Week Three: Reflective Essay
Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to promote introspective reflection related to leadership competencies which positively influence others and cultivate healthful working relationships. Students will reflect upon personal strengths and opportunities for enhancement with respect to leadership competencies, and implications of leadership competency in the selected are of MSN specialty practice.
Course Outcomes
Through this assignment, the student will address the following Course Outcomes:
- CO #3 – Integrate communication modalities which convey cultural humility, value the diverse nature of individuals, and cultivate healthful work environments.
- CO #5 – Recognize individual strengths and opportunities for enhancement regarding leadership characteristics reflective of a MSN-prepared nurse.
Total Points Possible: 125 points
Requirements
Criteria for Content
Based upon readings and learning activities within the class lessons, reflect upon specific leadership-related competencies which you possess and leadership competencies where there is an opportunity for enhancement. Identify two specific areas of strength, and two areas for improvement. How will those competencies impact future practice as a MSN-prepared nurse in your specialty area?
In a two- to three-page reflective essay, address the following elements. Include a minimum of two peer-reviewed scholarly sources, current within five years, to support your work. See rubric for specific, required content criteria within each section of the paper:
- Provide an introduction to the reflective essay.
- Consider your personal leadership competencies
- Explain two specific examples of how leadership competencies will impact your practice in the selected MSN track.
- Provide a conclusion to the reflective essay.
Preparing the Assignment
Criteria for Format and Special Instructions
- Abide by the Integrity Policy.
- Use Microsoft Word 2013 to create the reflective essay.
- The paper (excluding title and reference pages) should be at least two full pages in length and should not exceed three full pages in length.
- A minimum of two (2) peer-reviewed scholarly sources, current within five years, are required.
- Sources older than five years may not be used without the permission of the class professor.
- No direct quotes may be used in this assignment.
- Title page, running head, pagination, subheadings, body of paper, citation of sources, and reference page must follow APA guidelines as found in the 6th edition of the manual.
- Rules of grammar, spelling, word usage, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure are followed and consistent with formal, scholarly writing as noted in the APA Manual (6th edition).
- First person may be used for this assignment.
Directions and Assignment Criteria
Grading Criteria –
| Category | Points | % | Description |
| Introduction | 15 | 12% | Introduction includes: General statements on the value of leadership competency Insights you hope to gain through this reflective essayIdentify sections of the paperSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented Provide support from current, peer-reviewed scholarly sources |
| Personal Leadership Competency | 25 | 20% | This section includes: Summary of leadership competencies (Knowledge, skills, or attitudes) which you possessIdentification and description of two leadership competencies which are key areas of personal strengthIdentification and description of two leadership competencies for which there is an opportunity for growth and enhancementSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented Provide support from current, peer-reviewed scholarly sources |
| Implications for Advanced Nursing Practice | 35 | 28% | This section includes: Statement of the selected MSN trackDescription of a minimum of two specific examples how leadership competencies will impact practice in the future MSN roleSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented Provide support from current, peer-reviewed scholarly sources |
| Conclusion | 25 | 20% | Conclusion includes: Summary statements regarding the value of leadership competencySynopsis of strengths and opportunities for enhancementSelf-reflection regarding the new insights and personal learning obtained through this reflective essay |
| Graduate-level Writing Style | 25 | 20% | Graduate-level writing style is included, evidenced by integrating the following standards: Correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structureClarity, organization, and logical flow of ideas within writing; accurate use of APA levels of headingsAPA format for citing and referencing sourcesNo direct quotes are used within the assignmentAPA document format including margins, spacing, font style and size APA document structure including running head, pagination, title page, reference pageCongruence with APA mechanics of style (abbreviations, capitalization, italics, numbers, and use of figures or tables if applicable) |
| Quality of Literature Support | It is an expectation that a minimum of two peer-reviewed scholarly sources, current within five years, are integrated within the assignment. If the above expectation is not met, 6 points shall be deducted. | ||
| Paper Length | It is an expectation that the paper is a minimum of two full pages in length, and no more than three full pages in length. If the above expectation is not met, 6 points shall be deducted. | ||
| Total | 125 | 100% | A quality assessment will meet or exceed all the above requirements. |
Grading Rubric
| Assignment Criteria | Exemplary (100%) | Accomplished (92%) | Average (84%) | Marginally Acceptable (76%) | Insufficient (0%) |
| Content Possible Points = 100 Points | |||||
| Introduction | 15 Points | 13 Points | 12 Points | 11 Points | 0 Points |
| Exemplary presentation of information evidenced by all content areas covered in a comprehensive and concise manner. All of the following are included: Insightful discussion on the value of leadership competency Specific personal insights you hope to gain through this reflective essayIdentification of sections of the paperSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Accomplished presentation of information evidenced by most content coveredin a comprehensive and concise manner, but with one area where coverage is superficial. All of the following are included: Insightful discussion on the value of leadership competency Specific personal insights you hope to gain through this reflective essayIdentification of sections of the paperSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Average presentation of information evidenced by content covered in a superficial manner in two or more of the content areas. All of the following are included: Insightful discussion on the value of leadership competency Specific personal insights you hope to gain through this reflective essayIdentification of sections of the paperSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Marginally acceptable presentation of information evidenced by content that is limited, missing, or unsatisfactory in one of the following: Insightful discussion on the value of leadership competency Specific personal insights you hope to gain through this reflective essayIdentification of sections of the paperSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Insufficient presentation of information evidenced by content that is limited, missing, or unsatisfactory in two or more of the following: Insightful discussion on the value of leadership competency Specific personal insights you hope to gain through this reflective essayIdentification of sections of the paperSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | |
| Personal Leadership Competency | 25 Points | 23 Points | 21 Points | 19 Points | 0 Points |
| Exemplary presentation of information evidenced by all content areas covered in a comprehensive and concise manner. All of the following are included: Summarize the leadership competencies (Knowledge, skills, or attitudes) which you possess. Identify and describe two leadership competencies which are key areas of personal strengthIdentify and describe two leadership competencies for which there is an opportunity for growth and enhancementSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Accomplished presentation of information evidenced by most content coveredin a comprehensive and concise manner, but with one area where coverage is superficial. All of the following are included: Summarize the leadership competencies (Knowledge, skills, or attitudes) which you possess. Identify and describe two leadership competencies which are key areas of personal strengthIdentify and describe two leadership competencies for which there is an opportunity for growth and enhancementSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Average presentation of information evidenced by content covered in a superficial manner in two or more of the content areas. All of the following are included: Summarize the leadership competencies (Knowledge, skills, or attitudes) which you possess. Identify and describe two leadership competencies which are key areas of personal strengthIdentify and describe two leadership competencies for which there is an opportunity for growth and enhancementSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Marginally acceptable presentation of information evidenced by content that is limited, missing, or unsatisfactory in one of the following: Summarize the leadership competencies (Knowledge, skills, or attitudes) which you possess. Identify and describe two leadership competencies which are key areas of personal strengthIdentify and describe two leadership competencies for which there is an opportunity for growth and enhancementSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Insufficient presentation of information evidenced by content that is limited, missing, or unsatisfactory in two or more of the following: Summarize the leadership competencies (Knowledge, skills, or attitudes) which you possess. Identify and describe two leadership competencies which are key areas of personal strengthIdentify and describe two leadership competencies for which there is an opportunity for growth and enhancementSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | |
| Implications for Advanced Nursing Practice | 35 Points | 32 Points | 29 Points | 26 Points | 0 Points |
| Exemplary presentation of information evidenced by all content areas covered in a comprehensive and concise manner. All of the following are included: State your selected MSN trackDescribe a minimum of two specific examples how leadership competencies will impact your practice in the future MSN roleSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Accomplished presentation of information evidenced by most content coveredin a comprehensive and concise manner, but with one area where coverage is superficial. All of the following are included: State your selected MSN trackDescribe a minimum of two specific examples how leadership competencies will impact your practice in the future MSN roleSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Average presentation of information evidenced by content covered in a superficial manner in two or more of the content areas. All of the following are included: State your selected MSN trackDescribe a minimum of two specific examples how leadership competencies will impact your practice in the future MSN roleSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Marginally acceptable presentation of information evidenced by content that is limited, missing, or unsatisfactory in one of the following: State your selected MSN trackDescribe a minimum of two specific examples how leadership competencies will impact your practice in the future MSN roleSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | Insufficient presentation of information evidenced by content that is limited, missing, or unsatisfactory in two or more of the following: State your selected MSN trackDescribe a minimum of two specific examples how leadership competencies will impact your practice in the future MSN roleSufficient integration of scholarly literature to support information presented | |
| Conclusion | 25 Points | 23 Points | 21 Points | 19 Points | 0 Points |
| Exemplary presentation of information evidenced by all content areas covered in a comprehensive and concise manner. All of the following are included: Summary statements regarding the value of leadership competencySynopsis of strengths and opportunities for enhancementSelf-reflection regarding the new insights and personal learning obtained through this reflective essay | Accomplished presentation of information evidenced by most content coveredin a comprehensive and concise manner, but with one area where coverage is superficial. All of the following are included: Summary statements regarding the value of leadership competencySynopsis of strengths and opportunities for enhancementSelf-reflection regarding the new insights and personal learning obtained through this reflective essay | Average presentation of information evidenced by content covered in a superficial manner in two or more of the content areas. All of the following are included: Summary statements regarding the value of leadership competencySynopsis of strengths and opportunities for enhancementSelf-reflection regarding the new insights and personal learning obtained through this reflective essay | Marginally acceptable presentation of information evidenced by content that is limited, missing, or unsatisfactory in one of the following: Summary statements regarding the value of leadership competencySynopsis of strengths and opportunities for enhancementSelf-reflection regarding the new insights and personal learning obtained through this reflective essay | Insufficient presentation of information evidenced by content that is limited, missing, or unsatisfactory in two or more of the following: Summary statements regarding the value of leadership competencySynopsis of strengths and opportunities for enhancementSelf-reflection regarding the new insights and personal learning obtained through this reflective essay | |
| Content Subtotal ________of 100 points | |||||
| Format Possible Points = 25 Points | |||||
| Graduate level writing style First person may be used for this reflective paper | 25 Points | 23 Points | 21 Points | 19 Points | 0 Points |
| Exemplary graduate level writing style is evident, which meets all of the criteria below: Correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure Exceptional writing style with clarity, flow, and organization of information throughout the paper, including accurate use of APA levels of headingsAPA format for citing and referencing sources APA document format including margins, spacing, font style and size APA document structure including running head, pagination, title page, reference pageCongruence with APA mechanics of style (abbreviations, capitalization, italics, numbers, and use of figures or tables if applicable)No direct quotes are used in this assignment.Use of first person is limited to the self-reflection portion of the conclusion (unless otherwise noted in the assignment instructions) | Accomplished graduate-level writing style is evident which meets at least 6 of the criteria below: No more than 2 errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence and/or paragraph structure No more than 2 errors in writing style with clarity, flow, and organization of information throughout the paper, including accurate use of APA levels of headingsNo more than 2 errors in APA format for citing and referencing sources No more than 2 errors in APA document format including margins, spacing, font style and font size No more than 2 errors in APA document structure including running head, pagination, title page, and reference pageNo more than 2 errors in APA mechanics of style (abbreviations, capitalization, italics, numbers, and use of figures or tables if applicable)No direct quotes are used in this assignment.Use of first person is limited to the self-reflection portion of the conclusion (unless otherwise noted in the assignment instructions) | Average graduate-level writing style is evident which meets at least 4 of the criteria below: No more than 2 errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence and/or paragraph structure No more than 2 errors in writing style with clarity, flow, and organization of information throughout the paper, including accurate use of APA levels of headingsNo more than 2 errors in APA format for citing and referencing sources No more than 2 errors in APA document format including margins, spacing, font style and font size No more than 2 errors in APA document structure including running head, pagination, title page, and reference pageNo more than 2 errors in APA mechanics of style (abbreviations, capitalization, italics, numbers, and use of figures or tables if applicable)No direct quotes are used in this assignment.Use of first person is limited to the self-reflection portion of the conclusion (unless otherwise noted in the assignment instructions) | Marginally acceptable graduate-level writing is evident which meets at least 2 of the criteria below: No more than 2 errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence and/or paragraph structure No more than 2 errors in writing style with clarity, flow, and organization of information throughout the paper, including accurate use of APA levels of headingsNo more than 2 errors in APA format for citing and referencing sources No more than 2 errors in APA document format including margins, spacing, font style and font size No more than 2 errors in APA document structure including running head, pagination, title page, and reference pageNo more than 2 errors in APA mechanics of style (abbreviations, capitalization, italics, numbers, and use of figures or tables if applicable)No direct quotes are used in this assignment. Use of first person is limited to the self-reflection portion of the conclusion (unless otherwise noted in the assignment instructions) | Insufficient graduate-level writing
style is evident which | |
| Quality of Literature Support | 0 points Deducted | 6 Points Deducted | |||
| A minimum of two peer-reviewed scholarly sources, current within five years, are integrated within the assignment. | The assignment fails to meet the requirement noted for quality of literature support. | ||||
| Assignment Length | 0 Points Deducted | 6 Points Deducted | |||
| The assignment is a minimum of two full pages in length and is no more than three full pages in length. Total page count does not include title or reference pages. | The assignment fails to meet the requirement noted for total length. |
| Format Subtotal | _____of 25 points |
| Assignment Total Points Earned | _____of 125 Points |
