Assignment 3: Ethical Issue Scholarly Paper (40%

of total grade)
Purpose of Assignment

1. To present a balanced view of an ethical issue; to clearly articulate both sides of an ethical
issue;
2. To identify an ethical framework, model, theory, or set of principles and describe its
application to an ethical issue.

Assignment Guidelines

 Choose an ethical issue in health care and/or nursing. State why this issue is of importance to
society.
 Clearly state your evidence-based position as a nurse on this issue. Identify the values
(personal, professional, and/or institutional) underpinning your position.
 Clearly state at least one other position (or "side") to this issue. This position also needs to be
grounded in the evidence. Speculate as to the values (personal, professional, and/or
institutional) underpinning this opposing position.
 Include a discussion describing the use of an ethical framework, model, theory, or the ethical
principles to support your position on this issue.
 Conclude with a brief summary as to why you believe your position is the best position on this
issue.
 Paper should be eight to ten pages in length, excluding the title page and references list.

Content of Paper (70%)

 Each element of the assignment guidelines is addressed.

 Paper integrates material from the textbook, course references and/or other scholarly sources
including at least four peer-reviewed journals.
 Critical inquiry, analysis, and synthesis are evident.

Scholarly Format of Paper (30%)

 The paper:
o is clearly written;
o is within page limit;
 o contains accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
o adheres to APA (6th edition) format.

Helpful Hints for Getting Started:

 When choosing an issue, look for one that is currently being debated. Consider what you have
heard, seen or read online, on the TV news, in newspapers, and at your workplace.
 For a review of course content related to values (personal, professional, and/or institutional)
refer to Unit 3: Values Clarification and Development.
 For a review of course content related to ethical frameworks, models, theories, or the ethical
principl