Assessment 3 Scaffolding Guide – Leadership in Practice

Word Length: around 2000 words
Weighting:45%

Overview

This assessment invites you to explore leadership in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) either through a real-life interview or through analysing a leadership role based on research and professional frameworks. The task is designed to help you connect theory, policy, and practice while developing a deeper understanding of leadership challenges and approaches in the ECEC context.

Step 1: Choose Your Approach

You may complete this task using one of the two options below:

1. Option 1 – Real Interview (for students who are currently working or can access a leader):
   Conduct a one-on-one interview with a leader in the ECEC sector (e.g., Centre Director, Pedagogical Leader, Preschool Coordinator, Policy Advisor). Discuss their leadership philosophy, daily practices, challenges, and advocacy roles. Include a short Interview Guide (5–7 open-ended questions) in the appendix.
2. Option 2 – Leadership Role Analysis (for students not currently working or unable to find a leader):
   Select a specific leadership role (e.g., Centre Director, Pedagogical Leader, Preschool Coordinator, Policy Advisor). Analyse this role using scholarly literature, professional frameworks (e.g., NQS, EYLF, NQF), and relevant policies. Include a short Interview Guide (5–7 open-ended questions) in the appendix to demonstrate your understanding of leadership inquiry.

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Step 2: Structuring Your Report

A 1500–2000-word report typically includes the following sections:

🔹 Introduction (150–200 words)
– Introduce the importance of leadership in ECEC.
– State which approach (Interview or Leadership Role Analysis) you have chosen and why.
– Provide a brief overview of the leadership role or interviewee.
– Outline the purpose and structure of your report.

🔹Leadership Insights or Role Analysis (600–700 words)
– Summarise key findings from your interview or literature review.
– Discuss leadership styles, challenges, and strategies.
– Identify connections to ECEC frameworks and leadership theories.

🔹Critical Discussion (600–700 words)
– Compare your findings with relevant scholarly literature.
– Critically evaluate leadership practices or perspectives.
– Discuss implications for leadership in the Australian ECEC context.

🔹Reflection (200–300 words)
– Reflect on what you have learned about effective leadership.
– Discuss how this understanding will influence your future professional practice.

🔹Conclusion (100–150 words)
– Summarize the key insights and implications from your analysis.
– End with a forward-looking statement on leadership development.

Step 3: Referencing

– Use APA 7th edition in-text citations and the reference list.
– Minimum: Three peer-reviewed journal articles.
– Stronger papers will integrate additional sources (policy documents, frameworks, scholarly works).

Step 4: Appendix

Please include a short Interview Guide (5–7 open-ended questions) in the appendix. These should demonstrate your understanding of leadership inquiry and align with the report’s focus areas:
– Leadership roles and responsibilities
– Leadership models or theories
– Daily leadership practices
– Challenges and barriers
– Advocacy and professional values

Checklist Before Submission

1. Have I clearly identified which option I chose (Interview or Leadership Role Analysis)?
   2. Have I linked my findings to leadership theories and ECEC frameworks?
   3. Have I critically discussed challenges, values, and implications for practice?
   4. Have I included the appendix?
   5. Is my report within the word limit (1500–2000 words)?
   6. Is my reference complete and accurate (APA 7th edition)?

Introduction

Effective leadership in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is essential for ensuring high-quality learning environments, promoting equitable outcomes for children, and supporting the professional growth of educators. Contemporary ECEC leadership extends beyond administrative duties to encompass pedagogical guidance, advocacy, and the creation of collaborative learning cultures (Waniganayake, Cheeseman, Fenech, Hadley, & Shepherd, 2017). Within the Australian context, leadership is deeply embedded in national frameworks such as the National Quality Standard (NQS), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and the National Quality Framework (NQF), all of which emphasise reflective practice, shared decision-making, and continuous improvement (ACECQA, 2020).

For this report, I have chosen Option 2: Leadership Role Analysis, focusing on the Pedagogical Leader—a role pivotal in shaping curriculum practice, mentoring educators, and translating policy into meaningful pedagogical action. This approach allows for an in-depth exploration of leadership through the lens of scholarly research and professional frameworks, rather than a single individual’s experience. The purpose of this report is to analyse the pedagogical leader’s responsibilities, leadership styles, challenges, and contributions to quality improvement within ECEC. The discussion will connect leadership theory with Australian policy contexts, critically evaluate leadership approaches, and conclude with reflections on my evolving understanding of effective, ethical, and transformative leadership in early childhood settings.

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NU 665 Week 14 Discussion Post

Week 15 Discussion 1: Current Issues for the PMHNP

Value: 100 points

Due: Create your initial post by Day 3, and reply to at least two of your peers by Day 7.

Grading Category: Discussions

Note: In this type of discussion, you will not see the responses of your classmates until after you have posted your own response to the following question.

Initial Post

1. Along with your readings for the week, use the Suicide Mortality by State resource to review your state’s 2022 suicide rate per 100,000 persons.
2. Visit the BRFSS Prevalence and Trends Data website.
3. Explore your state’s health trends and answer the following prompts:
   • Did any of your state health trends surprise you? Does your state have any initiatives to improve the suicide rate? (1 paragraph)
   • How can the PMHNP become involved in healthy policy and advocacy? (1 paragraph)
   • How can the PMHNP work to build resilience? (1 paragraph)

Replies

Reply to at least two of your peers. In your reply posts, identify a related barrier in access to care that has not been addressed or that you have experienced in your clinical settings or compare/contrast the ways in which you and your peer will build resilience as PMHNPs.

Please refer to the Grading Rubric for details on how this activity will be graded.

The described expectations meet the passing level of 80%. You are directed to review the Discussion Grading Rubric for criteria which exceed expectations.

Introduction

Suicide is a profound public health crisis. In 2022, the United States recorded roughly 49,000 deaths by suicide, with an age-adjusted rate of about 14.2 per 100,000 persons. That marked a record high in recent years and underscores the urgency of addressing mental health at both policy and practice levels.  Nationally, the trend over the past decade reflects a roughly 16 % increase in age-adjusted suicide rates (from ~12.3 to ~14.4 per 100,000 between 2011 and 2022).

When I turned to state‐level data for my own state (insert State Name here), I found that in 2022 its suicide rate was X.X per 100,000 (if you have that number). That figure stood out in comparison to national averages. As I explored the BRFSS (Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System) prevalence and trends data, I noticed [insert one or two surprising health trends in your state — e.g. rising rates of depression, substance use, chronic disease prevalence, mental health service use, social determinants]. It was surprising to see (for example) how [trend] had increased sharply over the past few years, or how [another trend] lagged behind national benchmarks.

These data point to a clear imperative: we must understand the local context of mental health and suicide to respond effectively. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I see the bridges that must be built — integrating clinical care with advocacy, resilience training, and systemic change. In this discussion, I will explore whether my state has initiatives in place to reduce suicide, then consider how PMHNPs can shape health policy and advocacy, and finally discuss how PMHNPs can build resilience in individuals and communities.

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NURS-FPX4000–Assessment 4: DEI and Ethics in Healthcare

In a 3–5 page paper, describe the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and strategies for overcoming bias.

Introduction

This assessment is an opportunity for you to analyze and have a better understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the importance of recognizing unconscious bias and microaggressions in the field of healthcare. Your insights and reflections are valued, so feel free to draw from your own experiences to provide depth to your paper. In addition to the suggested readings, use the Capella library to locate at least two academic peer-reviewed journal articles published within the last 3–5 years to support your main points and conclusions.

Write Your Paper

• Describe the evolution of DEI in healthcare and how it is continuing to influence patient care.
  • Reflect on how the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion has evolved during your career.
  • Discuss any significant changes, initiatives, or policies that have contributed to a more inclusive healthcare environment.
• Explain how unconscious bias leads to microaggressions.
  • Discuss how unconscious bias can lead individuals to make assumptions about others based on their appearance or other characteristics associated with their identity.
  • Describe the ways in which individuals may not be aware of the biases that influence their perceptions and behaviors.
  • Explain how unconscious bias may lead individuals to show preference for those who are perceived as being similar to themselves in terms of race, gender, or other characteristics.
  • Discuss how, while often unintended, microaggressions have a negative impact on the individuals who experience them.
• Describe strategies for overcoming bias in healthcare and how they can continue to shape DEI practices in the future.
  • Discuss any initiatives or training programs that address unconscious bias and microaggressions, and how they have influenced your practice.
  • Explain the importance of diverse workforce and leadership.
• Explain how DEI in healthcare results in improved health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.
  • Discuss how healthcare providers are better equipped to understand and respect the cultural beliefs, practices, and preferences of their diverse patient population.
  • Describe how an inclusive company allows patients to feel heard, understood, and valued.

Organize your paper using the following structure and headings:

• Title page. (A separate page.)
• Describe the evolution of DEI in healthcare and how it is continuing to influence patient care.
• Explain how unconscious bias leads to microaggressions.
• Describe strategies for overcoming bias in healthcare and how they can continue to shape DEI practices in the future.
• Explain how DEI in healthcare results in improved health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.
• Conclusion. (One paragraph.)
• References. (A separate page.)

Academic Requirements

Your paper should meet the following requirements:

• Length: Include at least 3–5 typed, double-spaced pages, in addition to the title page and reference page.
• Font and font size: Use Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Writing: Produce text with minimal grammar, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors.
• Sources: Integrate into text appropriate use of scholarly sources, evidence, and citation style.
• References: Use at least two scholarly or academic peer-reviewed journal articles and three in-text citations within the paper. Visit the Evidence and APA page if needed. Use scholarly or academic peer-reviewed journal articles published during the past 3–5 years that relate to your topic. Visit BSN Program Library Research Guide for help with research.
• Academic Honesty: Submit a draft of your assessment to Turnitin and make any necessary changes before you submit it to your instructor for grading.

Example assessment: You may use the Assessment 4 Example [PDF] to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 4: Describe strategies for overcoming biases in healthcare settings.
  • Describe the evolution of DEI in healthcare and how it is continuing to influence patient care.
  • Explain how unconscious bias leads to microaggressions.
  • Describe strategies for overcoming bias in healthcare and how they can continue to shape DEI practices in the future.
  • Explain how DEI in healthcare results in improved health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.
• Competency 5: Write for a specific audience, in an appropriate tone and style, in accordance with Capella writing standards.
  • Produce text with minimal grammatical, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors.
  • Integrate into text appropriate use of scholarly sources, evidence, and citation style.

Introduction

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are foundational principles that continue to transform the landscape of modern healthcare. As the patient population becomes increasingly diverse, healthcare professionals must cultivate environments that recognize and respect differences in culture, race, ethnicity, gender, age, and belief systems. DEI initiatives promote fair treatment, equal access to care, and an inclusive workplace culture—key factors that directly influence patient outcomes and satisfaction. Understanding DEI and its ethical and practical implications ensures that nurses and healthcare leaders deliver care that is not only competent but also compassionate and just.

This assessment provides an opportunity to analyze the evolution of DEI within healthcare, explore the impact of unconscious bias and microaggressions, and identify effective strategies for promoting fairness and inclusivity in professional practice. By reflecting on both historical progress and ongoing challenges, this paper aims to highlight the importance of cultural humility and self-awareness in reducing disparities and improving communication across diverse populations.

Furthermore, the discussion emphasizes the role of continuous education and organizational initiatives in addressing unconscious bias—an often invisible barrier to equitable care. Through intentional efforts such as bias training, diverse leadership, and culturally responsive care models, healthcare systems can foster trust and build stronger patient–provider relationships. Ultimately, advancing DEI principles in healthcare is not only a moral imperative but also a clinical necessity for achieving equitable health outcomes and ensuring that every patient feels valued, heard, and respected.

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NURS-FPX4000–Assessment 2: Applying Research Skills

Create a written assessment, including an annotated bibliography section, to document your research on a healthcare problem or an issue faced by current healthcare organizations.

Introduction

In your professional life, you will need to find credible evidence to support your decisions and plans of action. You will want to keep abreast of best practices to help your organization adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment. Being adept at research helps you find the information you need. This assessment gives you practice with that skill by having you research a healthcare problem or issue faced by current healthcare organizations.

Overview

You will select a current healthcare problem or issue from the provided options for this assessment. Research your topic, and develop a written assessment, which includes an annotated bibliography to document your resources.

Reminder: You will use your selected problem or issue again in upcoming assessments. The purpose of this assessment is to ensure you know how to research topics and find credible references to use in your assessments. Part of the assessment is an annotated bibliography. The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to document a list of research references, along with key information about each; the detail about the reference is the annotation. Developing this annotated bibliography will create a foundation of knowledge about your chosen problem or issue.

Prepare

Conduct research in the Capella library to find a total of three scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles in relation to a selected healthcare problem or issue presented in the Assessment 02 Supplement: Applying Research Skills [PDF] Download Assessment 02 Supplement: Applying Research Skills [PDF]resource. You must select your healthcare-related issue or problem from the topic areas presented in this resource.

Important Note: Review the BSN Nursing Program Library Research Guide for assistance. Be sure to review journal articles published within the past three to five years.

Write Your Paper

Write a 3–5 page paper in which you include the following:

Topic Identification

Select one of the healthcare problems or issues presented in the Assessment 02 Supplement: Applying Research Skills [PDF] Download Assessment 02 Supplement: Applying Research Skills [PDF]resource. Write a brief overview of the healthcare problem or issue. In your overview:

• Summarize the healthcare problem or issue, including describing its professional relevance.
• Describe your interest in the problem or issue.
• Describe any professional experience you have with this topic.

Discussion of Research

Discuss your research and selection process for each of the three journal articles you have chosen to include in your annotated bibliography.

• Describe your process of applying library research skills to identify the journal articles relevant to the healthcare problem or issue you are researching.
  • Identify the keywords you used to select the articles.
  • Describe the criteria you used to select the resources, including the names of the databases you used.
  • What was the process like to locate relevant articles?
• Assess the credibility of the information sources.
  • Determine whether each resource is from an academic, peer-reviewed journal.
  • Determine whether the publication is current (published within the last 3–5 years).
  • Determine whether information in the academic peer-reviewed journal article is still relevant.
• Assess the relevance of the information sources.
  • Explain how the healthcare problem or issue is addressed in each source.
  • Discuss what kind of contribution each resource provides.

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Annotated Bibliography

Summarize each of the three current academic, peer-reviewed journal articles you chose, using the annotated bibliography organizational format. The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to document a list of references along with key information about each one. The detail about the reference is the annotation. Developing this annotated bibliography will create a foundation of knowledge about the selected topic. In your annotated bibliography:

• List each full reference in APA format, followed immediately by its annotation.
  • Present your three current, annotated references in alphabetical order, according to the reference citation.
  • Double-space each reference and format it with a hanging indent.
  • Provide the full APA reference citation, including the author, date, title, publisher or publication, and any additional information required by APA style.
• Write the annotation (summary) for each citation in paragraph form, using approximately 150 words (or 1–3 paragraphs) for each citation. Make sure to cite the article in your summary. Include the following components for each annotation:
  • Identify the purpose of the article.
  • Summarize the article.
  • Include the conclusions and findings of the article.

Summary

In a separate paragraph or two at the end of the paper, summarize what you learned from the process of developing the annotated bibliography.

Academic Requirements

Your academic writing is expected to conform to the following requirements:

• Writing: Produce text with minimal grammar, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors.
• Sources: Integrate into text appropriate use of current scholarly sources, evidence, and citation style. Use the Evidence and APA guidelines provided. Cite the reference in its summary.
• Formatting: Include a title page and reference page, Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Length: Complete no more than 3–5 typed, double-spaced pages, in addition to the title page and reference page.
• References: Although you are citing your three scholarly or academic peer-reviewed journal articles within the Annotated Bibliography section of this paper, be sure to also list your citations on a reference page at the end of your paper, along with any other resources you may have included.

Example assessment: You may use the Assessment 2 Example [PDF] to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like.

Submit your paper as an attached Microsoft Word document.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 1: Apply information literacy and library research skills to obtain scholarly information in the field of healthcare.
  • Summarize a healthcare problem or issue, including describing its professional relevance.
  • Describe the process for selecting academic peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to a healthcare problem or issue being researched.
  • Summarize what was learned from developing an annotated bibliography as it relates to the topic and the ability to use the annotated bibliography process for future assessments.
• Competency 2: Apply scholarly information through critical thinking to solve problems in the field of healthcare.
  • Assess the credibility and relevance of information sources.
  • Summarize academic peer-reviewed journal articles using the annotated bibliography organizational format.
• Competency 5: Write for a specific audience, in an appropriate tone and style, in accordance with Capella writing standards.
  • Produce text with minimal grammatical, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors.
  • Apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references.

Scoring Guide

Use the scoring guide to understand how your assessment will be evaluated.

Expand All

Criterion 1

Summarize a healthcare problem or issue, including describing its professional relevance.

Distinguished

Summarizes a healthcare problem or issue, including describing its professional relevance, providing examples.

Proficient

Summarizes a healthcare problem or issue, including describing its professional relevance.

Basic

Summarizes a healthcare problem or issue, including describing its professional relevance, but without describing its professional relevance.

Non Performance

Does not summarize a healthcare problem or issue, including describing its professional relevance.

Criterion 2

Describe the process for selecting academic peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to a healthcare problem or issue being researched.

Distinguished

Describes the process for selecting academic peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to a healthcare problem or issue being researched, including barriers encountered in finding appropriate search term utilized and databases searched.

Proficient

Describes the process for selecting academic peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to a healthcare problem or issue being researched.

Basic

Describes a process for finding journal articles, though they may not be academic peer-reviewed or relevant to the issue being researched.

Non Performance

Does not describe the process for selecting academic peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to a healthcare problem or issue being researched.

Criterion 3

Assess the credibility and relevance of information sources.

Distinguished

Assesses the credibility and relevance of information sources, and identifies assumptions for considering the sources relevant.

Proficient

Assesses the credibility and relevance of information sources.

Basic

Assesses the credibility of information sources without assessing their relevance.

Non Performance

Does not assess the credibility and relevance of information sources.

Criterion 4

Summarize academic peer-reviewed journal articles using the annotated bibliography organizational format.

Distinguished

Summarizes academic peer-reviewed journal articles using the annotated bibliography organizational format, including identifying gaps the articles didn’t cover or areas of uncertainty.

Proficient

Summarizes academic peer-reviewed journal articles using the annotated bibliography organizational format.

Basic

Summarizes academic peer-reviewed journal articles using portions of the annotated bibliography organizational format.

Non Performance

Does not summarize academic peer-reviewed journal articles using the annotated bibliography organizational format.

Criterion 5

Summarize what was learned from developing an annotated bibliography as it relates to the topic and the ability to use the annotated bibliography process for future assessments.

Distinguished

Summarizes what was learned from developing an annotated bibliography as it relates to the topic and the ability to use the annotated bibliography process for future assessments, including providing examples.

Proficient

Summarizes what was learned from developing an annotated bibliography as it relates to the topic and the ability to use the annotated bibliography process for future assessments.

Basic

Summarizes the process of developing an annotated bibliography.

Non Performance

Does not summarize what was learned from developing an annotated bibliography as it relates to the topic and the ability to use the annotated bibliography process for future assessments.

Criterion 6

Produce text with minimal grammatical, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors.

Distinguished

Produces text free of grammatical, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors.

Proficient

Produces text with minimal grammatical, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors.

Basic

Produces text with some grammatical, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors, making text difficult to follow at times.

Non Performance

Produces text with significant grammatical, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors, making text difficult to follow.

Criterion 7

Apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references.

Distinguished

Exhibits strict and nearly flawless adherence to APA formatting of in-text citations and references.

Proficient

Applies APA formatting to in-text citations and references.

Basic

Applies APA formatting to in-text citations and references incorrectly and/or inconsistently, detracting noticeably from good scholarship.

Non Performance

Does not apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references.

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, the ability to identify credible evidence and apply research findings to practice is an essential skill for healthcare professionals. As healthcare organizations navigate complex challenges—from patient safety and workforce shortages to rising costs and quality improvement—effective decision-making must be guided by accurate, evidence-based information. This assessment provides an opportunity to strengthen research competency by exploring a current healthcare problem or issue, identifying reliable sources, and documenting findings through an annotated bibliography.

Developing strong research and information literacy skills ensures that healthcare practitioners remain informed about emerging trends, innovations, and best practices. The process of investigating a healthcare issue encourages critical thinking, ethical inquiry, and professional accountability. Furthermore, building an annotated bibliography serves as a foundational step in constructing a well-supported understanding of the chosen problem or issue. It enables learners to assess the credibility and relevance of scholarly sources, summarize key findings, and synthesize knowledge that informs both academic and clinical practice.

By completing this assessment, I aim to enhance my ability to locate, evaluate, and interpret scholarly evidence that addresses a pressing healthcare concern. The task underscores the importance of continuous learning and evidence-based decision-making within the nursing profession. Ultimately, this research process not only contributes to academic growth but also prepares me to apply data-driven insights in real-world healthcare settings—supporting quality improvement, ethical leadership, and patient-centered outcomes.

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