POSITION PAPER
Two of the writing assignments in NURS365 will be focused at producing a position paper. A position paper is “a detailed report that recommends a course of action on a particular issue” (Merriam Webster). In politics and in professional work, position papers may be used to construct the evidence in support of or against a pending action or change. There are many instances in health care where changes were made or were proposed with much disagreement as to the correct path.
Taking a position evaluate all of the evidence, considering many viewpoints then using that evidence to develop an informed opinion and take a position.
As you begin NURS365 – be aware of controversial topics which can be used as a topic for your position paper. Some topics students have addressed in the past include:
-Vaccinations (flu/covid) for health care workers should be mandated.
-Lifestyle behaviors (e.g. exercise, smoking, BMI) should be used to determine health insurance premiums.
– Nurses shift length should be limited to a maximum of 8 hours.
Your topic must be one in which there is evidence on both sides of the position, the topic has current research evidence (within the last 7 years) and has relevance to Nursing. Notice that the statements are worded is such a way that a stand can be taken Pro (for) or Con (against). Your position paper will both provide the evidence to support your stand AND refute the opposing side. This will require you to look at both sides of the issue and develop an informed decision.
There are many places to identify controversial topics.
You can look at current proposed legislation pending in your state or at the federal level.
When you search professional organizations for your online discussion in Week 1, you can look at the position statements posted by organizations, the most current statements may be a good source of ideas.
Some practice journals have “Point:Counterpoint” articles which highlight current topics of controversy.
In the resources module, there is a link to the course page on the Halle Library site. There is a video (Finding Hot Topics & Organization Position Statements) using the ANA website to explain how professional organization websites can assist you in finding a hot topic.
Review the section “Think Now about Your Position Paper” in Week 1.
Your topic must be one in which there is evidence on both sides of the position, the topic has current research evidence (within the last 7 years), and the topic has relevance to Nursing. Notice that the statements provided were worded in such a way that a stand can be taken Pro (for) or Con (against). Your position paper will both provide the evidence to support your stand AND refute the opposing side. This will require you to look at both sides of the issue and develop an informed decision.
Submit your topic as a statement with which you can take a pro stance (agree with it) or a con stance (disagree with it). It is not necessary that you declare your stance at this time. Allow your investigation of the topic to inform your decision to be revealed and supported in your position paper.
https://www.fox47news.com/neighborhoods/state-capitol/the-safe-patient-care-act-would-protect-michigan-nurses-from-being-overworked
Bipartisan bills limit forced overtime for RNs, set staff-to-patient ratios
