Why Writing Matters

Why Writing Matters in Nursing

"Critical thinking and communication are pivotal concepts in the organizing framework for both the undergraduate and graduate programs in Nursing. In order to actualize these concepts, writing is an essential component. For our students writing involves proper use of the nursing literature, a coherent flow of ideas, correct grammar, and correct documentation."

~Prof. Mary Graiver, Nursing Department

References and Resources for Writing in Nursing

Why is Writing So Important?

Writing is the primary basis upon which your work, your learning, and your intellect will be judged – in college, in the workplace, and in the community.
Writing expresses who you are as a person.
Writing is portable and permanent. It makes your thinking visible.
Writing helps you move easily among facts, inferences, and opinions without getting confused – and without confusing your reader.
Writing fosters your ability to explain a complex position to readers, and to yourself.
Writing helps others give you feedback.
Writing helps you refine your ideas when you give others feedback.
Writing ideas down preserves them so that you can reflect upon them later.
Writing out your ideas permits you to evaluate the adequacy of your argument.
Writing stimulates you to extend a line of thought beyond your first impressions or gut responses.
Writing is an essential job skill.
(Based on brochures from Brown University and the University of Missouri)

Why Writing Matters in Nursing

Academic writing in the discipline of Nursing provides:

Personal and professional growth
Written documentation of knowledge/research
Evidence of critical thinking
Expressions of creative ideas
Discussion of stories from clients
Active participation in the learning process
Opportunity to explore nursing literature
Evidence of understanding of learning activities

Typical Writing Assignments

Professors in this discipline assign a variety of short and long written assignments.

Response to case studies
Exploration and analysis of nursing/health phenomena
Reflective writing
Literature review
Critique of articles
Responses to text/questions in class
Position papers
Research via thesis or field study
Data gathering and analysis

Qualities of Good Writing

Clarity in understanding and expressing ideas
Evidence of descriptive and analytical skills
Construction of solid arguments
Evidence of critical thinking
Depth of coverage
Effective organization
Accuracy
Grammatical correctness
Correct spelling
Intelligent critique
Completeness
Creativity and explanation of ideas
Careful attention to APA* format and documentation
* Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6^thEdition

Appropriate Types of Evidence & Support

Current nursing texts and journal articles
Authoritative Web references
Personal interviews
Peer reviewed and research-specific articles

Each course may differ; thus it is important to understand the assignment and adhere to specific requirements. Be sure you understand your professor’s expectations.

Citation Conventions

Format and reference citations should follow APA guidelines unless otherwise directed by the professor.

Within the text of your paper, it should be easy for the reader to identify the source of any language or ideas you have used that are not your own; use parenthetical citation (see text, handouts, or web sites). Plagiarism or academic dishonesty could lead to failure of the assignment and/or course.

Special Comments

Communicating with the written word is a skill and takes practice. Keep working on it and utilize the available resources.

Follow the 4 C’s of writing: be clear, concise, coherent, and correct.
Be sure you understand the assignment.
Know that revisions and drafts are part of the process.
Avoid jargon or slang (unless it is a quote).
Read aloud or to someone else, and ask for a critique.
Proofread; check spelling and word usage, i.e.: their/there, know/no. Don’t trust spell check to catch all problems.
Always save a copy, print a hard copy and e-mail it to yourself. “The computer ate it” is not an acceptable excuse.