Assessment Task 3: Application of Change Theory in Nursing Leadership

Course Details

Course Code: NURS 4455

Course Title: Nursing Leadership and Management

University: University of Texas at Arlington

Semester: Spring 2026

Level: Undergraduate (Year 4)

Assessment Weighting: 30%

Due Date: Week 10

Word Count: 1,200–1,500 words

Context

This assessment explores change theory application in nursing leadership to manage organisational improvements effectively. It aligns with AACN baccalaureate essentials, focusing on leading change for quality and safety. Students draw from modules on theories like Lewin and Kotter to plan initiatives addressing common issues such as communication breakdowns or policy adoption in clinical environments.

Task Description

Select a change theory (e.g., Lewin’s Three-Step Model or Kotter’s 8 Steps) and apply it to a nursing leadership scenario, such as implementing a new hand hygiene protocol or evidence-based pain management guideline. Describe the theory, justify selection, outline steps with timeline, identify stakeholders and barriers, and propose evaluation methods.

Requirements

• Choose a realistic scenario from options: improving shift handoffs, reducing fall rates, or adopting telehealth monitoring.
• Include SWOT analysis of the change context.
• Detail leadership strategies for each theory stage/step, including communication and resistance management.
• Support with at least four peer-reviewed sources from 2018-2026.
• Use APA 7th edition; include title page, headings, and reference list.
• Submit via learning platform as Word document.

Marking Criteria/Rubric

1. Theory Description and Justification (20%): Clear overview of selected model; rationale linked to scenario and evidence.
2. Application and Planning (30%): Detailed steps/timeline; SWOT integrated logically.
3. Leadership Strategies (25%): Effective approaches to stakeholders, barriers, resistance.
4. Evaluation and Sustainability (15%): Measurable outcomes; plans for long-term embedding.
5. Academic Standards (10%): Structure, word count adherence, APA accuracy.

Lewin’s model guided the change with an unfreezing phase involving staff surveys revealing inconsistent hand hygiene compliance due to time pressures. Education sessions highlighted infection risks to create urgency and build coalition support. Change phase implemented visual reminders and peer champions for reinforcement. Refreezing incorporated audits into routine performance reviews to sustain gains. Leadership facilitated open forums addressing resistance from workload concerns. Evaluation tracked compliance rates monthly, aiming for 95% adherence. As noted by Hussain et al. (2018), Lewin’s structured approach supports lasting behavioural shifts in healthcare settings. Ongoing feedback loops ensured adaptation.

• References

1. Hussain, S. T., Lei, S., Akram, T., Haider, M. J., Hussain, S. H. and Ali, M. (2018) ‘Kurt Lewin’s change model: a critical review of the role of leadership and employee involvement in organizational change’, Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 3(3), pp. 123-127. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2016.07.002.
2. Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2019) Leading and managing in nursing. 7th edn. St. Louis: Elsevier. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/books/leading-and-managing-in-nursing/yoder-wise/978-0-323-44913-7.
3. Marquis, B. L. and Huston, C. J. (2021) Leadership roles and management functions in nursing. 10th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. Available at: https://shop.lww.com/Leadership-Roles-and-Management-Functions-in-Nursing/p/9781975139216.
4. Batras, D., Duff, C. and Smith, B. J. (2019) ‘Organizational change theory: implications for health promotion practice’, Health Promotion International, 31(1), pp. 231-241. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/dau098.