Nurses: Use These 5 Tips for Success in Advanced English Composition

As a registered nurse embarking on your journey at Chamberlain University, you’ll have the opportunity to take general education courses—like Advanced English Composition—and broaden your skills in areas that can carry over into your nursing career.

“Strong critical thinking, applied objectivity and keen communication abilities are the foundation of every interaction that skilled nurses have with patients, families, peers, administrators and doctors,” said Julie Harris, MA, Chamberlain University visiting professor and course lead for ENGL-147. “The advanced composition class helps students recognize and apply these competencies that will be essential to their success at Chamberlain and in the nursing field.”

In this course, you’ll navigate the Chamberlain Library to seek academic-level research, read and analyze various essays on health- and medical-related topics, compose weekly writing assignments, take quizzes/final exam, and complete a pro/con final essay project.

What’s the best way to tackle Advanced English Composition? Here’s some advice from Harris on succeeding in the course.

1. Seek assistance from your peers and professor.

Many students may be apprehensive about taking advanced composition. Your professor and classmates are your greatest allies in successfully completing the course. The professor can often clarify and simplify information and assignments, while your peers may have already overcome a course hurdle you are facing. 

2. Know your APA resources.

Very early in the course, familiarize yourself with the basics of APA citation. Understanding the need to paraphrase, summarize and properly cite resources using the APA guide is important to success in the course. The course offers MANY excellent resources to help students with this essential element of research, including the APA Handbook, Chamberlain Library videos and links, course material and, of course, your professor.

3. Stay active—the course builds upon itself.

It is very important to stay current in each week of the course. Each week helps build to the final project. As you gain feedback from your professor each week, you can apply the information to the assignment the following week instead of repeating mistakes. The course builds upon itself, so avoid getting behind.

4. Read lessons, course content and announcements carefully.

Since most Chamberlain students take this course online or in a blended format, it is essential that students jump into the online information early on each week. The lessons and instructor announcements provide the foundation and necessary information for the week. Review these items carefully prior to tackling the discussion area or the assignment.

5. Practice, proofread and be patient.

Be sure to approach your assignments early in the week. Usually a student’s best writing is not accomplished in one sitting. Take time to understand the assignment and ask your professor questions early in the week. Allow ample time for proofreading and revision, and be patient with the process as your skills develop. Remember that writing is a process, not just a single event!

Want more information on how to set yourself up for success in the RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Option? Check out:

5 Tips for Registered Nurses Returning to an Online Classroom
Nurses: Use These 5 Tips for Success in Political Science
Nurses: Use These 3 Tips for Success in Statistics
4 Tips from RN to BSN Students on How to Balance School, Family and Work
10 Tips to Get the Most from an Online Lecture