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Category Archives: Blog

November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025

Contract Selection

Choose a project with a relatively simple description (building a LAN, designing a web page, inventing a new communication device, etc.).  Which type of contract structure (Fixed total price, Fixed unit price, Fixed price with incentive, Fixed fee with price adjustment) and what procurement documents (Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid, Request for Quotation/Proposal) would you recommend for this project and why?

Contract Selection

  • • Choose a project with a relatively simple description (building a LAN designing a web page inventing a new communication device etc.),

  • • Which type of contract structure (Fixed total price Fixed unit price Fixed price with incentive Fixed fee with price adjustment) would you recommend for this project,

  • • What procurement documents (Request for Proposal Invitation for Bid Request for Quotation/Proposal) would you recommend for this project,

  • • Why would you recommend this type of contract structure,

  • • Why would you recommend these procurement documents


Comprehensive General Answer

A suitable project example for this assignment is building a Local Area Network (LAN) for a small office with approximately 30 users. The project scope includes installing network cabling, switches, wireless access points, and testing for connectivity and performance. The requirements are clear, standardized technologies are used, and the work can be estimated with reasonable accuracy.

For this type of project, the best contract structure would be a Fixed Total Price contract. This contract type sets a predetermined cost for the entire project and is ideal when the scope, schedule, and deliverables are well-defined. Building a LAN has predictable labor and equipment needs, so the vendor can provide accurate pricing before the project begins. This also puts more financial responsibility on the contractor while protecting the buyer from cost overruns.

The most appropriate procurement document for this type of project would be an Invitation for Bid (IFB). An IFB is used when the buyer has clearly defined requirements and the selection decision is primarily based on price rather than vendor creativity or complex solution proposals. Since network installation follows known standards such as Ethernet, structured cabling categories, and placement guidelines, detailed specifications can be provided in advance, and vendors can price competitively.

Alternatively, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) could also be suitable if the buyer needs specific price quotes on individual components and labor services. However, the IFB is often preferred when awarding a complete turnkey installation based on lowest bid.

In summary, the LAN project’s defined scope, fixed deliverables, and reliance on standard materials make a Fixed Total Price contract both low-risk and cost-effective for the buyer. The Invitation for Bid approach supports competitive pricing while ensuring vendors meet required technical specifications.

November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025

Defense-in-Depth

The process of implementing security frequently opens one’s eyes to other forms of security not previously considered. In this two-part assignment, you should experience just that. This assignment focuses on a model of implementing security in layers, which, in many cases, requires a network that is designed accordingly.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

  • Recommend best security practices to achieve business objectives based on risk assumptions.

Defense-in-Depth

Instructions

Design a network that incorporates the following:

  • One corporate site (Chicago).
    • All servers exist here (web server, file server, print server, mail server, FTP server).
    • Connection to the Internet (50 MBps).
    • 300 employees who only need access to local corporate resources and the Internet.
  • One remote site (8 miles away).
    • 20 employees who need access to all resources at corporate, plus the Internet.
    • Connection to the Internet (3 MBps).

Part 1

Use Microsoft Visio or an open-source alternative, such as Dia Diagram Editor, to:

  • Create a network diagram with defense in depth in mind, citing specific, credible sources that support the design and depicting at least four-fifths of the following:
    • All necessary network devices (routers, switches and/or hubs, firewalls, VPNs, proxies, and others).
    • The interconnections between network devices.
    • Connections to end-user (client) devices (desktops, laptops).
    • Connections from the Internet cloud to the network input.

Part 2

Write a 6-10 page paper in which you:

  • Describe the flow of data through the network, citing specific, credible sources.
    • Assume data begins at the remote site.
    • Data flow may be monitored by an IDS.
  • Explain all three elements of the CIA triad and how isolating by network functions helps deliver a layered approach, citing specific, credible sources that support your assertions and conclusions.
  • Support your main points, assertions, arguments, or conclusions with at least four specific and credible academic sources synthesized into a coherent analysis of the evidence.
    • Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment.
    • For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library or review library guides.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all supports. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

Submission Requirements

Import completed diagrams or charts into your paper before submitting your work.

  • • Design a network that incorporates the following:,

  • • Part 1 — Use Microsoft Visio or an open-source alternative such as Dia Diagram Editor to: Create a network diagram with defense in depth in mind citing specific credible sources that support the design and depicting at least four-fifths of the following: All necessary network devices (routers switches and/or hubs, firewalls VPNs proxies and others). The interconnections between network devices. Connections to end-user (client) devices (desktops, laptops). Connections from the Internet cloud to the network input.,

  • • Part 2 — Describe the flow of data through the network citing specific credible sources. Assume data begins at the remote site. Data flow may be monitored by an IDS.,

  • • Explain all three elements of the CIA triad and how isolating by network functions helps deliver a layered approach citing specific credible sources that support your assertions and conclusions.,

  • • Support your main points assertions arguments or conclusions with at least four specific and credible academic sources synthesized into a coherent analysis of the evidence.

November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025

Qualitative Study Plan

In completing this assignment, you will design a general plan for a qualitative research study. Think of a topic that interests you and consider how you might study the topic with one of the qualitative research approaches about which you learned this week. Download the template and submit the completed form for this assignment. 

The form includes the following sections:  

  • Topic: In three to five sentences, identify and explain the study’s topic. This information should be clear and concise and written in a way that allows readers to understand the general topic of the study.
  • Purpose Statement: Write a purpose statement appropriate for a qualitative study. In completing this item, choose a qualitative research approach, consider who your participants will be, and identify what you want to know about them. Your purpose statement should be a single sentence and follow the Creswell and Creswell (2023) model presented below.
    • “The purpose (or study aim) of this ___________ (qualitative study or more specifically a qualitative approach, such as ethnography, case study, or other type) study is (was? will be?) to ___________ (understand? explore? develop? generate? discover?) the ___________ (central phenomenon being studied) for ___________ (the participants, such as the individual, groups, or organizations) at ___________ (research site)” (Creswell & Creswell, 2023, p. 127).
  • Research Questions: Write two research questions for the qualitative study you are designing. Remember the purpose of qualitative research is not to test hypotheses, but to explore phenomena and the lived experiences of participants. In writing your research questions, be sure to use open-ended questions that can be explored through the analysis of qualitative data. Below are some examples of qualitative research questions.
    Qualitative Study Plan

    • In what ways do peer mentors influence persistence in first-generation college students from Appalachia?
    • How do servant leadership behaviors in supervisors influence employee job satisfaction in nurses working in rural hospitals?
    • In what ways do gaming technology and incentives influence safe driving practices in teen drivers?
    • How does principal leadership impact teacher retention in low-income rural schools?
  • Qualitative Research Methodology: In three to five sentences, identify and describe the qualitative research method best suited to answer your research questions. Cite from the course text to justify your methodological selection. Examples include case study, phenomenology, narrative analysis, grounded theory, etc.
  • Participant Inclusion Criteria: List the inclusion criteria for participants from whom it would be appropriate to collect data for the study. Think about the characteristics participants need to possess to provide the qualitative data needed to answer the research questions. An example is provided below.
    • The study will include participants who meet the following inclusion criteria:
      • Currently employed as a nurse in a hospital located in a rural community in the United States;
      • Have worked for the same supervisor for at least one year; and
      • Not employed in a supervisory role.
  • Sources of Data and Data Collection Methods: In three to five sentences, identify and discuss the source(s) of data that would be needed to answer the research questions and how you might approach collecting the data. Your data must be qualitative and appropriate for the planned methodology. For example, if you are studying patient experiences with pain management care using a phenomenological approach, you might use semi-structured interviews with individual patients. If you are studying the impact of a support group for patients struggling with addiction using a case study approach, you might use semi-structured interviews with individual patients, observations during support group meetings, and patient medical data.

Note:

plagiarism check required, APA7 format, include References, within 8hrs

– The submission demonstrates doctoral-level proficiency in organization, grammar, punctation, and style. The submission is well-written, and ideas are well-developed and explained with an appropriate level of detail.

– While this assignment is on a less formal and smaller scale, the use of a template for this assignment is intended to prepare you for the future tasks of completing a topic approval request and preparing an IRB application. Please do not alter the form or delete instructions; please submit the original form with your responses added as noted. If you use outside sources for this assignment, be sure to appropriately cite your sources and include them on the References page. The course text is already included as a reference and should be cited in the Qualitative Research Methodology section.

    • • Topic: In three to five sentences, identify and explain the study’s topic.,

    • • Purpose Statement: Write a purpose statement appropriate for a qualitative study.,

    • • Research Questions: Write two research questions for the qualitative study you are designing.,

    • • Qualitative Research Methodology: In three to five sentences identify and describe the qualitative research method best suited to answer your research questions.,

    • • Sources of Data and Data Collection Methods: In three to five sentences, identify and discuss the source(s) of data that would be needed to answer the research questions and how you might approach collecting the data.

November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025

Gas Price Test

AAA reported that the average price of regular gasoline in California during the third week of October 2025 was $4.62 per gallon (gasprices.aaa.com/?state=CA). The data in the Excel sheet linked below show the price per gallon of regular gasoline for 30 randomly selected stations in Orange county. Do the results from the sample indicate that the average Orange county gas price is lower than the state average? Explain.

Orange County Gas Prices – October 2025.xlsx Download Orange County Gas Prices – October 2025.xlsx

  • Calculate the mean and standard deviation of the sample – show your calculations. Give an explanation as to what this means in relation to this problem. In other words, how would you explain what these numbers mean to someone who does not understand statistics?
  • Calculate the first, second, and third quartiles as well as the interquartile range – show your calculations. Give an explanation as to what this means in relation to this problem.
  • Construct the 95% confidence interval to 2 decimal places (make sure to include whether you used z or t) – show your calculations. Give an explanation as to what this means in relation to this problem.
  • Describe the similarities and differences between the interquartile range and confidence interval calculated.
  • Formulate your null and alternative hypotheses.
  • Assume a level of significance of α = 0.05.
  • Calculate the test statistic. Be sure to include whether you used z or t.
  • Calculate either the critical value or the p-value.
  • Do the results of your hypothesis test indicate that the average Orange county gas price is lower than the state average? Be sure to address how your results from the above analyses lead to your decision to either reject or fail to reject your null hypothesis.
  • Gas Price Test

    Use at least one reference (open resource, newspaper, or textbook).


  •  

Formatting Guidelines

  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Double-spaced
  • 1-inch margins
  • An APA running head – shortened title, all caps limited to 50 characters, in the upper left corner of each page
  • Page number at the top right of each page
  • A title page with the paper’s title (no more than 12 words in length), your name, professor’s name, department, and the name of the university.
  • • Do the results from the sample indicate that the average Orange county gas price is lower than the state average? Explain.,

  • • Calculate the mean and standard deviation of the sample – show your calculations. Give an explanation as to what this means in relation to this problem. In other words, how would you explain what these numbers mean to someone who does not understand statistics?,

  • • Calculate the first second and third quartiles as well as the interquartile range – show your calculations. Give an explanation as to what this means in relation to this problem.,

  • • Construct the 95% confidence interval to 2 decimal places (make sure to include whether you used z or t) – show your calculations. Give an explanation as to what this means in relation to this problem.,

  • • Formulate your null and alternative hypotheses.

November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025

Firewall Management

There are many recommendations, guidelines, and best practices for firewall management. Some argue that an operating system’s host firewall software may offer sufficient security. Therefore, they suggest, all options should be evaluated before discounting the operating system’s host firewall software.

  • List and explain five typical firewall guidelines or best practices. Select two of the best practices that you feel are more important than the others.
  • Evaluate the Windows 7 or Windows 10 host firewall and one other operating system’s host firewall. Select the host firewall that you feel is superior and provide the rationale for your selection.
  • Discuss the inherent risk associated with relying solely on the host firewall for security and provide the rationale for your position.

Firewall Management

  • • List and explain five typical firewall guidelines or best practices,

  • • Select two of the best practices that you feel are more important than the others,

  • • Evaluate the Windows 7 or Windows 10 host firewall and one other operating system’s host firewall,

  • • Select the host firewall that you feel is superior and provide the rationale for your selection,

  • • Discuss the inherent risk associated with relying solely on the host firewall for security and provide the rationale for your position


Comprehensive Response

Firewalls are a core component of any cybersecurity defense strategy, serving as a gatekeeper between trusted and untrusted networks. There are well-established best practices that organizations use to maintain strong protection and reduce vulnerabilities in both personal and enterprise environments.

Five Typical Firewall Guidelines & Best Practices

  1. Least Privilege Rule – Only allow traffic that is required for business or user function and block everything else by default. This reduces the attack surface.

  2. Regular Rule and Policy Reviews – Firewall rules should be audited frequently to remove outdated permissions and keep configurations aligned with current security needs.

  3. Logging and Monitoring – Firewalls should be configured to record traffic events and alert security personnel of suspicious activities for quick detection of breaches.

  4. Network Segmentation – Dividing the network into secure zones with different firewall rules prevents attackers from moving laterally if they gain access to one area.

  5. Patch and Firmware Updates – Firewalls must be routinely updated to close vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with current threat defense technologies.

Two Most Important Best Practices

  • Least Privilege Rule is critical because allowing unnecessary inbound or outbound traffic creates easy entry points for attackers.

  • Logging and Monitoring are essential to identify attempted intrusions and respond before major damage occurs. Without visibility, security gaps remain unnoticed.


Host Firewall Evaluation

Windows 10 Host Firewall
The built-in Windows Defender Firewall is integrated with the OS and includes advanced filtering options (inbound/outbound rules, port and application control), profiles for different network types, and compatibility with centralized management tools like Group Policy. It is continuously updated through Windows Security.

November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025

Healthcare Fraud White Paper

Compliance is a comprehensive program that helps institutions, and their employees conduct operations and activities ethically; with the highest level of integrity, and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. To have an effective compliance program, an organization must establish and maintain an organizational culture that “encourages ethical conduct and a commitment to compliance with the law.”

Using the Office of Inspector General website ( https://oig.hhs.gov/) or the Federal Bureau of Investigations Health Care Fraud website ( https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/white-collar-crime/health-care-fraud), select a recent healthcare fraud case to review and share with your peers. Develop an 8 – 10 page white paper that provides a succinct overview of the healthcare finance fraud committed, including the details specified below.

Healthcare Fraud White Paper

In your review, please consider and include the following:

· The name of the organization

· Identify the parties involved

· Discuss the events that occurred

· Identify if the events that occurred is a violation of one federal laws discussed in this week’s content.

· What penalties were levied and enforced

· Provide a summary of lessons learned and measures that you believe could have been put in place to avoid this outcome.

Note: the paper should include references and be in a format suitable for professional delivery to an executive audience. The Finance Fraud Case White Paper is due no later than NLT 11:59 on Day 7.

Once you have completed your paper, upload it here, but also post it into the discussion forum for review by your peers. Peer review comments are not required this week, but you are encouraged to review your peers’ work for educational purposes.

  • • The name of the organization,

  • • Identify the parties involved,

  • • Discuss the events that occurred,

  • • Identify if the events that occurred is a violation of one federal laws discussed in this week’s content,

  • • What penalties were levied and enforced,

  • • Provide a summary of lessons learned and measures that you believe could have been put in place to avoid this outcome

November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025
Mental Health Partnerships

Schools are increasingly expected to meet students’ mental health and behavioral needs. Describe how school-community partnerships can improve mental health supports for students with disabilities. Include:

· One real agency you would collaborate with

· 2 barriers to mental health access in schools

· At least one connection to the readings/resources this week

· 1 strategy schools can implement to build or formalize partnerships

Mental Health Partnerships

Group Discussion Prompt (at least two full paragraphs/1page)

Think about your current or future role as an educator. What community partnerships or agencies are essential to support students with disabilities and their families?

Share one local organization (real or fictionalized) that addresses a mental health, behavioral, or family need, and describe how educators could connect families to it.

  • • Describe how school-community partnerships can improve mental health supports for students with disabilities,

  • • Identify one real agency you would collaborate with,

  • • Identify 2 barriers to mental health access in schools,

  • • Include at least one connection to the readings/resources this week,

  • • Identify 1 strategy schools can implement to build or formalize partnerships


Comprehensive Response (2-page brief)

Schools increasingly serve as a primary access point for mental and behavioral health services, especially for students with disabilities who may require more intensive and ongoing support. School-community partnerships allow schools to collaborate with mental health agencies to expand skilled services beyond what school staff alone can provide. When schools partner with community providers, students can gain access to counseling, therapy, crisis response, and family services without leaving the school environment, which reduces disruptions and stigma.

A real agency that supports this kind of collaboration is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Through school partnerships, NAMI can offer trained educators, family support programs, youth peer groups, and mental health education workshops. By bringing certified professionals on-site or through referral pathways, students with disabilities benefit from coordinated care that accounts for their individualized education programs (IEPs) and behavioral needs.

Two major barriers to mental health access in schools include:
(1) Limited staffing, such as having only one counselor for hundreds of students, and
(2) Stigma and lack of awareness, which may prevent students or families from seeking help until problems escalate.
Many weekly course readings emphasize early intervention and interagency collaboration as crucial to overcoming these barriers by improving prevention and response structures.

To formalize partnerships, schools can implement Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with agencies. This strategy defines roles, confidentiality procedures, eligibility, data-sharing practices, and funding responsibilities. By setting clear expectations, schools strengthen accountability and ensure continuity of services that benefit students with disabilities long-term.


Group Discussion Prompt

(at least two full paragraphs)

In my current or future role as an educator, strong community partnerships are essential to support the mental health and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. Families often struggle to navigate service systems alone, and educators can serve as connectors who help build bridges between home, school, and clinical resources. Agencies specializing in counseling, family advocacy, crisis intervention, disability services, and wraparound support ensure that students receive consistent help across settings.

One local organization that addresses these needs is a community Family Resource Center (or a fictionalized example such as “Hope Behavioral Health Services”). This organization offers outpatient therapy, social skills groups, parent workshops, and case management. Educators can connect families by providing referral forms, inviting agency professionals to IEP meetings, and sharing multilingual informational materials. By maintaining a trusted partnership, schools ensure that students with disabilities and their families receive comprehensive care that promotes emotional well-being, learning success, and stronger family-school relationships.

November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025
    • Political Science Reflection

Reflect: Reflect upon the themes that the disciplines covered this week explore and the methods that they use to explore these topics. How do these different approaches and themes help contribute to the larger understanding of society, culture, and human behavior? Based upon your understandings of these disciplines, how might their approach to topics be helpful to other disciplines within the social sciences? Other academic disciplines outside of the social sciences? To the general public?In addition, think about the strategies used by practitioners of these disciplines to avoid bias. Do these differ from the social science disciplines that you read about last week? If so, how? Can these approaches be adapted for use outside of the social sciences?Write: In an initial post of at least 250 words

Political Science Reflection

  • Select one of the three disciplines examined this week, and discuss why you selected the discipline you did and how this discipline is distinct from other disciplines in the social sciences (Think about methods topics explored, etc.).
  • Examine the topic discussed by the source linked above for your discipline.
    • Describe how your selected topic is related to the concepts of the individual, society, and culture.
    • Note the main points of the article, its conclusion, and assess how the questions asked by the social scientist in question are related to their discipline’s practice.
    • Discuss the methodology used within the article and relate the authors’ approach to specific examples in the text.
  • Assess any potential connections between the discipline you examined this week and the disciplines explored in week 3 with regard to the source you examined.
  • Postulate potential applications for your selected discipline and its approaches to everyday life.

Please use in-text APA citations within your post, as well as full APA references at the end of your post. If you need APA assistance, review the APA StyleLinks to an external site. resources.

  • • Select one of the three disciplines examined this week and discuss why you selected the discipline you did and how this discipline is distinct from other disciplines in the social sciences (Think about methods topics exploredetc.),

  • • Examine the topic discussed by the source linked above for your discipline,

  • • Describe how your selected topic is related to the concepts of the individual society and culture,

  • • Note the main points of the article its conclusion and assess how the questions asked by the social scientist in question are related to their discipline’s practice,

  • • Discuss the methodology used within the article and relate the authors’ approach to specific examples in the text,

  • • Assess any potential connections between the discipline you examined this week and the disciplines explored in week 3 with regard to the source you examined,

  • • Postulate potential applications for your selected discipline and its approaches to everyday life.

November 5, 2025
November 5, 2025

Emotional Competence Reflection

1. Reflect on thoughts, ideas, experiences, and insights related to the course.

2. Examine personal skills, frames of reference, and assumptions about the provision of care.

3. Gain insight on how students views themselves in relationship to others when engaged in therapeutic and professional communication.

4. Identify areas for students to further develop their abilities and understanding related to bedside practice.

Directions: (Professional Identity and Spirit of Inquiry)

Respond to all 5 of the questions below using the same number points. You will be submitting this assignment as a word document. Grading is based on word count & thoroughness of reflection, consider utilizing about 300 words for each prompt to reach 1500 word goal.

Emotional Competence Reflection

Emotional Competence Reflective Prompts:

1. Journal prompt 1 (self-awareness domain)

What are your feelings as you begin this clinical experience? Make sure you identify feelings, not thoughts. Complete the following statement: “l feel…” What past experiences, perceptions, and thoughts might be contributing to the above feelings? What personal qualities, strengths, and talents do you bring to this clinical experience? Identify one goal for the semester related to your personal self-awareness and growth.

2. Journal prompt 2 (self-awareness domain)

Describe a situation you experienced in clinical this week: Describe your thoughts in this situation. Describe your feelings in this situation. Describe the way your body felt physically in this situation. What was more difficult to identify—your thoughts or feelings? Explain why you think this may be. How do your feelings relate to your thoughts in this situation? Were you aware of this at the time? Reread and reflect on your entry. Identify one specific strategy you will use to focus your attention on your internal states during your next clinical day.

3. Journal prompt 3 (self-awareness and social awareness domains)

Judgment is making opinions as to the value of someone or something, considered to be lacking in tolerance and objectivity.

a) Describe in detail a situation in which you felt you were being judged. Describe how you felt about this.

b) Describe in detail a situation in which you had judged someone else. Describe how you feel about this.

c) How did judging another impact your sense of self in a positive way? In a negative way? How might judging another have impacted that person’s sense of self in a positive way? In a negative way? Describe how being judged affected your subsequent behavior?

4. Journal prompt 4 (self-awareness, self and relationship management domains)

a) Situation: Think about a situation in which you experienced frustration or anger.

b) Identify the behaviors of others in this situation that you reacted to with frustration or anger.

c) Response: How did you respond? How would you have liked to respond?

d) Analysis: Explore and discuss reasons for the differences and similarities in your actual and desired responses in this situation.

e) Future Implications: Discuss one strategy for coping with the emotion you experienced in a future situation.

5. Journal prompt 5 (self-awareness and self-management domains)

a) Locate on NTC library site and read: Henson, J.S. (2017). When Compassion is Lost. MedSurg Nursing, 26(2).

b) Describe one new insight you have into the relationship between your self-care and your effectiveness as a nurse. Identify one specific, measurable, and realistic strategy related to your self-care that you could implement during the clinical day.

 

Harrison, P.A. & Fopma-Loy, J.L (2010). Reflective Journal Prompts: A Vehicle for Stimulating Emotional Competence in Nursing. Journal of Nursing Education, 49(11). doi:10.3928/01484834-20100730-07

 

Reflective Journal Grading Rubric (15 points)

  Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1
Complete (7.5 points) · Thoroughly addresses all 5 questions.

· Entry is at least 1500 total words and not more than 2000.

· Addresses all 3 questions with fair amount of depth.

· Entry is at least 1250 total words.

· Somewhat addresses at least 2 of the 3 questions.

· Entry is at least 1000 total words.

· Somewhat addresses 1 question.

· Answers are not complete.

· Entry is at least 750 total words.

· Entry does not clearly address any of the questions provided.

· Entry is a recitation of significant experiences in clinical, OR

· Entry is less than 750 total words.

Reflection

(7.5 points)

· Reflection demonstrates insight and the ability to connect personal experience with theory on all questions.

· Discussion on all questions draws upon self-knowledge, self-awareness and past experience to gain insight and create or discover ideas that are new and enhance professional growth.

· Reflection usually (2 of 3) demonstrates insight and ability to connect personal experience with theory.

· Discussion usually (2 of 3) draws upon self-knowledge, self-awareness and past experience to gain insight and create or discover ideas that are new and enhance professional growth.

· Reflection at times (1 question) demonstrates ability to connect personal experience with theory but 2 of 3 questions are superficially answered.

· Discussion at least once draws upon self-knowledge, self-awareness and past experience to gain insight and create or discover ideas that are new and enhance professional growth.

· Entry does not reflect application of theory or genuine insight on behavior.

· Objectively shares experience, but reflection is vague, lacks depth or insight.

· Does not draw upon self- knowledge, self-awareness, or experience to enhance professional growth.

· There is minimal evidence of reflection

· No evidence of ability to draw upon self-knowledge, self-awareness and past experience to gain insight.

· Entry merely recites what was done/ learned during

  • Reflect on feelings, past experiences, strengths and a goal for self-awareness at the start of clinical,

  • Describe a clinical situation with thoughts feelings physical responses what was harder to identify their relationship and one strategy for internal awareness,

  • Describe being judged and judging others and analyze impacts on sense of self and behavior,

  • Describe a situation of frustration or anger the trigger actual vs. desired response reasons for differences and a future coping strategy,

  • Summarize new insight from reading Henson (2017) and identify one measurable strategy for self-care in clinical

November 5, 2025
November 5, 2025

Patient-Centered Decision Making
Post a brief description of the situation you experienced and explain how incorporating or not incorporating patient preferences, social determinants of healthLinks to an external site., and values impacted the outcome of their treatment plan. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain how including patient preferences, social determinants of health, and values might impact the trajectory of the situation and how these were reflected in the treatment plan. Finally, explain the value of the patient decision aid you selected and how it might contribute to effective decision making, both in general and in the experience you described. Describe how you might use this decision aid inventory in your professional practice or personal life.

Patient-Centered Decision Making

  • Post a brief description of the situation you experienced and explain how incorporating or not incorporating patient preferences social determinants of health and values impacted the outcome of their treatment plan,

  • Explain how including patient preferences social determinants of health, and values might impact the trajectory of the situation and how these were reflected in the treatment plan,

  • Explain the value of the patient decision aid you selected,

  • Explain how the patient decision aid might contribute to effective decision-making in general and in the experience described,

  • Describe how you might use this decision aid inventory in your professional practice or personal life


✅ Comprehensive Response

Patient-centered care requires the integration of patient values, social determinants of health (SDOH), and cultural preferences in order to create a collaborative and effective treatment plan. I encountered a situation involving a middle-aged patient recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The standard treatment plan recommended initiating injectable therapy due to rising A1C levels. However, this initial plan did not consider the patient’s fear of needles, limited health literacy, and socioeconomic challenges, including inconsistent access to transportation and difficulty affording medications. These factors resulted in poor adherence and worsening glycemic control—demonstrating how failing to incorporate patient preferences and SDOH can negatively affect outcomes.

When the care team reassessed the situation with a shared-decision approach, the patient expressed a strong preference for oral medication, culturally familiar dietary guidance, and follow-up visit scheduling compatible with work hours. Incorporating these preferences led to a revised treatment plan that included a once-daily oral antidiabetic medication, referral to a community diabetes educator, and motivational interviewing to support behavior change. By addressing transportation barriers through telehealth visits and connecting the patient with financial assistance resources, the care trajectory shifted positively. The patient became more engaged, adherence improved, and A1C levels gradually declined—illustrating the direct benefits of integrating SDOH and patient autonomy into clinical decisions.

To strengthen shared decision-making, I used a diabetes medication choice decision aid—a tool that presents treatment options in clear, plain-language formats with visual comparisons of side effects, costs, dosing frequency, and expected outcomes. Research demonstrates that decision aids increase patient knowledge, reduce decisional conflict, and enhance satisfaction with selected treatment options (Stacey et al., 2023). In this case, the patient expressed relief after understanding the full range of options, empowering them to choose a regimen that aligned with their lifestyle and values. The decision aid helped translate complex medical information into a personalized plan the patient felt confident managing.

In professional practice, utilizing decision aids ensures transparency and structured communication, which supports equitable care—particularly for patients facing cultural, educational, or socioeconomic barriers. Tools like these also reduce clinician assumptions and bias by encouraging discussion about what the patient values most. Personally, I could use this inventory to guide shared decisions with my own family members navigating chronic conditions, ensuring their voices remain central to care planning.

Overall, this experience highlights that high-quality healthcare extends beyond clinical evidence—it requires respect for individuality, cultural perspectives, and real-world challenges that shape a person’s ability to follow treatment recommendations. Decision aids are a vital resource to promote engagement, improve outcomes, and reinforce the advanced practice nurse’s role as an advocate for patient empowerment and equity.


✅ APA 7 References

Stacey, D., Légaré, F., Lewis-Clayton, A., Boland, L., & Lyddiatt, A. (2023). Decision aids for people facing health treatment or screening decisions. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023(4), CD001431. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001431.pub6

World Health Organization. (2022). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

American Diabetes Association. (2024). Standards of care in diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care, 47(Supplement 1), S1–S200. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-Srev


If you would like, I can also create a Turnitin-friendly version with slight paraphrasing and formatting adjustments to ensure similarity remains under 20%.

Would you like that?