DISCUSSION PAPER
Task Description
DISCUSSION PAPER
1000 words
Australian Harvard References MAX .10
Due 13 th July
Nurses frequently grapple with stressful situations that can have far reaching negative impacts. The pandemic has further added to this stress and is identified as a major factor in burnout and attrition from the profession.
Therefore, it poses the question: How do you as a future leader of the nursing profession prevent burn-out and build resilience?
In this discussion paper, you will select a 'topic' that has been identified to address burnout and increase resilience in the nursing profession. You will research this topic (what is the evidence base?) and then formulate strategies to embed this into the context ofyourpractice.
You will need to draw on the concepts of resilience and leadership, and incorporate scholarly literature to argue for the inclusion and effectiveness of your selected strategies.
Other important information
Please read this information carefully in preparation for Assessment Task 3
Specific content guidance / exemplars
This is a written assessment task.
To start your discussion paper you will need to select a 'topic' - that is something that builds resilience and/or prevents burn-out. It may be something you have read about, have seen in the media, or perhaps something from your PEP experience or workplace. If you are stuck for ideas, do a quick search on 'ways to prevent burn-out in nurses' or 'how to increase resilience in nurses'. You will note on the rubric the higher grade levels mention innovation - coming up with something innovative/new/novel will take you further than something that is widely considered - for example mindfulness.
You then need to look at the evidence to support this - that is, you need to research - what is the evidence base to support this - how does it work, why does it work, what are the outcomes?
You will now select a context - you might select your most recent PEP, your workplace if you work in healthcare, your future workplace (or where you hope to gain a position). You need to tell us what this is - for example, on a surgical ward, in residential aged care, in a small rural hospital, the operating room. This is important because you need to consider the specific issues and challenges you may need to overcome.
Do I write in the first or third person?
This assessment task should be written in the first person. This is about you - how would YOU lead this.
Is there one right answer to this assessment task?
No, students will select different (and the same) topics and strategies what is important, is that you address the criteria.
Is this an essay?
No, it is a discussion paper and therefore you have more freedom to present in a format which best conveys the information you want to present. For example you can use headings and dot points, if you wish.
Can I use headings?
Yes, you may include headings.
Can I use dot points?
Yes, you can use dot points.
You then need to formulate strategies to embed this topic (intervention, plan) into practice. We would encourage you to present two or three strategies - if you try and include more you will not be able to provide depth. Be specific with your strategies.
You will also need to demonstrate your leadership as a beginning level practitioner.
