1. Transitioning From Closed to Open Systems
How do effective nurse leaders and others approach problem
solving and decision making in organizations? As suggested in
this week’s Learning Resources, systems theory provides a
valuable way to assess situations and prepare to address
problems.
For this week’s Discussion, you identify an issue or process that
could be improved and apply knowledge and strategies related
to systems theory.
Note:
You may find it helpful to view the Assignment instructions
and use the same problem for this Discussion.
To prepare:
Review the information presented in this week’s Learning
Resources on systems theory and the difference between open
and closed systems.
Reflect on the practices and processes with which you are
familiar in your organization. Identify one problematic issue or
process that could be improved.
Consider the problem from a closed-system perspective. Then
think about how the issue or process you selected could be
addressed by viewing it from an open-system perspective. How
would the transition from a closed- to an open-system view help
you and others to address the problem and improve outcomes?
Post (1)
a description of the problem that you identified in your selected
organization. (2) Explain the problem from a closed-system
perspective. Then, (3) describe how the problem could be

2. addressed by viewing it from an open-system perspective, and
(4) explain how this modification would help you and others
improve health care outcomes
.
Required Resources
.
Readings
Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2015).
Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory
and application
(8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Review Chapter 7, “Strategic and Operational Planning”
See especially Figure 7.1 on page 147.
Chapter 8, “Planned Change”
Organizational Change Associated With Nonlinear Dynamics
(pp. 172–176)
Read this section of Chapter 8 on planned change. Consider the
role of leaders in effectively managing planned change.
Chapter 12, “Organizational Structure”
“Organizational Culture” (pp. 274–276)
There are many structures organizations take, and these
structures influence how the organization functions. This
chapter discusses many different organizational structures and
provides insights into how these structures influence the change
process, as well as leadership and management.
Johnson, J. K., Miller, S. H., & Horowitz, S. D. (2008).
Systems-based practice: Improving the safety and quality of

3. patient care by recognizing and improving the systems in which
we work. Retrieved from
http://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/advances2/vol2/Advances-
Johnson_90.pdf
This article addresses the importance of systems-based practice
(SBP) in health care workplaces. The authors state that SBP
knowledge is one of six core competencies that physicians have
to know in order to provide safe and proper care for their
patients.
Manley, K., O’Keefe, H., Jackson, C., Pearce, J., & Smith, S.
(2014). A shared purpose framework to deliver person-centred,
safe and effective care: Organisational transformation using
practice development methodology.
FoNS 2014 International Practice Development Journal 4
(1) [2].
Except from Abstract: A shared purpose is an essential part of
developing effective workplace cultures and one of the founding
principles of practice development in establishing person-
centred, safe and effective practices that enables everyone to
flourish. When units within health care organizations recognize
their interdependence, they can create an interdisciplinary
practice through systems integration.
Meyer, R. M., & O’Brien-Pallas, L. L. (2010). Nursing services
delivery theory: An open system approach.
Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66
(12), 2828–2838.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
In this article, the authors examine the effects of nursing
services delivery theory in large-scale organizations. Among
other benefits, this theory supports multilevel phenomena and
cross-level studies, and it can guide future research and the
management of nursing services.

4. Optional Resources
Glennister, D. (2011, July).
Towards a general systems theory of nursing: A literature
review
. Paper presented at the 55th Annual Meeting of the
International Society for the System Sciences, Hull, United
Kingdom. Retrieved from
http://journals.isss.org/index.php/proceedings55th/article/viewF
ile/1717/569
Hayajneh, Y. (2007).
Management for health care professionals series: Systems &
systems theory.
Retrieved from
http://www.hayajneh.org/a/readings/Systems-Theory.pdf