A position paper presents an arguable opinion about an issue. The goal of a position paper is to convince the audience that your opinion is valid and worth listening to. It is important to support your argument with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims as well as address any counterclaims. This position paper will explore a current nursing controversial issue (identified by you in Week 3) dealing with a nursing issue and its impact on or importance to professional nursing practice.
Learning Outcomes/Goals
- Enhance and practice computer and information literacy
- Provide an opportunity to investigate current national health care issues
- Critique the impact of these issues on nursing and other stakeholders providing input to find solutions satisfactory to all.
- Identify the relationship of your topic to Healthy People 2020.
- Provide continued opportunity to hone APA writing skills.
Audience
- The audience for this paper is other health care professionals, administrators, and consumers.
Writing Outcomes
- Prepare a position paper 4-5 pages in length (+/- 10%) excluding title page and reference pages) that argues in support or rejection of a selected nursing controversial topic.
View the “Writing A Position Paper Video – Link is on Canvas*
View Guidelines for Writing a Position Paper in syllabus
Here is an example of a Position Paper: Example NURS 365_position paper
Download Example NURS 365_position paper
Note: This is just to give you a feel for the assignment. Your paper will be evaluated according to the directions and criteria provided in the syllabus and the Canvas shell and will be graded accordingly. ALSO – we took out the “plan” this paper has and shorten the page requirements so follow the rubric and canvas!
Suggested Organization and Sample Outline for Position Paper
Title Page
Introduction (do not use word “introduction”, the title of the paper goes on top of page #2 which is followed by the introduction)
- Introduce the topic and scope/purpose of your paper.
- Provide background on the topic and include what is currently happening locally, state and nationally.
- Succinctly assert your position on the issue
Counter Argument
- Summarize the counterclaims.
- Provide supporting information for counterclaims.
- Refute the counterclaims.
- Give evidence for the refuting argument.
Your Argument
- Assert “Talking Points” #1, #2, and #3
- Give your opinion.
- Provide supporting evidence.
Conclusion
- Restate your argument that was presented in the introduction.
- The audience should know where you stand.
- Your position is clear and located in the two strongest places, first and last paragraphs.
References
- Minimum of four current (within 7 years) professional journal references.
- Governmental, health care organizations, political, policy, community, and legal resources. May use internet resources.
- You may use a limited number of older references for historical context.
Format of Paper –
- Use APA student style of writing (7th edition).
- Remember APA style is more than reference citations and a reference list. It is the entire professional appearance, organization, style and mechanics of the paper.
- Maximum length: 4-6 pages (+/- 10%) excluding title page and references.
Rubric
Position Paper Rubric
Position Paper Rubric
CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Introduction
Introduction of the issue is complete with brief background information, and the controversy is clear with two distinct positions identified. Introduction indicates purpose/scope of paper. Connection between issue and professional nursing is provided. Your position is clear. Include current policy and law, local, state and federal.
10 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
The counter argument.
Counter claims are presented and supporting information for these claims is provided and discussed.
Counterclaims are refuted with evidence for argument.
20 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
The argument.
Three talking points are presented and supported with evidence, your expert professional opinion, and personal experiences. Argument is persuasive and reflects critical thinking. Thinking is logically presented.
20 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Conclusion
Conclusion of argument is clear and identifies/highlights the main points of the argument. Overview/summation of both positions discussed in paper is provided. Conclusion is logical. Conclusion clearly and effectively communicates your position.
10 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Quality of the references and resources
Quality of the references and resources are effective in supporting and analyzing position. Published within the last 7 years. A variety of references and resources are used including professional, organizations, government, lay literature, newspaper, Internet, policy, legal.
15 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Mechanics & APA style
Appropriate use of APA elements throughout (i.e. title page, headings and subheadings in the paper lead the reader, page #s, in-text citations). Reference page with accurate reference format. Professional language, accurate spelling, sentence structure and grammar, logical flow and organization. Page limit of 4-5 pages excluding title and reference page.
25 pts
Full Marks
0 pts
No Marks
25 pts
Total Points: 100