NURS FPX 6216 Assessment 4 Preparing and Managing a Capital Budget

NURS FPX 6216 Assessment 4 Preparing and Managing a Capital Budget

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 6216 Advanced Finance and Operations Management

Prof. Name

Date

Preparing and Managing a Capital Budget

In today’s healthcare environment, investing in capital acquisitions is crucial for maintaining and enhancing technology and facilities..This paper focuses on creating a capital budget for a major facility renovation aimed at improving the nurses’ lounge in a 50-bed step-down unit. The goal is to enhance staff satisfaction, morale, and productivity. This capital budget will outline the costs, justification, and impact on the organization’s financial health, showcasing the importance of strategic capital investments in healthcare.

Description of Capital Acquisition

I will follow a systematic approach  to design a capital budget for the nurses’ lounge renovation, that includes needs assessment, feasibility analysis, cost estimation, implementation planning, and management plan. Studies indicate that an improved work environment significantly enhances staff morale and productivity by reducing stress, increasing job satisfaction, and fostering a sense of well-being among employees (Donley, 2021). I accessed resources such as financial reports, market analysis, and stakeholder feedback such as exit interviews and patient surveys. I collaborated with other executives, staff members, finance departments, and external consultants to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive planning process. I aimed at modernizing the lounge with comfortable seating, updated amenities such as kitchen facilities, new lockers, and high-speed internet access. Aesthetically, the lounge will feature soothing colors, ample natural light, and ergonomic furniture to create a relaxing atmosphere that help reduce stress (McCorquodale, 2022).The ergonomic furniture I plan to include is designed to offer ideal comfort and support, enhancing health and productivity (Mileski et al., 2024). The renovation will also expand the lounge’s capacity to accommodate at least 10-12 nurses simultaneously during their breaks comfortably. By doing so, I aligned the vision for the capital expenditure with the goal of improving the work environment ensuring the renovation meets the identified needs and contributes to organizational goals. I scheduled renovation in phases, with construction work primarily taking place during off-peak hours and utilizing temporary alternative break areas for the nurses to avert disruption. The project is scheduled to be finished within six months, ensuring minimal disturbance to the unit’s operations (Pomare et al., 2022).

Justification of the Need for the Capital Acquisition

The nurses’ lounge renovation will profoundly benefit the nursing personnel by offering a modern, comfortable, and well-equipped space for relaxation and healing. A positive work environment reduces stress and burnout, leading to enhanced job satisfaction and higher staff morale (Monroe et al., 2021). Not renovating the nurses’ lounge will likely lead to continued low staff morale and increased burnout, negatively affecting nurse retention and productivity. Financially, it will cost recruitment and training costs along with excessive costs for treating adverse events due to errors. Improved staff well-being contributes to better patient care by increasing nurse productivity and reducing the likelihood of errors because nurses are able to take essential breaks and fulfill their nutritional needs (Dias & Dawson, 2020). The renovation aligns with the unit’s mission by fostering a supportive and efficient work environment, which is crucial for achieving the organization’s goals of excellence in patient care and staff retention. The enhanced lounge will serve as a tangible investment in the well-being of the nursing team, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes (Boudreau & Rhéaume, 2024).  Lack of investment in the work environment could result in higher error rates and decreased quality of patient care, contributing to compromised patient satisfaction and organization’s  reputation. The response from executive leaders regarding the budget is expected to be positive, acknowledging the long-term advantages of investing in staff wellness and the positive impact on patient care and organizational efficiency.

Preparation of the Capital Budget

The capital budget for the renovation aims to enhance the work environment and support staff well-being in a step-down unit. By investing in a comfortable and functional space, the renovation seeks to improve nurse satisfaction and, consequently, patient care (Michelon et al., 2021). Renovating the nurses’ lounge will cost $75,800, covering furniture ($20,000), kitchen amenities ($8000), décor ($5000), lighting ($3000), flooring ($6000), lockers ($4000), miscellaneous items ($2000), labor ($12,000), and a contingency reserve ($5,800) for unexpected expenses. 71% of the staff that spend time in quiet, refreshing, and relaxing rooms feel renewed as per the survey (Mileski et al., 2024).

NURS FPX 6216 Assessment 4 Preparing and Managing a Capital Budget

Expense Category Description Estimated Cost
Furniture Ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, comfortable sofas, tables, and storage units $20,000 
Amenities Kitchen appliances, coffee machine, microwave, refrigerator, and dining area essentials $8,000 
Paint and Décor Soothing paints, wall art, and decorations $5,000 
Lockers Personal lockers for nurses with secure storage $4,000 
Lighting Energy-efficient, adjustable lighting fixtures $3,000 
Flooring Durable, easy-to-clean flooring $6,000 
Miscellaneous Curtains, rugs, and other minor items $2,000 
Labor Costs for contractors, construction workers, and installation services $12,000
Contingency Reserved for unexpected expenses (10% of total) $5,800 
Total Estimated Cost $75,800 

Areas of Uncertainty and Knowledge Gaps

The preparation of the budget plan has various knowledge gaps and uncertainties that can impact the budget mentioned above. For instance, prices for materials and labor can vary significantly; therefore, obtaining current quotes and accounting for possible increases is essential (Gold et al., 2022). The quality and timeliness of work from contractors and suppliers are still being determined and should be verified through references and previous performance reviews. Further, the impact on staff productivity and morale will need to be monitored to measure the true effectiveness of the renovation. The inclusion of a budget line item for contingencies (10% of the total budget) helps address unforeseen expenses to ensure the project can be completed within the allocated budget (Ammar et al., 2023).

Description of the Process for Calculating Costs

I utilized various approaches to calculate costs while making the capital budget for the nurses’ lounge renovation, including a discussion with the finance department head. It allowed me to have a tentative idea of the amount required for renovation. Further, market research was conducted to estimate the costs of items. The primary sources used to calculate expenses include vendor quotes and previous renovation projects. The data obtained from current supplier and contractor estimates are generally reliable but may vary based on market fluctuations. Consulting with facilities management teams, construction contractors, and procurement specialists helps ensure accurate cost determination (Chen et al., 2021). The bottom-up costing method was utilized for this capital budget. This method involves estimating costs for each component of the renovation separately—such as furniture, amenities, labor, and other expenses—and then aggregating these individual estimates to determine the total budget (Špacírová et al., 2020). This approach allows for detailed analysis and provides a clearer and more comprehensive financial picture. Cost calculation methods involve adding a contingency for unexpected costs and verifying estimates against historical data to account for discrepancies that could arise from vendor pricing variations or unforeseen project complexities (Ammar et al., 2023).

Presentation of Plan for Budget Management

A budget management plan is essential to ensure that project expenditures are controlled and aligned with financial allocations, preventing cost overruns and financial strain. It also helps in effectively addressing any variances or unexpected expenses, ensuring that the project remains on track and within budget (Wang, 2023). Following are the various aspects of the budget management plan. Firstly, collaboration with financial analysts, administrative staff, and a budget committee will be essential to managing the budget effectively. These stakeholders will help oversee budget execution, ensuring that expenditures align with the allocated funds and providing oversight for any financial decisions (Chen et al., 2021). Secondly, cost control methods will include regular budget reviews and audits to closely track expenses and ensure they remain within the planned limits. A detailed cost-tracking system will be employed to monitor expenditures against the budget in real time, and fixed-price contracts with vendors will be negotiated to prevent unexpected cost increases (Musiega et al., 2023). Lastly, a contingency fund will be established to manage budget variances, cover unforeseen expenses, and ensure financial flexibility. Regular monitoring of budget performance will be conducted, with adjustments made to project scope or supplier negotiations as needed to address any discrepancies. This approach will help maintain alignment with the budget and minimize disruptions to the project (Kaplan & Gallani, 2022). The cost estimates are based on current market rates and supplier quotes, reflecting the most accurate pricing available at the time of planning. It is assumed that the project will be completed within the planned timeline, with minimal delays, ensuring that the budget remains effective throughout the renovation process. 

Explanation of Capital Acquisition’s Effect on the Financial Health

The nurses’ lounge renovation is expected to positively affect the unit’s financial well-being by improving staff satisfaction and productivity, which can lead to better patient care and potentially lower turnover costs. A study highlights that workplace absenteeism costs $13-17 billion annually due to a poor work environment contributing to psychological distress (Cohen et al., 2023). This enhancement could yield a Return on Investment (ROI) through increased staff efficiency and reduced recruitment and training expenses. Based on the studies, retaining the existing nurses would save money in multiple ways, such as averting unnecessary recruitment and training and improving the delivery of care. The cost recovery period for the renovation is projected to be approximately 1-2 years, based on anticipated gains in productivity and reduced turnover costs. Depreciation value has been considered, with the renovation costs spread over the expected useful life of the improvements affecting annual financial statements and budgeting (Kuroki, 2021). The actual return on investment may vary depending on the extent to which the renovation improves staff performance and patient outcomes, which can be challenging to quantify precisely. Further, variations in staff turnover rates and productivity improvements could affect the exact timing for recovering renovation costs. Lastly, changes in accounting standards or future renovations could alter the depreciation calculations and their impact on financial statements (Abed et al., 2022).

Conclusion

The investment intended to improve nursing personnel well-being and productivity, ultimately benefiting patient care and unit effectiveness. The comprehensive capital budget, including cost breakdown and management plan, supports a sound financial approach to this project. By addressing key uncertainties and leveraging a comprehensive cost calculation method, the renovation is poised to deliver long-term value and support the organization’s mission.

References

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