Assessment 3: Research Essay on Advancements in Nursing Education at St. Thomas University (Florida)

Overview

This assessment requires you to explore recent developments in nursing programs at St. Thomas University in Florida, focusing on how these changes address evolving healthcare demands. Draw on the university’s expansion, including the new College of Nursing and advanced degree offerings. Your essay should critically analyze the structure, curriculum, and potential impact of these programs on future nursing practice.

Task Description

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word research essay that examines the nursing programs at St. Thomas University (Florida). Discuss the undergraduate and graduate offerings, such as the BSN, MSN, and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks, and evaluate how they align with current trends in healthcare, like telehealth integration and community-based care. Include an analysis of the program’s accreditation, admission requirements, and unique features, such as online flexibility. Ensure your discussion highlights differences from traditional nursing education models and incorporates evidence from scholarly sources to support your points.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of institutional nursing program structures and their relevance to professional development.
• Apply critical thinking to evaluate educational advancements in nursing.
• Integrate peer-reviewed research into academic writing.

Requirements

• Word count: 1,050 to 1,400 words (excluding references and title page).
• Format: Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins.
• Structure: Include an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences, and a conclusion that synthesizes key findings.
• Citations: Use Harvard referencing style for in-text citations and a reference list with at least three peer-reviewed sources published between 2018 and 2025.
• Submission: Upload as a Word document via the course learning management system by the due date in 2025.

Grading Rubric

1. Content and Analysis (40%): Thorough examination of STU’s nursing programs, clear alignment with healthcare trends, and original insights. High marks for depth beyond surface-level description.
2. Research Integration (30%): Effective use of scholarly sources to support arguments, with accurate Harvard citations. Evidence of critical evaluation rather than summary.
3. Structure and Clarity (20%): Logical flow, strong thesis, well-organized paragraphs, and coherent conclusion. Writing is concise and free of errors.
4. Formatting and Referencing (10%): Adheres to word count, font, spacing, and Harvard style. Reference list is complete and correctly formatted.

Explore the nursing assignments for St. Thomas University in Florida to understand program innovations. Detailed essay instructions and rubrics help students analyze healthcare education trends. Gain insights into advanced nursing degrees and their role in modern practice.

References

• Billings, D.M. and Halstead, J.A., 2019. Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty. 6th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/C2017-0-02978-6.
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2021. The future of nursing 2020-2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25982.
• Oermann, M.H., De Gagne, J.C. and Phillips, B.C., eds., 2022. Teaching in nursing and role of the educator: The complete guide to best practice in teaching, evaluation, and curriculum development. 3rd ed. New York: Springer Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826152633.
• Alexander, S., Floyd, T. and Gresko, S., 2023. Integrating telehealth in nursing curricula: Lessons learned. Journal of Nursing Education, 62(4), pp.215-220. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20230209-04.
• Jeffries, P.R., 2022. Simulation in nursing education: From conceptualization to evaluation. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNE.0000000000001245.