NRS 440 Reflection Paper Assignment
NRS 440 Reflection Paper Assignment
Nursing is a dynamic field that prepares students to play an instrumental role in improving public health and transforming societies. The knowledge one gained through education is essential in providing primary care and enabling communities to live healthy lives. As a field that keeps evolving as living and illnesses dynamics change, nurses should acquire the highest education level possible. Doing so will help them deal with current health and social matters expertly, and as the professional guidelines dictate. This paper reflects my current job market options, future professional certifications and advanced degrees, and the impact and personal view regarding continuing education.
Options in the Job Market
In most cases, a nurse’s specialization area serves as an entry point into an exciting career that allows a nurse to address patient needs at health facilities while also being actively involved in solving community problems. The same specialization can be limiting if it forces the nurse to focus on specific health problems without allowing for diversification. In terms of job market options, a nurse’s education level is the primary determinant.
Based on my education, I am capable of excelling in a variety of areas related to my course or requiring me to apply my general nursing knowledge to improve people’s health. Primary care is one of my options. A nurse in primary care uses knowledge gained through education to diagnose patient problems and advise patients on the steps necessary to live healthy lives. The second possibility is to work as a health/nurse educator. This option entails taking on a more informative or health expert role in educational institutions and communities to identify public health problems and teach communities about risks and healthy living. Based on my skills and willingness to learn and serve, I can also participate in family and mental health practice. In this regard, I have a broader understanding of what I am capable of, and I believe that I will gain more knowledge to become a dynamic health care worker capable of excelling in general and special health matters, as well as administrative roles.
I like that you mentioned continuing education activities such as conferences. Does your field of nursing have certain conferences? Critical care has a conference called NTI once a year in different cities. NTI includes special critical care educational classes or “motivational keynotes” about new and up and coming skills and new equipment (American Association of Critical Care Nurses [AACN], 2023). Then there are markets (so to speak) where items can be purchased to be brought back and introduced into practice in the workplace. The other positive of attending educational conferences is the opportunity for networking and “inspiration” to renew the love for nursing (American Association of Critical Care Nurses [AACN], 2023). In this difficult time in nursing, it is important that nurses remember why they became a nurse and why they choose to stay in the profession. Our patients need to feel like their nurse cares and wants to make a difference and increasing education can help!
Assessment Description
The IOM published report, “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” makes recommendations for lifelong learning and achieving higher levels of education.
In 1,000-1,250 words, examine the importance of nursing education and discuss your overall educational goals.
Include the following:
Discuss your options in the job market based on your educational level.
Review the IOM Future of Nursing Recommendations for achieving higher levels of education. Describe what professional certification and advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, etc.) you want to pursue and explain your reasons for wanting to attain the education. Discuss your timeline for accomplishing these goals.
Discuss how increasing your level of education would affect how your competitiveness in the current job market and your role in the future of nursing.
Discuss the relationship of continuing nursing education to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics.
Discuss whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory. Provide support for your response.
You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Nursing education is a fundamental part of attaining better outcomes, expanding access to care, and preparing nurses for increased care demand and diversity from patients. The National Academies of Medicine, Science, and Engineering’s report, “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity explores how nurses can work with other stakeholders to reduce health disparities and promote equity while managing costs. The report notes that the decade ahead will test the country’s over 4 million nurses in novel and complex ways. The report observes that nurse live and work based on the intersection of health, education, and communities (Needleman, 2021). Therefore, they must attain more education to prepare them for the complex and challenging nursing environment ahead. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of nursing education based on this report. The reflection paper also provides personal perspectives on the issues under discussion.
Options in the Job Market
Registered nurses with an associate degree have diverse opportunities and options in the job market based on their level of education. As associate degree holders, they can work in a variety of settings that include working with children, women and men as well as adolescents and geriatrics. The associate degree prepares one to offer high quality care and have job security (Maughan & Bergren, 2021). Associate degree nurses (ADN) can work in hospitals, home healthcare services, nursing care facilities and physician offices as well as colleges and universities. They can also work in professional schools and outpatient centers. Their job description includes patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment, provision of health education, patient care at the bedside, operating medical equipment and administration of medications to patients. They also collaborate with other providers and practitioners to deliver care. Therefore, my options in the job market are broad and I can work in a host of settings to offer patient care.
Professional Certification and Advanced Degrees’ Attainment
The report of the National Academies of Engineering, Medicine, and Science asserts that strengthening nursing education is a core aspect of improving quality care, addressing health disparities and meeting patient needs. Nursing education should be improved to prepare nurses to identify and act on the complicated social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and well-being (Maughan & Bergren, 2021). The report observes that the education should offer students with diverse, substantive, and sustained community-oriented experience. The implication is that nursing education should prepare nurses to address social determinants of health and attain health equity.
Based on these recommendations I plan to pursue certification and advanced degrees to prepare me to meet the diverse and increasing patient needs. I plan to pursue professional certification to make me an all-round and competent nurse practitioner who promotes quality care and address the social determinants of health as well as health equity. These areas include being competent in culturally-sensitive care, community health education and mobilization areas to sensitize the public on the importance of primary care.
I want to specialize as a nurse practitioner and deal with different types of patients across the age and care continuum with the aim of addressing social issues affecting care delivery. Attaining certification in oncology nursing is an essential part of this plan as it will allow me to acquire skills to deal with terminally-ill patients and offer comfort to them at the time that they require. The rise of emerging diseases and increased prevalence of terminal conditions like cancer and hypertension among others due an aging population implores nurses to be well-prepared to meet the challenges and tackle them for the benefit of the health population.
I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in nursing (Master of Science in Nursing, MSN) within the next three years upon my completion of this bachelor degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN). I want to specialize nursing practice as an NP with interest in family so that I can offer care across age and care continuum to diverse patients. My interest in nursing practice as a leader would be through the attainment of the Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). This terminal degree will give me a chance to lead teams and provide leadership for nurses in my organization and increase care delivery to patients and the public.
Effect of Increasing my Level of Education
As posited, advanced education prepares nurses for additional roles because of their knowledge, skills, experiences and expertise (Maughan & Bergren, 2021). The current job market requires nurses with advanced education because they have skills and abilities to offer care and integrate innovative care models while also having improved insight on issues affecting health populations. Therefore, increasing my level of education will enhance my competitiveness in the present job market as it will mean that I will expand my scope of practice.
An advanced education will ensure that I have more skills, can apply research evidence and deploy technologies based on effective understanding of health issues and their effects on patients and nursing profession. Therefore, an advanced education will open up new opportunities and possibilities for me to provide health to diverse patient populations (Wakefield et al., 2021). My role in the future of nursing is to project the profession as an integral part of the healthcare delivery system and demonstrate the critical part that nurses play in quality care delivery. As observed, I will ensure that nurses focus on lifelong learning to enhance their skills so that they can attain better performance in their settings.
Relationship Between Continuing Nursing Education & Competency, Attitudes, Knowledge and ANA Scope and Standards for Practice & Code of Ethics
Continuing nursing education has a positive relationship with a nurse’s competency level, their attitudes to patient care and the nursing profession, knowledge and ability to comprehend the scope and standard for practice as well as code of ethics. Nurses enhance their competency through nursing education as they acquire additional skills, expertise, and approaches through research evidence. Continuing nursing education prepares nurses to understand health issues within their communities and care settings which is essential in improving their attitudes to patients. Through education, they enhance their competency by acquiring cultural diversity training, having positive attitudes to patients from diverse sociocultural backgrounds and attainment of more knowledge to deploy a host of interventions (Maughan & Bergren, 2021). The implementation of innovative care delivery models like the value-based care and evidence-based practice (EBP) as well as the identification of social determinants of health all require lifelong education and learning among nurses.
The American Nurses Association’s scope and standards for practice are essential as they set professional conduct and performance of nurses. The ANA code of ethics also implores nurses to observe ethical values and conduct themselves in a professional manner. Therefore, all these aspects are enhanced by an effective and advanced education that prepares nurses to adhere to all the mandates and professional mannerisms to improve the image of the nursing profession. continuing education is critical to improving these aspects, especially as it allows nurses to practice to full extent of their education and training in states where there is full practice authority.
Continuing Nursing Education
Education, at any level, should not be compulsory. This means that nurses should not be compelled to attain certain higher levels of education against their personal wish, desire, and financial capabilities. However, attaining the bare minimum for nurses is not sufficient to prepare one for the dynamic and changing nature of the health care industry and delivery system (Smith et al., 2021). Nurses are professionals and should be encouraged to pursue higher or advanced education so that they are well prepared to meet patient needs and also better positioned to assume more roles, including leadership roles, in the future.
Conclusion
Nursing education is a core part of enhancing patient safety, and guaranteeing quality care. As demonstrated in this reflection paper, I plan to pursue further certifications and higher degrees to strategically position myself for the job market and have the ability to transform care provision. The reflection paper is categorical that advanced nursing education is a critical path to reducing health disparities among populations.
References
Baten, R. B. A., & Wehby, G. L. (2022). Corrigendum to ‘Effects of the ACA Medicaid
expansions on access and health by nurse practitioner scope of practice laws.’ Nursing outlook, 70(3), 549.
Maughan, E. D., & Bergren, M. D. (2021). Future of nursing 2030: The future is bright for
school nursing. NASN School Nurse, 36(5), 248-251. DOI: 10.1177/1942602X211034915
Needleman, J. (2021). Future of nursing 2020-2030: Increasing the focus of nursing and health
care on equity and discrimination. Nursing Economics, 39(4), 196-199. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573919/
Smith, G. L., Schultz, C. M., & Danford, C. A. (2021). DNP or PhD? Dispelling Misconceptions.
The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 17(9), 1122-1123.
DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.05.026
Wakefield, M., Williams, D. R., & Le Menestrel, S. (2021). The future of nursing 2020-2030:
Charting a path to achieve health equity. National Academy of Sciences.
Nursing education is essential for ensuring that nurses are equipped with the necessary competencies and capabilities to provide effective patient care. In addition to improving their critical thinking, leadership, communication and other skills, nursing students learn about the implication and application of these abilities within the broader context of nursing practice. This prepares them to make informed decisions when delivering patient care in diverse settings. Furthermore, a career in nursing offers various avenues of professional growth and development based on clinical practice, research, teaching as well as administration roles. Thus, nurses have incredible opportunities to customize their careers according to their interests and professional goals while ensuring they continue developing the knowledge and expertise required for safe and worthwhile patient outcomes. The purpose of this assignment is to examine the importance of nursing education and the overall educational goals.
Options in the Job Market Based on the Educational Level
With an MSN degree, I am exposed to an expansive array of job opportunities that can include clinical and non-clinical settings. As a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist, a clinical nurse specialist, or a nurse midwife, I have the ability to provide direct patient care and lead management initiatives as part of healthcare teams of various sizes. These roles make clear implication to nursing practice and come with immense significance in the professional field. My master’s education allows me to explore such alternatives at my own discretion and build my experience from there.
As an MSN-educated nurse, I also have the ability to effectively serve in several leadership roles. In particular, I can work as a nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer to create and enforce policies, and also lead health care teams in producing positive outcomes within the healthcare system. Alternatively, I can choose to pursue a career as a nurse educator, imparting my knowledge and expertise to upcoming nurses through lectures and hands-on learning. This inclusion of new strategies in patient care reinforces my implication to nursing practice as well as expanding the wisdom base from which future nurses receive their training. On top of these two choices, there is also room for me to work as a nurse researcher whose research leads to an increased understanding of medical conditions, further advancing our healthcare knowledge base.
Overall, MSN degree can significantly extend career prospects for nurses, providing deeper knowledge and skills that can be put directly into practice. It allows them to set themselves apart in their chosen area of nursing and pursue new opportunities, empowering them to take on greater responsibilities and make a real impact on the advancement of healthcare services (Bakken & Dreisbach, 2022). With an MSN degree, nurses are able to specialize, soar in leadership roles, and contribute at a far higher level. Overall, this advanced learning experience makes an important implication to the profession and creates exciting possibilities for those who embark on it.
Anticipated Professional Certification or Advanced Degrees
The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report outlines critical strategies to raise the level of educational attainment in nursing. These strategies, such as increasing funding for nursing education, providing pathways for nurses to further their knowledge and training, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning amongst practitioners, are instrumental in ensuring quality care from nurses at all stages of their career. By investing in nurses’ own personal development and continuing education, not only will patients benefit from higher quality services but also the implication to nursing practice will be significant. As such, it is essential that these recommendations are acted upon rapidly and effectively.
As an individual with a vested interest in advanced practice nursing, I want to pursue a higher degree in advanced practice nursing (MSN) to acquire the pertinent knowledge that will give me the technical abilities and skills to improve the healthcare delivery process (Gorski et al., 2021). Additionally, I can gain expertise in research projects related to compliance of high standards of practice. Generally, achieving this goal would take two years of studying including classwork and practicum activities. This implication to nursing practice through my MSN degree could be very influential, as I strive for enhancing patient care outcomes in collaborative settings throughout my career.
How Increasing my Level of Education Would Affect Competitiveness in
Current Job Market and Role in Future of Nursing
Pursuing a master’s degree would significantly enhance my professional pedigree, granting valuable exposure to groundbreaking developments in health care and their implication to nursing practice. Consequently, this could bolster my market prospects and enable a higher level of complexity within my remit as a nurse, including innovative laboratory research or administrative leadership (Wakefield et al., 2021). With the right investment of time and effort, transitioning to advanced education will greatly expand my opportunities for desirable career placements far into the future.
Pursuing an MSN degree has the implication of providing me with a competitive edge in the healthcare industry, as I will have the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary to handle more specialized and higher-paying roles. With such an advanced degree, I could strive for positions of increased responsibility and leadership within healthcare organizations, allowing me to contribute more significantly towards nurturing the development of nursing practice (Llop-Gironés et al., 2021). As the complexities of providing healthcare services continue to rise, graduates with advanced degrees like an MSN will be well-placed to tackle challenges head-on and consequently help elevate patient outcomes.
The Relationship of Continuing Nursing Education to Competency, Attitudes, Knowledge, And the ANA Scope And Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics
Continuing education for nurses is an essential aspect of practice for promoting competency and knowledge. In order to maintain standards, attitudes, values and ethics in nursing practice, continuing education courses provide the resources and insight necessary to further develop a nurse’s outlook and skill set. Nurses are held accountable to the American Nurses Association’s Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics, which seek to align the attitude of all healthcare practitioners towards patient-centric care (Bastable, 2021). Continuing education helps nurses stay abreast of changes in medical technology, look for implication of new practices in nursing care, as well as gain a more holistic approach towards nursing practice. As such, continuing education is vital to achieve competency and sustain essential principles within nursing practice at both professional and personal levels.
Whether Continuing Nursing Education Should Be Mandatory
Continuing nursing education is an important aspect of the profession and should be mandatory with clear implication to nursing practice. Nurses need to keep abreast of the changes in healthcare, maintaining awareness of research-based approaches to treatment and developing new skills than can be put into use in their current scope of practice (Mlambo et al., 2021). Not only does continuing education aid them in being better informed for patient care, it also boosts confidence in one’s own capabilities as a healthcare professional. By requiring nurses to devote time to educational activities, quality of care can only increase while allowing nurses to progress their career through development opportunities. In particular, staying informed on universal precautions will have direct implication to patient safety and choose the right empirical antibiotics that are most appropriate for certain bacterial species which will reduces the risks of treatment failure or even worse, increases resistance due poor antibiotic selection against certain infection. Thus, mandatory continued nursing education is essential in raising overall health standards throughout the industry.
Conclusion
Pursuing a master’s degree in nursing is increasingly important for developing the necessary competencies and capabilities to provide effective patient care. This advanced degree can significantly enhance a professional’s pedigree, providing the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge advances in health care and their implication to nursing practice. With this knowledge, nurses are better prepared with the skillset to develop efficient and quality treatment plans, as well as being able to apply evidence-based practices and policies into daily activities. Acquiring a master’s level education provides an excellent platform for achieving success in today’s ever-changing healthcare environment.
References
Bakken, S., & Dreisbach, C. (2022). Informatics and data science perspective on Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a pathway to health equity. Nursing Outlook, 70(6), S77-S87. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002965542200063X
Bastable, S. B. (2021). Nurse as educator: Principles of teaching and learning for nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Gorski, L. A., Hadaway, L., Hagle, M. E., Broadhurst, D., Clare, S., Kleidon, T., … & Alexander, M. (2021). Infusion therapy standards of practice. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(1S), S1-S224. https://www.aspirus.org/Uploads/Public/Documents/Library/Infusion_Therapy_Standards_of_Practice,_8th.1.pdf
Llop-Gironés, A., Vračar, A., Llop-Gironés, G., Benach, J., Angeli-Silva, L., Jaimez, L., … & Julià, M. (2021). Employment and working conditions of nurses: where and how health inequalities have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic?. Human Resources for Health, 19(1), 1-11.
Mlambo, M., Silén, C., & McGrath, C. (2021). Lifelong learning and nurses’ continuing professional development, a metasynthesis of the literature. BMC nursing, 20, 1-13. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12912-021-00579-2
Wakefield, M., Williams, D. R., & Le Menestrel, S. (2021). The future of nursing 2020-2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity. National Academy of Sciences. https://sadil.ws/bitstream/handle/123456789/781/The%20future%20of%20Nursing%202030.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Reflection Paper – Rubric
Criteria Description
Job Options Based on Educational Level
5. Excellent
12.5 points
Options in the job market based on educational level are thoroughly discussed. All options listed are realistic for educational level. The response demonstrates an awareness of job options based on educational level.
4. Good
11.13 points
Options in the job market based on educational level are discussed. Generally, options listed are realistic for educational level. The response demonstrates an awareness of job options based on educational level.
3. Satisfactory
9.88 points
Options in the job market based on educational level are summarized. Most options listed are realistic for educational level. The response demonstrates a general awareness of job options based on educational level.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
9.38 points
Options in the job market based on educational level are incomplete. Options listed are not realistic for educational level.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Options in the job market based on educational level are omitted.
Criteria Description
Goals for Professional Education
5. Excellent
18.75 points
Goals and timeline for professional certification and advanced degrees are thoroughly described. Clear and compelling reasons for wanting to attain the education are discussed.
4. Good
16.69 points
Goals and timeline for professional certification and advanced degrees are described overall.
3. Satisfactory
14.81 points
Goals and timeline for professional certification and advanced degrees are summarized. Reasons for wanting to attain the education are unclear.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
14.06 points
Goals and timeline for professional certification and advanced degrees are incomplete.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Goals and timeline for professional certification and advanced degrees are omitted.
Criteria Description
Increase in Level of Education and Effect on Competitiveness in Job Market and in Role in the Future of Nursing
5. Excellent
18.75 points
A well-developed discussion of how increasing level of education would affect competitiveness in current job market and personal role in the future of nursing is presented. The claims are substantiated and realistic for the current job market.
4. Good
16.69 points
Discussion of how increasing level of education would affect competitiveness in current job market and personal role in the future of nursing is presented. There are inaccuracies. Some support or rationale is needed.
3. Satisfactory
14.81 points
Goals and timeline for professional certification and advanced degrees are summarized. Reasons for wanting to attain the education are unclear.Overall, a general discussion of how increasing level of education would affect competitiveness in current job market and personal role in the future of nursing is presented. Some claims are not accurate or require further support or rationale.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
14.06 points
Summary of how increasing level of education would affect competitiveness in current job market and personal role in the future of nursing is presented but is incomplete.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Discussion of how increasing level of education would affect competitiveness in current job market and personal role in the future of nursing is omitted.
Criteria Description
Relationship of Continuing Nursing Education to Competency, Attitudes, Knowledge, and ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics
5. Excellent
25 points
A well-supported discussion clearly establishing the relationship of continuing education in nursing to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics is presented. The discussion demonstrates insight into the importance of education to the nursing profession.
4. Good
22.25 points
A discussion generally establishing the relationship of continuing education in nursing to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics is presented. Some minor evidence or rationale is needed.
3. Satisfactory
19.75 points
A summary partially establishing the relationship of continuing education in nursing to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics is presented. More evidence or rationale is needed.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
18.75 points
An incomplete discussion establishing the relationship of continuing education in nursing to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics is presented. A relationship has not been established.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
A discussion establishing the relationship of continuing education in nursing to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics is omitted.
Criteria Description
Criteria 5Mandatory Continuing Education Nursing
5. Excellent
25 points
A well-developed discussion of whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory is presented. Compelling rationale and evidence-based support for the argument is provided.
4. Good
22.25 points
A discussion of whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory is presented. Overall, rationale and evidence-based support for the argument is provided.
3. Satisfactory
19.75 points
A summary of whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory is presented. The summary lacks some rationale or evidence-based support for the argument.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
18.75 points
An incomplete summary of whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory is presented. The rationale and support for argument fail to support its claims.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
A discussion of whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory is omitted.
Criteria Description
Thesis Development and Purpose
5. Excellent
6.25 points
Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.
4. Good
5.56 points
Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.
3. Satisfactory
4.94 points
Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
4.69 points
Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.
Criteria Description
Argument Logic and Construction
5. Excellent
6.25 points
Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.
4. Good
5.56 points
Argument shows logical progression. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.
3. Satisfactory
4.94 points
Argument is orderly but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
4.69 points
Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources.
Criteria Description
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)
5. Excellent
6.25 points
Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.
4. Good
5.56 points
Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used.
3. Satisfactory
4.94 points
Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
4.69 points
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, or word choice are present.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.
Criteria Description
Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)
5. Excellent
2.5 points
All format elements are correct.
4. Good
2.23 points
Template is fully used; There are virtually no errors in formatting style.
3. Satisfactory
1.98 points
Template is used, and formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
1.88 points
Template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken; lack of control with formatting is apparent.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.
Criteria Description
Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)
5. Excellent
3.75 points
Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.
4. Good
3.34 points
Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.
3. Satisfactory
2.96 points
Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
2.81 points
Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Sources are not documented.
APA Writing Checklist
Use this document as a checklist for each paper you will write throughout your GCU graduate program. Follow specific instructions indicated in the assignment and use this checklist to help ensure correct grammar and APA formatting. Refer to the APA resources available in the GCU Library and Student Success Center.
☐ APA paper template (located in the Student Success Center/Writing Center) is utilized for the correct format of the paper. APA style is applied, and format is correct throughout.
☐ The title page is present. APA format is applied correctly. There are no errors.
☐ The introduction is present. APA format is applied correctly. There are no errors.
☐ Topic is well defined.
☐ Strong thesis statement is included in the introduction of the paper.
☐ The thesis statement is consistently threaded throughout the paper and included in the conclusion.
☐ Paragraph development: Each paragraph has an introductory statement, two or three sentences as the body of the paragraph, and a transition sentence to facilitate the flow of information. The sections of the main body are organized to reflect the main points of the author. APA format is applied correctly. There are no errors.
☐ All sources are cited. APA style and format are correctly applied and are free from error.
☐ Sources are completely and correctly documented on a References page, as appropriate to assignment and APA style, and format is free of error.
Scholarly Resources: Scholarly resources are written with a focus on a specific subject discipline and usually written by an expert in the same subject field. Scholarly resources are written for an academic audience.
Examples of Scholarly Resources include: Academic journals, books written by experts in a field, and formally published encyclopedias and dictionaries.
Peer-Reviewed Journals: Peer-reviewed journals are evaluated prior to publication by experts in the journal’s subject discipline. This process ensures that the articles published within the journal are academically rigorous and meet the required expectations of an article in that subject discipline.
Empirical Journal Article: This type of scholarly resource is a subset of scholarly articles that reports the original finding of an observational or experimental research study. Common aspects found within an empirical article include: literature review, methodology, results, and discussion.
Adapted from “Evaluating Resources: Defining Scholarly Resources,” located in Research Guides in the GCU Library.
☐ The writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. Utilize writing resources such as Grammarly, LopesWrite report, and ThinkingStorm to check your writing.