At least one of the topics should be taken from the IOM Report: The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=12956 This paper should be a description of three of the most important issues in the profession of nursing today. There is not “right answer”. You need to identify three issues, present them succinctly, using the best evidence you can find, and state why they are important. This is a relatively short paper so you need to be precise and highlight the most important points or your paper will be superficial. In determining your understanding of the issues, you should review the course description and the objectives of the course. Your textbook is another good source of ideas for topics, including some of the discussion points throughout the chapters.

The topic can include the debate topics and class discussion topics. The issues can definitely relate to clinical practice. At least one of the issues should be taken from the 2010 IOM Report. What to include and organization: You should include an introduction and a summary. The issues should be described, including the scope, impact, and why they are of importance and significant. You may include a very short, clear chronological history if it supports your position. Alternately you might include how it has developed and the effects of historical events. Your topic will dictate what you include. The paper should include an analysis of the issue and an overview of approaches that have worked (or failed) in the past in the body of the paper. You do not have to focus on the approaches that have been taken; however, that aspect of the topic should be at least mentioned. Differing views should be made clear and explained. Future concerns may also be included. Your own opinion is valid and valuable; however, you need to be very clear when giving your opinion that it is your opinion. You should limit your opinion to a maximum of approximately 15% of your paper. You can use your personal experiences as a part of your opinion. For example, you may have personal experiences that validate or contradict what experts have voiced. When you include your opinion or personal experience you should describe your view, why you feel that way and how it relates to the issue. Give specific facts to defend your position Notes on Content: The paper should show critical analysis that references your topic. This would include insight, originality of thought, and a sound and logical analysis that shows a clear understanding of the relevant aspects of the issue. The paper should be complete and accurate. You should address many of the important aspects of the topic. Appropriate significance should be assigned to the information presented and irrelevant information should be avoided. Differing and controversial views should be included when they exist. A paper that is of high quality will show an analysis of the issue, including divergent opinions.

Format: 4-6 pages Double spaced Submitted through Safe-Assign in Blackboard APA format should be used correctly in the organization of the paper, the reference list, and in the text citations. Secondary sources should be avoided. This happens when your textbook cites a source. You can use your textbook as a primary source. References: You must have a minimum of 3 references, one of which will be an article from a nursing journal that is peer-reviewed (this is required to get a C+ grade). To obtain a higher grade you must exhibit a well-researched paper with a greater number of references that show a depth of searching the literature on your part. Each reference should be used at least once in the paper. Various types of references such as websites can be used in addition to the research article above