NR 711 Week 6 Financial Analysis

NR 711 Week 6 Financial Analysis

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-711: Fiscal Analysis & Project Management

Prof. Name:

Date

Financial Analysis Discussion

Purpose

The purpose of this discussion is to examine the role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-prepared nurse in ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission through effective financial management. This includes careful planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to support practice change initiatives. By developing a realistic financial plan, DNP-prepared nurses contribute to organizational sustainability while advancing quality outcomes in patient care.

Instructions

This week’s task focuses on preparing an estimated budget for a practice change project. The budget should include all resources with their associated costs, projected expenses, and anticipated revenues. Importantly, the final budget should result in either a balanced figure (zero) or a positive value. A negative balance would indicate inadequate preparation, insufficient revenue sources, or gaps in planning that could compromise the project’s feasibility.

Students are expected to reflect on their professional experience and scholarly readings while completing the budget.

Step 1: Budget Table Template

The first step involves downloading the provided budget template, entering specific project details, and saving the completed document for submission.

Required Action:

• Download the budget table.

• Insert estimated values for resources, expenses, and revenue.

• Save and upload the document as instructed.

Step 2: Identify Resources

Question: What resources are required for the practice change project?

Begin by identifying all resources necessary for implementation. Some common examples include, but are not limited to:

• Staff members (with defined roles)

• Training and education hours for staff

• Office or clinical supplies

• Marketing and educational materials

• Consultation fees (e.g., statistician)

• Meeting spaces (physical or virtual)

• Overhead costs such as room rental fees

• Additional resources specific to your project’s needs

Step 3: Estimate Expenses

Question: How should the expenses for each resource be calculated?

Expenses should be estimated by multiplying the unit cost by the required quantity or duration. For example:

This approach ensures transparency and accuracy in budget calculations.

Step 4: Identify Revenue Sources

Question: What revenue sources will cover these expenses?

Each listed expense must have a revenue source. Common revenue sources include:

• Institutional Budget Support: When the healthcare organization covers salaries, supplies, or services.

• In-Kind Donations: Contributions such as donated staff hours, departmental funds, or personal expenses (e.g., refreshments).

• Billing for Services: Limited to projects introducing a billable procedure or treatment. The formula may be:

  Encounter charge × number of patients per day × days per week × project weeks

• Grant Funding: Specific grants allocated to healthcare innovation or quality improvement projects may cover designated expenses. The grant must explicitly state what it funds.

Example Table – Revenue Sources

Step 5: Balance the Budget

Question: How do you ensure the budget balances correctly?

The formula to evaluate the balance is:

Revenues – Expenses = 0 or Positive Balance

For instance, if total expenses equal $4,000 and revenue sources equal $4,500, the project ends with a positive balance of $500. A balanced or surplus budget demonstrates feasibility and adequate planning.

Step 6: Monitoring and Controlling Project Finances

Question: What is the DNP-prepared nurse’s role in overseeing the budget?

The DNP-prepared nurse is responsible for:

• Tracking expenditures against budgeted amounts.

• Monitoring resource utilization to prevent overspending.

• Adjusting resource allocation as project needs evolve.

• Ensuring transparency in financial reporting.

• Collaborating with financial officers, administrators, and team members to sustain accountability.

This oversight ensures project sustainability and alignment with organizational priorities.

Program Competencies

This discussion supports the development of the following program competencies:

1. Integration of Scientific Knowledge: Applying evidence-based research in everyday clinical settings (POs 3, 5).

2. Use of Analytical Methods: Translating research findings into clinical scholarship for practice improvement (POs 3, 5).

3. Technology and Information Systems: Leveraging technology to enhance patient care delivery (POs 6, 7).

4. Healthcare Policy Analysis: Advocating for equity and social justice in healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations (POs 2, 9).

5. Leadership Development: Demonstrating advanced clinical judgment, resilience, systems thinking, and accountability when guiding practice initiatives (POs 1, 4).

Course Outcomes

By completing this discussion, students will:

1. Evaluate Financial Leadership: Assess the DNP-prepared nurse’s role in financial planning across healthcare systems (PCs 5, 8; POs 2, 4, 9).

2. Develop Project Strategies: Create actionable plans for project implementation, management, and evaluation to promote high-value healthcare (PCs 1, 3, 4; POs 3, 5, 7).

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. AACN.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Medicare telehealth services. https://www.cms.gov/

NR 711 Week 6 Financial Analysis

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). (2022). Grant programs. https://www.hrsa.gov/

Zaccagnini, M. E., & Pechacek, J. M. (2021). The doctor of nursing practice essentials: A new model for advanced practice nursing (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.