This capstone nursing report delves into the economic environment of healthcare, exploring two key factors: poverty and the strength of the public sector component. It highlights how financial barriers due to poverty limit access to healthcare services, and conversely, how a robust public sector can improve access. The report also analyzes the influence of economic issues on bedside nursing practice, including value-based purchasing, staffing challenges, and reimbursement issues. Value-based purchasing is presented as a method to improve quality and patient satisfaction. Staffing issues, such as understaffing, are shown to negatively affect patient care due to increased workloads. Furthermore, the report discusses how reimbursement issues impact nurses' morale and compensation. The report concludes by emphasizing the significance of these economic factors in shaping healthcare delivery and nursing practice.