Assignment: Advanced Clinical Decision Making

Written Assignment: Reflective written analysis of clinical incident

Aim:

Critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills are used every day in practice by Registered Nurses.

The aim of this essay task is for you to apply the eight stages of the clinical reasoning cycle

(Levett-Jones et al., 2010) to discuss and reflect on a clinical decision. Familiarisation with the

clinical reasoning cycle will support you to provide safe quality care as a Registered Nurse.

Task Instructions:

Write a 2000 word essay which discusses one clinical decision that you have been involved with

during a Bachelor of Nursing clinical placement, using all eight stages of the clinical reasoning

cycle (Levett-Jones et al., 2010). In this essay your critical reflection on the clinical decision (stage

eight) is a significant component of this task (please see weighting in marking criteria). You need

to identify a different patient scenario to the one you discussed in your first essay.

1) Analyse how each stage of the clinical reasoning cycle (Levett-Jones et al., 2010) was

applied to your decision.

2) In stage eight (8) critically reflect on what you have learnt from applying the clinical

reasoning cycle to your chosen decision (you may choose to draw on other models of

reflection).

3) In your essay discuss three relevant Registered Nurse Standards for Practice (2016).

2,000 words

Weighting: 50%

Due Date: Sept 17th, 2018 at 5pm

3807NRS Advanced Clinical Decision Making:

Assessment (A3) Semester 2, 2018

Other elements:

 Always refer to the Griffith Health Writing and Referencing Guide

 Ensure that you use at least ten (10) scholarly literature (digitised readings, research

articles, relevant Government reports and text books) that has been published within the

last 5 years. You are however allowed to use the Levett-Jones et al. (2010) reference as

one of your references.

 Ensure you maintain confidentiality. Do not discuss the facility, nurse or patient by name.

You may use a pseudonym if you like.

 Provide a clear introduction and conclusion to your paper.

 You may use headings to organise your work if you wish.

 The use of first person can be utilised throughout your writing.

 Refer to the marking guide when writing your assignment. This will assist you in calculating

the weightings of the sections for your assignment.

 Submit your assignment via Turnitin on your Learning@Griffith course site.

 You must submit this assignment as instructed to be eligible for a passing grade in this

course.

3807NRS Advanced Clinical Decision Making:

Assessment (A3) Semester 2, 2018

MARKING CRITERIA POSSIBLE

MARK

CRITERION ONE: Introduction

 Assignment has as an opening paragraph that contextualises the assignment.

 Clearly identifies the aim of the assignment.

5

CRITERION TWO: Clinical Reasoning Cycle stages 1-7

 Clearly analyses the factors influencing the clinical decision in relation to the first seven stages of the clinical reasoning cycle.

 Clearly describes the background to the case study including current and related patient information and succinctly describes the chosen decision.

 Uses scholarly literature appropriately to support the discussion.

35

CRITERION THREE: Clinical Reasoning Cycle stage 8 (Reflection)

 Critically reflects on the clinical decision making process.  Reflects on what was learned from applying the clinical reasoning cycle to

the chosen decision.

20

CRITERION FOUR: RN Standards of Practice

 Essay discussion includes at least three relevant Registered Nurse Standards for Practice (2016).

15

CRITERION FIVE: Presentation and Structure

 Conforms to the Assignment Presentation Formatting Guidelines. o Correct word count. Once 2000 words have been reached, the

marker will stop making. o Uses academic language throughout. o Essay is well presented, with correct spelling, grammar, and well-

constructed sentence and paragraph structure.

10

CRITERION SIX: Referencing5

 Essay is supported with no fewer than 10 different sources from the scholarly literature (sources are no more than 5 years old)

 Referencing as per APA Style 6th Edition.

10

CRITERION SEVEN: Conclusion

 Has a concluding paragraph that summarises the overall argument in the assignment.

 Does not introduce any new information or references in the conclusion.

5

Total Marks (weighted at 50%)

100