2023 Read and Reflect Millions of Americans are one paycheck away from the street Most Americans live paycheck to

Read and Reflect

• Millions of Americans are one paycheck away from the street
• Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck
• One Paycheck Away

No matter how much you earn, “getting by” is still a struggle for most people these days. Seventy-eight percent of full-time workers indicated that they live paycheck to paycheck, which is up from 75 percent for the previous year, according to a report from CareerBuilder (August 24, 2017). Most of us make New Year’s resolutions, and budgeting or staying on budget is frequently in the top three. According to Statistia.com, after reviewing more than 22,500 sources, the top three New Year’s resolutions for 2018 tied at 37 percent each – eat healthier, get more exercise, and save more money. At the same time, 32 percent of those polled did not intend to make a New Year’s Resolution.

When thinking about the mindset of Americans, their New Year’s resolutions, and the state of our health, as Advanced Practice Nurses, we need to understand that we are dealing with more than the “health” or “disease” of our patients, but also cultural mores and financial constraints. The studies may recommend a certain course of treatment, but when most of us are “one paycheck away” from disaster, the study recommendations do not take into account who’s going to keep the lights on or food on the table.

Reflect on the learning material for this week, other people you may know, and your own personal situation in relation to money. Consider how an individual’s financial well-being directly affects their overall health and their ability to receive preventative services and evidence-based care.

You may journal in first-person and this assignment does not require references as it is your thoughts; however, be sure to review the rubric as a minimum of one reference is required to be considered exemplary work. If you choose to use quotes or citable material, you are expected to follow APA formatting.

Rubric:

Journal Rubric

Note: Scholarly resources are defined as evidence-based practice, peer-reviewed journals; textbook (do not rely solely on your textbook as a reference); and National Standard Guidelines. Review assignment instructions, as this will provide any additional requirements that are not specifically listed on the rubric.

Journal Rubric – 100 PointsCriteriaExemplary
Exceeds ExpectationsAdvanced
Meets ExpectationsIntermediate
Needs ImprovementNovice
InadequateTotal PointsFocus and ContentIn addition to self-reflection, the journal components are provided along with clear examples supported by course content and references that speak to how the journal content relates to the questions posed within the assignment.

Cites one or more references.

All instruction requirements noted.

45 pointsComponents of the journal are topic focused and accurately and thoroughly presented via self-reflective explanations and application of knowledge to personal and/or professional life.

All instruction requirements noted.

40 pointsComponents of the journal are summarized with minimal self-reflection or application to personal or professional life.

Synthesis of course content is present but missing depth and/or development.

Missing some instruction requirements.

35 pointsCourse content is present but there is no self-reflection noted within the journal.

Demonstrates incomplete understanding of content and/or inadequate preparation.

Missing several instruction requirements.

Submits assignment late.

31 points45Application of Knowledge through Critical ThinkingCritical analysis is supported with information from scholarly resource(s), offering new insight into the context of the assignment.

Student indicates how the experience will have an impact on their professional practice.

All instruction requirements noted.

45 pointsThe journal submission presents findings and knowledge gained from the assignment. An obvious link between the assignment and nursing is noted.

Submission provides clarification of the assignment by answering all posed questions.

All instruction requirements noted.

40 pointsJournal content may be confusing, unclear, or incomplete–lacking clarification or new information.

The student alluded to a practice application, but the information provided was not clear.

Not all questions posed are addressed.

Missing some instruction requirements.

35 pointsSubmission is primarily a summation of the assignment without further synthesis or analysis of course content.

Application of knowledge is limited, with no direct application to clinical practice discussed.

Demonstrates incomplete understanding of content and/or inadequate preparation.

More than one question posed is not addressed.

Missing several instruction requirements.

Submits assignment late.

31 points45OrganizationWell-organized content with a clear and complex purpose statement and argument content. Writing is concise with a logical flow of ideas.

5 pointsOrganized content with an informative purpose statement, supportive content, and summary statement. Argument content is developed with minimal issues in content flow.

4 pointsPoor organization and flow of ideas distract from content. Narrative is difficult to follow and frequently causes reader to reread work.

Purpose statement is noted.

3 pointsIllogical flow of ideas. Prose rambles. Purpose statement is unclear or missing.

Demonstrates incomplete understanding of content and/or inadequate preparation.

No purpose statement.

Submits assignment late.

2 points5APA Referencing, Grammar, and SpellingCorrect applicable APA formatting with no errors.

The writer correctly identifies reading audience, as demonstrated by appropriate language (avoids jargon and simplifies complex concepts appropriately).

There are no spelling, punctuation, or word-usage errors.

5 pointsThe writer demonstrates correct usage of formal English language in sentence construction.

There are minimal to no grammar, punctuation, or word-usage errors.

4 pointsThe writer occasionally uses awkward sentence structure. Problems with word usage (evidence of incorrect use of thesaurus) and punctuation persist, often causing some difficulties with grammar.

Multiple grammar, punctuation, or word usage errors.

3 pointsThe writer struggles with limited vocabulary and has difficulty conveying meaning such that only the broadest, most general messages are presented.

Grammar and punctuation are consistently incorrect. Spelling errors are numerous.

Submits assignment late.

2 points5Total Points100