Course Learning Outcome

Critically analyse contemporary issues impacting on nursing, health care providers, Hauora Māori, the delivery of culturally safe health care, and consumers

Assessment 1: Written Assignment: Essay

Learning Outcome: 1
Weighting: 100% (of final course grade)
Due: Cohort 1: Wednesday, March 26th @ 1200 e-copy only into Moodle
Cohort 2: Wednesday, June 25th @ 1200 e-copy only into Moodle
Cohort 3: Wednesday, August 27th @ 1200 e-copy only into Moodle
Word Count: 2500 words (+/- 10% accepted)
Resubmission: By application as BN Programme Student Handbook (conditions apply)

TASK

Choose ONE of the following topics that is of interest to you and write a written essay assignment. Your essay can have a NZ or international focus or a mix of both.

1. Mental Health of Nurses: Mental health concerns are significant factors for nurses, exacerbated by the ongoing demands of the healthcare environment, OR
2. Advanced Practice Roles: The roles of nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists is slowly expanding but the change remains painstakingly slow and has met resistance from the medical community, OR
3. Aged Care: The aged care sector is under significant pressure due to the aging population. Ensuring adequate staffing and resources in aged care facilities is a critical issue, OR
4. Cultural Competency: There is a growing emphasis on ensuring that nurses, especially those internationally qualified, are culturally competent. This includes understanding and respecting the cultural needs of New Zealand’s and Australia’s indigenous populations.

To do this well, follow these guidelines:

1. Introduction Section: Introduce your essay by drawing the reader in, then briefly introduce the topic you have chosen (1, 2, 3 or 4) and what you will be covering in your work, highlighting the major points you will be covering and by clearly identifying the topical issue you will discuss more in-depth.
2. Body of Essay (Discussion): in addition to the task above,
   1. Explain the background to your topic in relation to the literature you have found.
   2. Highlight and discuss your topic and the topical issue using literature to support your discussion.
   3. Identify and discuss ways in which to improve the issue in nursing practice using literature to support your discussion.
3. Conclusion Section: Summarise your essay and the main points you wish the reader to take away after reading your work.
4. Reference Section: as per APA 7th edition.

Ensure:

• Your submission is required to be in a Word Document (pdf will not be accepted).
• Use literature that is current, peer reviewed and evidence based. Use of literature within a 10-year period is acceptable.
• You are to utilise several references within your work. Remember, you are a third-year nursing student and therefore should be using enough literature to support your position and show the marker that you have researched your topic thoroughly.
• APA level 1 & level 2 headings are to be used in your work.
  See: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/headings & https://guides.unitec.ac.nz/apareferencing
• An assignment cover page must be used.
• All discussion must be supported by reference to appropriate literature. A separate reference page(s) section using APA 7th edition guidelines.
• You are not allowed to use any form of Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, Quillbot et al. in your submitted assignment. Penalties will apply. Grammarly free is acceptable as is Grammarly Premium which Unitec offers enrolled students.
• Unitec provides excellent support for students in preparation for assignment writing, referencing, proofreading etc. via individual and group sessions with Learning Advisors, Academic Support. Students are encouraged to use these services. See – http://www.unitec.ac.nz/current-students/stuav-support/Iearnina-centre
• Assignment submissions are via Turnitin Moodle. No assignments will be accepted by email. Hardcopy is not required.
• Access & read “Guidelines and pointers for writing essays & other things” in the course Moodle.