NURSING FINANCES

Having a budget is critical for the financial stability of an organization. Keeping track of how well the organization is actually adhering to the budget, and subsequent identification of why the budget numbers are being missed is equally important. Without this critical “why” piece, it is difficult to make the necessary adjustments to the budget or to organizational behavior that might be promoting overspending. NURSING FINANCES

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A good budget is built with thoughtful consideration of future costs and revenue. Though your budget is formulated with expected figures in mind, the actual resulting values may vary considerably. This variance–from projected to actual–can be a pleasant surprise or a fiscal nightmare and can make financial decision making difficult. Fortunately, variance analysis can enable management to determine why variance occurred and what can be done to mitigate its effects.

Note: For those Assignments in this course that require you to perform calculations you must:

• Use the Excel spreadsheet template for the Week 8 assignment
• Show all your calculations and formulas in the spreadsheet.
• Answer any questions included with the problems (as text in the Excel spreadsheet). NURSING FINANCES

Salary Variance Scenario

For this Assignment run a variance analysis. Based on the information you obtain: assess the results of the analysis, suggest potential causes of the budget variances and an explanation for addressing the situation.

Using the following performance data calculate the volume adjusted labor rate variance and volume adjusted efficiency variance. Your Variable Expense Factor is 40% and your Volume Change Factor is 50%. NURSING FINANCES

STATE OF THE NATION IN TERMS OF UNEMPLOYMENT

Use the information found on the official Department of Labor website, http://www.bls.gov/home.htm.as well as other sources

Unemployment is one of the major concerns that people have in today’s economy, since losing one’s job can be one of the most devastating events a person can experience. But what do the numbers actually mean? What is the actual state of the economy, in terms of its ability to generate jobs for its citizens? STATE OF THE NATION IN TERMS OF UNEMPLOYMENT

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Questions:

1. What is the labor force participation rate? What was the labor force participation rate in 2008? How has it changed since 2008 and what does this change imply for the state of the economy? Does the labor force participation rate effect the unemployment rates reported in the media?
2. How is unemployment measured and reported?
3. What is a discouraged worker? Are they included in the basic unemployment rate? Are they included in any measure of unemployment? How has the number of discouraged workers changed since 2008? How does the exclusion of the discouraged worker affect the basic unemployment rate reported in the media?
4. What is frictional unemployment? What is structural unemployment? What is cyclical unemployment? What economic policies should be used to deal with these types of unemployment? Which type is most prevalent in today’s economy?
5. Unemployment insurance is designed to help the unemployed. Do these benefits encourage or discourage a person from looking for work? How long should these benefits last?
6. Does the existence of unions help or hurt the overall economy and the employment rate? Why or why not? STATE OF THE NATION IN TERMS OF UNEMPLOYMENT

Deliverables:

• Prepare a 5-10 page Microsoft Word document that addresses the above-noted concerns and meets APA standards.
• Include a summary section in your report that contains 5-7 bullet points identifying your major findings or conclusions of your paper. 
• Submit this report (as an attachment) as your initial post in the W2: Assignment 1 Discussion Area by Friday October 7, 2016
  
• For the convenience of your classmates, post your summary 5-7 bullet points in the dialogue box of the discussion area along with the attachment (full report).
• By the end of the week, comment on at least two other presentations and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each.

All submissions must be original and all resources must be properly acknowledged. STATE OF THE NATION IN TERMS OF UNEMPLOYMENT

CORRELATION EXERCISE

Correlations are used to describe the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables. A correlation between two variables is known as a bivariate correlation. In this module the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation will be used when running a correlation matrix. The Pearson correlation coefficient ranges from a value of -1.0 to 1.0. A correlation coefficient is never above 1.0 or below -1.0. A perfect positive correlation is 1.0 and a perfect negative correlation is -1.0. The size of the coefficient determines the strength of the relationship and the sign (i.e., + or -) determines the direction of the relationship. The closer the value is to zero the weaker the relationship and the closer the value is to 1.0 or -1.0 the stronger the relationship. A correlation coefficient of zero indicates no relationship between the variables. CORRELATION EXERCISE

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A scatterplot is used to depict the relationship between two variables. The general shape of the collection of points indicates whether the correlation is positive or negative. A positive relationship will have the data points group into a cluster from the lower left hand corner to the upper right hand corner of the graph. A negative relationship will be depicted by points clustering in the lower right hand corner to the upper left hand corner of the graph. When the two variables are not related the points on the scatterplot will be scattered in a random fashion. 

Using Polit2SetB dataset, create a correlation matrix using the following variables: Number of visits to the doctor in the past 12 months (docvisit), body mass index (bmi), Physical Health component subscale (sf12phys) and Mental Health component subscale (sf12ment). Run means and descriptives for each variable as well as the correlation matrix. 

Follow these steps using SPSS:

1.Click Analyze, then correlate, then bivariate. 

2.Select each variable and move them into the box labeled “Variables.”  CORRELATION EXERCISE

3.Be sure the Pearson and two-tailed box is checked.

4.Click on the options tab (upper right corner) and check “means and standard deviations.” The exclude cases pairwise should also be checked. Click continue.

5.Click OK

To run descriptives for docvisit, bmi, sf12phys and sf12ment do the following in SPSS: 

1.Click Analyze then click Descriptives Statistics, then Descriptives.

2.Click the first continuous variable you wish to obtain descriptives for (docvisit) and then click on the arrow button and move it into the Variables box. Then click bmi and then click on the arrow button and move it into the Variables box. Then click sf12phys and then click on the arrow button and move it into the Variables box. Then click sf12ment and then click on the arrow button and move it into the Variables box.

3.Click the Options button in the upper right corner. Click mean and standard deviation.

4.Click continue and then click OK. 

Assignment: Answer the following questions about the correlation matrix.

1.What is the strongest correlation in the matrix? (Provide correlation value and names of variables)

2.What is the weakest correlation in the matrix? (Provide correlation value and names of variables)

3.How many original correlations are present on the matrix?

4.What does the entry of 1.00 indicate on the diagonal of the matrix?

5.Indicate the strength and direction of the relationship between body mass index and physical health component subscale? 

6.Which variable is most strongly correlated with body mass index? What is the correlational coefficient? What is the sample size for this relationship? 

7.What is the mean and standard deviation for bmi and doctor visits? CORRELATION EXERCISE

Part II

Using Polit2SetB dataset, create a scatterplot using the following variables: x-axis = body mass index (bmi) and the y-axis = weight-pounds (weight).

Follow these steps in SPSS:

1.Click Graphs, then click on Legacy Dialogs, then click “Scatter/Dot”. 

2.Click “Simple Scatter” and then click “Define.” 

3.Click on weight-pounds and move it to the Y-axis box and then click on body mass index and move it to the x-axis box. 

4.Click OK.

To run descriptives for bmi and weight do the following in SPSS:

5.Click Analyze then click Descriptives Statistics, then Descriptives.

6.Click the first continuous variable you wish to obtain descriptives for (body mass index) and then click on the arrow button and move it into the Variables box. Then click weight-pounds and then click on the arrow button and move it into the Variables box.

7.Click the Options button in the upper right corner. Click mean and standard deviation.

8.Click continue and then click OK. 

Assignment:

1.What is the mean and standard deviation for weight and bmi?

2.Describe the strength and direction of the relationship between weight and bmi?

3.Describe the scatterplot? What information does it provide to a researcher?

References 3 references required

Required Media

Walden University. (n.d.). Correlations. Retrieved August 1, 2011, from http://streaming.waldenu.edu/hdp/researchtutorials/educ8106_player/educ8106_correlations.html CORRELATION EXERCISE

Required Readings

Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

Chapter 23, “Using Statistics to Examine Relationships”

Statistics and Data Analysis for Nursing Research

Chapter 4, “Bivariate Description: Crosstabulation, Risk Indexes, and Correlation” (pp. 59–61 and 68–78)

Chapter 9, “Correlation and Simple Regression” (pp. 197–209) CORRELATION EXERCISE

Work Breakdown Structure

Within reason, is there such a thing as a project that is too complex to complete? Consider the Space Shuttle. One of the most complex machines ever built, the Space Shuttle had over 2.5 million parts, each of which had to be accounted for by someone. How did anyone manage to track and properly assemble these parts? The answer is through the application of a work breakdown structure (WBS). A WBS is a fundamental tool that project managers use to organize and divide the work of a project. A WBS focuses on breaking down a project’s scope into individual deliverables that may be created by assigned team members. Work Breakdown Structure

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There are multiple work breakdown structure formats and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Project managers select a type of WBS based upon the specifics of the project they are managing. Each WBS format emphasizes different aspects of a project. These varied perspectives may each be appropriate, depending upon what information a project manager needs.

In this Discussion, you analyze different WBS formats and evaluate whether they meet basic criteria for clarity.

To prepare:

• Explore the Work Breakdown Structure Formats document included in this week’s Learning Resources. The document presents a scenario and three corresponding WBS formats that pertain to the scenario. (SEE ATTACHED PDF FILE)
• Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each WBS format included in the document.
• Think about the level of detail dedicated to task information in each WBS format. Evaluate the formats based on the following criteria for clarity:

• The task has a measurable status or completion.
• The task has defined start and end events.
• The task has a deliverable.
• The task’s time and cost are easily estimated.
• The task can be completed without interruption and additional input after its start.

Post  by tomorrow 10/04/16 a minimum of 550 words essay in APA format with 3 references. Based on the Work Breakdown Structure Formats document attached in the file area, address the level one headings as numbered below:

1) An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each work breakdown structure format.

2) Provide an analysis of whether (and how) the work breakdown structures meet the assigned criteria for clarity. Work Breakdown Structure

3) Provide a rationale for your response.

Required Readings

Biafore, B. (2010). Microsoft Project 2010: The missing manual. Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly.

• Chapter 4, “Breaking Work Into Task-Sized Chunks” (pp. 77–100)  This chapter explains how to create a work breakdown structure and how to import a work breakdown structure into Microsoft Project.  Coplan, S., & Masuda, D. (2011). Project management for healthcare information technology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

• Chapter 3, “Project Management”
  • “Prepare Work Breakdown Structure and WBS Dictionary” (pp. 53–56) This section of Chapter 3 reviews the core processes of preparing a work breakdown structure (WBS). The chapter provides an example of a WBS and details its essential components. Project Management Institute. (2013). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK guide) (5th ed.). Newtown Square, PA: Author.

• Chapter 5, “Project Scope Management”
  • 5.3, “Create WBS” (pp. 125–132) This section of Chapter 5 reviews the process of creating a work breakdown structure. Specifically, the chapter examines how to determine inputs, WBS tools and techniques, and outputs. Kendrick, T. (2009). Identifying & managing project risk: Essential tools for failure-proofing your project(2nd ed., Ebrary version). New York, NY: AMACOM.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Chapter 3, “Identifying Project Scope Risk” (pp. 40–69)  This chapter examines methods of identifying scope risks and the types of scope risks pertaining to project deliverables. The chapter highlights a variety of sources of scope risk as well.  Shirey, M. R. (2008). Project management tools for leaders and entrepreneurs. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 22(3), 129–131.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. The author of this article introduces project management tools that clinical nurse specialists may use to coordinate team work. The article highlights the usage of one such tool, the Gantt chart. Thomas, M., Jacques, P. H., Adams, J. R., & Kihneman-Wooten, J. (2008). Developing an effective project: Planning and team building combined. Project Management Journal, 39(4), 105–113.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. This article analyzes project planning and control and the process of developing a project plan. The article also reports the results of research that sought to determine 137 organizations’ approaches to establishing projects. U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2009, March 2). Work breakdown structure. GAO Reports, 65–78. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. This article examines the importance of a work breakdown structure (WBS) in project management. Work Breakdown Structure The chapter demonstrates how a WBS assists in resource identification, cost estimation, and risk determination. Wu, Z., Schmidt, L. P., & Wigstrom, M. S. (2010). Product development workflow management based on work breakdown structure. IIE Annual Conference. Proceedings, 1–5.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.The authors of this article highlight the usage of WBS in managing complex product development projects. The authors examine how a WBS helps represent and manage the intricacies of tasks and activity relationships. Mathis, M. (n.d.). Work breakdown structure: Purpose, process and pitfalls. Retrieved March 13, 2013, from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/work-breakdown-structure-purpose-process-pitfalls.html This article provides a general review of the WBS. The author focuses on the purpose, process, and pitfalls of a WBS. Document: Work Breakdown Structure Formats (PDF) (See ATTACHED PDF IN FILE AREA) This document presents a scenario and three corresponding work breakdown structures that you will use for your Discussion this week. Required MediaLaureate Education (Producer). (2013c). Planning, part I: Defining project scope and activities [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu  Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 6 minutes. In this presentation, the participants discuss defining project scope and project activities, using the work breakdown structure, and managing project risk through SWOT analysis. Work Breakdown Structure

Certification Plan

Begin to develop a plan to pass the Certification Exam. Compare your home state’s laws (Georgia) in regards to Advanced Practice Nursing Practice to an alternate state with a less or more restrictive practice environment. Certification Plan

For this Assignment, you will create a professional cover letter, resume, and portfolio that you can use as you pursue your next professional role.

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To prepare:

Consider the differences in certification exams options for your specialty (ANCC -vs-AANP)

Reflect on how to approach relocating licensure from one state to another

Write a 2-3 page paper which summarizes the following:

Identify the certification exam you selected and explain why (My Choice is AANP EXAM)

Outline your plan for passing the appropriate National Certification Exam

Describe the NP Practice environment for your home state (  Georgia)  highlighting restrictions or limitations for practice Certification Plan

Reference

Certification Sites

The purpose of the credentialing body is to provide a valid and reliable program for entry-level nurse practitioners to recognize and validate their education, knowledge, and professional expertise as a nurse practitioner. Both credentialing bodies will be reviewed including application process.

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (n.d.). American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Program. Retrieved from http://www.aanpcert.org/index

American Nurses Association (n.d.). American Nurses Credentialing Center. Retrieved from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (n.d.). Boards and Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/boards.htm

National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (2011). Statement on Acute Care and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practice. Retrieved from http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/imported/NPPrimaryCareAcuteCarePracticeFINAL.pdf

Required Media

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (2011, April 19). A Brief History of the AANP [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M9gyjvpetw Certification Plan