Week 5: The Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

The theoretical framework is a critical element of your work. A theoretical framework is

the general representation of relationships in your problem and is based on existing

theory. The conceptual framework is your idea on how the problem should be

explored, and it is generally based on a theory. The difference between the two is the

scope. Theory is broad; concept is narrow.

In most research studies, your framework can be either theoretical or conceptual in

nature. For the purposes of this project, you will most likely follow a conceptual

framework, which is your idea on how the research problem will be explored (although

you could have both).

For example:

• Theoretical framework: Stimulus is applied to elicit a response

• Conceptual framework: A new teaching method is applied to elicit improvement

in midterm test scores.

In this section of your change project paper, state the perspective through which the

problem and/or phenomenon may be explored, and include the following:

1. Select a minimum of two theories.

2. Identify the process and logic in selecting these theoretical frameworks or

conceptual frameworks for your study.

3. Discuss how each theory or model applies to the individual project.

4. Present the framework guiding your study.

•

• Describe the assumptions of the framework.

• Describe each key component of the framework.

5. Discuss how each element of the phenomenon applies to the framework.

•

• Apply each element of the theory to the elements of the phenomenon under

study.

• Develop the rationale for the sample selection criteria.

6. Discuss, analyze, and critique pertinent research that uses the framework.

Remember that research never proves theory. Your research project can only support

or refute the theoretical propositions you are using as your framework. But if you do not

use theory or conceptual frameworks in your research, you may not be able to put your

findings in a context that could strengthen the nursing education profession!

This section should be 3–4 pages in length, not including the cover or reference page.
You must reference a minimum of 3 scholarly articles.

Use current APA format to style your paper and to cite your sources. Review the rubric for more information on

how the assignment will be graded.

NURS_691A_DE – NURS 691-A Rubric Week 5: Theoretical Framework

NURS_691A_DE – NURS 691-A Rubric Week 5: Theoretical Framework

Criteria Ratings Pts

This criterion is linked to a
Learning Outcome Content 60 to >49.2 pts

Meets Expectations

Identifies independent theories or conceptual

models that relate to the change project topic and

describes how they will be applied to the change

project. Thoroughly discusses how each element of

the phenomenon applies to the framework. Clearly

applies each element of the theory to the

elements of the phenomenon under study.

Develops the rationale for the sample selection

criteria, and expertly discusses, analyzes, and

critiques pertinent research that uses the

framework.

60 pts

This criterion is linked to a
Learning Outcome Organization

7.5 to >6.15 pts
Meets Expectations

Content is well written throughout. Information is

well organized and clearly communicated.

7.5 pts

This criterion is linked to a
Learning Outcome APA
Format/Mechanics

7.5 to >6.15 pts
Meets Expectations

Follows all the requirements related to format,

length, source citations, and layout. Assignment is

free of spelling and grammatical errors.

7.5 pts

Total Points: 75

NR341 Max Cook Student Instructions
© 2021 Chamberlain University. All Rights Reserved.

Revised 4.1.2021 1

Student Instructions for i-Human Virtual Simulation
NR341 Max Cook

PURPOSE:
The following information is to be used in guiding your preparation and participation in the virtual simulation
scenario for this course. This document will provide applicable course outcomes in preparation for your
simulation.

SCENARIO OVERVIEW:
Max Cook is a 74-year-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) 24 hours ago with
complaints of shortness of breath, decreased energy level, and fever. He had not been feeling well for several
days when he went to primary care provider who began treatment for pneumonia. Patient reported that he
did not feel that antibiotic was helping him, so he stopped taking his med 2 days ago. His overall health
declined rapidly over past 48 hours. Mr. Cook’s wife called the ambulance for transport to ED at Chamberlain
Hospital. He was admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

LEARNER OBJECTIVES:

1. Utilize clinical reasoning skills to perform a health history and physical assessment on an adult patient.
(CO 1, 3, 4, 6)

2. Construct a plan of care based by prioritizing assessment findings and nursing diagnoses (CO 1, 3, 4, 6, 7)
3. Evaluate patient outcomes to determine the effectiveness of nursing interventions and need for ongoing

care (CO 1, 4, 6)
4. Communicate and collaborate with the patient, family and interdisciplinary healthcare team members

(CO 1, 3, 6, 7)

STUDENT ROLES DURING SIMULATION:

You are the staff nurse at the hospital who will be conducting a comprehensive assessment. After completing
your assessment, you are expected to document your findings as a nurses note in SBAR format.

KEY FEATURES OF i-HUMAN:

• As the nurse, you are expected to complete the case scenario using the following tabs: EHR,
History, Physical, Nursing Notes, Summary

• Gear Heads: These are icons that open required questions and/or additional information
related to the case. The questions, information, and videos must be reviewed prior to
progressing to the next tab.

• Nursing Notes: At the end of the simulation, you will document your assessment findings using ISBAR.

NR341 Max Cook Student Instructions
© 2021 Chamberlain University. All Rights Reserved.

Revised 4.1.2021 2

Confidentiality:
To preserve the educational value, integrity and safety of the learning environment, you agree to maintain strict
confidentiality about the proceedings of the simulation session, details of the training scenarios and the
performance of all participants. You acknowledge that this expectation aligns with the guidelines related to the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as well as laws governing Protected Health
Information (PHI) in client care environments.

You will not view, discuss, share, record or disclose any confidential information pertaining to the
session. You understand that lapses in confidentiality are considered academic misconduct and could result in
dismissal from the academic program.

Fiction Agreement:
You will suspend judgment of realism for any given simulation in exchange for the promise of learning new
knowledge and skills, treating the simulated patients with the same care due an actual patient, act with a
genuine desire to learn even when it may be difficult to do so.

DUE DATE:
The virtual simulation is assigned to be completed during Week 4 prior to your scheduled debriefing with
faculty/peers.

SIMULATION TIMING:

• Pre-simulation preparation: 30-60 minutes
• Pre-brief: 30 minutes
• Run Time: 2-2.5 hours
• Debriefing: 60 minutes

NR341 Max Cook Student Instructions
© 2021 Chamberlain University. All Rights Reserved.

Revised 4.1.2021 3

ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION
Faculty will utilize your participation measurements in the i-Human case, and debriefing discussions to identify
areas of opportunity for enhancement of your clinical growth. Your experiences in i-Human will contribute to
your overall completion of clinical requirements for the course as documented on the Clinical Learning Evaluation
tool.

i-Human Evaluation – What does my total score mean?

NR341 Max Cook Student Instructions
© 2021 Chamberlain University. All Rights Reserved.

Revised 4.1.2021 4

REVIEW AND COMPLETE PRIOR TO THE START OF THE VIRTUAL SIMULATION:

In order to prepare for the simulation, you are required to complete the pre-simulation questions below and
submit this prework to the faculty via uploading your responses in Canvas prior to the start of the virtual
simulation. If you do not complete the pre-simulation questions and upload them, you will not be able to
access or participate in the simulation.

1. Compare/contrast systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis.

2. What are key nursing interventions when caring for patient on a ventilator?

3. Describe the purpose for the following types of vascular access devices: central venous catheter &
arterial line.

4. A patient is experiencing worsening hypotension and is prescribed norepinephrine continuous
infusion.

a. Prescription: Start Norepinephrine (levophed) 0.5 mcg/min and titrate to maximum of 12
mcg/min to maintain mean arterial pressure great than 65.

b. Pharmacy has mixed the drip as Norepinephrine 4mg in 250mL of D5W.
c. How many mL/hr should the nurse program the pump to deliver 0.5mcg/min?

**Immediately following the completion of the virtual simulation, you will complete the evaluation of the
simulation using the link provided.