WGU D372 WMM1 TASK 3 | INTRODUCTION TO
SYSTEMS THINKING | 2026/2027 UPDATE
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY Complete Task with
100% Correct Solutions | A+ Graded
Scenario Context: This task concludes the analysis by proposing systemic interventions based
on Donella Meadows' 12 Leverage Points to resolve the Nurse Retention Crisis.
Using Donella Meadows' hierarchy of 12 leverage points, the hospital system currently operates
at the lowest leverage points (9, 10, 11, 12)—adjusting numbers, subsidies, and material flows.
To solve the crisis, we must move toward higher leverage points.
Selected Leverage Points for Intervention:
1. Leverage Point 4: The Goals of the System.
o Current Goal: Maximize patient throughput and minimize direct labor costs.
o Required Shift: Shift the goal to "Maximize Care Quality and Workforce
Sustainability."
o Reasoning: If the goal remains throughput, the structures (scheduling, pay) will
never align with retention.
2. Leverage Point 3: The Distribution of Power (Self-Organization).
o Current State: Centralized control; administrators dictate schedules.
o Required Shift: Empowering nurses with agency over their schedules and
protocols (self-organization).
o Reasoning: Moving decision-making power to those with the most information
(nurses) increases responsiveness and ownership.
3. Leverage Point 2: The Mindset or Paradigm out of which the System Arises.
o Current Paradigm: Staff are interchangeable economic inputs.
SYSTEMS THINKING | 2026/2027 UPDATE
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY Complete Task with
100% Correct Solutions | A+ Graded
Scenario Context: This task concludes the analysis by proposing systemic interventions based
on Donella Meadows' 12 Leverage Points to resolve the Nurse Retention Crisis.
Using Donella Meadows' hierarchy of 12 leverage points, the hospital system currently operates
at the lowest leverage points (9, 10, 11, 12)—adjusting numbers, subsidies, and material flows.
To solve the crisis, we must move toward higher leverage points.
Selected Leverage Points for Intervention:
1. Leverage Point 4: The Goals of the System.
o Current Goal: Maximize patient throughput and minimize direct labor costs.
o Required Shift: Shift the goal to "Maximize Care Quality and Workforce
Sustainability."
o Reasoning: If the goal remains throughput, the structures (scheduling, pay) will
never align with retention.
2. Leverage Point 3: The Distribution of Power (Self-Organization).
o Current State: Centralized control; administrators dictate schedules.
o Required Shift: Empowering nurses with agency over their schedules and
protocols (self-organization).
o Reasoning: Moving decision-making power to those with the most information
(nurses) increases responsiveness and ownership.
3. Leverage Point 2: The Mindset or Paradigm out of which the System Arises.
o Current Paradigm: Staff are interchangeable economic inputs.
