Writing An Explanatory Essay Thesis

The thesis statement is the foundation of a strong nursing essay. It establishes the central focus and position of the paper. Developing an explanatory thesis that objectively educates readers on a nursing-related topic requires research and planning. This article will guide you in constructing explanatory nursing essay theses for clearly focused academic papers.

What is a nursing essay thesis?

A thesis is a concise, one-sentence statement in your essay introduction that summarizes the main argument or objective of the essay. It states the specific issue to be analyzed and the writer’s angle, approach, or position regarding that issue.

An effective thesis:

• Clearly communicates the essay’s central idea or objective.
• Establishes the parameters of the discussion.
• Provides direction for the paper.

In a nursing essay, the thesis should convey what the essay aims to explain, illuminate, or analyze related to nursing theory, practice, policies, or concepts. It serves as the launching point for the nursing essay, guiding the research and writing process.

How to write a nursing essay thesis

When writing an explanatory essay thesis statement, it’s helpful to follow these steps:

1. Choose a specific, focused nursing essay topic. This gives the thesis direction. Avoid broad topics better suited to book-length works.
2. Conduct preliminary research to understand the context and debates around the topic. Discover what angles require analysis.
3. Determine the essay’s main objective: Is it to explain, analyze, illuminate, critique, etc.? The thesis should reflect this.
4. Draft a single sentence summarizing the essay’s central point regarding the topic. Get to the crux of the analysis.
5. Make sure the draft thesis is explanatory, providing insight rather than opinions. Remain objective.
6. Revise the thesis to be clear, direct, and focused. Omit unnecessary words. The final version should flow smoothly.
7. Ensure the thesis can be adequately supported by evidence within the essay’s scope. Do not overreach.

Let’s look at some examples of focused explanatory nursing essay theses:

• “The integration of mindfulness practices into nursing education programs teaches crucial stress management techniques that improve nurse wellbeing.”
• “Nursing informatics, which combines computer science and information science, is transforming clinical care coordination, though lack of financial support limits adoption.”

Both clearly state the specific aspects to be explained further in the essay outline. They serve as strong springboards into the topics.

Common mistakes to avoid in nursing essays thesis

Some frequent pitfalls when writing a nursing essay thesis include:

• Failing to take a clear position or make a specific, arguable claim. The thesis should not be ambiguous.
• Using vague, general language rather than being concrete. Unpacking specifics strengthens a thesis.
• Making claims without providing reasoning or evidence in the essay body. The thesis must be supported.
• Focusing on effects rather than causes or implications. Dig into the why and how.
• Overusing passive voice constructions that sound uncertain. Active voice projects confidence.
• Presenting a claim counter to available evidence on the topic. Ensure accurate interpretation of sources.
• Contradicting the actual focus of the essay. The thesis should align with the content.
• Cramming too many points rather than sticking to a single focus. Limit the scope.
• It is too long or wordy. Conciseness gives a thesis power and clarity.

These issues can be prevented with careful drafting and revision centered around an accurate, reasonable explanatory angle.

Types of Explanatory Nursing Essay Thesis

Nursing essays generally utilize explanatory theses over argumentative ones. Let’s contrast two common explanatory thesis approaches.

Explanatory Process Thesis Statements

These explain how something works or outline the steps involved in a particular process relevant to nursing.

Examples:

• “Universal precautions are essential protocols nurses follow to limit the transmission of infections by assuming all blood and other bodily fluids may be contaminated.”
• “The nursing code of ethics sets key professional conduct standards emphasizing patient advocacy, integrity, respect for human dignity, and competence.”

Explanatory Analysis Thesis Statements

These critically analyze factors, evidence, relationships, causes, implications, etc. related to a specific nursing issue or concept.

Examples:

• “While nurse-patient ratios aim to protect patients through regulated staffing minimums, state-mandated ratios can create unintended nursing shortages in hospitals.”
• “The stressed nurse model developed by French et al. explains how chronic occupational strain can negatively impact nurse job performance, raising risks to patient safety through burnout and medical errors.”

Both types of focused, explanatory theses anchor objective, evidence-based analysis appropriate for insightful nursing essays.

Final Thoughts on Explanatory Nursing Essay Thesis

An effective nursing essay requires an explanatory thesis statement that clearly and succinctly articulates the essay’s central point, scope, and direction. Avoiding common mistakes like vagueness and building the thesis around objective analysis rather than opinions will produce a statement that clarifies the writer and the reader. 

The strongest nursing essay theses are specific, reasonable, evidence-based, focused, direct, and explanatory in nature. With good research and drafting focused through revision, your thesis statement can serve as sturdy scaffolding supporting an informative nursing essay.