This week you are reading about creating a culture of excellence. As leaders you

This week you are reading about creating a culture of excellence. As leaders you will be called upon to address challenges and transform the culture within your work environment to propel healthcare forward in a positive trajectory.  As you continue on your educational journey to advance your nursing career and the delivery of quality healthcare what do you think is a major issue that needs addressing in your field of study?  Speak to someone already working in the area you are studying and inquire what they think are some areas that need improving. After doing some preliminary research to find a topic that interests you, your next step will be to construct a white paper on the subject matter. The following tells you a little about what a white paper is, then what your guidelines are for writing your white paper.
You will be writing a white paper on the topic you chose related to your field of study (FNP).  A white paper is formal, research based, data packed document with a single focus.   A white paper is an in-depth report or guide about a specific topic and the problems that surround it. It is meant to educate readers and help them to understand and solve an issue. The term “white papers” originated in England as government-issued documents. One famous example is the Churchill White Paper, commissioned by Winston Churchill in 1922
According to Purdue Owl (n.d.): “Typically, the purpose of a white paper is to advocate that a certain position is the best way to go or that a certain solution is best for a particular problem. When it is used for commercial purposes, it could influence the decision-making processes of current and prospective customers. While they originated as official government documents, companies, brands, and nonprofits of all types use them to establish topical authority.” ().
Your white paper will be between 8 to 10 pages of content. This does not include the title, Executive Summary and reference page(s).
An effective white paper outline should include:
Title Page: Make sure your title tells what you are going to be writing about.
 An Executive Summary: This is essentially a brief (200 words or so) description of what your white paper will be about. Think of it like a short pitch for why someone should read what you’re writing about. This will follow the title page and be on its own page. 
Paper (8-10 pages)
Introduction:
Include the major point’s that you will touch on in your paper.  
Section sub-headings: As you develop and research your white paper topic you will use sub-headings for the reader to follow your different points as noted in your introduction. (e.g. If your topic is the core problem you’ll solve, consider each sub-heading a sub-point or step toward resolving it.)
Body of the paper may include:
Background of issue with supporting evidence – valid research, reports etc.
Build argument logically
Provide a clear rationale for your position
Include references of supporting organizations, legislation and regulations
Provide a minimum of one relevant case that supports argument
Use primary scholarly sources such as: research studies, authoritative references, interviews, expert opinions, leader statements, facts & events with dates.
Conclusion:
Summarize your key takeaway points
If appropriate consider adding a call-to-action
Can you declare a resolution to the issue
Reference Page:
Required minimum of 10 scholarly references
Reference page(s) is not included in the required 8-10 pages
** You may include appendixes as appropriate.