wanted to let you know how I grade discussions in this course so that you will be clear about what I expect. Simply put, I use the rubric in order to make sure I am consistent across all courses. I often have students tell me that other instructors did not deduct for certain things, so I want to clarify how I grade and what my expectations are. 

Of course, in discussion I look to make sure you cover the items that are supposed to be discussed, that you utilize APA formatting and that in general your post is easy to read/understand. In your Initial Discussion Post I expect you to include an introductory paragraph with a purpose statement. Subsequently you would include the “body” of the post including the requisites of the discussion post, then a summary/conclusion. References are to be formatted according to APA (I know that these get messed with some when posting, so no worries there).

At least 3 Level 1 headings are to be used in your Initial Discussion Post (don’t be surprised if there are deductions made if you have not included them).

You are supposed to participate in discussion on 3 different days and I check to ensure that this is done (and that all posts are completed on or before Day 6 – that day being Saturday until 10:00 PM (CST). Points are deducted for not participating in discussion on 3 different days and posts made on Day 7 are not counted.  So, if not submitted in time, do not waste your time posting.

You are required to post your Initial Post on or before Day 3 by 10:00 PM CST. Points are deducted for failing to meet this guideline – in other words you will be marked late. You are also required to respond to 2 of your fellow classmates’ Initial Posts.  Points are deducted for not responding to 2 of your classmates’ Initial Posts.  All posts are supposed to be of substantive content and/or ask a thoughtful question.

You are additionally supposed to respond to anyone (and that includes me) who makes a comment on your post.

Keep in mind that one of your requirements is to have a backup in the case of internet issues with your primary source.  That means that internet difficulties are not acceptable as an excuse for not meeting the requirements of the Weekly Discussion Board or your Assignment.

Communication is of the utmost importance so keep me apprised if you are having any difficulties and that should be done as they arise and not after deadlines have been missed.

Keep in mind that posts are to be made on or before Day 6 (Saturday). Discussions cannot be made up. That is a university policy, not mine. So, if you miss a discussion, I usually advise that it’s not beneficial for you to try to “make it up” as there is no allowance for that, so it’s best to save your time and use it on something that will contribute to your success in the course, such as working on your assignment and/or working on your next discussion.

If you were to ask 10 people what they believe to be the most significant issue facing healthcare today, you might get 10 different answers. Escalating costs? Regulation? Technology disruption? Social Determinant such as environment/community, education, access/quality to healthcare?

These and many other topics are worthy of discussion. Not surprisingly, much has been said in the research, within the profession, and in the news about these topics. Whether they are issues of finance, quality, workload, or outcomes, there is no shortage of changes to be addressed.

In this Discussion, you examine a national healthcare issue and consider how that issue may impact your work setting. You also analyze how your organization has responded to this issue.

To Prepare:

Review the Resources and select one current national healthcare issue/stressor to focus on.

Reflect on the current national healthcare issue/stressor you selected and think about how this issue/stressor may be addressed in your work setting.
Post a description of the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected for analysis, and explain how the healthcare issue/stressor may impact your work setting. Which social determinant(s) most affects this health issue? Then, describe how your health system work setting has responded to the healthcare issue/stressor, including a description of what changes may have been implemented. Be specific and provide examples.
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days who chose a different national healthcare issue/stressor than you selected. Explain how their chosen national healthcare issue/stressor may also impact your work setting and what (if anything) is being done to address the national healthcare issue/stressor.