Guidelines: 1. Select an historical nursing figure that interests you. Your interest might be related to the period of time in history that they lived, their particular field of interest, or their special accomplishments. 2. To learn more about this person you must complete a literature search. To accomplish this you may use the library data base: CINAHL Type in keyword and find 3-5 articles from the past 5 years to use for your paper. These articles enlighten you and are supportive expert knowledge about your topic. 3. If you need assistance with your search please see the librarian who is the School of Nursing library liaison 4. Write an outline to follow. Here are the general categories to help you organize your thoughts: a. General introduction of the individual and the area of interest or particular accomplishment that you plan to discuss b. The purpose of the paper, clearly state what you intent to accomplish through this paper c. The body of the paper (middle) includes: i. Major points you want to make about the individual, the specific accomplishment/s of the individual, their contribution to changes in health care, healthcare systems, and/or social justice. Be sure that each point is supported by the literature and referenced using APA format. ii. You reflection of the impact of this person on your perception of nursing particularly new ideas related to your role as a nurse. d. The conclusion: A summary of your main points (one test to use as to whether you have written a good paper is the so what test…so what are you trying to communicate, so what is it about this topic that is important to a nurse…I want to learn something new and know that you did too). 5. Writing is an important skill. You cannot wait until the night before and write a solid paper. This is a short paper so it is critical that you organize your thinking in order to clearly make your point. You must read and digest what you have read. Then write a detailed outline. The next step is to write the first draft, leave it for a day or two and then go back and re-read it to make corrections. After doing so, you are on to your second draft. Repeat this process until you are pleased and proud of your work. 6. The Learning Center is available to help with grammar, spelling and the organization of you paper. It is always good to have someone read your paper as they can pick up errors which you might not see. You are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from the Learning Center. 7. You must use APA format. I strongly urge you to purchase the APA text since you will need it throughout the entire nursing program. However, if you do not have an APA text you can Google APA format and there are many websites that will be helpful to you. 8. Make sure that you include a. A title page b. A running head c. Page numbers d. Citations in the body of your paper to avoid plagiarism e. A reference list, one of which should be your text. 9. If you have questions please e-mail me, make an appointment or see me during scheduled office hours. “You don’t write because you want ot say something… you write because you have something to say.” F. Scott Fitzgerald