excellent

24 points

A detailed description of the policy issue is presented. The origin of the policy is described and a strong correlation between the policy and the health issue for the population selected is established. The level at which this occurs is discussed. Strong rationale and evidence are offered for support. Insight into the policy health issue is demonstrated.

4. Good

22.08 points

A general description of the policy issue is presented. The origin of the policy is described and a correlation between the policy and the health issue for the population selected is established. The level at which this occurs is discussed. Some rationale or detail is needed for clarity.

3. Satisfactory

21.12 points

A description of the policy issue is summarized. The origin of the policy is described, but it is unclear why the policy creates a health issue for the population selected. The level at which the issue occurs is identified. There are some inaccuracies. More information and rationale are needed.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

19.2 points

An incomplete description of the policy issue is presented. The origin of this policy is unclear. There is no evidence that this policy creates a health issue, or that it is an issue for the population selected. The level at which the issue occurs has not been identified. There are major inaccuracies.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Description of the policy issue is omitted.

Problem Statement

24 points

Criteria Description

Problem Statement

5. Excellent

24 points

A problem statement is thoroughly developed with supporting details.

4. Good

22.08 points

A problem statement is included, and subject knowledge is competent.

3. Satisfactory

21.12 points

A problem statement is present. Some subject knowledge is evident.r

2. Less Than Satisfactory

19.2 points

A problem statement is present but lacks detail or is incomplete. Subject knowledge is unclear or inconsistent.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

A problem statement is not included.

Suggestions for Addressing the Policy Health Issue (B)

24 points

Criteria Description

Suggestions for Addressing the Policy Health Issue (C1.4)

5. Excellent

24 points

Suggestions for addressing the issue are thoroughly developed with supporting details. All assignment criteria are met and well-supported. The suggestions are well-supported and offer clear steps for initiating policy change.

4. Good

22.08 points

Suggestions for addressing the issue are present, and subject knowledge is competent. All assignment criteria are met. The suggestions outline steps for policy change. Minor detail is needed for clarity.

3. Satisfactory

21.12 points

Suggestions for addressing the issue are present. Some subject knowledge is evident. Most assignment criteria are met. The suggestions generally outline steps for policy change. More information or evidence is needed.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

19.2 points

Suggestions for addressing the policy health issue are incomplete. Suggestions do not include all assignment criteria. The suggestions do not support policy change for the policy health issue.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Suggestions for addressing the policy health issue are not included.

Impact on Health Care Delivery System

24 points

Criteria Description

Impact on Health Care Delivery System

5. Excellent

24 points

A discussion on the impact on the health care delivery system is thoroughly developed with supporting details.

4. Good

22.08 points

A discussion on the impact on the health care delivery system is present, and subject knowledge is competent.

3. Satisfactory

21.12 points

A discussion on the impact on the health care delivery system is present. Some subject knowledge is evident.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

19.2 points

A discussion on the impact on the health care delivery system is present but lacks detail or is incomplete. Subject knowledge is unclear or inconsistent.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

A discussion on the impact on the health care delivery system is not included.

Thesis Development and Purpose

6 points

Criteria Description

Thesis Development and Purpose

5. Excellent

6 points

Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

4. Good

5.52 points

Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.

3. Satisfactory

5.28 points

Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

4.8 points

Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.

Argument Logic and Construction

6 points

Criteria Description

Argument Logic and Construction

5. Excellent

6 points

Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.

4. Good

5.52 points

Argument shows logical progression. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.

3. Satisfactory

5.28 points

Argument is orderly but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

4.8 points

Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources.

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)

6 points

Criteria Description

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)

5. Excellent

6 points

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

4. Good

5.52 points

Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech.

3. Satisfactory

5.28 points

Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

4.8 points

Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.

Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

2.4 points

Criteria Description

Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

5. Excellent

2.4 points

All format elements are correct.

4. Good

2.21 points

Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style.

3. Satisfactory

2.11 points

Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

1.92 points

Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Template is not used appropriately, or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.

Documentation of Sources

3.6 points

Criteria Description

Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)

5. Excellent

3.6 points

Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

4. Good

3.31 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.

3. Satisfactory

3.17 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

2.88 points

Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Sources are not documented.

You must proofread your paper. But do not strictly rely on your computer’s spell-checker and grammar-checker; failure to do so indicates a lack of effort on your part and you can expect your grade to suffer accordingly. Papers with numerous misspelled words and grammatical mistakes will be penalized. Read over your paper – in silence and then aloud – before handing it in and make corrections as necessary. Often it is advantageous to have a friend proofread your paper for obvious errors. Handwritten corrections are preferable to uncorrected mistakes.

Use a standard 10 to 12 point (10 to 12 characters per inch) typeface. Smaller or compressed type and papers with small margins or single-spacing are hard to read. It is better to let your essay run over the recommended number of pages than to try to compress it into fewer pages.

Likewise, large type, large margins, large indentations, triple-spacing, increased leading (space between lines), increased kerning (space between letters), and any other such attempts at “padding” to increase the length of a paper are unacceptable, wasteful of trees, and will not fool your professor.

The paper must be neatly formatted, double-spaced with a one-inch margin on the top, bottom, and sides of each page. When submitting hard copy, be sure to use white paper and print out using dark ink. If it is hard to read your essay, it will also be hard to follow your argument.

APA Writing Checklist

Use this document as a checklist for each paper you will write throughout your GCU graduate program. Follow specific instructions indicated in the assignment and use this checklist to help ensure correct grammar and APA formatting. Refer to the APA resources available in the GCU Library and Student Success Center.

☐ APA paper template (located in the Student Success Center/Writing Center) is utilized for the correct format of the paper. APA style is applied, and format is correct throughout.

☐  The title page is present. APA format is applied correctly. There are no errors.

☐ The introduction is present. APA format is applied correctly. There are no errors.

☐ Topic is well defined.

☐ Strong thesis statement is included in the introduction of the paper.

☐ The thesis statement is consistently threaded throughout the paper and included in the conclusion.

☐ Paragraph development: Each paragraph has an introductory statement, two or three sentences as the body of the paragraph, and a transition sentence to facilitate the flow of information. The sections of the main body are organized to reflect the main points of the author. APA format is applied correctly. There are no errors.

☐ All sources are cited. APA style and format are correctly applied and are free from error.

☐ Sources are completely and correctly documented on a References page, as appropriate to assignment and APA style, and format is free of error.

Scholarly Resources: Scholarly resources are written with a focus on a specific subject discipline and usually written by an expert in the same subject field. Scholarly resources are written for an academic audience.

Examples of Scholarly Resources include: Academic journals, books written by experts in a field, and formally published encyclopedias and dictionaries.

Peer-Reviewed Journals: Peer-reviewed journals are evaluated prior to publication by experts in the journal’s subject discipline. This process ensures that the articles published within the journal are academically rigorous and meet the required expectations of an article in that subject discipline.

Empirical Journal Article: This type of scholarly resource is a subset of scholarly articles that reports the original finding of an observational or experimental research study. Common aspects found within an empirical article include: literature review, methodology, results, and discussion.

Adapted from “Evaluating Resources: Defining Scholarly Resources,” located in Research Guides in the GCU Library.

☐ The writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. Utilize writing resources such as Grammarly, LopesWrite report, and ThinkingStorm to check your writing.

Suggestions for Addressing the Policy Health Issue (B)

24 points

Impact on Health Care Delivery System

24 points