Category: Health Care and Life Sciences : Nursing

Objectives 
The purpose of the Personal Essay activity is to:
Describe life experiences that have impacted the decision to enroll in the nursing program (CO 9)
Identify short and long term goals related to enrolling in the nursing program (CO 9)
Method of Evaluation
Students are required to complete a Personal Essay which is worth 10% of their overall grade.
Guidelines
Students must complete the following papers: (i) a Personal Essay. Each of these papers must be submitted through Canvas in order for the paper to be uploaded to Turnitin®.
In the Personal Essay you will write about your life experiences, why you chose to come back to school, and what you expect to get from your education. Specifically, in this essay you will analyze and evaluate your personal beliefs, goals (short and long-term), and expectations, including educational and professional outlook, business and personal encounters, and career transformations. The personal essay must be typed with 1” margins, double spacing, 12-point Times Roman font, and between three and five pages in length.
The rubric below will be utilized to grade the paper.
General Assignment Obligations
Students are expected to complete all assignments on or before the dates that they are due. Assignments submitted after the due date may not be accepted or may be subject to penalty. Acceptance of assignments after due dates is at the sole discretion of the course instructor and Dean. Any lack of completion of assignments and/or consistent lateness of assignment which leads a faculty member to judge that unsatisfactory progress is being made may result in the student being administratively withdrawn from the course and require the course to be repeated. This syllabus (including the referenced course calendar) and/or Canvas include due dates with regards to the completion of assignments. To the extent no written due date for an assignment is in the course calendar or Canvas, the course instructor will establish and announce the due date for such assignment.
RNQB & RNSB | General ED | Paper (BIO201, BIO202, HUN201, NUS201, PSY201, SOC201, NUR203, NUR222) | Theory | Reflective Paper, Interview Paper (NUR225) | DLRNQB & RNSB | General ED | Paper (BIO201, BIO202, HUN201, NUS201, PSY201, SOC201, NUR203, NUR222) | Theory | Reflective Paper, Interview Paper (NUR225) | DLCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent65 ptsSuperior• Provides substantive and relevant development of ideas • Offers logical, accurate, and sufficient level of detail • Demonstrates an in depth understanding of the ideas • Evaluates/responds to ideas in a critical, analytical and persuasive manner49 ptsSatisfactory• Provides some relevant development of ideas • Offers logical, accurate, and sufficient level of detail • Demonstrates a general understanding of the ideas • Evaluates/responds to ideas in a persuasive manner33 ptsPoor• Provides limited relevant development of ideas • Offers minimal level of detail • Demonstrates a limited understanding of the ideas • Evaluates/responds to ideas with minimal analytics and with less persuasive arguments17 ptsUnsatisfactory• Provides no relevant development of ideas • Offers minimal level of detail and detail is off-topic and/or unfocused • Lacks understanding of the ideas • Fails to present analytics and persuasive arguments0 ptsNot Completed• Assignment Not Completed65 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization20 ptsSuperior• Creates a clearly identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion • Provides a sophisticated paragraph structure with each paragraph developing one central idea • Utilizes APA format15 ptsSatisfactory• Creates an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion • Provides a unified paragraph structure with most paragraphs developing one central idea • Utilizes APA format10 ptsPoor• Fails to develop a clear organizational structure • Demonstrates limited paragraph structure • Incorporates APA format haphazardly5 ptsUnsatisfactory• Fails to have organizational structure • Lacks unified paragraph structure • Lacks APA format0 ptsNot Completed• Assignment Not Completed20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLanguage5 ptsSuperior• Incorporates sophisticated terminology • Avoids irrelevant and redundant words, phrases and other distracting information • Contains no spelling errors • Lacks errors in sentence boundaries such as fused sentences and sentence fragments • Uses paraphrase and quotes skillfully3 ptsSatisfactory• Utilizes appropriate terminology • Incorporates relevant words and phrases, but contains some distracting information • Contains limited spelling errors • Utilizes appropriate sentence structure in most instances (some fused sentences and fragments) • Limits paraphrase and quotes to an acceptable level2 ptsPoor• Utilizes inappropriate terminology in certain areas • Incorporates irrelevant words and phrases • Contains limited spelling errors • Utilizes inappropriate sentence structure (fused sentences and fragments) • Uses paraphrase and quotes in some instances without following APA (i.e., plagiarism)1 ptsUnsatisfactory• Utilizes inappropriate terminology • Presents distracting information throughout • Contains numerous spelling errors • Utilizes inappropriate sentence structure (fused sentences and fragments) • Uses paraphrase and quotes without following APA in numerous instances (i.e., plagiarism)0 ptsNot Completed• Assignment Not Completed5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePresentation10 ptsSuperior• Presents information in a clear, logical, and effective manner7 ptsSatisfactory• Presents information in an effective manner4 ptsPoor• Presents information in a manner which results in some confusion1 ptsUnsatisfactory• Presents information in an ineffective manner with lots of confusion0 ptsNot Completed• Assignment Not Completed10 pts
Total Points: 100

Assignment Checklist
CheckboxSections & CriteriaTitle pageDescription of Pathology
The body of the paper should include the following sections:
Normal Anatomy of the body system
Normal Physiology of the body system
Mechanism of Pathology
Prevention
Treatment
ConclusionReference pageBetween 4-6 full pages of content, double-spaced –  Title page and the Reference page (both on separate pages)  do NOT contribute to page count. Use of images/tables/diagrams will not count for total page number either.
Be sure to include in-text citations where appropriate. You should have a minimum of one in-text for every final reference you have listed.
A minimum of three reputable sources are required for this assignment.All sources need to be cited properly in APA format – in-text citations and references
Times New Roman, 12 pt. font
Your paper should include the underlined items below as section headings.
APA 7th edition Title page:
This is a separate page by itself, with the following information centered in the middle of the page: course title, paper title, student’s name, instructor’s name, and date.
Description of Pathology:
Start the paper on a new page.
In this section, you will describe the pathology (statistics about it, background information, etc.). Give as much information as you can about it but be sure it is relevant information and not just filler. It should be a comprehensive introductory section of the condition in one to two paragraphs.
Normal anatomy of the major body system affected: In this section, you will describe what is considered normal anatomy for your particular pathophysiology. For example, if you are discussing a disease related to the brain, explain what is normal for the brain from an anatomical standpoint. You should show comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental concepts and communicate information using scientific vocabulary. There should be little to no discussion of the condition itself in this section.
Normal physiology of the major body system affected: In this section, you will be discussing physiology. Keep in mind that when describing physiology, it isn’t enough to merely provide a list of functions of the body system (Ex: Neurons send signals throughout the body), instead, you need to be able to describe how it does it. The how is the physiology. There should be little to no discussion of the condition itself in this section
Mechanism of Pathophysiology: This section is likely going to be the most in-depth and longest section. In this section, you will explain your particular pathophysiology from a scientific standpoint. In the previous two sections, you explained what is considered normal, in this section, you should describe what the pathophysiology is doing that is causing these issues, how the normal anatomy & physiology is affected/different in a person with your condition. You should show a thorough understanding of the anatomical and physiological changes contributing to the disease. Some good keywords to search for when doing your research might be “Pathology of __________”, Pathophysiology of __________.”
Prevention: In this section, you will explain how your pathophysiology could be prevented. This should outline possible prevention protocols, or clearly indicate if none is available based on the current scientific literature.
Treatment: In this section, you will explain how your pathophysiology is commonly treated. Provide possible treatment protocols for the condition based on current scientific literature. Be sure to bring in nursing relevant information and how you might be involved in the treatment of the condition.
Conclusion: Finally you should summarize your findings. All good research papers should include a conclusion where you wrap up and summarize all of the important points made in your paper.
References:
As with the Title page, this should be a separate page by itself.
All references should be included in correct and complete APA format.
All references must be cited appropriately in the paper using APA-style in-text citations.
A minimum of three reputable sources are required for this assignment.

Describe your professional identity.
Answer “What do nurses do?”
Describe your professional socialization thus far.
Discuss Basic Student Socialization as explained in Cohen’s Model and Benner’s Model.
Why is socialization important?
Which of the five nurses featured in The American Nurse film do you relate to the most and why?
*Scholarly articles are used to answer the question and are included at the end of the posting in correct APA format.*

Describe one environmental risk to public health. What role should the government play within this context? Based on the Bill of Rights, how can citizens regulate environmental health risks? 
Use a minimum of 2 scholarly sources.

How has 21st century nurse Beverly Malone had the greatest impact on evidence in professional nursing practice. Explain your choice and the impact on healthcare.
 
Use a minimum of 2 scholarly sources

Please respond to each discussion post (a total of 2 responses). Each response should include additional information in response to the discussion post such as recommendation and other choices of treatment. Please note, you are responding directly to the person by name such as Hi James, or Hi Jane, etc.
Instructions:
Length: at least 135 words each response, not including references
Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA per post from within the last 5 years
The entire paper should not be in APAP format but the in-text citation and reference should be in APA format.

Review the video, Case Study: Petunia Park. You will use this case as the basis of this Assignment. In this video, a Walden faculty member is assessing a mock patient. The patient will be represented onscreen as an avatar.
Consider what history would be necessary to collect from this patient.
Consider what interview questions you would need to ask this patient.
Consider patient diagnostics missing from the video: Provider Review outside of interview:Temp 98.2  Pulse  90 Respiration 18  B/P  138/88Laboratory Data Available: Urine drug and alcohol screen negative.  CBC within normal ranges, CMP within normal ranges. Lipid panel within normal ranges. Prolactin Level 8; TSH 6.3 (H)
Develop a Focused SOAP Note, including your differential diagnosis and critical-thinking process to formulate a primary diagnosis. Incorporate the following into your responses in the template:
Subjective: What details did the patient provide regarding their chief complaint and symptomatology to derive your differential diagnosis? What is the duration and severity of their symptoms? How are their symptoms impacting their functioning in life? 
Objective: What observations did you make during the psychiatric assessment?  
Assessment: Discuss the patient’s mental status examination results. What were your differential diagnoses? Provide a minimum of three possible diagnoses with supporting evidence, listed in order from highest to lowest priority. Compare the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for each differential diagnosis and explain what DSM-5 criteria rules out the differential diagnosis to find an accurate diagnosis. Explain the critical-thinking process that led you to the primary diagnosis you selected. Include pertinent positives and pertinent negatives for the specific patient case.
Plan: What is your plan for psychotherapy? What is your plan for treatment and management, including alternative therapies? Include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, alternative therapies, and follow-up parameters as well as a rationale for this treatment and management plan. Also incorporate one health promotion activity and one patient education strategy.
Reflection notes: Reflect on this case. Discuss what you learned and what you might do differently. Also include in your reflection a discussion related to legal/ethical considerations (demonstrate critical thinking beyond confidentiality and consent for treatment!), social determinates of health, health promotion, and disease prevention that takes into consideration patient factors (such as age, ethnic group, etc.), PMH, and other risk factors (e.g., socioeconomic, cultural background, etc.).

What is the importance of de-prescribing? How might you assist a patient to taper from a medication safely or transition to a new medication?
In this Assignment, you will use the following patient examples to write a 5- to 6-page paper on considerations you have for how you might de-prescribe. Support your answers with five (5) evidence-based, peer-reviewed scholarly literature resources outside of Required Learning Resources in this course.
Note: APA 7 style format guidelines will apply.
Patient Examples:
Patient 1: A 36-year-old male presents to your office being prescribed by his primary care physician (PCP) for the past 3 years an opioid analgesic medication for a work accident. He has chronic pain and is attending a pain clinic. It is determined the best course of treatment for pain is to remain on opioid medication. The patient is also being prescribed clonazepam 1mg BID for “relaxation” and panic attacks.
Patient 2: A 42-year-old female on alprazolam 1mg BID for panic attacks. Panic attacks have been in remission and the patient wants to taper off the medication. But, every time she has attempted to do so in the past, she experienced withdrawal effects. She is wondering how to safely taper off the benzodiazepine medication without having withdrawal effects.
Patient 3: A 24-year-old female prescribed lorazepam 1mg TID for generalized anxiety disorder. She recently found out she is pregnant (9 weeks gestation). She was referred to you by her OB-GYN to discuss this medication for her current situation. The patient is wondering if she can stay on the lorazepam through her pregnancy and postpartum, as it is an effective medication for anxiety symptoms. She plans to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months postpartum. She has not had any other trials of medication to treat anxiety as lorazepam has been effective.
Patient 4: A 71-year-old-male who comes to see you at the insistence of his daughter. His daughter expresses concern of memory loss and is wondering if he has the beginning stages of dementia. He is forgetful and seems to be tripping on things or walking into walls, although he has lived in the same home for the past 35 years. The patient does not agree with his daughter but does admit he has had a “few stumbles and falls” lately. Medication reconciliation shows the following medications: metoprolol ER 50mg q day, omeprazole 20mg q day, clonazepam 1mg TID, levothyroxine 75mcg q am. His daughter is wondering if he should be started on a “dementia medication.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Answer the following questions using the patient examples described above.
Patient 1
·         What are the concerns of the patient remaining on the opioid medication and clonazepam?
·         How might you educate the patient about these risks and concerns?
The patient agrees that he should not continue both medications in combination. He would like to “get off” the clonazepam but worries about “bad withdrawals” that he’s heard about from stopping clonazepam “cold turkey” and is concerned about re-occurring panic attacks. How might you respond to the following:
·         How would you instruct the patient to taper off clonazepam?
·         What other medication would you recommend for the patient for the treatment of his panic attacks? Keep in mind, he will continue the opioid medication for pain relief.
·         How would you start the new recommended psychotropic medication for the patient?
·         Discuss one legal, ethical, or social consideration with the treatment plan.
Patient 2
·         The patient reports withdrawal symptoms when previously tapering off the alprazolam. What symptoms are common withdrawal symptoms from this medication?
·         Provide the patient education of withdrawal symptoms that range from common and less serious to withdrawal symptoms that are a cause for concern and that should prompt patient should seek medical attention.
·         Given the patient’s history of having withdrawal effects from attempting to taper off alprazolam, what longer-acting benzodiazepine would you choose to convert the patient to?
·         What is the dose you would prescribe and how would you taper off the medication?
Patient 3
·         Review the potential risks, benefits, and side effects of continuing lorazepam throughout the pregnancy and postpartum for both the patient and fetus.
·         Review other alternative medications to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Include risks, benefits, and potential side effects to both the patient and the developing fetus. Keep in mind, the patient is looking to breast feed for 6 months postpartum.
·         The patient agrees that it would be safest for her pregnancy and fetus to discontinue the lorazepam. How would you recommend she discontinue lorazepam? Provide education on potential side effects from tapering off the medication, including common side effects to more serious side effects and when to seek medical attention.
·         The patient would like to forgo medications at this time, given she is early in her pregnancy and is concerned about “damage” to the fetus if she were to continue medications. Provide education to the patient about the risks of untreated anxiety symptoms during pregnancy for both the patient and the fetus.
Patient 4
·         Review potential side effects for elderly on benzodiazepines providing education to both the patient and the patient’s daughter. What are the risks of continuing the benzodiazepine for this patient?
·         How would you evaluate the patient for these side effects?
·         The patient and daughter agree he will need to taper off the clonazepam given the risks of continuing this medication. How would you recommend tapering off this medication?
·         Review with the patient and daughter potential side effects of tapering off the medication. Review with them common side effects to more serious side effects and when to seek medical attention.
Reminder: All papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references.
 

Description (research paper – 14-16 pages (including references) and 14-16 references -30% of grade): The following is a possible approach to your research paper, but do not feel limited to this approach. It is more important that you produce a high-quality research paper related to nursing and spirituality:
Present a final paper that integrates the first two phases and includes a proposal for impacting the chosen element of nursing theory or practice with a robust concept of spirituality (15-18 pp., 30% of the final course grade).
Research project topics may include but are not limited to:
Spirituality as it might impact nursing theory or practice. This may be a reflection of your own spiritual tradition, or it may be a reflection of a broader more generic concept of spirituality.  What is your understanding of spirituality from your readings (books and articles) and discussions in this class?  Do you have a religious as well as a philosophical understanding of spirituality?  What are the strengths and/or limitations of your definition of spirituality?   How might it be useful in research?  How might it be useful in clinical settings?
Spirituality as understood in the nursing theory that you intend to use in your dissertation/ translational research project. Contrast it with spirituality as understood in another nursing theory (grand theorists Johnson, King, Levine, Neuman, Orem, Rogers, Roy, or midrange theorists, etc.).
How might a robust definition of spirituality speak to the topic of your dissertation/translational research project or some nursing issue of your choice
Integrate the previous sections of the paper and give some conclusions.   
Paper must meet APA standards.

This formal APA scholarly paper incorporates your overall nurse educator plan. It is a compilation of the assignments throughout the past few weeks, however please do not simply “copy/paste” the information.  Instead, please give an overview of each topic and ensure the information flows well with transitions between each section of the paper.
Scholarly writing should be used with citations and references, with limited use of direct quotes.   In addition, you may use first person writing in the Philosophy of Nursing Education section of the paper. It is anticipated that this paper will be 4 pages, not including the Title Page, Reference Pages, and Appendices. Below is an outline to assist with the organization and writing of the formal paper with suggested Level 1 headers in bold font. Please visit https://apastyle.apa.org Links to an external site./  for formatting of a scholarly paper in 7th ed. APA.
Requirements
Title Page- in APA 7th ed. student title page format
No abstract is required
Introduction paragraph- to introduce the paper and grab the attention of the reader along with stating the purpose of the paper
Philosophy of Nursing Education (PAPER ATTACHED- SUMMARIZE)
Discuss the key points regarding why you pursued a goal of becoming a nurse educator
Include an overview of your philosophy of nursing education
Role of the Nurse Educator (PAPER ATTACHED- SUMMARIZE)
Based on literature, address the current and future role of nurse educators
Describe some of the changes that need to be made in nursing education
The Nurse Educator as Change Agent and Leader (PAPER ATTACHED- SUMMARIZE)
Describe the knowledge and skills nurse educators need to lead and promote positive change in nursing education and/or nursing practice
Briefly describe your preferred leadership theory and/or change theory
Strategic Plan (POWERPOINT ATTACHED-SUMMARIZE)
Summarize your strategic plan for pursuing your future as a nurse educator
Include your professional goals and plan for continuous self-improvement
Conclusion
Summarize the content of your paper
Reference Page in 7th ed. APA format
This requires 3-5 current (within the last five years) research articles from peer-reviewed journals.