Overview: Synthesis Paper

You have been reflecting on changes you have undergone since beginning this program in each of your Journal entries in this course. Now you will synthesize those reflections, plus any other insights into a paper articulating your RN to BSN educational journey. You will use your module Journal entries as well as examples from other RN BSN courses to construct the Synthesis paper.

Objectives

Synthesis Paper in a reflective activity comprised of your experience in the RN BSN program.

You will address your experiences before the RN BSN program, you as a lifelong learner, you in the continuum of novice to expert in the professional nursing role, an account of your role transition to a professional nurse, and an evaluation of the program.

The Synthesis Paper will reflect your understanding and use of APA format and scholarly writing.

The following rubric will be used to grade the Synthesis Paper. The paper has 6 sections:

Introduction

Before RN-BSN Program

Lifelong Learning

Novice to Expert

Synthesis of Role Transition to Professional Nursing

Evaluation

The paper must have title page, reference page, plus no more than 4 pages that address the 6 sections of the paper outlined in the grading rubric. So with the title page, 4 pages for the body of the paper, and the reference page, the Synthesis Paper must not be more than 6 total pages using 12-point Times Roman font.

The first 2 grading criteria noted in the rubric below apply to all sections of the paper. APA format, scholarly writing, grammar and spelling are graded in each section. Use Spell Check and Grammar Check! 

In-text citations are required to support each section when you discuss the RN BSN courses or the program. Points will be deducted if this information is not detailed and referenced in the document and on the reference page. References need to be evidence-based if you choose to reference literature instead of information in RN BSN courses.

Instructions

Study the rubric to determine the expectations for each section of the paper. Notice that you are required to cite at least one research article or specific RN-BSN course topic or activity for each section. Locate and record citations for articles you may want to reference, and skim the articles to review the contents. Create an outline that incorporates your main ideas into each section. Follow the outline and the rubric to write a rough draft. You may want to draft your paper by hand, or you might prefer to “type as you go,” editing and making changes both during and after writing the draft.

Your final document should include a title page, all 6 sections of the paper as identified in the grading rubric, and a reference page. Including title and reference pages the paper is not to exceed 6 pages. Part of scholarly writing is to be concise in your writing. The Coach is instructed to grade the title page, the first 4 pages of the body of the paper, and the reference page. If the Synthesis Paper is longer than 6 total pages points may be deducted based on grading rubric sections that were not addressed in the allotted 6 pages.

The title page should be formatted according to UT Arlington College of Nursing format or you may use the title page APA 6th Edition format. 

Your writing should be in first person, and is expected to include opinions and personal statements, but have a professional tone. It should flow as a narrative, mostly chronological description your progression through the program including your reflections on specific nursing courses and reflections throughout the program.

Be sure to include a final page titled “References,” and cite your references in correct APA formats. Reference list will include any RN-BSN courses or activities in APA format.

Each section must contain 3-4 well constructed, grammatically correct sentences supported by citations and references (APA 6th Edition Format) as appropriate. Ensure that your writing is informative and interesting, not redundant.

After your write your paper, set it aside and review it again several hours later or the next day. Read it from an objective viewpoint to see if it flows and makes sense. If not, make necessary changes. Have someone else proofread your paper both for content and grammatical accuracy is a vital step. Read your paper out loud before submitting it. Hearing yourself read your own written words can find those last minute mistakes or incomplete thoughts before you submit the paper for grading. 

Reflections Paper and Journal attached to provide background information. 

Rubric attached to show how points will be awarded for information included in the paper.