Tristen Reid

Burnout in nursing: healthcare budget cuts affect quality of care

Letter to governmental body responsible for setting healthcare budget from a nurse's persona

Preface:

One concern that I have would be my doubt about the direction I want to go with my argument,
because it is a topic that I know nothing about, and I would like to know if I am on the right track.
Another concern I have would be how to make my argument stronger. I'm looking for ideas for how to
find a stronger argument and/or additional arguments. Lastly, I want a stronger common ground. I'm
not sure where is the best place to get the most accurate, current information I need on this topic on
budget cuts in healthcare.

Introduction

We need more money in healthcare. The budget needs to be adjusted.

Summary of Audience Views

Audience has other agendas to push through.

Audience may not realize how the budget cuts in healthcare affect the entire system, and hits hardest
with the hospital staff and affects the quality of care for all patients, especially the poor.

I respect that these decisions are never made lightly, and there are many other factors taken into
account, but taking care of America's health, especially the poor and the elderly, should take stronger
priority than it currently does.

Common Ground

As American citizens, we all want the best for America. That starts with getting Americans great
healthcare by allotting more resources to this extremely vital part.

Contribution of New Points to Negotiation

More money equates to more jobs and better healthcare.(back up with data)

Conclusion

When healthcare is improved, everyone wins, everyone gains from it.

Audience Analysis

a. Describe your persona or role as the author of the letter:

-I will be the burned out, overworked nurse affected by budget cuts.

b. Your audience (your reader) is:

-The government officials who pass legislation regarding healthcare budgets.

c. You want your audience to:

-Manage the budget to provide more funds in healthcare.

1. How would your audience describe itself?

-A governing body with responsibility to citizens to create a "fair" and balanced budget.

2. What does your audience value?

-Justice, country, patriotism, power, money.

3. What does this audience fear and/or risk losing?

-Power, respect, votes, money

4. Describe your audience's attitude to the subject of discussion.

-Overwhelmed, ignorant, "cornered," reluctant, apologetic?, indifferent

5. Why might your audience be opposed to your position/proposal or be reluctant to see things from your point
of view? Can you explain how he/she/they might feel threatened, on some fundamental level, by your
position/proposal?

-They might want to push their own agenda through, or take another one priority over mine. Healthcare has
historically been a major issue in government.