Signature Assignment
Written paper: Review of 5 Articles on a Pathophysiology Topic of Choice
Purpose of Signature Assignment:
Signature assignment requires students to demonstrate and apply their proficiency in one or more key learning outcomes. This often means synthesizing, analyzing, and applying cumulative knowledge and skills through problem-or inquiry-based assignments or projects. This design invites students to produce meaningful examples of their learning that document their progress and culminating skills and abilities.
The purpose of this activity is to provide students with the opportunity to research a Pathophysiology topic and understand the importance of understanding pathology when working with patients, family and inter-disciplinary team members.
Standards & Learning outcome
This course meets the AACN Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (2011).
Learning outcome:
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
Apply an understanding of pathophysiology at the cellular level to disease processes at the tissue and organ level.
Understand how and why drug choices are made for the treatment of the most common diseases and disorders.
Directions
Prepare a 3-5 page paper that focuses on one pathophysiologic problem/disease. (title, abstract and reference pages are not included in page amount)
Introduction
Begin with an introductory paragraph, identifying the disease of interest and your specialty population (e.g., children, older adults). Identify and describe components of the problem (e.g, epidemiology, consequences of the disease).
Describe cellular and/or molecular pathological consequences, symptoms, diagnosis, and management.
Literature Review
Conduct a literature search using database (e.g., MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBMED) and select 5 articles related to the pathophysiologic disorder of choice.
In one paragraph each, review each research article (<5years) including the study purpose, research methods (broadly), and findings. Summarize the implications of the study findings to the understanding of the pathological responses to the disease.
Conclusion
In a concluding paragraph, synthesize the results of your readings, integrating the pathophysiology of the disease. Discuss nurse educator’s role in providing supportive care for patients, family and community, include the importance of holistic family centered approach.
Follow APA guidelines for the preparation of this scholarly paper. Text should be double-spaced, in 11 or 12 point font, with one inch margins, and numbered pages. Avoid the use of quotes and use your own words.
Submit a paper along with copies of the 5 reviewed papers.
Grading (Total : 30 points)
Descriiption of disease, identifying components of the problem - 5 points
Descriiption of pathological consequences, symptoms, diagnoses, management - 5 points
Review of research articles (2 point each) - 10 points
Summary paragraph with discussion of nurse educator’s role -5 points
Clarity, organization, grammar, adherence to APA -5 points
Rubric
Signature Assignment/ Scholarly Paper Grading Rubric Elements
Signature Assignment/ Scholarly Paper Grading Rubric Elements
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction Topic
2 pts
Excellent
Introduction clearly conveys topic, subtopic, and a general thesis statement. (0.5 point) The topic is presented clearly, and its relevance and significance are explicitly stated. (0.5 point)
1.4 pts
Average
Introduction clearly conveys topic, subtopic, and a general thesis statement. (0.35 point) The topic is clearly presented but it is not clear to the reader as to its relevance or importance. (0.35 point)
1 pts
Developing/Needs work
Introduction does not convey topics, subtopics and thesis statement. (0.25 point) The topic is not clearly stated in the introduction, nor is there any supporting data showing its significance and relevance. (0.25 point)
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody of paper
10 pts
Excellent
The paper is strongly organized with transitions linking all topics. Clear evidence of critical thinking as demonstrated. The body of paper is thorough, thoughtfully discussed and supported by evidence.
7.5 pts
Average
Paper is organized with clear transitions. Writing generally demonstrates evidence of critical thinking. The body of paper is supported by evidence.
6.25 pts
Developing/Needs work
Paper is not logically organized and lacks transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Evidence of critical thinking and support of evidence is lacked.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion
2 pts
Excellent
Conclusion strongly reflects key points and integrates these ideas is the thesis statement.
1 pts
Average
Conclusion moderately reflects key ideas that relate to the thesis statement.
0.5 pts
Developing/Needs work
Conclusion does not reiterate and lacks synthesis of information.
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEvidence/Sources
6 pts
Excellent
Sources are credible, come largely from peer-reviewed journals and are cited correctly. All references in the reference section appear in the paper, and all references in the paper can be found in the reference section.
3 pts
Average
Sources contain some elements of research that support the thesis statement. Some sources from the reference section are missing in the text, and some in the text are not listed in the reference list.
1.5 pts
Developing/Needs work
Sources are non-existent or not considered scholarly in nature Several sources in the reference section are missing from the text, and vice versa. Infrequent content match between text sources and reference list.
6 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Format/Title page
2 pts
Excellent
Correct running head Title of project follow APA School name, student name all centered.
1 pts
Average
Correct running head Title of project does not follow APA Missing one of the defined requirements for the title page.
0.5 pts
Developing/Needs work
Not-correct running head Title of project does not follow APA Missing more than one of the defined requirements for the title page.
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Format/Abstract
1 pts
Excellent
Follow APA 150-250 word count Key words
0.5 pts
Average
Word count < 150 Key words missing.
0.25 pts
Developing/Needs work
Missing requirements for the abstract page.
1 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA style, citations, and references
3 pts
Excellent
No APA errors are seen with page format. Paper is written in a scholarly style. All sources are correctly written in the in-text citation and references page.
1.5 pts
Average
APA page format is mostly correct. Paper is written in a scholarly style with occasional headings. Some source is incorrectly written in either the in-text and in the references page.
0.75 pts
Developing/Needs work
APA page format is incorrect. Paper is informal in tone and word choice. Errors with in-text citations Reference page with incorrect APA format.
3 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Format/Grammar and mechanics
4 pts
Excellent
The paper is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Sentences are complete.
3 pts
Average
Grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors occur occasionally in the paper and do not interfere with reading the paper.
2 pts
Developing/Needs work
Grammatical errors, punctuation errors, and spelling errors significantly interfere with reading the paper.
4 pts
Total Points: 30