NA635 Professional Writing for Nurse Anesthetists (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in NA606  
This course introduces the student to the expectations of graduate and professional writing and research in the medical field.  Topics include: modes of professional communication, APA standards and conventions, essential elements of medically-related reports such as clinical case studies, integrative and systematic reviews, and meta-analysis.  Other forms of professional communication will be addressed including correspondence, insurance, incident, and quality assurance reports.  Library research tools and use of databases for topic searches will be covered. The ethical and legal ramifications of professional communication are addressed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply a process approach to develop an effective writing technique.
2. Develop an awareness of audience in written communications.
3. Display mastery of grammar and style.
4. Display mastery of APA style and formatting.
5. Conduct a review of the literature on a specific topic.
6. Discuss the ethical and legal ramifications of research.
7. Evaluate research writing.
8. Demonstrate professional and effective writing and presentation skills.