Position Paper Written Assignment
A position paper is a document you could present to a legislator to seek support for an issue you endorse. Present your position on a current health-care issue in a one-page paper, following the assignment guidelines below. You can select your issue topic from newspapers, national news magazine articles, professional journals, or professional association literature.
Your position paper should:
Be quickly and easily understood.
Be succinct and clear.
Appear very professional with the legislator’s name (state of Florida) and title on top and your name and your credentials at the bottom.
Condense essential information in one, single-spaced page, excluding the title and reference list pages.
Be written using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and APA format.
Clearly describe the issue that you are addressing in the opening paragraph.
Include 3–4 bullet points regarding why you are seeking the legislator’s vote, support, or opposition. Bullet points should be clear and concise but not repetitive and should reflect current literature that substantiates your position.
Summarize the implications for the nursing profession and/or patients.
Conclude with two recommendations that you wish to see happen related to your issue, such as a vote for or against, a change in policy, or the introduction of new legislation.
Use current APA Style, correct grammar, and references as appropriate.
The literature you cite must be from peer-reviewed journals and primary source information.
Due Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time)
Rubric
Position Paper
Position Paper
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIssue
30 to >24.6 pts
Accomplished
Opening paragraph clearly and concisely describes the issue you are addressing. Issue is current and related to health care. The position you are seeking from the legislator (support or opposition) is clearly and concisely articulated.
24.6 to >22.5 pts
Emerging
Opening paragraph describes the issue being addressed, but is lacking in detail. Issue may not be current and related to health care. The position you are seeking from the legislator (support or opposition) may not be clearly articulated.
22.5 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
Opening paragraph describing issue being addressed is absent or severely lacking in detail. Issue may not be current and related to health care. The position you are seeking from the legislator (support or opposition) is not clearly articulated.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBullet Points
37.5 to >30.75 pts
Accomplished
3–4 bullet points clearly explain why you are seeking legislator’s vote, support, or opposition for your issue. The position is substantiated with current literature. Implications for nursing profession and/or patients are summarized.
30.75 to >28.13 pts
Emerging
2–4 bullet points regarding why you are seeking the legislator’s vote, support, or opposition for your issue are included but lack clarity. The position may not be substantiated with current literature. Implications for nursing profession and/or patients may not be fully summarized.
28.13 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
0–4 bullet points regarding why you are seeking the legislator’s vote, support, or opposition for your issue are included but are severely lacking in details and clarity. The position may not be substantiated with current literature. Implications for nursing profession and/or patients are lacking.
37.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion
37.5 to >30.75 pts
Accomplished
Conclusion clearly restates the position you are seeking from the legislator and recommendations related to your issue that you want to see happen.
30.75 to >28.13 pts
Emerging
Conclusion may not fully restate the position you are seeking from the legislator and recommendations related to the issue you want to see happen.
28.13 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
Conclusion may not restate the position you are seeking form the legislator. Recommendations are absent, or included recommendations are severely lacking and do not clearly identify what you want to see happen.
37.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLiterature
30 to >24.6 pts
Accomplished
Literature cited is peer reviewed and a primary source of information.
24.6 to >22.5 pts
Emerging
Literature is cited, but may not be peer reviewed and/or is not a primary source of information.
22.5 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
Literature is not cited and/or is not a primary source of information.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization, Writing & APA
15 to >12.3 pts
Accomplished
Paper is approximately one page and single-spaced. APA format is followed and written in APA formal letter format. Written in a clear, concise, formal, and organized manner. Information from sources is paraphrased appropriately and accurately cited.
12.3 to >11.25 pts
Emerging
Paper is approximately one page and single-spaced. APA formal letter format is mostly followed. Writing is generally clear and organized but is not concise or formal in language. Multiple errors exist in spelling and grammar with minor interference with readability or comprehension. Most information from sources is paraphrased and cited correctly.
11.25 to >0 pts
Unsatisfactory
Paper may be significantly more or less than one page single-spaced in length. APA formal letter format may not be followed. Writing is generally unclear and unorganized. Errors in spelling and grammar detract from readability and comprehension. Sources are missing or improperly cited.
15 pts
Total
Points:
150
