Writing in Nursing
By Dr. Sharon Jacques
- In nursing, a clear communication of facts, using correct spelling, is essential for
documentation of patient care. Lawyers may pursue a negligence suit against those
who have written a chart sloppily.
- In my classes, clarity, conciseness, and accuracy are all important. Proper citation
of sources, using APA format, is essential for scholarly professional papers.
- When I review papers, students’ understanding becomes clear when I see original thinking,
creative use of resources, and reflection on individual experiences. Because Nursing
is a practice discipline, we always are building on what we know and what we have
seen and done.
- Students who make Bs write papers with a few errors (maybe 1-2 per page). They may
use improper citations, and their writing might be a bit shallow.
- Students who make Cs write papers with more errors (perhaps 3-4 per page). They also
do not pull the topic together with individual depth.
- Students who make Ds write papers that cause my red pen to run dry, that are entirely
too short, or that miss the point of the assignment altogether.
- Writing is central to my classes because I teach mostly online. I require regular
writing from my students in discussion groups.
- Every nurse is responsible for documenting patient care. Other nurses have a flair
for sharing personal experiences that inspire. A few nurses have a talent for scholarly
and scientific investigative reporting.