Introduction
A change paper for nursing school is a written assignment that proposes and argues for a specific change in nursing practice or education. Change papers are typically assigned in nursing school to help students develop their critical thinking and writing skills, as well as their knowledge of nursing research and evidence-based practice.
Why write a change paper for nursing school?
There are many reasons why you might want to write a change paper for nursing school. Here are a few:
- To learn more about a particular nursing problem or area for improvement.
- To develop your critical thinking and writing skills.
- To share your ideas and insights with others and contribute to the field of nursing.
- To improve your chances of getting into a graduate program or getting a job in nursing.
Audience for this article
This article is intended for students who are interested in writing a change paper for nursing school. The article assumes that the reader has some basic knowledge of nursing practice and education, as well as of academic writing.
Overview of the change paper writing process
The change paper writing process can be broken down into the following steps:
Choosing a change topic
Conducting a literature review
Developing a change proposal
Writing the change paper
Proofreading and submitting the paper
Section 1: Choosing a change topic
When choosing a change topic, consider the following factors:
Your interests and expertise.
Choose a topic that you are interested in and that you have some knowledge about.
The relevance of the topic to nursing practice and education.
Consider the needs of patients, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Think about the current state of nursing practice and education, and identify areas where improvement is needed.
The feasibility of the topic.
Choose a topic that is narrow enough to be manageable within the scope of your paper. Make sure that you have access to the necessary information, such as research articles and other sources of evidence.
Here are some examples of change paper topics:
Improving patient safety by reducing medication errors.
Promoting evidence-based practice in nursing.
Increasing access to healthcare for underserved populations.
Improving the quality of nursing education.
Addressing the nursing shortage.
Section 2: Conducting a literature review
A literature review is a summary and critique of the existing research on a particular topic. It is important to conduct a literature review to support your change proposal with evidence.
To conduct a literature review, start by gathering research articles and other sources of information on your chosen topic. You can use your school’s library database to search for relevant literature. You can also consider using other sources, such as government websites, professional organizations, and news articles.
Once you have gathered your sources, read them carefully and evaluate the evidence. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each study, and identify the key findings.
Finally, summarize the key findings of the literature in your own words. Be sure to cite your sources properly.
Section 3: Developing a change proposal
Your change proposal is the central part of your paper. It is where you will explain the change that you are proposing, why it is necessary, and how it would benefit nursing practice or education.
To develop a strong change proposal, start by clearly identifying the problem or area for improvement that you are addressing. Then, explain why the change is necessary and how it would benefit nursing practice or education. Be sure to support your claims with evidence from the literature review.
Finally, describe how you would implement the change. This may include identifying the resources that would be needed, the timeline for implementation, and the potential challenges and benefits.
Section 4: Writing the change paper
Your change paper should be well-organized and well-written. It should be clear, concise, and persuasive.
The structure of your change paper will vary depending on the specific requirements of your assignment. However, most change papers will include the following sections:
Introduction:
State the purpose of the paper and provide a brief overview of the topic.
Literature review:
Summarize the key findings of the literature on your chosen topic.
Change proposal:
Explain the change that you are proposing and why it is necessary. Describe how you would implement the change.
Discussion:
Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of the proposed change. Consider how the change would impact patients, nurses, other healthcare professionals, and the healthcare system as a whole.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key points of the paper and reiterate your recommendation for change.
Section 5: Tips for writing a strong change paper
Here are some tips for writing a strong change paper:
- Be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon and overly complicated language.
- Use evidence to support your claims. Cite your sources properly.
- Be objective and unbiased. Avoid stating opinions as facts.
- Proofread your paper carefully before submitting it.
Conclusion
Writing a change paper can be a challenging task, but it is also a rewarding one. By following the steps in this guide, you can write a strong change paper that will demonstrate your critical thinking skills, your knowledge of nursing research, and your commitment to improving the field of nursing.
FAQs
What is the difference between a change paper and a research paper?
A change paper is a type of research paper, but it has a specific focus on proposing and arguing for a specific change. A research paper, on the other hand, can be about any topic related to nursing.
What should I include in the introduction of my change paper?
The introduction of your change paper should state the purpose of the paper, provide a brief overview of the topic, and identify the specific change that you are proposing.
How should I conduct a literature review for my change paper?
To conduct a literature review, start by gathering research articles and other sources of information on your chosen topic. You can use your school’s library database to search for relevant literature. You can also consider using other sources, such as government websites, professional organizations, and news articles.
Once you have gathered your sources, read them carefully and evaluate the evidence. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each study, and identify the key findings.
Finally, summarize the key findings of the literature in your own words. Be sure to cite your sources properly.
How should I develop a change proposal?
To develop a change proposal, start by clearly identifying the problem or area for improvement that you are addressing. Then, explain why the change is necessary and how it would benefit nursing practice or education. Be sure to support your claims with evidence from the literature review.
Finally, describe how you would implement the change. This may include identifying the resources that would be needed, the timeline for implementation, and the potential challenges and benefits.
How should I write the discussion section of my change paper?
In the discussion section of your change paper, you should discuss the potential benefits and challenges of the proposed change. Consider how the change would impact patients, nurses, other healthcare professionals, and the healthcare system as a whole. You should also discuss the implications of your findings for nursing practice and education.
How should I write the conclusion of my change paper?
In the conclusion of your change paper, you should summarize the key points of the paper and reiterate your recommendation for change. You should also discuss the limitations of your study and suggest directions for future research.
Where can I find resources for writing a change paper?
There are many resources available to help you write a change paper. Here are a few:
Your school’s library:
Your school’s library will have a variety of resources on writing change papers, including books, articles, and websites.
Your instructor:
Your instructor may be able to provide you with additional resources or guidance.
Professional organizations:
Many professional nursing organizations offer resources on writing change papers. For example, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has a website dedicated to change management.
