Course Description
This course examines leadership issues related to professional nursing and health from an economic, legal, regulatory and political framework. Evidence-based strategies designed to influence organizational, institutional and governmental decisions impacting nursing, leadership and healthcare are discussed. Topics for discussion include compliance with regulatory standards, nursing ethics and professional responsibility and the sociopolitical landscape. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
- NUR 301: Baccalaureate Nursing Role
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will have gained knowledge about:
- Analyze U.S. healthcare system structure and emerging trends, including the roles of government & regulatory agencies, AI regulation, health equity, and post-COVID forces in shaping health policy.
- Evaluate the impact of healthcare financing & reimbursement models and digital health innovations (e.g., value-based care, bundled payments) impact patient outcomes, nurse staffing sustainability, and organizational performance.
- Interpret current and emerging laws (scope of practice, AI liability, patient privacy) affect nursing roles and their ethical implications for nursing roles.
- Assess ethical dilemmas that arise in nursing practice across diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, hospice, long-term care, and community-based care with attention to patient rights, informed consent, end-of-life decision-making, and equitable treatment in technology-driven care and resource-constrained settings, focusing on equity and patient rights.
- Apply ethical frameworks to scenarios involving AI-assisted decisions, staffing shortages, and competing obligations between patients, families, and institutional policies.
- Design advocacy strategies for influencing policy reforms on safe staffing, AI governance, and health equity through advocacy, leadership, and participation in professional organizations.
- Integrate economic, technological, and ethical reasoning into decisions balancing cost, quality, and equitable access.
- Reflect on the nurse’s role as an ethical leader in shaping policy for sustainable, patient-centered systems of care.
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Nickitas, D. M., Middaugh, D. J., & Feeg, V. D. (2025). Policy and politics for nurses and other health professionals: Advocacy and Action. 4th edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Porche, D.J. (2023). Health Policy: Applications for Nurses and Other Healthcare Professionals. 3rd. edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Additional Resources
- 2025 Code of Ethics: American Nurses Association: 2025 Code of Ethics Provisions | American Nurses Association
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (8 Pts/Week, Weeks 1-8) | 40% |
Week 1 Paper | 6% |
Week 2 Paper | 6% |
Week 3 Paper | 7% |
Week 4 Paper | 7% |
Week 5 Paper | 7% |
Week 6 Paper | 8% |
Week 7 Paper | 9% |
Week 8 Paper | 10% |
Total | 100% |
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1 | Topics: Policy and Politics in Nursing and Health Care
|
|
2 | 2 | Topics: Health Care Delivery Systems and Financing
|
|
3 | 1,3 | Topics: Policy and Politics in the Government
|
|
4 | 4,5 | Topics: Policy and Politics in the Work Place and Workforce
|
|
5 | 1,5,7 | Topics: Policy and Politics in Association and Interest Groups
|
|
6 | 1,6 | Topics: Policy and Politics in the Community
|
|
7 | 3,7 | Topics: Code of Ethics and Impact on Policy and Practice
|
|
8 | 4,5,8 | Topics: Code of Ethics and Practice
|
|
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.