discussions
Week 1 discussion
Scholarly Discussion
What are the principles of scholarly discussion in an online
environment? How does this differ from a social network? Please cite the
sources used to support your response.
Week 2 discussion
Scholarly Databases vs. Websites
What is the difference between a scholarly database and a
website? How do you know if a website is credible?
Week 3 discussion
AACN Essentials of Master’s Education
Compare and contrast the AACN Essentials of Master’s
Education with the CCN mission, philosophy, and MSN Program Outcomes.
Week 4 discussion
Conducting a Library Search
The choice of Boolean terminology can markedly affect your
search returns. Select a topic related to your area of practice, and select two
scholarly databases to find information on the topic. Describe the search. What
key words did you use? How many articles did your initial search yield? How did
you narrow or expand the search? How many articles did you find once you
narrowed or expanded the search? Summarize the results from the search.
Week 5 discussion
PICO (T)
The PICO (T) format is a way to develop a clinical question
that lends itself to searching for evidence. Select a common nursing practice
(e.g., wound care management) in your clinical setting and formulate a PICO
question. Once you have formulated your question, conduct a library search and
locate one scholarly article that addresses the topic you have selected. Post
your clinical question in the TD, explain the PICO(T) elements, and provide a
full reference of the article you selected.
There are tutorials in the Chamberlain Library specific to
PICO and performing a literature search.
Week 6 discussion
Clinical Significance
Explore these issues on the Internet and through other
resources. Share what you find out on these topics:
Confidence Intervals: Why are they useful in helping to
determine clinical significance?
There are many controversies surrounding the issue of
clinical significance vs. statistical significance. Identify one of them and
summarize it. Finish with your opinion about the controversy.
Week 7 discussion
Creating a Professional Presentation
Think about good and not-so-good professional presentations
that you have attended in the past. Give an example of what made an effective
presentation. Give another example of what detracted from their ability to
deliver a message to the audience.
Week 8 discussion
What Did You Learn
Reflecting on this course, consider and answer the following
questions: How do you envision using the AACN essentials and information
learned in this course to identify, guide, and evaluate your practicum project?
How do you envision using the concepts learned in this course in your future
nursing practice?
