Program Evaluation as a Key Tool in Health and Human Services
Evidence-based practice utilizes a variety of research methods  to gather evidence as to the efficacy of a program’s effectiveness, or  cost effectiveness. According to your text, “Sound research and its  applications, although not guarantees of perfect policies and programs,  are extremely useful tools in developing sound social policies and  programs” (p. 281). Additionally, we read that evaluation research is  different from “basic” research in that evaluation research is based on  reality factors in the field and can answer the question: Is this  program achieving its goals within the cost estimates?
In  this assignment, you will create a fictional “how to” guide in  which you will analyze the steps pertinent to effective program  assessment. Specifically, you will:
Explain the parts of the program evaluation, and how one would carry out a program evaluation.
Explain the steps of the program evaluation and what the program evaluator would want to measure / evaluate.
Your fictional “how to” guide is intended to provide a  step-by-step explanation of the components related to evaluating  programs; you will not be conducting an assessment as part of the  assignment. An example of a program evaluation and the research format  is given in the Evaluation Strategies for Human Service Programs (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..   Your example can be any of the typical health and services areas  including: hospitals, nursing homes, clinic for substance abuse,  counseling clinics, Salvation Army, Red Cross, homes for the homeless,  special school programs, crisis centers and social support. Program  evaluation can include a variety of different research approaches and  may also include acquiring a great deal of data.  As you read the  article Introduction to Program Evaluation for Public Health Programs: A Self-Study Guide (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.,  keep in mind the information requirements to carry out a program  evaluation. Certainly the connections among program outcomes, the  activities of the program, and consequential outcomes constitute the key  model of any program evaluation. Access the  Introduction to Program Evaluation for Public Health Programs: A Self-Study Guide  (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. for more information for this assignment.

Purpose: DiscussionThing to Remember:Discussion: Opinion LeadersAdjust automatic marking as read settingI chose to further my education in hopes of providing better patient care and education. I want to be seen as an influence and a primary healthcare provider. My goal is to provide specialized high-leveled care to patients with different backgrounds.An opinion leader is someone who has strong influence within a work place giving of their time and experience and creates strategies to help change an initiative. An opinion leader earns their role after much experience and expertise. Others look to them for advice and new information (Hamric Hanson Tracy & OGrady 2014).When problems arise in a work environment employees will look towards opinion leaders and others who will lead them through the stressors and crises. In order to be successful as an opinion leader staff must be committed to serving the organization and devote time for teaching. Patient and staff safety should always be at the forefront. Not one person knows all the answers but once we live through various experiences our abilities and competence improve and widen (Kai Tiaki 2014).Communication skills can improve opinion leaders abilities. It is important that communication allows everyones voice to be heard in an open non-combative manner. In order for piers and other staff to have a positive trusting relationship with the opinion leader they must feel as though they are being heard and also guided in difficult situations (Pollard & Wild 2014).By the end of the summer I am hoping my schedule allows me to become a preceptor for new graduates. I view that role as being an opinion leader for an individual which would progress to a small group. I would love the opportunity to mold new fellows with everything I have learned so far as a postpartum nurse. When a newer nurse comes to me for advice I want them to feel safe. My goal is never to talk down to someone making him or her feel inadequate for coming to me for help in the first place. If I do not know how to solve the issue I have been made aware of I seek guidance from another senior nurse. I feel as though a good opinion leader wants others to seek their guidance instead of possibly making a mistake.ReferencesHamric A. B. Hanson C. M. Tracy M. F. & OGrady E. T. (2014).Advancedpractice nursing: An integrative approach(5thed.). St. Louis MO: Elsevier.Kai Tiaki. (2014) Nursing New Zealand.What nursing leaders are saying 20(6) 12-13.doi: edsgcl.375815611Pollard C. Wild C. (2014) Nursing leadership competencies: low-fidelitysimulation as a teaching strategy.Nurse education in practice 14(6) 620-626.doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2014.06.006