Change Management Proposal Assignment Question | Nursing Revision Resource

Resource Overview

This nursing revision resource provides the Change Management Proposal assignment question and assessment guidance for students preparing for their coursework.

The assessment requires students to develop a change proposal (management plan) that outlines a structured approach for implementing positive change within healthcare practice.

Students are expected to demonstrate understanding of change management principles, stakeholder engagement, recruitment and retention challenges, and how effective change can improve patient safety and quality of care.

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Change Management Proposal Assessment Brief

Assessment Details

Assessment Type:
20-minute change proposal presentation OR 2000-word change proposal

Weighting:
30% of the overall module assessment

What Is a Change Proposal (Management Plan)?

A change management proposal outlines a structured roadmap explaining how a proposed change will be introduced and implemented within practice.

A successful change proposal should:

• Provide a clear plan for implementing change
• Support individuals through the change process
• Identify tools and processes required to manage change effectively
• Explain how the proposed change will improve practice outcomes

The proposal should demonstrate how healthcare professionals can be guided through a change journey while maintaining patient safety and quality of care.

Learning Outcome Assessed

LO4: Critically justify and defend methods used to initiate positive change to promote safety and quality of care

Students are expected to provide reasoned arguments supported by evidence by:

• Examining different approaches to change management
• Evaluating the effectiveness of proposed methods
• Judging the relevance and value of supporting evidence
• Demonstrating how change can improve healthcare outcomes

Change Proposal Focus

Using the relevant vignette:

• 7NH086 for Adult Nursing
• 7NH087 for Mental Health Nursing

students should explore changes that could be introduced within the working environment to maintain patient safety and improve quality of care through effective recruitment and retention of nursing staff.

Step 1: Create a Sense of Urgency

Students should explore why change is required and develop a persuasive argument for action.

Consider:

• Why the problem is significant
• Underlying factors contributing to the issue
• Causes rather than only symptoms
• Potential consequences if no action is taken
• One specific area for the change proposal

Choose One Question to Develop:

Question 1

How does the delay in recognising patient needs reflect broader risks in under-resourced units?

Question 2

What risks to patient safety and care quality arise when temporary or under-supervised staff are relied upon during peak times?

Question 3

What might be the consequences of delaying action on recruitment and retention, and how might proactive change improve outcomes for both staff and patients?

Step 2: Build a Guiding Coalition

Students should identify the individuals and groups required to support successful change implementation.

Consider:

• Individuals affected by the proposed change
• Key personnel who can influence implementation
• Staff who may champion or resist change
• Sources of support and motivation
• How a strong coalition can be developed

Choose One Question to Develop:

Question 1

Who are the key individuals that could influence recruitment and retention strategies?

Question 2

What barriers might arise from individuals or groups resistant to change, and how could their concerns be addressed?

Question 3

What shared values or goals could unite stakeholders to support this change?

Step 3: Form a Strategic Vision and Initiatives

Students should develop a clear vision for the proposed change.

Consider:

• The details of the proposed change
• Expected outcomes
• Positive benefits for staff and patients
• How the vision will guide implementation

Choose One Question to Develop:

Question 1

What would a successful recruitment and retention strategy look like and how would it improve patient outcomes?

Question 2

What specific initiatives could be introduced to support this vision?

Question 3

How can you ensure that the vision is communicated clearly and consistently across all levels of staff?

Step 4: Enlist a Volunteer Army

Students should explore how stakeholders may respond to the proposed change.

Consider:

• Initial reactions to change
• Positive and negative perceptions
• Factors influencing motivation
• Ways to encourage participation

Choose One Question to Develop:

Question 1

How might frontline staff initially respond to proposed changes in recruitment and retention practices?

Question 2

What intrinsic and extrinsic motivators could encourage staff to support the change?

Question 3

How can you identify and empower early adopters to champion the change among their peers?

Step 5: Enable Action by Removing Barriers

Students should examine potential challenges and how they can be addressed.

Consider:

• Resistance to change
• Organisational obstacles
• Practical implementation challenges
• Strategies to reduce barriers

Choose One Question to Develop:

Question 1

What are the most common barriers to implementing effective recruitment and retention strategies in your setting?

Question 2

How could you address issues such as budget constraints, resistance to new roles, or lack of leadership support?

Question 3

What support systems could reduce resistance and improve morale?

Step 6: Create Short-Term Targets and Wins

Students should identify measurable improvements that demonstrate early success.

Consider:

• Short-term goals
• Visible improvements
• Recognition strategies
• Celebrating staff contributions

Choose One Question to Develop:

Question 1

What short-term goals could demonstrate early success?

Question 2

How will you celebrate and communicate these wins to staff and leadership?

Question 3

What recognition could reinforce staff contributions?

Step 7: Sustain Acceleration

Students should explain how the change will be maintained over time.

Consider:

• Monitoring progress
• Reviewing staffing improvements
• Adapting strategies
• Supporting continuous improvement

Choose One Question to Develop:

Question 1

How will you ensure that staffing improvements are continuously monitored and adapted?

Question 2

What mechanisms could be used to monitor progress?

Question 3

How can you embed a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the team?

Step 8: Institute Change

Students should explain how the proposed change will become embedded into practice.

Consider:

• Communication approaches
• Reinforcement strategies
• Integration into policies and procedures
• Leadership responsibilities

Choose One Question to Develop:

Question 1

What communication strategies will be used to reinforce the change?

Question 2

How could you ensure that recruitment and retention practices become part of everyday operations and policy?

Question 3

What role will leadership play in modelling and sustaining the new approach?

Submission Requirements

Students are required to submit a PowerPoint presentation of their summative change proposal.

The presentation should demonstrate:

• Understanding of change management theory
• Application to nursing practice
• Consideration of recruitment and retention challenges
• Focus on patient safety and quality improvement

Formative Assessment

Word Count: 500–600 words submission
Additional Requirement: In-person presentation

Formative Assessment Focus

The formative assessment focuses on:

Effective recruitment and retention of nursing staff

Students should select:

• One question from Step 1
• One question from Step 2

The presentation should critically analyse both questions while demonstrating engagement with:

• Recruitment challenges
• Staff retention issues
• Psychological safety
• Healthcare workforce sustainability

Prepare for Your Nursing Change Management Assessment

Use this resource to review the change proposal assignment requirements and understand what is expected before developing your presentation or written submission.