Understanding NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 1 and Assessment 2
The NURS FPX 4015 course at Capella University focuses on nursing leadership, patient-centered care, and evidence-based practice in professional settings. Assessments 1 and 2 in this course provide learners with opportunities to develop skills in clinical problem-solving, ethical NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 1 decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration. Each assessment builds on core nursing competencies, helping students bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in real healthcare environments. Assessment 2 centers on improving healthcare quality and patient safety. It allows learners to explore a real or hypothetical quality issue in their clinical setting, analyze its root causes, and propose an improvement plan.
NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 1: Applying Ethical Principles
Purpose of the Assessment
Assessment 1 focuses on the application of ethical principles in nursing practice. Nurses frequently face situations that challenge their professional values, patient rights, and ethical standards. This assessment requires students to analyze a healthcare scenario involving ethical dilemmas and propose a well-reasoned resolution.
Key Learning Objectives
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Apply the ANA Code of Ethics to clinical decision-making.
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Identify and evaluate ethical dilemmas in patient care.
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Demonstrate awareness of patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
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Develop effective communication strategies for ethical conflict resolution.
Assessment Requirements
Students typically begin by selecting or being assigned a realistic case study. This scenario often involves competing interests—such as balancing patient autonomy with safety, managing end-of-life care decisions, or handling situations where personal values conflict with professional responsibilities. Assessment 2 centers on improving healthcare quality and patient safety. It allows learners to explore a real or hypothetical quality issue in their clinical setting, analyze its root causes, and propose an improvement plan.
The assessment requires:
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Case Analysis – A clear outline of the ethical issues present.
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Application of Ethical Theories – For example, deontology or utilitarianism.
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Interprofessional Collaboration – Explaining how the nurse can work with other healthcare providers to achieve an ethical resolution.
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Evidence-Based Support – Citing scholarly resources to justify decisions.
Skills Developed
This task enhances a nurse’s critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and patient advocacy abilities. It encourages learners to see beyond immediate clinical outcomes and consider the moral implications of their choices. Assessment 2 centers on improving healthcare quality and patient safety. It allows learners to explore a real or hypothetical quality issue in their clinical setting, analyze its root causes, and propose an improvement plan.
NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 2: Enhancing Quality and Safety
Purpose of the Assessment
Assessment 2 centers on improving healthcare quality and patient safety. It allows learners to explore a real or hypothetical quality issue in their clinical setting, analyze its root causes, and propose an improvement plan.
Key Learning Objectives
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Identify factors contributing to quality and safety challenges in healthcare.
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Utilize evidence-based practice to create solutions.
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Understand the role of systems thinking in preventing errors.
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Apply quality improvement (QI) models, such as PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act).
Assessment Requirements
Students are expected to:
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Select a Quality/Safety Issue – This could be medication errors, patient falls, hospital-acquired infections, or communication breakdowns in care teams.
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Root Cause Analysis – Using frameworks such as the Fishbone Diagram or 5 Whys to identify underlying causes.
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Develop an Improvement Plan – Outlining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
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Implementation Strategy – Detailing how interventions will be tested and evaluated.
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Evaluation Measures – Choosing appropriate metrics to track progress.
Skills Developed
This assessment strengthens problem-solving, data analysis, and quality improvement competencies. It also NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 2 promotes a proactive mindset, equipping nurses to prevent harm and advocate for safer systems.
How Assessment 1 and 2 Connect
While Assessment 1 emphasizes ethical decision-making and Assessment 2 focuses on quality and safety, the two are interconnected. Ethical considerations are often embedded in quality improvement work. For example, when addressing medication safety, nurses must also respect patient autonomy and informed consent. Assessment 2 centers on improving healthcare quality and patient safety. It allows learners to explore a real or hypothetical quality issue in their clinical setting, analyze its root causes, and propose an improvement plan.
Both assessments:
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Require evidence-based research to guide decisions.
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Promote interprofessional collaboration for optimal patient outcomes.
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Reinforce patient-centered care as a foundational nursing principle.
Best Practices for Success
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Engage with Scholarly Sources – Use peer-reviewed nursing journals, guidelines from the Joint Commission, and ethical frameworks from the ANA.
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Use Realistic Scenarios – Relating assessments to your own clinical experiences makes the work more meaningful and practical.
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Apply Frameworks – Ethical decision-making models for Assessment 1 and QI models for Assessment 2 help structure analysis.
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Reflect on Professional Growth – Document how completing these tasks improves your nursing practice.
Conclusion
NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 1 equips nursing students with tools to manage complex ethical situations, while NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 2 develops their ability to enhance quality and safety in healthcare environments. Together, they help future nursing leaders balance moral responsibility with clinical excellence. By mastering both, students strengthen their professional judgment, communication skills, and capacity to deliver safe, ethical, and effective patient care. Assessment 2 centers on improving healthcare quality and patient safety. It allows learners to explore a real or hypothetical quality issue in their clinical setting, analyze its root causes, and propose an improvement plan.