NURS-6050 Week 2: Assignment Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet
Agenda Comparison Grid Assignment Template for Part 1 and Part 2
The healthcare workforce shortage has become a pressing issue in the U.S., exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have recognized this concern, albeit with different approaches to addressing it. Healthcare workforce expansion is crucial not only for meeting the growing demands of an aging population but also for enhancing healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. Efforts to expand the workforce include recruitment, training, and retention programs, with significant federal investments under President Biden’s administration. Former President Trump’s administration focused on immediate emergency responses during the pandemic, providing temporary solutions. The ongoing strain on healthcare systems highlights the need for long-term strategies to ensure a sustainable workforce that can meet the country’s healthcare demands. Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups must work together to address this issue, as it directly affects patient outcomes and the country’s preparedness for future health crises (Krasna & Fried, 2021; Lin, 2021).
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Use this Agenda Comparison Grid to document information about the population health/healthcare issue you selected and the presidential agendas. By completing this grid, you will develop a more in depth understanding of your selected issue and how you might position it politically based on the presidential agendas.
You will use the information in the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid to complete the remaining Part 2 and Part 3 of your Assignment.
| Identify the Population Health concern you selected. | Healthcare Workforce Expansion | |
| Describe the Population Health concern you selected. | Healthcare workforce expansion refers to the need for more trained healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand for services, particularly in underserved areas and specialties. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified workforce shortages, leading to calls for increased recruitment, training, and retention efforts to ensure access to care and address future health emergencies. | |
| Administration (President Name) | Joe Biden | Donald Trump |
| Explain how each of the two presidential administrations approached the issue. | The Biden administration has made healthcare workforce expansion a priority, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden’s American Rescue Plan strengthened the public health workforce by hiring more doctors, nurses, and public health workers (Krasna & Fried, 2021). His administration has also focused on expanding access to healthcare education and training programs, especially in underserved areas and for primary care and behavioral health services. | Trump’s administration addressed workforce issues primarily through emergency measures during the pandemic. Efforts included providing support to frontline healthcare workers via emergency funding in the CARES Act and focusing on deregulation to increase the flexibility of state and local health systems (Roberts, 2022). However, long-term strategies for healthcare workforce expansion were not a major focus during Trump’s term, though he promoted telehealth services to alleviate pressure on healthcare systems. |
| Identify the allocations of resources that the current and previous presidents dedicated to this issue. | Allocated over $7.4 billion to recruit and hire public health workers (Krasna & Fried, 2021). Additionally, Biden’s Build Back Better framework proposes further investments in healthcare workforce development, including increasing funding for health education and improving working conditions for healthcare providers. | The Trump administration provided emergency funding through the CARES Act, which included $100 billion to support hospitals and healthcare workers (Cirruzzo, 2020). However, there was less focus on long-term healthcare workforce development. The administration also temporarily relaxed certain healthcare regulations to increase workforce flexibility during the pandemic. |
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid, complete the following to document information about the population health/healthcare issue you selected
| Administration | |
| Which administrative agency (like HHS, CDC, FDA, OHSA) would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected? Why is this agency the most helpful? | The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be the most helpful agency in addressing the issue of healthcare workforce expansion. HRSA focuses on improving access to health care for vulnerable populations by overseeing programs that support healthcare workforce development, such as scholarships, loan repayment programs, and training grants for healthcare providers (Lin, 2021). It also manages initiatives that expand the reach of healthcare services in underserved areas. Through HRSA, federal programs can directly address the shortage of healthcare workers by incentivizing education and retention in the healthcare field. The agency is critical in recruiting, retaining, and redistributing healthcare professionals to areas where they are needed most. Given its focus on medically underserved areas and improving access to care, HRSA is best positioned to administer resources and develop long-term strategies for expanding and maintaining a strong healthcare workforce in the U.S. health system. |
| How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the presidential agenda? How does it stay there? | Healthcare workforce expansion is likely to reach the presidential agenda through a combination of public health crises, advocacy from professional healthcare organizations, and pressure from state and local governments. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages became an urgent issue as healthcare workers struggled to meet the demands of increasing patient loads (Willis et al., 2021). This highlighted the importance of investing in healthcare workers, spurring both short-term and long-term policy considerations. Sustained efforts to keep this issue on the agenda would depend on continuous lobbying by healthcare groups, the growing recognition of healthcare disparities, and support from key legislative bodies. Workforce issues are directly tied to patient care outcomes, making them politically relevant and likely to remain a priority as the need for improved access to quality care increases. Media coverage and the role of healthcare professionals during crises will also help maintain visibility. |
| Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor (this can be a celebrity, a legislator, an agency director, or others) of the healthcare issue you selected? An example is Michael J. Fox a champion for Parkinson’s disease. | A strong champion for healthcare workforce expansion could be Senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders has long advocated for improvements in healthcare, including access and working conditions for healthcare professionals. He has supported policies like Medicare for All, which emphasize the importance of a robust and well-funded healthcare workforce to ensure universal access to care. As a well-known legislator with a large public following, Sanders has the platform and influence to bring attention to the workforce shortage issue. His dedication to healthcare reform and equitable healthcare delivery aligns with the need for more healthcare workers, especially in underserved communities. Additionally, his advocacy for better working conditions and financial support for healthcare providers through scholarships and loan repayment programs can help address recruitment and retention challenges. His influence in Congress and across the healthcare sector would make him an effective leader for this issue. |
Part 3: Narrative
Why This Healthcare Issue is Important and Should be Included in the Agenda for Legislation
The healthcare workforce is the backbone of any effective healthcare system, and the current shortage of trained professionals poses a significant threat to public health. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the healthcare workforce crisis, highlighting gaps in the availability of doctors, nurses, and public health workers, especially in underserved areas. Expanding the healthcare workforce is critical to ensuring that all Americans, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, have access to quality healthcare. Investing in workforce expansion also supports the healthcare system’s ability to respond to future public health emergencies and improves the overall quality of care provided to patients. Addressing this issue is not just a matter of improving access to healthcare; it is essential for safeguarding public health and preparing for the future of healthcare in the United States (Krasna & Fried, 2021).
The Role of Nurses in Agenda Setting for Healthcare Issues
Nurses play a critical role in healthcare advocacy and policymaking due to their direct involvement in patient care and their understanding of healthcare delivery systems. As the largest group of healthcare professionals, nurses witness firsthand the challenges posed by workforce shortages, especially in high-demand and underserved areas. They can advocate for legislation that addresses these shortages, providing policymakers with valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of healthcare delivery. By engaging in policy advocacy, nurses help ensure that decisions made by legislators reflect the needs of patients and healthcare providers alike. Their involvement in agenda setting is crucial to driving reforms that improve access to care, enhance the quality of healthcare services, and address critical workforce shortages (Lin, 2021).
Summary/Conclusions
The Agenda Comparison Grid and its analysis emphasize how healthcare workforce expansion has been approached by two presidential administrations—Biden and Trump. Biden’s focus has been on sustainable, long-term workforce investments, while Trump’s efforts were more immediate, primarily focused on addressing the COVID-19 crisis. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is a key agency in supporting workforce expansion through educational programs and financial incentives. For this issue to remain on the national agenda, it will require continuous advocacy from healthcare professionals and support from key policymakers. Nurses, in particular, are positioned as important advocates due to their front-line experience and understanding of workforce challenges. To effect meaningful and lasting change, collaboration between policymakers and healthcare professionals is critical in ensuring the healthcare system is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the U.S. population.
References
Cirruzzo, C. (2020). Trump slams HHS OIG report on hospitals’ COVID-19 needs. Inside CMS, 23(15), 1-11. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27063476
Krasna, H., & Fried, L. (2021). Generation public health: fixing the broken bridge between public health education and the governmental workforce. American Journal of Public Health, 111(8), 1413-1417. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306317
Lin, S. C. (2021). Equitable access and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for US vulnerable populations: federal health center program perspective. American Journal of Public Health, 111(6), 1070-1072. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306267?journalCode=ajph
Roberts, K. M. (2022). Performing crisis? Trump, populism and the GOP in the age of COVID-19. Government and Opposition, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1017/gov.2022.30
Willis, K., Ezer, P., Lewis, S., Bismark, M., & Smallwood, N. (2021). “Covid just amplified the cracks of the system”: working as a frontline health worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), 10178. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910178
NURS-6050 Week 2: Assignment Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet Instructions
It may seem to you that healthcare has been a national topic of debate among political leaders for as long as you can remember.
Healthcare has been a policy item and a topic of debate not only in recent times but as far back as the administration of the second U.S. president, John Adams. In 1798, Adams signed legislation requiring that 20 cents per month of a sailor’s paycheck be set aside for covering their medical bills. This represented the first major piece of U.S. healthcare legislation, and the topic of healthcare has been woven into presidential agendas and political debate ever since.
As a healthcare professional, you may be called upon to provide expertise, guidance and/or opinions on healthcare matters as they are debated for inclusion into new policy. You may also be involved in planning new organizational policy and responses to changes in legislation. For all of these reasons you should be prepared to speak to national healthcare issues making the news.
In this Assignment, you will analyze recent presidential healthcare agendas. You also will prepare a fact sheet to communicate the importance of a healthcare issue and the impact on this issue of recent or proposed policy.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To Prepare:
- Review the agenda priorities of the current/sitting U.S. president and at least one previous presidential administration.
Tip: You can locate presidential agenda information by searching Google for your health topic and the president. For example, mental health Obama presidential agenda. - Select an issue related to healthcare that was addressed by two U.S. presidential administrations (current and previous).
- Consider how you would communicate the importance of a healthcare issue to a legislator/policymaker or a member of their staff for inclusion on an agenda.
- Use your Week 1 Discussion post to help with this assignment.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid, 1-Page Analysis, and 1-page narrative) with a title page. This is an APA paper. Use 2-3 course resources and at least 2 outside resources.
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Use the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and complete the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid based on the current/sitting U.S. president and the previous president, and their agendas related to the population health concern you selected. Be sure to address the following:
- Identify and provide a brief description of the population health concern you selected.
- Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue.
- Identify the allocation of resources that the presidents dedicated to this issue.
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid on the template, complete the Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis portion of the template, by addressing the following:
- Which administrative agency (like HHS, CDC, FDA, OHSA) would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected and why is this agency the most helpful for the issue?
- How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the presidential agenda? How does it stay there?
- An entrepreneur/champion/sponsor helps to move the issue forward. Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor (this can be a celebrity, a legislator, an agency director, or others) of the healthcare issue you selected and why would this person be a good entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor? An example is Michael J. Fox is champion for Parkinson’s disease.
Part 3: Fact Sheet
Using the information recorded on the template in Parts 1 and 2, develop a 1-page fact sheet that you could use to communicate with a policymaker/legislator or a member of their staff for this healthcare issue. Be sure to address the following:
- Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation.
- Justify the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.
Assignment document should include:
- Title page
- Introductory paragraph
- Agenda comparison grid and analysis
- Fact sheet
- Summary/conclusions
- References
By Day 7 of Week 2
Submit your final version of Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid, Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis, and Part 3: Narrative.
submission information
Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.
- To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK2Assgn+LastName+Firstinitial
- Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
- Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.
NURS-6050 Week 2: Assignment Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet Rubric
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Part 1: Agenda Comparison GridExplain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue. Identify the allocations of resources that the two presidents dedicated to this issue.
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Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis- Address the following:Which administrative agency would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected? Why is this agency most helpful?How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the agenda? How does it stay there?Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue you selected and justify your selection NURS-6050 Week 2: Assignment Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet
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Part 3: Fact SheetBased on your Agenda Comparison Grid for the healthcare issue you selected, develop a 1-2-page narrative that you could use to communicate with a policy- maker/legislator or a member of their staff for this healthcare issue.Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation.Justify the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues
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Resources
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Written Expression and Formatting: ParagraphParagraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, low logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance.
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Written Expression and Formatting: English Writing StandardsCorrect grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation.
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Written Expression and Formatting: The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, indentations, parenthetical/in- text citations, and reference list.
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