Choose a specific topic related to your class studies. Nursing covers many broad areas, but you want to choose a topic that is specific enough to adequately explain in your paper. You can write a case study, where you talk about a real-life medical issue and assess its effectiveness, using the theories you have learned in class. Or, you can compose a more traditional research paper that analyzes ethics in the nursing profession. Consider your professor's expectations when selecting a topic.
Identify your audience. Nursing papers can target a range of audiences, so it is essential that you know who you are writing for. If you are writing to your nursing peers, such as your professor and classmates, you should be comfortable using medical jargon without much explanation. Conversely, if your paper targets individuals outside of the nursing profession, you will need to take time to explain medical terms to your readers.
Conduct research on your topic. Even if you have years of experience as a R.N., your paper still requires documented research to support your argument. Search through reputable medical journals, such as the "New England Journal of Medicine" or the "Journal of Advanced Nursing," to find recent and relevant articles that support your paper topic.
Write multiple drafts of your nursing paper. Armed with substantial research, you can write the first draft of your paper. Create a focused argument with a thesis statement that guides your paper. For example, if you are writing about the importance of prenatal care for pregnant women, you can state in your thesis that: "Prenatal care is essential, as it ensures the health of the mother and her unborn child." The body of your paper should support the thesis.
Incorporate personal experience into your paper, when applicable. Nursing papers are different in that the writer likely has some relevant personal, clinical experience in the area. While you do not want to write your entire nursing paper in first person, you can refer to relevant nursing experiences in your life. Such content builds your credibility as a writer and offers a unique viewpoint for the reader.