Introduction/Purpose:

“Just because we can, does not always mean we should.”  In today’s health care environment advances in technology and medical knowledge allow us to do things that were previously unthinkable.  While some advances are clearly in everyone’s best interest others are less clear.   This paper is intended to allow you to explore one of the “grey” areas of medical advancement. After researching your topic, you will formulate a position and then proceed to support your position from the relevant literature.  Remember, there is no right or wrong position.  The important thing is how you support your stated position through relevant literature.

Process:

1. Select a topic from list posted on BB.  Be sure to choose a topic that you have a strong interest in or a strong personal belief in.
2. Read widely about your topic to familiarize yourself with the different perspectives that exist on about your topic
3. Formulate a clear and concise thesis.  The aim of your paper is then to support your position through ethical reasoning

Paper Overview:

1. Decide on a position that you will take regarding the identified issue.
2. State if you personally agree or disagree with the practice identified based on a reflection of your personal values.
3. Introduction Paragraph that engages the reader’s attention, identifies your thesis statement, and gives a brief overview of what the essay will cover.
4. Identify how 2 different ethical theories would view the ethical dilemma
5. Identify how 2 or more Bioethical Principles are conflicted in this ethical dilemma.
6. Identify relevant nursing standards or codes (CNO)
7. Identify legal considerations (RHPA, Nursing Act, Criminal Code, Human Rights, etc.)
8. Conclusion Paragraph that provides a summary of the most salient points.

Remember**A good argument always presents both sides but justifies why one side is more compelling than the other.

Expectations:

• APA format with a clear and well-developed introduction, thesis, body and conclusion
• 4 -5 pages typed double spaced.
• Word processed double spaced, times new roman, 12 fonts
• A minimum of 4 Scholarly articles must be utilized, retrieved from nursing journals other resources, including course readings can be used in addition to the required journal article
• Electronic copy of paper must be submitted to safe assign by midnight of the due date
• See the Student Handbook for late penalties. Note that Reading week is not a holiday and late penalties apply.

Evaluation: As per marking rubric provided on Blackboard