Module 7: Synthesis Paper
Submit by 2359 CT Saturday of Module 7.
NOTE: You will create a new Word document for this Assignment instead of typing directly into this document.
Overview: Synthesis Paper
You have been reflecting on changes you have undergone since beginning this program in each of your Journal entries in this course. Now you will synthesize those reflections, plus any other insights into a paper articulating your RN to BSN educational journey. You will use your module Journal entries as well as examples from other RN BSN courses to construct the Synthesis paper.
Objectives
Synthesis Paper in a reflective activity comprised of your experience in the RN BSN program.
You will address your experiences before the RN BSN program, you as a lifelong learner, you in the continuum of novice to expert in the professional nursing role, an account of your role transition to a professional nurse, and an evaluation of the program.
The Synthesis Paper will reflect your understanding and use of APA format and scholarly writing.
N4585 Capstone Seminar
Boyd 2016
Rubric –Synthesis Paper
The following rubric will be used to grade the Synthesis Paper. The paper has 6 sections:
Introduction
Before RN-BSN Program
Lifelong Learning
Novice to Expert
Synthesis of Role Transition to Professional Nursing
Evaluation
The paper must have title page, reference page, plus no more than 4 pages that address the 6 sections of the paper outlined in the grading rubric. So with the title page, 4 pages for the body of the paper, and the reference page, the Synthesis Paper must not be more than 6 total pages using 12-point Times Roman font.
The first 2 grading criteria noted in the rubric below apply to all sections of the paper. APA format, scholarly writing, grammar and spelling are graded in each section. Use Spell Check and Grammar Check!
In-text citations are required to support each section when you discuss the RN BSN courses or the program. Points will be deducted if this information is not detailed and referenced in the document and on the reference page. References need to be evidence-based if you choose to reference literature instead of information in RN BSN courses.
| Target | Acceptable | Unacceptable | |
| Title page, Reference page, APA format 6th Edition, and Scholarly writing.
(10 Points)
|
Each section must be 3-4 well constructed, grammatically correct sentences supported with in-text citation (current literature) as required. Includes title and reference page. All sections included.
(10 Points)
|
1-2 errors in information, formatting or less than 3 sentences. Omits title or reference page.
(5 Points)
|
More than 3 errors in information, formatting or only 2 sentences.
Omits both title and reference page.
(0 Points) |
| Grammar and Spelling (5 Points)
|
Error-free grammar and spelling
(5 Points) |
1-3 grammar or spelling errors
( 3 Points) |
4 or more errors in grammar or spelling
(0 Points)
|
| Sections | Target | Acceptable | Unacceptable |
|
Introduction |
Addresses all these questions:
When did you start the RN BSN program? Did you take 1 course at a time, or 2 or more at a time? Did you take classes each start date? If not, why?
(5 Points) |
Omitted one of the required questions.
(3 Points) |
Omitted 2 or more of the required questions.
(0 Points) |
| Before RN-BSN Program (5 Points)
|
Narrative includes at least two specific examples of change in behaviors, attitudes, and/or practices as a result of RN-BSN program
(5 Points) |
Narrative includes at least one specific example of change in behaviors,
attitudes, or practices as a result of RN-BSN program (3 Points)
|
Narrative includes no specific examples of change in behaviors, attitudes, and/or practices.
( 0 Points) |
| Before RN-BSN Program
Reference (5 Points)
|
Includes at least one specific reference to RN- BSN courses or one reference to specific evidence-based research article(s)
(5 Points)
|
Source is not evidenced based or course not referenced accurately
(3 Points)
|
Includes no specific references to RN-BSN courses or articles
(0 Points) |
| Lifelong Learning
(10 Points)
|
Narrative includes in depth discussion and highlights new learning about self and describes attitudes, characteristics, and actions as a lifelong learner
(10 Points)
|
Narrative lacks in depth discussion or highlights new learning about self and describes attitudes, characteristics, and actions as a lifelong learner
(5 Points) |
Narrative fails to demonstrate ongoing learning
( 0 Points)
|
| Lifelong Learning Examples (5 Points)
|
Includes at least two specific examples of change in behaviors, attitudes, and/or practices as a result of RN-BSN program
(5 Points)
|
Includes at least one specific example of change in behaviors,
attitudes, or practices as a result of RN-BSN program.
(3 Points)
|
Includes no specific examples of change in behaviors, attitudes, and/or practices
(0 Points)
|
| Lifelong Learning Reference (5 Points)
|
Includes at least one specific reference to RN- BSN courses or one reference to specific evidence-based research article(s)
(5 Points) |
Source is not evidenced based or course not referenced accurately
(3 Points)
|
Includes no specific references to RN-BSN courses or articles
(0 Points) |
| Novice to Expert
(10 Points)
|
Narrative includes detailed description of steps taken toward becoming an expert/professional, including interest and actions toward a specific focus area of nursing
(10 Points)
|
Narrative includes brief description of steps taken toward becoming an expert/professional, including interest or actions toward a specific focus area of nursing
(5 Points)
|
Narrative fails to demonstrate steps toward becoming an expert/professional
(0 Points)
|
| Novice to Expert- Examples( 5 Points)
|
Includes at least two specific examples of change in behaviors, attitudes, and practices as a result of RN-BSN program
(5 Points)
|
Includes at least one specific example of change in behaviors,
attitudes, or practices as a result of RN-BSN program
(3 Points)
|
Includes no specific examples of change in behaviors, attitudes, and/or practices
(0 Points)
|
| Novice to Expert- References (5 Points)
|
Includes at least one specific reference to RN- BSN courses or one reference to specific evidence-based research article(s)
( 5 Points)
|
Source is not evidenced based or course not referenced accurately
(3 Points)
|
Includes no specific references to RN-BSN courses or articles
(0 Points)
|
| Synthesis of Role Transition
(10 points)
|
Narrative synthesizes changes in personal nursing philosophy and image of the role of nursing
(10 Points)
|
Narrative describes changes in personal nursing philosophy or image of the role of nursing but does not provide a synthesis of these changes.
(5 Points)
|
Narrative fails to mention change in personal nursing philosophy or role of nursing
( 0 Points)
|
| Synthesis of Role Transition
Examples (5 points)
|
Includes at least two specific examples of change in behaviors, attitudes, and/or practices as a result of RN-BSN program
(5 Points)
(1 point)
|
Includes at least one specific example of change in behaviors,
attitudes, or practices as a result of RN-BSN program
(3 Points)
|
Includes no specific examples of change in behaviors, attitudes, and/or practices
(0 Points)
|
| Synthesis of Role Transition
References ( 5 Points)
|
Includes at least one specific reference to RN- BSN courses and one reference to specific evidence-based research article(s). Must include a reference addressing Nursing Theory.
(5 Points)
(2 Points)
|
Source is not evidenced based, course not referenced accurately or no Nursing Theory referenced
(3 Points)
|
No specific references to RN-BSN courses, no articles included, and no Nursing Theory referenced.
(0 Points)
|
| Evaluation
(10 points) |
Narrative that addresses:
1 aspect of the program that worked for you; 1 suggestion for program improvement; 1 aspect of the program you would not want to see changed; and, would you recommend the program to others and why.
(10 Points) |
Narrative omits one of the areas to be addressed.
( 5 Points ) |
Narrative omits 2 or more areas to be addressed.
( 0 Points) |
Late submission of assignment are penalized 5% per day late beginning with 0001 Sunday (1 minute after midnight) after the due date of assignment at 2359 Saturday.
Communicated with your Coach before the assignment is due if you are unable or are having difficulty submitting an assignment on time. With documentation the Coach can work with you in some defined instances.
Instructions
Study the rubric to determine the expectations for each section of the paper. Notice that you are required to cite at least one research article or specific RN-BSN course topic or activity for each section. Locate and record citations for articles you may want to reference, and skim the articles to review the contents. Create an outline that incorporates your main ideas into each section. Follow the outline and the rubric to write a rough draft. You may want to draft your paper by hand, or you might prefer to “type as you go,” editing and making changes both during and after writing the draft.
Your final document should include a title page, all 6 sections of the paper as identified in the grading rubric, and a reference page. Including title and reference pages the paper is not to exceed 6 pages. Part of scholarly writing is to be concise in your writing. The Coach is instructed to grade the title page, the first 4 pages of the body of the paper, and the reference page. If the Synthesis Paper is longer than 6 total pages points may be deducted based on grading rubric sections that were not addressed in the allotted 6 pages.
The title page should be formatted according to UT Arlington College of Nursing format or you may use the title page APA 6th Edition format.
Your writing should be in first person, and is expected to include opinions and personal statements, but have a professional tone. It should flow as a narrative, mostly chronological description your progression through the program including your reflections on specific nursing courses and reflections throughout the program.
Be sure to include a final page titled “References,” and cite your references in correct APA formats. Reference list will include any RN-BSN courses or activities in APA format.
Each section must contain 3-4 well constructed, grammatically correct sentences supported by citations and references (APA 6th Edition Format) as appropriate. Ensure that your writing is informative and interesting, not redundant.
After your write your paper, set it aside and review it again several hours later or the next day. Read it from an objective viewpoint to see if it flows and makes sense. If not, make necessary changes. Have someone else proofread your paper both for content and grammatical accuracy is a vital step. Read your paper out loud before submitting it. Hearing yourself read your own written words can find those last minute mistakes or incomplete thoughts before you submit the paper for grading.
