Program Evaluations: Nurse-Family Partnership

Program Evaluations

Program- Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP).

This week we further developed our program evaluation knowledge and skills. If you were evaluating your sample program from Week 1, engage in a conversation with your course community about one of the following:

Discuss whether you are still interested in this type of program or a different one. Why?
Discuss how we may apply our knowledge of program evaluations to evaluating everyday decision-making.
- For example, what questions might you ask when you hear news that “research has found” new information?

As always, if you are relying on someone else’s ideas when presenting yours, you should reference their paper, article, etc. This includes sharing references to your fellow students’ ideas!

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Program Evaluation Discussion Post

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

The discussion focuses on program evaluation using the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program as a sample.
You must engage with your course community by posting your thoughts and responding to at least one classmate.
Use evidence from course materials or other scholarly sources to support your points.
Include in-text citations and references in APA format for any sources used.

Step 2: Choose Your Focus
You have two options for your discussion post:

Interest in Program Type:
- Reflect on whether you are still interested in the NFP program or if another type of program appeals to you.
- Explain why: consider factors like population served, program effectiveness, or personal career interests.
Application of Program Evaluation to Everyday Decision-Making:
- Explain how program evaluation principles can be applied to daily decisions.
- Example: When hearing claims like “research has found…” you could ask:
  - Who conducted the research?
  - What methodology was used?
  - Is the sample representative?
  - Are there conflicts of interest?

Step 3: Outline Your Discussion Post

Introduction (1–2 paragraphs)
- Briefly introduce the NFP program.
- State the focus of your post: interest in the program or application of evaluation principles.
Main Body (2–3 paragraphs)
- Provide reasoning for your choice.
- Include examples of program evaluation concepts learned (e.g., outcome measures, data collection, effectiveness assessment).
- Apply these concepts to your chosen focus.
Conclusion (1 paragraph)
- Summarize your main points.
- Optionally, mention how you will use this knowledge in your professional practice or personal decision-making.

Step 4: Engage With Classmates

Read at least one classmate’s post.
Provide a thoughtful response: agree, disagree, or expand upon their ideas.
Support your response with evidence or examples.

Step 5: Writing Tips

Keep your writing clear, concise, and professional.
Use APA 7th edition for all references and in-text citations.
Avoid personal anecdotes unless they directly support your evaluation point.

Step 6: References

Include at least one source, such as:
- Olds, D. L., Kitzman, H., Cole, R., Robinson, J., Sidora, K., Luckey, D. W., … & Holmberg, J. (2004). Effects of nurse home-visiting on maternal life course and child development: Age-9 follow-up of a randomized trial. Pediatrics, 114(6), 1550–1559.
Include any other scholarly references or course materials you used.

Step 7: Final Checks

Ensure your post is well-organized and free of grammar errors.
Confirm all APA formatting is correct.
Check that your post fully addresses the prompt and demonstrates critical thinking.

Optional Resources for Further Research