Walden University M.S. in Nursing Formative Evaluation Criteria for Applications and Formal Papers Categories and Criteria Points QUALITY OF WORK SUBMITTED - 35 Possible Points 1. The extent to which work meets the assigned criteria and work reflects graduate level critical and analytic thinking (0-30 Points) Assignment exceeds expectations. All topics are addressed with a minimum of 75% containing exceptional breadth and depth about each of the assignment topics. 25-30 Assignment meets expectations. All topics are addressed with a minimum of 50% containing good breadth and depth about each of the assignment topics. 20-24 Assignment meets most of the expectations. One required topic is either not addressed or inadequately addressed. 16-19 Assignment superficially meets some of the expectations. Two or more required topics are either not addressed or inadequately addressed. 0-15 2. Purpose of the paper is clear (0-5 Points) A clear and comprehensive purpose statement is provided which delineates all required criteria. 5 Purpose of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not descriptive. 4 Purpose of the assignment is vague. 1-3 No purpose statement was provided. 0 ASSIMILATION AND SYNTHESIS OF IDEAS - 50 Possible Points The extent to which the work reflects the student’s ability to- 1. Understand and interpret the assignment’s key concepts (0-10 Points) Demonstrates the ability to critically appraise and intellectually explore key concepts. 9-10 Demonstrates a clear understanding of key concepts. 8 Shows some degree of understanding of key concepts. 5-7 Shows a lack of understanding of key concepts, deviates from topics. 0-4 2. Apply and integrate material in course resources (i.e. video, required readings, and textbook) and credible outside resources (0-20 Points) Demonstrates and applies exceptional support of major points and integrates 2 or more credible outside sources, in addition to 3-4 course resources to support point of view. 15-20 Integrates specific information from 1 credible outside resource and 3 to 4 course resources to support major points and point of view. 10-14 Minimally includes and integrates specific information from 2-3 resources to support major points and point of view. 3-9 Includes and integrates specific information from 0 to 1 resource to support major points and point of view. 0-2 3. Synthesize (combines various components or different ideas into a new whole) material in course resources (i.e. video, required readings, and textbook) by comparing different points of view and highlighting similarities, differences, and connections.  (0-20 Points) Synthesizes and justifies (defends, explains, validates, confirms) information gleaned from sources to support major points presented. Applies meaning to the field of advanced nursing practice. 18-20 Summarizes information gleaned from sources to support major points, but does not synthesize. 16-17 I.

1. Walden University M.S. in Nursing
Formative Evaluation Criteria for Applications and Formal
Papers
Categories and Criteria
Points
QUALITY OF WORK SUBMITTED - 35 Possible Points
1. The extent to which work meets the assigned criteria and
work reflects graduate level critical and analytic thinking
(0-30 Points)
Assignment exceeds expectations. All topics are addressed with
a minimum of 75% containing exceptional breadth and depth
about each of the assignment topics.
25-30
Assignment meets expectations. All topics are addressed with a
minimum of 50% containing good breadth and depth about each
of the assignment topics.
20-24
Assignment meets most of the expectations. One required topic
is either not addressed or inadequately addressed.
16-19
Assignment superficially meets some of the expectations. Two
or more required topics are either not addressed or inadequately
addressed.
0-15
2. Purpose of the paper is clear
(0-5 Points)
A clear and comprehensive purpose statement is provided which

2. delineates all required criteria.
5
Purpose of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not
descriptive.
4
Purpose of the assignment is vague.
1-3
No purpose statement was provided.
0
ASSIMILATION AND SYNTHESIS OF IDEAS - 50 Possible
Points
The extent to which the work reflects the student’s ability to-
1. Understand and interpret the assignment’s key concepts
(0-10 Points)
Demonstrates the ability to critically appraise and intellectually
explore key concepts.
9-10
Demonstrates a clear understanding of key concepts.
8
Shows some degree of understanding of key concepts.
5-7
Shows a lack of understanding of key concepts, deviates from
topics.
0-4
2. Apply and integrate material in course resources (i.e. video,
required readings, and textbook) and credible outside resources

3. (0-20 Points)
Demonstrates and applies exceptional support of major points
and integrates 2 or more credible outside sources, in addition to
3-4 course resources to support point of view.
15-20
Integrates specific information from 1 credible outside resource
and 3 to 4 course resources to support major points and point of
view.
10-14
Minimally includes and integrates specific information from 2-3
resources to support major points and point of view.
3-9
Includes and integrates specific information from 0 to 1
resource to support major points and point of view.
0-2
3. Synthesize (combines various components or different ideas
into a new whole) material in course resources (i.e. video,
required readings, and textbook) by comparing different points
of view and highlighting similarities, differences, and
connections. (0-20 Points)
Synthesizes and justifies (defends, explains, validates,
confirms) information gleaned from sources to support major
points presented. Applies meaning to the field of advanced
nursing practice.
18-20
Summarizes information gleaned from sources to support major
points, but does not synthesize.
16-17
Identifies but does not interpret or apply concepts, and/or
strategies correctly; ideas unclear and/or underdeveloped.

4. 14-15
Rarely or does not interpret, apply, and synthesize concepts,
and/or strategies.
0-13
WRITTEN EXPRESSION AND FORMATTING - 15 Possible
Points
1. Paragraph and Sentence Structure: Paragraphs make clear
points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and
demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are clearly
structured and carefully focused--neither long and rambling nor
short and lacking substance. (0-5 Points)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards.
5
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards 80% of the
time.
4
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards 70% of the
time.
3
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards < 70% of the
time.
0-2
2. English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and
proper punctuation (0-5 Points)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
5
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
4

5. Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation
errors.
3
Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
0-2
3. The paper follows correct APA format for title page,
headings, font, spacing,margins, indentations, page numbers,
running head, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list
(0-5 Points)
Uses correct APA format with no errors.
5
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors.
4
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors.
3
Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.
0-2
Total Points for Assignment:
Please copy and paste this rubric table at the end of all
Application Assignments in order for your assignment to be
graded.
Guidance for Application Assignments:

6. Application Assignments require a title page, introduction, body
of the paper, conclusion, and reference page. The title page
needs to follows APA style and includes a title, student name,
course number and section, and date. An abstract is not
required. APA style headings are to be used appropriately to
separate and organize sections of the paper. The use of direct
quotes is discouraged and should only be used when the source
material uses language that is particularly striking or notable.
The introduction should provide an overview of the topic, the
purpose of the paper, and topics that will be addressed. The
body of the paper needs to address all required topics. The
conclusion ought to provide closure for the reader, synthesize
the content, and tie everything together to help clarify the main
points of the paper. The reference page should include all
references cited in the assignment in correct APA format.. Some
course assignments may require the use of more than 2 credible
outside resources. In these cases, the minimum outside sources
specified in the instructions for the assignment will be applied
in the grading of these course assignments. Credible sources
include scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles, evidence based
resources, and professional (.org), educational (.edu), and
government websites (.gov). Commercial websites (.com) are
not considered credible sources. Please note: When selecting
articles for course assignments, you are advised (unless you are
referencing seminal information) to focus on work published
within the past five years.
Late Policies:
Assignments submitted late without prior agreement of the
Instructor, outside of an emergency absence, or in violation of
agreements for late submission, will receive a grade reduction
for the Assignment amounting to a 20% point loss. After 5
days, the Assignment will not be graded. Students should be
aware that late Assignments may not receive the same level of

7. written feedback as do Assignments submitted on time.
There are several theories that explain why juveniles become
delinquent. Some of the sociological theories include anomie,
social disorganization, drift theory, and differential association
theory. Locate a sociological theory (it does not have to be one
of the theories listed previously), and explain that theory with
its relation to juvenile delinquency. Please note that
sociological theories relate to society and external influences
over a juvenile, not psychological influences (which relate to
internalization within a person) or biological influences (which
concern physical problems).
You are a sociologist, and you are noticing that the juveniles in
your area are starting to cause legal problems and are beginning
to overload the juvenile court system.
· Once you decide on the theory, describe how it relates to
juveniles by explaining what the theory believes causes the
juvenile problems.
· Explain what you could do in your position to aid in
alleviating these problems.
Be sure to reference all sources using APA style.
Deliverable Length: 3-4 pages
Running Head:IDENTIFYING A RESEARCHABLE PROBLEM
1
IDENTIFYING A RESEARCHABLE PROBLEM
5
See the rubric at the back of the paper.
Identifying a Researchable Problem
Walden University

8. NURS - 6052 -03 Essentials of Evidenced-Based Practice
March 13, 2016
Identifying a Researchable Problem
Hundreds of millions of patients worldwide are affected by
healthcare associated infections every year (cite a source here-
how do you know). The infections lead to severe illnesses, long-
term disabilities, prolonged hospital stays and added costs to
patients, their families, and the healthcare system (Cite source).
Hand hygiene is the primary action to reduce the number of
healthcare-acquired infections; a simple action maybe, but the
compliance rates among the healthcare providers is the main
problem (Cite source) . The purpose of this paper is to provide a
summary on the issue of handwashing non compliance amongst
healthcare workers and its relation to nosocomial infections.
This paper will also generate five questions and describe how
they are analyse for feasibility, as well as a PICOT question and
a description of its variable. Additionally, ten keywords will be
developped to help conduct the literature search.
Problem Identification
A crucial factor in selecting a problem is its significance to
nursing, and evidence from the study should have potential to

9. contribute meaningfully to nursing practice ( Polit & Beck,
2012). Nurses comprise s of 55% of the healthcare workforce
and number more than 3 million. , aAs such, they represent the
most critical group in hand higiene compliance as they spent the
most time with the patients (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2012).
Hand hygiene is a critical practice aimed at keeping the hands
clean and free from pathogens or reduce the amounts before
performing any medical procedure or touching a patient.
Practicing hand hygiene is important in the prevention of cross
infection in clinical settings. Healthcare workers need an easy
to use, timely access to both skin protection and hand hygiene
for good hand hygiene practice.
Studies show that most nosocomial infections are transmitted
through the hands of healthcare practitioners. It is well-known
that better hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers
play a critical role in the prevention of transmission of
infectious agents (Pittet, Allegranzi & Boyce, 2009). The
practice of hand washing is one of the most effective ways of
preventing the transmission of infectious diseases. , but
dDespite the implementation of the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention guidelines for hand hygiene, the compliance
among health practitioners remains low (Pittet, Allegranzi &
Boyce, 2009).
Hand washing is a critical element of patient safety, as it
prevents healthcare associated infections as well as the spread
of antimicrobial resistance (Source? How do you know this?).
The promotion of hand hygiene, therefore, presents a common
challenge that calls for a multimodel strategy. Healthcare
worker’s adherence to hand washing guidelines is poor and calls
for a behavior change. Most studies have recommended
multimodal strategies that include education of healthcare
workers, audit and performance feedback practices, increased
supply of water and soap, reminders, use of automated sinks and
the use of alcohol-based hand rub (Pfoh, Dy, & Engineer, 2013).
Hospital-acquired infections carry a far-reaching and real threat
to every individual admitted to hospitals. The pathogens from

10. the hands of the healthcare workers are readily transmitted to
the patients, hence hand hygiene practices substantially reduce
this chance. Evidence-based guidelines for hand hygiene in
clinical practice are very clear, but the compliance remains
internationally low (Bukhari et al., 2011).
Significance of the Problem of Nursing Practice
Hand hygiene is considered as the most simple and the most
effective way of preventing hospital-acquired infections.
Despite the milestones and achievements made in epidemiology
and infection control, the hygiene message has not been
consistently translated into healthcaremedical practice, and the
healthcare workers adherence to the guidelines for hand hygiene
is unacceptably low. (Bukhari et al., 2011). The average
compliance with the hand washing guidelines varies by from the
patient wards, among health care workers categories, and based
on the working conditions, but also varies according to the
different definitions used in different studies (Pittet, Allegranzi,
& Boyce, 2009). Comment by lisa south: Put the period at
the end of the sentence-after the parenthesis.
Compliance with hand-washing recommendations is a very
significant measure in the prevention of hospital-associated
infections. Studies report that transmission of pathogens from
the hands of healthcare workers is one of the primary sources of
cross-infection in clinical settings and can be prevented by
proper hand hygiene practices (Bukhari et al., 2011). There are
cases of very low or insufficient compliance rates in developing
and developed countries with the mean baseline rates of
between 5% and 89%, making an overall average of 38.7%
(Bukhari et al., 2011). Comment by lisa south: Studies? So
more than one? But only one is cited? Comment by lisa
south: Since you said “studies” cite more than one.
Variation in hand washing behavior across healthcare workers
and hospital wards suggests the need for a strategic educational
program. Nosocomial infections are a significant cause of
complications in the ICU; withand hand-washing being the
single most effective preventive measure, the compliance rates

11. remain low (Bukhari et al., 2011). The association between
handwashing non-compliance and surgical wards may also
suggest a fact that understaffing reduces the quality of patient
care. Hand washing has a proven benefit in the prevention of
cross-infection. Hence the compliance, especially in the surgical
and ICU wards, is paramount (Royal Pharmaceutical Society,
2014).
Studies and estimations by the World Health Organization
(WHO) show hHealthcare-associated infections affect at least
1.4million patients on the global scale at any given time (Cite
the source??? . In the surgical units, the burden of hospital
acquired infections has significantly increased, leading to
increased morbidity and mortality. In some instances, multidrug
resistant pathogens are involved or are part of the infection,
hence pose a challenge to effective treatment (Pittet, Allegranzi
& Boyce, 2009). Proper hand hygiene is the simplest, single
most important and the least expensive means of preventing the
cross infections. The WHO and CDC (2009) guidelines on hand
hygiene also propose the use of alcohol base hand rub as a
means for routine hand disinfection. Comment by lisa
south: Neither of these is on the reference list.
Questions Related to the Identified Issue This information needs
to have an introductory paragraph (at least two sentences).
1. What are the hand hygiene practices among Healthcare
workers?
Rationale
It is important to assess the types of hand hygiene practices
commonly used by healthcare workers so as to determine the
choices available and the recommended practices
2. What are the reasons for non-compliance with hand hygiene
practice?
Rationale
It has been noted that there is moderate to low rates of
compliance with standard hand hygiene practices among
healthcare workers. It is, therefore, important to get to know the
reasons behind the non-compliance.

12. 3. What are the alternative hand hygiene practices?
Rationale
There exist more than one hand hygiene techniques from which
healthcare workers can choose preferred as well as the simplest
and most efficient method of hand hygiene practice.
4. What are the disparities in hand hygiene practices among
different healthcare workers?
Rationale
The non-compliance to hand hygiene practices vary across the
various cadres, ages and experience of health personnel. It is
important to know the personal factors that are attributed to the
variation between the different categories of health workers.
5. What can be done to improve hand hygiene practices in
healthcare?
Rationale
It is also important to assess the actions that can be taken to
encourage hand hygiene practices in healthcare.
The most appropriate question from the above-related questions
is; Ddoes hand washing and appropriate staff dressing among
the surgical ward nurses reduce cross infection during patient
management?
Description of the PICOT Question
The PICOT question is: Does hand washing and proper staff
dressing among the surgical ward nurses reduce cross infection
during patient management? The elements of the table are:
P- (Patient, population, or problem): nurses, hospitalized
patients
I- (Intervention): hand washing and appropriate dressing
C- (Comparison with other treatment/current practice): Nurses
forget to wash their hands when switching from one patient to
the other
O- (Desired outcome): Reduced incidences of cross infection
(Davies, 2011)
Ten Possible Keywords that Could Be Used When Conducting a
Literature Search for PICOT Question and A Rationale for Your
Selections Again-have an introductory paragraph before listing

13. these. Explain what you are doing.
1. “Hand washing." Don’t use quotation marks.
Rationale
Knowing the definition and practice of hand washing???? Make
complete sentences.
2. “Hand hygiene."
Rationale
Alternative comprehensive description of clean hands
3. “Cross-infection”
Rationale
Assessing the effects of poor hand hygiene and its contribution
to transmission of micro-organisms from one person to the
other.
4. “Healthcare workers."
Rationale
The population or persons who participate in the study
5. "Healthcare-acquired infections."
Rationale
The results of transmission of micro-organisms through
unhygienic hands
6. “Hand washing guidelines."
Rationale
What are the recommended hand washing practices for
healthcare workers?
7. “Hand washing nonconformance”
Rationale
The percentage of conformity to the hand washing guidelines
8. "Hand hygiene strategies."
Rationale
The methods used to promote hand hygiene
9. "Nosocomial infections"
Rationale
The most common infection transmitted through unhygienic
hands in the ICU
10. “Hand hygiene and cross-infections."
Rationale

14. Determining hand hygiene and the relationship with cross
infections
Conclusion
Studies consistently show that better hand hygiene reduces the
risks of cross contamination and nosocomial infections in
Hospitals. Since most of the cross infections are thought to be
transmitted through the dirty hands of healthcare workers, an
assessment of the knowledge, attitude and practice of them is
also necessary. Hospital-acquired infections carry a serious and
real threat to all the patients admitted to hospitals, hence the
assessment of healthcare worker’s hand hygiene practices is
equally very significant.
References
Bukhari, S., Hussain, W., Banjar, A., Almaimani, W., Karima,
T., & Fatani, M. (2011). Hand hygiene compliance rate among
healthcare professionals.- PubMed - NCBI. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Retrieved 11 March 2016, from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21556474
Davies, K. S. (2011). Formulating the evidence-based practice
question: A review of the frameworks. Evidence-Based Library
and Information Practice, 6 (2), 75–80. Retrieved from
https://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/EBLIP/article/vie
wFile/9741/8144
Pfoh, E., Dy, S., & Engineer, C. (2013). Interventions Tto
iImprove Hhand hHygiene cCompliance: Brief Uupdate

15. Rreview. Agency For Healthcare Research And Quality (US).
Retrieved from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK133371/ Comment by
lisa south: Okay now-the first two were correct? So I know that
you know that these would should be lowercase.
Pittet, D., Allegranzi, B., & Boyce, J. (2009). The World Health
Organization Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care and
Their Consensus Recommendations. Infection Control and
Hospital Epidemiology, 30 (7), 611-622.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/600379
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2012). Nursing informatics
and the foundation of knowledge (Laureate Education, Inc.,
custom ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Royal Pharmaceutical Society. (2014). Hand washing plugged
as a way of cutting infection rates. The Pharmaceutical Journal.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1211/pj.2014.11137491 Comment by lisa
south: I am pretty sure this journal has volume, issue and page
numbers.
Walden University M.S. in Nursing
Formative Evaluation Criteria for Applications and Formal
Papers
Categories and Criteria
Points
QUALITY OF WORK SUBMITTED - 35 Possible Points
1. The extent to which work meets the assigned criteria and
work reflects graduate level critical and analytic thinking
(0-30 Points)
Assignment exceeds expectations. All topics are addressed with
a minimum of 75% containing exceptional breadth and depth
about each of the assignment topics.
25-30
30

16. Assignment meets expectations. All topics are addressed with a
minimum of 50% containing good breadth and depth about each
of the assignment topics.
20-24
Assignment meets most of the expectations. One required topic
is either not addressed or inadequately addressed.
16-19
Assignment superficially meets some of the expectations. Two
or more required topics are either not addressed or inadequately
addressed.
0-15
2. Purpose of the paper is clear
(0-5 Points)
A clear and comprehensive purpose statement is provided which
delineates all required criteria.
5
5
Purpose of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not
descriptive.
4
Purpose of the assignment is vague.
1-3
No purpose statement was provided.
0
ASSIMILATION AND SYNTHESIS OF IDEAS - 50 Possible
Points
The extent to which the work reflects the student’s ability to-

17. 1. Understand and interpret the assignment’s key concepts
(0-10 Points)
Demonstrates the ability to critically appraise and intellectually
explore key concepts.
9-10
10
Demonstrates a clear understanding of key concepts.
8
Shows some degree of understanding of key concepts.
5-7
Shows a lack of understanding of key concepts, deviates from
topics.
0-4
2. Apply and integrate material in course resources (i.e. video,
required readings, and textbook) and credible outside resources
(0-20 Points)
Demonstrates and applies exceptional support of major points
and integrates 2 or more credible outside sources, in addition to
3-4 course resources to support point of view.
15-20
16
Two course resources and 3-4 outside sources.
Integrates specific information from 1 credible outside resource
and 3 to 4 course resources to support major points and point of
view.
10-14
Minimally includes and integrates specific information from 2-3
resources to support major points and point of view.
3-9
Includes and integrates specific information from 0 to 1
resource to support major points and point of view.

18. 0-2
3. Synthesize (combines various components or different ideas
into a new whole) material in course resources (i.e. video,
required readings, and textbook) by comparing different points
of view and highlighting similarities, differences, and
connections. (0-20 Points)
Synthesizes and justifies (defends, explains, validates,
confirms) information gleaned from sources to support major
points presented. Applies meaning to the field of advanced
nursing practice.
18-20
20
Summarizes information gleaned from sources to support major
points, but does not synthesize.
16-17
Identifies but does not interpret or apply concepts, and/or
strategies correctly; ideas unclear and/or underdeveloped.
14-15
Rarely or does not interpret, apply, and synthesize concepts,
and/or strategies.
0-13
WRITTEN EXPRESSION AND FORMATTING - 15 Possible
Points
1. Paragraph and Sentence Structure: Paragraphs make clear
points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and
demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are clearly
structured and carefully focused--neither long and rambling nor
short and lacking substance. (0-5 Points)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards.
5
4

19. Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards 80% of the
time.
4
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards 70% of the
time.
3
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards < 70% of the
time.
0-2
2. English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and
proper punctuation (0-5 Points)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
5
3
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
4
Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation
errors.
3
Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
0-2
3. The paper follows correct APA format for title page,
headings, font, spacing,margins, indentations, page numbers,
running head, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list
(0-5 Points)
Uses correct APA format with no errors.
5
3
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors.

20. 4
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors.
3
Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.
0-2
Total Points for Assignment:
91
Please copy and paste this rubric table at the end of all
Application Assignments in order for your assignment to be
graded.
Literature Review Summary Table
NURS 6052
Name:
Literature Review Summary Table
NURS 6052
Citation
Type of Study
Design Type

21. Framework/Theory
Setting
Key Concepts/Variables
Findings
Hierarchy of Evidence Level
Type of Study:
Design Type:
Framework/Theory:
Concepts:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Controlled Variable:
Type of Study:
Design Type:

22. Framework/Theory:
Concepts:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Controlled Variable:
Citation
Study
Design Type
Framework/Theory
Setting
Key Concepts/Variables
Findings
Hierarchy of Evidence Level
Type of Study:
Design Type:
Framework/Theory:
Concepts:

23. Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Controlled Variable:
Type of Study:
Design Type:
Framework/Theory:
Concepts:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Controlled Variable:
Type of Study:

24. Design Type:
Framework/Theory:
Concepts:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Controlled Variable:
© 2012 Laureate Education Inc.
1