Introduce your issue. Identify both sides of the issue. Provide an issue definition. Discuss the significance of the issue for nursing. Briefly summarize your findings and give directions for future research, or recommendations for further study.

Issue paper in Nursing

An issue paper differs from a position paper or a discussion paper in that an issue paper consists of a balanced view of a situation or dilemma in which both sides of the situation are clearly articulated. Because authors will often disagree about the kinds of solutions that should be implemented in remedying the situation or dilemma, you are expected to provide an overview of the various points of view found in the literature regarding how this issue should be resolved. Based on your literature review, you will be expected to discuss how you believe this issue should be resolved and provide your own rationale.

Writing an Issue Paper

Searching The Literature

In writing an issue paper you will be expected to search for a variety of literature resources. you may also use the online Library from another University if you have access), and you may also use the Internet to search through any of the online scholarly databases. In addition, there are many links to articles and online databases in this resources site which you may use.

Defining the Issue

Once you have a sound understanding of your topic, you will need to clearly define the issue. Recall that an issue has two sides so your definition of the issue should include a balanced view.

For example: The electronic patient record has many advantages such as a time saver, clarity, and accessibility, but it also comes with the challenges associated with security, increased financial costs, and implementation problems. Your issue statement might be: Even though there are significant benefits to an electronic record, not every health region has the financial resources to implement the proper security protocols necessary to ensure patient privacy.

Framework of Your Issue Paper

Introduction

Introduce your issue.

Identify both sides of the issue.

Provide an issue definition.

Discuss the significance of the issue for nursing.

Body of Paper

Describe your own opinions and beliefs about this issue.

Analysis of the issue is completed through discussion of appropriate frameworks.

Barriers to resolution are identified.

Possible resolution strategies are explored.

Conclusion

Briefly summarize your findings and give directions for future research, or recommendations for further study.

[Reference: Pryor, J. (2004). Guidelines on writing a philosphy paper. Princeton University.]