Discussion Responses, Essay Example

Discussion #1: In “The Nursing Crisis: The Solution Lies Within,” Michelle M. Pollard argues that the current nursing shortage could be alleviated by looking within the nursing profession itself for qualified nurses to replace those retiring and to recruit new nurses. Some of her solutions include improving workplace conditions that “may help reduce the likelihood of nurses leaving the field,” providing tuition assistance, and better employment packages as incentives. Most of her evidence is based on testimony to the US Congress by members of the House of Education and Workforce. In “An Open Letter to the Campus Community” (i.e., U of C Berkeley), Vice Chancellor Gibor Basri argues that campus safety has become a major issue, due to a number of problems related to on-campus demonstrations and visiting lecturers and speakers. As he points out, “In order for all of us to thrive and succeed, our campus must be safe and welcoming.” His solution to these problems is vigilance on the part of students and faculty members and the adoption of new rules on campus. His evidence is based on fact via recent campus disturbances. In “Request a Work Schedule Change with a Flexibility Proposal Memo,” Amy Baskin argues that changing her work hours will help improve her efficiency and writing output while also helping the company. As she puts it, “With an earlier schedule, I would have several hours to work without distraction” from her co-workers. Thus, her solution is requesting a one- month trial period to test her new working hours. Of these three articles, Pollard’s argument/thesis is most effective, for she gets right to the point with solid evidence. Basri’s letter is a bit short on details and needs improvement; however, Baskin’s request is well composed with many subsections. Overall, Pollard’s article is superior, due to focusing on a problem that will affect every American in the near future.

Discussion #2: In Pollard’s article on the shortage of nurses, her opening statement is excellent, for it serves as a lead-in for the reader related to what comes next, being an introduction, an exploration of the causes, clues to attrition, implications, and solutions. Pollard then closes by noting the importance of nursing in society and that all nurses should feel proud of their accomplishments and dedication to their profession. Basri’s “Open Letter” also begins well by declaring the importance of free speech, debate, and political activism on campus and then proceeds to outline the problems and how they can be solved. Baskin’s request for a change of work hours is also quite effective, due to including a narrative memo and sub-categories like what she specifically requires, how the company will benefit, and the feasibility of her plan to have her work hours changed. Also, all three utilize key phrases and key words that help the reader to follow the author’s arguments. Overall, all three of these pieces are effective and have been well thought out ahead of time by the authors.