Reference no: EM132377819

Assignment -

Choose one of the following Assignment Titles:

a) Compassion is widely recognised as an essential component of good quality care. Discuss this statement with reference to contemporary literature.

or

b) Discuss the types of midwifery knowledge used in clinical practice to competently support the woman and her baby.

Guidelines: Show evidence of searching and retrieving appropriate academic literature, ensuring that a variety of reputable sources are used (books, nursing/midwifery journals, allied health journals, professional websites, etc). The skills required to source and retrieve relevant literature was demonstrated in the library tutorials provided.

Assignment Structure Guidelines -

The assignment should be written in the third person. The focus of this assignment is on the planning and structure (see outline below) of an academic piece of work.

Introduction - The introduction should succinctly introduce the reader to the context of the subject matter of the assignment. For example, if you chose assignment a) you should introduce the reader to the concept of compassion and its relationship to the values that underpin professional practice within the Irish context. Furthermore a good introduction informs the reader of the themes/topics/issues that are going to be discussed in the main body and generally demonstrates structured thinking in relation to the topic area.

Main Body - The main body of the assignment should focus on the topics/issues for discussion as outlined in the introductory paragraph. In the discussion draw on relevant theory or research and be objective in your arguments; use evidence to support or reject particular viewpoints; and begin to develop a critical stance towards arguments (Moore et al, 2010). For example for both titles you might consider drawing on the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) 2014) in the discussion of compassion (assignment a) or knowledge for clinical practice (assignment b). For the first assignment title consideration of whether you agree or disagree with the statement is a good first step but a word of caution your assignment must present a balanced argument after all compassionate behaviours may not always be experienced by clients. For the second assignment title consideration of what are the sources of knowledge that professional midwives' use in their practice is required. It is important to consider knowledge and the complexity of clinical decision-making in midwifery practice.

The student is expected to demonstrate adequate background reading through the use of citations and demonstrate an understanding of the topic under discussion. Direct quotes should be kept to a minimum and used rarely. Please remember that discussion is needed and it is not sufficient to present a series of quotes or citations.

Conclusion/Summary - The conclusion must draw together the various key issues raised in the assignment and should provide more than just a summary of the issues explored. No new material should be introduced in the conclusion.

Reference List - The assignment should contain a reference section. Referencing both in text and in the reference list should follow the Harvard Referencing System (please see the DkIT Guide to Harvard Referencing 2016). Avoid numbering/bulleting in the reference list (this is not part of the Harvard Referencing System).

For further guidance on presentation and submission of work students should refer to the Assignment Submission Guidelines 2017.

Reference List -

Moore, S., Neville, C., Murphy, A., and Connolly, C. (2010). The Ultimate Study Skills Handbook. Berkshire, Open University Press.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (2014). Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics. Dublin, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.