Reflection Paper Assignment
Assignment Overview:
Students will select one contemporary nursing issue from the provided list and write a reflective paper that explores its impact on nursing practice, patient care, and/or healthcare policy. This assignment offers an opportunity to critically examine how nurses influence and respond to current challenges in the healthcare environment.
Paper Requirements:
· Length: Approximately 1,200 to 1,500 words (about 4–5 pages depending on font choice)
· Format: APA style for citations and references; font choice per APA 7th edition guidelines (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, or Georgia, 11–12 pt)
· Title Page: Student title page according to the 7th edition of the APA manual
· Margins: 1 inch on all sides. Use Align Left (not justified) margins.
· Spacing: Double-spaced throughout (no extra spaces).
· Abstract Page: Remember the abstract is different than the introduction. The abstract is a succinct summary of your paper. Include 3-5 Keywords.
· Headings: Use headings to guide your reader through the sections of your paper. Remember that in APA format the word “Introduction” is never used for the introductory paragraph.
· Sources: Include at least 3 credible, (scholarly) references such as peer-reviewed journals, professional nursing organizations, or government reports. Include working link to the references page. Remember to format your in-text citations according to the 7th edition of the APA Manual, and to make sure that every in-text citation has a corresponding reference on the References page.
· Submission: Upload as a Word file (not a PDF file) to the course learning platform by the deadline. Use your last name and assignment name to label the file (for example Smith, Reflection Paper Assignment).
Reflection Paper Content Expectations:
1. Introduction:
a. Briefly describe the selected issue and its relevance to contemporary nursing practice.
2. Issue Analysis:
a. Explain how this issue affects vulnerable populations, healthcare delivery systems, nursing roles, or nursing education.
b. Discuss any recent policy changes, funding impacts, or societal factors connected to the topic.
3. Nursing Role and Advocacy:
a. Reflect on the nurse’s professional responsibility related to the issue.
b. Consider how nurses can advocate for patients, influence policy, or innovate in practice to address the problem.
4. Connection to this Course (Nursing 361) and Mercy University Program Outcomes:
a. Demonstrate understanding of how the issue aligns with key learning outcomes such as professional ethics, health equity, leadership, and policy influence.
b. Use course concepts and evidence to support your reflections.
5. Conclusion:
a. Summarize your insights and suggest possible directions for nursing practice or policy advocacy in relation to the issue.
My topic (what the paper is on)
Nursing Advocacy and Ethics:
· Nurses’ advocacy role in protecting access to reproductive health services amidst political restrictions
· Nurses as policy advocates: responding to legislative threats to patient care access
· Ethical challenges nurses face with healthcare rationing and resource limitations
· Addressing systemic racism and health disparities through nursing leadership
· The nurse’s role in safeguarding patient privacy and data security