N420 Pediatrics Issue Paper

Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to provide the student with the opportunity to identify and
investigate a social issue or problem specifically related to the pediatric population. The student
will research the topic integrating knowledge of growth and development, psycho-social,
physical and nursing sciences. The body of the paper should not exceed 5 pages excluding the
title page and reference page.
Student Approach to Assignment
To start the assignment I looked within local newspapers to determine what issues were
relevant to the area. The issue identified was whether the Plan B contraception should be offered
to teenagers without parental permission or identification. Local resources and professional
journals were researched for the paper.
Reasons for Inclusion of the Assignment in the Portfolio

Communication
o Expresses oneself and communicates effectively with diverse groups and
disciplines using a variety of media in a variety of contexts
Ex. Expression of my professional opinion was done by presenting factual
information about the issue. The paper was written in terms that are easily
understandable. Resources used include newspapers and professional
journals.
Teaching
o Provides relevant and sensitive health education information and counseling to
patients, and families, in a variety of situations and settings
Health education was provided through the assignment because
information was presented for parents and teenagers in high school. The
information in the paper could be taught in schools or health clinics to
both the parents and teenagers.
o Uses information technologies and other appropriate methods to communicate
health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention across the life span
Ex. Printed newspapers and online journals were utilized as sources for the
paper. The information from the sources will aid in health promotion, risk
reduction and disease prevention for teenagers that are sexually active,
however, in order to change policies the parents need to be aware of the
issues.