Focus paper: A method for discussing nursing issues

A position paper can be one avenue or method of providing a framework for discussing nursing issues with peers, colleagues, and health care executives. A position paper/issue paper will frequently focus on one view with subsections, but can raise many other questions as well as touching on additional nursing issues. It should be clear when developing a position paper that the goal of the paper is to provide a framework for discussion--with the major emphasis being on issues being raised, not resolved. The paper should also address how nursing is affected by these issues and how the entire hospital may be affected. Last, a position paper should also articulate your--the nurse executive's--position on the issues under discussion.