NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3: A Complete Guide for Nursing Students

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, nurse leaders play an indispensable role in shaping policies, improving health systems, and advocating for vulnerable populations. Capella University’s course NURS FPX 8024 – Health Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health equips learners with the tools to critically analyze health issues, evaluate existing policies, and develop advocacy strategies for sustainable change.

Among the key assignments in this course is NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3, which pushes students to go beyond identifying problems and analyzing policies. At this stage, learners begin to develop actionable advocacy strategies and apply evidence-based recommendations that address gaps in policy or practice.

This blog will serve as a detailed guide to understanding NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3—its structure, purpose, importance NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 1, example topics, and strategies for success.

Understanding the Course: NURS FPX 8024

The primary goal of NURS FPX 8024 is to help nurses evolve as policy advocates and healthcare leaders. By the time learners reach Assessment 3, they have already:

1. Identified a significant population health problem (Assessment 1).

2. Conducted a policy analysis and evaluated its impact on health outcomes and disparities (Assessment 2).

Now, in Assessment 3, the focus shifts to designing advocacy strategies and evidence-based policy recommendations that can influence systemic change.

What Is NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3?

Assessment 3 is where nursing learners transition from policy analysis to policy action. Instead of simply describing what exists, this assessment challenges students to:

• Identify advocacy opportunities within healthcare systems or political processes.

• Propose evidence-based policy recommendations.

• Develop actionable strategies for nurse-led advocacy.

• Highlight the role of nurse leaders in implementing change.

It answers the question:“Given the evidence and existing policies, how can nurse leaders advocate for change and improve outcomes?”

Objectives of NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3

The assessment aims to develop the following competencies:

1. Policy Evaluation and Action – Moving from analysis to recommendation.

2. Advocacy Planning – Outlining steps for nurse leaders to engage in advocacy.

3. Health Equity Focus – Ensuring solutions address disparities and vulnerable populations.

4. Evidence-Based Solutions – Supporting all recommendations with scholarly literature.

5. Leadership Skills – Demonstrating how nurse leaders engage stakeholders and policymakers.

Structure of NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3

A well-organized paper generally follows these sections:

1. Introduction

• Restate the health issue addressed in previous assessments.

• Briefly introduce policy gaps and the need for advocacy.

• State the purpose of the paper.

2. Overview of the Population Health Problem

• Summarize the issue (e.g., maternal mortality, opioid use, rural healthcare access) NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 2.

• Revisit why this issue is critical to population health and nursing practice.

3. Current Policy Landscape

• Recap the policy evaluated in Assessment 2.

• Highlight strengths and weaknesses.

• Discuss areas requiring improvement or reform.

4. Advocacy Opportunities for Nurse Leaders

• Explain how nurses can influence policy development or reform.

• Identify advocacy channels: professional organizations, legislative testimony, community partnerships, or interprofessional collaboration.

• Provide real-world examples of nurse-led advocacy initiatives.

5. Evidence-Based Recommendations

• Propose interventions or policy changes supported by peer-reviewed research.

• Link recommendations to health equity and improved outcomes.

• Address feasibility and potential barriers to implementation.

6. Advocacy Strategy Development

• Outline specific steps for advocacy (e.g., coalition-building, public awareness campaigns, policy brief development).

• Describe short-term and long-term strategies.

• Emphasize stakeholder engagement.

7. Role of Nurse Leaders in Advocacy

• Highlight the leadership skills required (communication, negotiation, collaboration).

• Discuss how DNP- and MSN-prepared nurses lead advocacy at multiple levels (organizational, state, federal).

8. Conclusion

• Summarize the key points: health issue, policy gaps, advocacy opportunities, and nurse leader roles.

• Reinforce the importance of nurse-led advocacy for population health.

9. References

• Include 8–12 recent scholarly sources.

• Use APA 7th edition for formatting.

Why NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3 Is Important

This assessment is critical for nursing learners for several reasons:

1. Bridges the Gap Between Policy and Action – Students learn how to move from theoretical analysis to practical solutions NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3.

2. Builds Advocacy Competence – Equips future nurse leaders with tools to influence policies at multiple levels.

3. Strengthens Equity Lens – Encourages learners to focus on underserved populations.

4. Prepares for Real-World Leadership – Develops skills essential for leadership roles in nursing organizations and healthcare systems.

Example Topics for NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3

Here are some strong population health issues and corresponding advocacy opportunities:

1. Maternal Mortality Disparities

   • Advocacy for improved access to prenatal care in underserved communities.

   • Nurse-led campaigns for culturally competent maternity care.

2. Opioid Use Disorder

   • Expanding access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

   • Advocacy for policy changes supporting nurse practitioner prescribing authority.

3. Mental Health Access in Rural Areas

   • Telehealth policy expansion and reimbursement reform.

   • Nurse-led advocacy for broadband access in rural communities.

4. Childhood Obesity Prevention

   • School-based nutrition and physical activity programs.

   • Policy reform to limit sugary beverages in schools.

5. COVID-19 Vaccine Equity

   • Ensuring equitable vaccine distribution among minority populations.

   • Advocacy for addressing vaccine hesitancy through community education.

Strategies for Success in NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3

1. Connect to Assessment 1 and 2– Maintain continuity by building on the same health issue and policy analysis.

2. Use High-Quality Evidence– Support recommendations with recent peer-reviewed studies, clinical guidelines, and reports from organizations like WHO, CDC, or ANA.

3. Focus on Feasibility– Advocacy strategies should be realistic, scalable, and evidence-based.

4. Highlight Health Equity– Always consider how vulnerable populations are impacted by policies and recommendations.

5. Demonstrate Leadership– Show how nurse leaders engage in advocacy at organizational, community, and legislative levels NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 4.

6. Follow APA Guidelines– Ensure accurate citations and proper formatting throughout the paper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Switching Topics – Stick to the health issue identified earlier in the course.

• Superficial Advocacy Plans – Avoid vague strategies; outline concrete steps.

• Ignoring Evidence – Unsupported recommendations weaken the paper.

• Neglecting Nurse Leadership – Always link advocacy to the role of nurse leaders.

• APA Errors – Small mistakes in formatting and citation can reduce grades unnecessarily.

Reflection: Becoming an Advocate

Students often report that completing NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 3 helps them develop an advocacy mindset. They begin to see themselves not only as care providers but as change agents who can influence systems, policies, and populations.

A learner’s reflection might sound like this:“Through Assessment 3, I realized that nursing leadership extends far beyond the bedside. By developing an advocacy strategy for mental health access, I learned how nurse leaders can collaborate with communities, legislators, and organizations to achieve lasting change.”