nursing research project plan

Application of project management tools and techniques to support nursing intervention research

Affiliations.

• 1 Austin School of Nursing, The University of Texas, Austin, TX. Electronic address: [email protected].
• 2 Austin School of Nursing, The University of Texas, Austin, TX.
• PMID: 32138975
• DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2020.01.007

Nursing research involves much planning and attention to details, yet novice and seasoned nurse researchers often overlook the day-to-day operations required to conduct research studies. Project management is a set of iterative steps that can facilitate the process of conducting nursing research. In this paper we aim to provide an overview of project management and identify ways in which its specific principles and strategies may be applied to facilitate nursing research. Here we give an overview of our current longitudinal study using a Solomon four-group design and illustrate how we applied strategies and tools from the project management literature. In addition, we offer descriptions and illustrations of several other project management tools that could have been used in specific phases of this research project. We encourage nurse educators and researchers to familiarize themselves with the principles of project management and consider using them in future studies.

Keywords: Intervention study; Project management; Research process; Solomon four-group design.

Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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NUR 401: Introduction to Nursing Research

Creating a research plan.

• Nursing Article Databases/Other Information Resources
• Nursing Subject Guide This link opens in a new window
• Specific Examples/Applications of APA Style, 7th edition

Sample Research Plan

The following  sample research plans  illustrate how a Research Plan can help you develop and keep track of search terms that are useful in finding information sources on your topic.  (For a blank form, and instructions on how to use it, see the  Creating a Research Plan  box below.) 

• NUR 401 PICO Research Plan This research plan shows an example of a PICO topic and how it may help you formulate relevant search terms and strategies.
• Sample Research Plan--Obesity

How a Research Plan Helps You Search for Sources

Why use a research plan.

A Research Plan can help you strategize about what are the most successful search terms to use in library databases to find books, articles, government documents, and more for your papers/assignments. 

Typing in your entire research question or thesis statement does not work well when using these databases to find sources

What usually happens when you do this is that one of two equally bad options, either 

• you get thousands of hits, many of which are not relevant (and in any case, they are too numerous for you to wade through to find the valuable sources); or 
• you get very few, or zero, hits because your number of search terms overwhelms the database.

Creating a Research Plan can help you avoid these problems

• Keep in mind that your Research Plan is an evolving document; by the time you're finished, it may be all marked up, with some terms scratched off, and other terms added, with notes to yourself about various things to remember when searching, etc. 
• You may also find in the course of searching for sources that one set of terms works best for finding books, while another combination may work better when searching for magazine articles, and still another when looking for journal articles.
• Your goal is to try to find the  best combination of terms  that produces the best set of sources to satisfy your information needs.

To get an idea of how this form might look, see the  Sample Research Plan  in the box to the left below,

To get started creating your own plan, see the   Creating a Research Plan  box directly below, which contains a link to a blank Research Plan form for you to print off and fill in as needed, along with instructions on how to use this tool to help you in your research.   .

Make your search for resources more productive by using the following blank Research Plan  worksheet:

• Research Plan A research plan helps you come up with and keep track of useful search terms to use when searching for information sources. Remember, no one set of terms is perfect; your goal is to find the best combination of terms (in each resource) to find the best sources. When switching from one info resource to another (such as from books to articles), you may need to change the combination of terms you use to be successful.

Directions:

• Pose your topic in the form of a statement OR a question.
• Choose 2-4 most important terms (keywords) drawn directly from your research statement/question and write each in the Keywords column in separate boxes.
• In the synonyms column, write at least ONE synonym, or related term (broader or narrower) for each keyword.

Tip :  For ideas for synonyms/related terms, write down in the Synonyms/Related Terms column any subject headings from a helpful book or article citation record to use as potential search terms.

• Next: Nursing Article Databases/Other Information Resources >>
• Last Updated: Feb 9, 2024 11:35 AM
• URL: https://barton.libguides.com/nursing_research

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Resource Guide for Nurse Researchers

Project Planning

Every successful project begins with planning.

This page will help you start your research project successfully.

BUILD YOUR TEAM Find Collaborators/Mentors | Stay Connected

SEARCH THE LITERATURE Discovery@Kent State | Meet with a Librarian: Personalized Research Assistance | Guides on Research Impact and Systematic Literature Review

Build Your Team

Find collaborators/mentors.

• Self-management Across the Lifespan
• Search Kent State University's Find a Researcher database
• Browse Kent State Researcher Profiles on Pivot
• Create a profile
• Connect with other Kent State University researchers
• Connect with other nursing researchers
• Attend Research and Sponsored Programs' Workshops & Events
• Network at nursing conferences, such as the  MNRS Annual Conference  and the  STTI International Nursing Research Congress .

Stay Connected

Collaboratively plan, organize, and manage your project, microsoft teams.

Includes team text and video chat with channels and meetings, file hosting (and ability to edit Word/Excel/PowerPoint files directly in the app), Microsoft Planner, a shared OneNote Notebook, and ability to connect apps such as Trello and Twitter.  Note:  Only Kent State faculty and staff can be added to Teams. Request a new team »

Trello is a web-based collaboration and project management tool. The user interface is like a bulletin-board ("boards") where users place and move around sticky notes ("cards"). Users can create teams and invite other members of their project team to collaborate on shared boards. Each team can have up to 10 boards on the free plan. Features include templates, due dates and reminders, checklists, file attachments, per-card commenting, and more. Users can register for Trello using their Kent State Google account for easy login. Note: This service is not offered by the university; the university IT department will not offer support.

Asana makes managing complex projects easier. Plan your project, create tasks in Asana, and assign those tasks to other members of your project team. Features of the free plan include the ability to manage multiple projects, "to-do" lists, task searching, project calendar, reporting, conversations, and file hosting. The premium plan includes project timelines, task dependencies, start dates, and more. Users can register for Asana using their Kent State Google account for easy login. Note: This service is not offered by the university; the university IT department will not offer support.

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Schedule and host online meetings with anyone around the globe. Individuals outside the organization must be invited via email. Includes a call-in number.

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Search the Literature

Discovery@kent state.

Discovery@Kent State simultaneously searches the metadata of KentLINK, OhioLINK and a large number of selected databases and indexes. Users are able to request material from OhioLINK or connect directly to eResources, including full-text journal articles if they are available in any of Kent State's databases. In addition, the service will present links to related news items, images and videos.

Databases by Subject | Journal Finder | Databases A-Z

Meet with a Librarian: Personalized Research Assistance

Meet with a Librarian appointments provide personalized research assistance. During an appointment, you’ll meet with a librarian specializing in your subject area who will help you identify and locate informational resources (like scholarly journal articles, data sets, or primary sources). Appointments are scheduled for one hour. Students and researchers should arrive on time to take advantage of the full hour of consultation time.

To schedule a Meet with a Librarian appointment (students & faculty):

• Determine your subject librarian  based on the subject of your research
• Contact your subject librarian  to schedule a meeting time and place
• Request an appointment at least three days in advance
• Provide all pertinent information about your assignment and/or research

Guides on Research Impact and Systematic Literature Review

• Research Impact & Bibliometrics This guide is intended to introduce scholars to the concepts of bibliometrics and library tools that can be used to determine the impact of published research articles and research journals. Bibliometrics are particularly useful to faculty in the midst of tenure or reappointment proceedings, but can also be useful when applying for grants, illuminate trends in scholarship and assist authors when considering publication opportunities.
• Systematic Methods for Literature Reviews: Systematic Review Methods (SRM) The goal of this guide is to provide information and resources that can be used to develop literature reviews that are "more rigorous or systematic" than those completed using "traditional literature review approaches." This guide aims to support the use of systematic literature review methods.

Next: Locating Funding »

• Resource Guide
• 3. Developing & Submitting Proposals
• 4. Setting-up & Managing Awards
• 5. Conducting & Authoring Research
• 7. Dissemination & Commercialization

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Henry Ford Hospital Nursing Research Toolkit

• Step 1: Getting Started
• Step 2: Project Assistance
• Step 3: Research Question
• Step 4: Review Literature
• Step 5: Use Theory
• Step 6: Apply with IRB
• Quantitative Research Steps
• Additional Reading
• About This Guide

About the HFH Nursing Research Toolkit

Nursing research seeks to answer questions or explore healthcare issues. Through the processes of description, exploration, explanation, and prediction of phenomena, nurse researchers work to improve patient outcomes while contributing to the discipline of nursing. 

Approaches to Nursing Inquiry

Not sure where to begin? The first step is to determine whether your project is an evidence-based practice (EBP) initiative, research study or quality improvement (QI) project. The chart below will clarify differences between types of inquiry and help lead you to the right methodology decisions and a successful project. 

Next Steps....

Evidence-Based Practice

If you've determined your project is an EBP study, visit the following links for more EBP information:

• HFH Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Toolkit
• Sladen Library Evidence-Based Medicine Guide

Quality Improvement/Process Improvement

If your project is a quality improvement study, follow the links for more QI information:

• The QUERI Roadmap for Implementation and Quality Improvement
• HFHS Quality Expo
• Patient Safety & Clinical Quality Resources - Sladen Subject Guide

If you've identified your study as research, continue to Step 2 .  

• Next: Step 2: Project Assistance >>
• Last Updated: Mar 4, 2024 12:18 PM
• URL: https://henryford.libguides.com/hfhnursingresearch

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The reality of research Previous     Next

Planning and managing a research project to time, alison tierney , reader, department of nursing studies, the university of edinburgh, edinburgh.

The art of planning and managing successfully a research project requires a range of skills which tend not to he discussed in the literature

Nowadays all nurses are expected to be critical readers and active users of research. But not all nurses are expected to do research. Planning and undertaking a piece of research requires knowledge and skill well beyond what we can learn from research appreciation courses and theoretical study of research methodology. It is a great leap from knowing about research to actually doing it oneself.

Nurse Researcher . 5, 1, 35-50. doi: 10.7748/nr.5.1.35.s5

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Related Programs

Health care project management, related articles, the path to effective health care project management, why building your brand is essential to leveraging project management opportunities in health care, the next generation of project management: how to develop technical and leadership expertise, a primer on project management for health care.

by Kathryn Berger

Project management has emerged as one of the most prominent business skills of our time because its use can help control costs, reduce risk, and improve outcomes. Used across disciplines, project management is the process of systematically planning, organizing, and then executing a pre-determined set of steps in order to maximize resource use and achieve specific objectives. According to a U.S. News and World report , project management is one of the top skill sets sought by employers.

Why? The Project Management Institute (PMI), an organization created in 1969 to promote the discipline of project management, credits the process with helping businesses save time and money, improve ROI, and reduce risk. It also cites many benefits to staff members including improved collaboration and decreased stress.

Project management has emerged as one of the most prominent business skills of our time

As healthcare in the United States continues to evolve under mounting cost and quality pressures, the need for project management becomes ever more apparent. Understanding and applying the foundations of project management can significantly improve outcomes across health care delivery settings.

This article will give an overview of project management, provide some practical tips on how to incorporate its principles into your work, and explore why a more formal approach to project management is needed in health care.

How Does Project Management Work?

Effective project management requires that the people involved in a project contribute through distinct roles, each with their own set of responsibilities:

• The project manager is responsible for planning, managing, and executing the project by engaging team members.
• The project sponsor is a senior leader who provides guidance and makes key decisions.
• The project team consists of anyone who contributes to the execution of the project.
• A project stakeholder is anyone who is impacted by the project’s outcome or provides resources.

According to many project management guidelines, projects consist of four phases. In each phase, key activities must be accomplished and key deliverables must be produced. Below is a description of each phase along with practical tips you can use to implement project management in your own work.

Phase 1: Initiate the Project

At their onset, projects must be defined and approved. During this phase, background information, market research, and other pertinent data should be reviewed. The project manager should be selected. Project goals should be determined and aligned with those of the organization. If goals do not align, the project will likely not be approved.

Key activity: Do your homework. Talk to colleagues who have undertaken similar efforts and conduct background research. Learn about the cost (in terms of financial and human resources) and amount of time the effort would require.

Key considerations: Think critically about the need driving this project. How will a successful outcome improve your work, organization, and field? Is that outcome worth the effort and cost? Think realistically about the resources the project requires and whether they justify the end result. Consider who would carry out the work at each stage.

Key deliverable: Create a concise but powerful overview of the project’s expected outcomes, costs, and benefits. This should include both a description of and a justification for the project. Present your overview to an organizational leader who has the authority to approve the project.

Phase 2: Plan the Project

Once the project has been approved, the next step is creating a step-by-step plan of how it will be executed. The project plan should contain a schedule detailing all project-related activities, a budget, a list of everyone who will contribute and what they will do, and a description of how progress and results will be measured.

Key activity: Develop the project plan as stated above, including a budget, schedule, list of team members, and progress indicators.

Key considerations: Think carefully about everyone involved in the project, including the project team, any stakeholders, or any other colleagues or leaders who may want to have a say – or provide valuable advice – about the project plan. It’s easy to make changes while in the planning stages but very difficult to make any changes after execution is under way.

Key deliverable: The key deliverable is the project plan. Once it is finalized, it should be presented for approval. Once it’s approved, a kickoff meeting with the project team should be held to review all components.

Phase 3: Execute the Project

The third phase is carrying out the project plan. Measuring progress and monitoring any changes from the plan are important steps in this phase. Peter Drucker, a notable Austrian management expert, famously said, “If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.” This statement underscores the importance of measuring one’s progress against pre-determined criteria for success.

Key activities: As you begin to execute the project, be sure to communicate key deadlines and activities with the project team. Keep a close eye on your schedule and budget. Track and communicate your progress and results with the project team and the project sponsor.

Key considerations: When executing your project, one or many tasks or results will inevitably diverge from the project plan. This is normal. The important thing is to adjust future steps to minimize any negative effects. Your project sponsor can provide guidance around how to reallocate resources in order to get your project back on track.

Key deliverables: Keep a detailed list of any delays, failed steps, additional costs, or other unforeseen changes. Make any necessary adjustments to future project steps to ensure that your project stays on time and on budget – and communicate all changes with your team. Continually update the schedule and budget as steps are completed.

Phase 4: Close the Project

At the very end of the project management process, there are several key deliverables: documentation from each step, any products or deliverables the project yielded, reviews for each team member, and lessons learned. An updated budget and an updated timeline should reflect the total cost and number of hours spent as compared to the budgeted amount.

Why We Need Project Management in Healthcare

Healthcare delivery is one of the world’s largest industries, and it is growing and changing rapidly. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation reports ( 1 , 2 ) that there are nearly 5 million practicing physicians and nurses in the nation – and these figures do not include the many other types of healthcare professionals. A report on the future of healthcare co-written by Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute and the National Institutes of Health predicts that 5.6 million new healthcare jobs will be created by 2020.

Much of this growth is driven by the rising number of Americans who have health insurance, or “covered lives.” Since the passing of the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. government reports that the uninsured rate fell to a record-breaking 9.2 percent and experts predict that an additional 34 million Americans will enroll for coverage over the next 10 years. While this shift is generally viewed as favorable, it has drawn more attention to the need for efficiency and effectiveness in how healthcare services are delivered.

Another major issue is cost. Americans spent $3.0 trillion on healthcare in 2014 and spending is expected to grow, according to projections published in the journal Health Affairs . In a 2009 Institute for Healthcare Improvement white paper , Martin et al. stated, “Until recently, the rationale for health care providers to undertake quality improvement initiatives rested largely on ‘doing the right thing.’ Any financial benefit…was an attractive side effect.” Today, this statement couldn’t be farther from the truth as decreasing reimbursements have forced healthcare organizations to explore ways to lower costs.

These issues, coupled with new electronic health records systems, regulations, and technologies have drastically enhanced the need for project management in healthcare. Organizations are taking on projects to incorporate new elements into their workflows, improve processes at every stage of the continuum of care, and enhance their facilities while improving outcomes and decreasing costs. According to the Massachusetts Hospital Association, the benefit of using project management in healthcare is “to be one step ahead of any potential risk” as they complete this vast array of projects.

Additional complexities, such as regulatory limitations and varied stakeholders, increase the need for project management in healthcare. Project managers must be mindful of countless processes and regulations around patient safety, quality, and privacy. All industries have their own rules, but healthcare is notably complex, with the government and private agencies, such as the Joint Commission, watching closely. These increased restrictions place all the more importance on project planning and execution.

The need for project management in health care is becoming ever more apparent

Further, healthcare lacks a simple “buyer” and “seller” relationship. Rather, there are many parties involved. If the product is care, patients are the recipients and doctors and nurses are the providers, however health insurance payers and the government are the buyers. The number of stakeholders increases complexity. Similarly, healthcare project teams may be larger and more diverse due to the inherently cross-functional nature of patient care, requiring a project manager who is flexible and willing to take all views into consideration. Projects in health care may require more approvers or more buy-in; it’s important that all parties be identified in the planning stage to avoid delays in the execution stage.

All in all, more project managers, and project management, are needed in healthcare. In an industry that is changing and growing at an astounding pace, project management can offer structure and discipline. Using this proven methodology will help the field accomplish more in less time, save resources, and foster collaboration.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers Health Care Project Management: The Intersection of Strategy, People, and Process , a four day continuing education program on project management skills for health care settings. To learn more about this opportunity, click here .

Research Templates and Checklists

The following templates and checklists should be tailored for each individual application. For grant section examples, please visit the ONR Grant Library.

The UW Research Office offers additional guidance within the  MyResearch Lifecycle

Templates and Checklists

Budget templates.

All School of Nursing proposals require a detailed budget attached to the eGC1.

Either use one of the Excel spreadsheets below or the SAGE Budget Module. The budget spreadsheets are Excel files and must be saved after they are opened. You may customize the workbook for the correct number of years, subcontracts, or budget forms. The budget templates are updated quarterly and include any changes to:

• F&A Rates
• Fringe Benefits
• Mileage Rates
• Tuition Rate

Single Year Budget

LoS Template

Multi-Year Budget

Detailed Budget Justification

Research Plan and Other Project Info Templates

Research Plan

NIH Biosketch Sample

NIH Other Support Sample

Letter of Support Template

Other Project Info Facilities and Resources Template

Recommended by the NIH ,  SciENcv  is  an NCBI/NIH tool that allows researchers to store Biosketches and Other Support electronically and eliminates the need to repeatedly re-create them. SciENcv automatically formats Biosketches and  reduces administrative burden and error s.

All checklists with embedded timelines are used by pre-award staff, department reviewers, and ONR to assist in the preparation and review of grant proposals in the School of Nursing. PIs should work with their pre-award staff to adapt proposal timelines specific to their submission deadlines.

Application Checklists

F31 Checklist

Proposal Reviewer Checklists

Proposal Review Checklist

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How to Write a Nursing Research Proposal Topics | Guide & Examples [Updated]

• Dr. Rachel Andel
• July 24, 2023
• Nursing Writing Guides

Nursing research proposal topics can vary greatly, depending on the type of research you’re looking to conduct.

Whether you are interested in studying public health issues or improving patient care through innovative research methods, something on this list likely appeals to you.

Here’s a guide on writing a nursing research proposal and nursing research proposal topics , DNP research proposal topics, current nursing research proposal topics, and nursing research examples.

Working on a Nursing Research Proposal?

Get original papers written according to your instructions and save time for what matters most.

How to Write a Nursing Research Proposal

A nursing research proposal serves as a blueprint for conducting studies that address important clinical questions, explore innovative interventions, and contribute to the overall body of nursing knowledge. 

To create a strong nursing research proposal, there are several key considerations that nursing students must take into account, which include;

• Defining a clear and concise research question addresses an important nursing knowledge gap.
• Selecting an appropriate research design and methodology that aligns with the research question and objectives.
• Ensuring ethical considerations are addressed and appropriate measures are in place to protect the rights and welfare of participants.
• Determining an appropriate sample size and recruitment strategy to ensure adequate statistical power and generalizability of findings.
• Developing a detailed data analysis plan that aligns with the research design and objectives.
• Consider dissemination and knowledge translation strategies to ensure research findings reach the intended audience and positively impact nursing practice.

Key components of a Nursing Research Proposa l

When creating a nursing research proposal, including all the components contributing to a comprehensive and well-structured document is crucial.

Understanding these components will ensure that your proposal is clear and organized and addresses the necessary aspects of your research endeavor. 

Problem Statement

• It should provide a clear description of a problem that will be solved.
• It shows the gap between the current situation and the future goal to improve it.

Research Question

• The research question forms the foundation of your nursing research proposal. It is a concise and focused statement that outlines the main objective of your research.
• Your research question should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), enabling you to address a particular problem or gap in the existing literature.

Study Design

• The study design section outlines the methodology and approach you will employ to conduct your research.
• It includes details on the type of study, such as quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, and explains how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted.
• The study design should align with your research question and ensure the validity and reliability of your findings.

Methodology

• The methodology component of your nursing research proposal describes the specific techniques and procedures you will use to gather data.
• This may include surveys, interviews, observations, or systematic reviews.
• Clearly outlining your methodology ensures transparency and allows others to reproduce your study if needed.

Sample Size Determination

• Determining an appropriate sample size is crucial in nursing research to ensure your findings’ statistical power and representativeness.
• This section will explain how you calculated the required sample size based on the research question, study design, and expected effect size.
• It is essential to consider factors such as the population size, confidence level, and desired margin of error.

Ethical Considerations

• Ethical considerations play a vital role in nursing research.
• This component addresses the protection and well-being of participants, safeguarding their privacy and confidentiality, and the potential risks and benefits associated with the study.
• Ethical considerations also involve obtaining informed consent from participants and ensuring compliance with institutional review boards or ethical committees.

Nursing Research Proposal Outline

List of nursing research proposal topics.

• Racial and ethnic disparities in nursing care
• The impact of technology on nursing care
• Prevalence and determinants of burnout in nurses
• Quality of life for people with chronic illnesses served by nurses
• Effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for short-term weight loss in adults
• Nursing home adjusted Living Experience Surveys: measuring resident satisfaction and quality of life
• Identification and characterization of health disparities among LGBT elders in long-term care facilities
• Role of nurses in the early detection and management of cancer diagnosis
• Effects of delegation on nurse burnout, patient safety, and coordination of care
• The use of technology in home health care: a study of patient and nurse perspectives11. The impact of nurse staffing on patient safety
• Effectiveness of Nurse-led interventions for promoting healthy physical Activity in hospitalized patients.
• The role of nurses in the development and implementation of evidence-based pain management guidelines
• Effectiveness of patient-centred communication interventions to reduce bed sores in nursing home residents
• Identification and characterization of best practices for providing hospice care
• Nurse-led stress reduction interventions for long-term care staff
• Nurses’ perceptions of work-life balance: a qualitative study
• Development and  evaluation of a web-based tool to support caregiver adherence to oral health care  guidelines among long-term care residents
• Effects of sleep deprivation on nurses’ cognitive performance, satisfaction with work, and daytime sleepiness
• A study exploring the  association between nurse  staffing levels and rates of infection in a university hospital setting
• A qualitative study exploring how  nurses manage  transitions from inpatient to outpatient settings
• The use of  social media by nurses in an acute hospital  setting
• Nurses’ experiences with burnout: a cross-sectional study
• Nurse preparedness for pandemic influenza: an examination of the role of  professional development
• The use of telehealth in long-term  care settings:  a study of nurses’ experiences
• Nurses’ experiences with  chronic pain:  a qualitative study
• The impact of the Affordable Care Act on the workforce and nursing
• Nursing care plans  for patients with dementia: a systematic review
• Implementation of evidence-based interventions for preventing  falls in older adults  living in long-term care facilities
• Nurse staffing and  quality of patient care:  a cross-sectional study
• Use of  social media  by nurses during preoperative assessment
• Nurses’ perceptions of resident safety in an acute hospital setting: a qualitative study
• The effects of nurse staffing on patient satisfaction and outcomes in an acute hospital setting
• A comparative study investigating the use of videoconferencing  among nurses  in different specialties
• A qualitative study exploring how  nurse educators use technology to engage students in online learning  environments
• Examining the effect on patient safety when using electronic health records to order medications on off-hours
• Nurse staffing, work demands, and burnout in neonatal intensive care units 38. Factors that predict nurses’ decision to leave their jobs
• Effects of nurse-led interventions to improve care for  veterans with chronic pain
• The use of wearable technology in hospitals: a systematic review
• Review and assessment of technologies used to support nurses during surgery
• Nursing care plans  for patients with cancer: a systematic review
• Nurse-led interventions to prevent falls in older adults living in  long-term care facilities:  a systematic review
• The use of electronic health records to  inform clinical  decision making: a systematic review
• Implementation of evidence-based interventions to  improve patient  safety in hospitals
• A qualitative study exploring how nurses use technology in the workplace
• Factors influencing  nurse satisfaction  with their work and workplace culture
• Identification and assessment of best practices for preoperative  patient communication in the surgical setting
• Effectiveness of nurse-led stress reduction interventions on nurses’ burnout
• Nurse staffing, workload, and burnout in intensive care units: a cross-sectional study
• There are many other nursing research proposal  topics that can be explored in order to improve patient care .

Some additional potential nursing research proposal topics include:

• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for reducing readmissions among hospitalized patients
• Evaluating the impact of nurse call patterns on patient safety
• Analyzing the influence of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes
• Determining the best methods for measuring patient satisfaction with nurse care
• Studying the  factors influencing  nurse decision making
• Investigating the feasibility and  effectiveness of using remote patient monitoring technology to improve patient care

DNP Research proposal topics

There are countless  nursing research  proposal topics that could be explored in a doctoral or post-doctoral program. Below is a list of some DNP Research proposal topics consider:

• Investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of using remote patient monitoring technology to improve patient care
• The effect of sleep deprivation on nurses
• The use of technology in nursing care
• Investigating the relationship between patient satisfaction and nurse retention
• Studying nutrition-related issues in the context of nursing
• Assessing the impact  of patient satisfaction on nurse recruitment and retention
• The relationship between patient satisfaction and nurse retention
• Investigating the feasibility of using remote patient monitoring technology in healthcare settings
• Evaluating the impact of patient satisfaction on nurse retention
• Research the best methods for measuring patient satisfaction with nurse care
• Studying the feasibility of using remote patient monitoring technology in healthcare settings

Check out the additional DNP Research proposal topics as suggested by a Nursing Instructor

• Nursing research  on dementia care
• Nursing research on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) management
• Nursing research on palliative care
• Nursing research on wound healing and reconstruction 5.  Nursing research on pediatric health  nursing
• Nursing research on geriatric care
• Nursing research on pharmacology for nursing
• Nursing research on infection control in the acute care setting
• Nursing research on nutrition for nursing
• The  Effect of Health Education on Patient Outcomes
• Development and Evaluation of Nursing Intervention  Programs
• Assessment of Patient Satisfaction with  Nursing Services
• Advocating for  Improved Patient-Nurse Communication
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Interventions to Address Nurses’ Burnout
• Investigating the Relationship between Nurse workload and Patient outcomes7. Evaluating the Impact of Technology on Nursing Care
• Investigating the Relationship between Professionalism and Patient Outcomes
• Studying Nutrition-Related Issues in the Context of Nursing
• Evaluating Patient-Nurse Interactions in the Context of Home Health Services

The list of DNP Research proposal topics above should guide you in creating a Research proposal.

Current Nursing research proposal topics

Nursing research proposal topics  can vary greatly, depending on the type of research you’re looking to conduct. Some common topics include:

• The effects of sleep deprivation on nurses
• The effect of patient communication skills on nurses’ outcomes
• How to improve patient safety in nursing care
• How to reduce readmissions among hospitalized patients
• Study the feasibility of using remote patient monitoring technology in healthcare settings
• Evaluate the impact of patient satisfaction on nurse recruitment and retention
• Evaluate the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes
• Research the feasibility of using remote patient monitoring technology in healthcare  settings
• Research the impact of patient satisfaction on nurse recruitment and retention
• Opioid use in the elderly
• Preterm birth and neonatal care
• Mobile health technology in nursing
• Nursing home  quality improvement
• The impact of social media on nursing

Nursing research proposal topics can vary greatly, so it’s important to select a  topic that is of interest to you and that will help you to improve patient care .

Nursing research proposal writing tips

When  preparing your nursing  research proposal, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Be organized

Planning and organizing your data will make your research proposal more concise and easier to read. Start by identifying the specific question you want to answer, and then list all the relevant sources that you consulted in order to reach your conclusions. Use headings and subheadings to help organize your information , and be sure to include detailed citations for all sources used.

• Use effective writing techniques

To produce a well-written research proposal, use effective writing techniques such as strong thesis statements , clear language, and well-organized data. You should also make use of persuasive arguments, vivid descriptions, and concrete  examples in order to make your case for the proposed study .

• Include references

In order for your nursing research proposal to be accepted, it  must include references  from reliable sources that support your findings. Always cite the source where you obtained the data presented in your proposal, as well as any other sourcesthat you used in order to support your arguments.

• Make sure your proposal is properly formatted

Your nursing research proposal should be properly formatted and error-free in order to be accepted for review. Always use the correct style and grammar when writing, and make sure all data is properly referenced. avoid using excessive jargon or acronyms, and try to keep your presentation as concise as possible.

• Submit your proposal well in advance of the deadline

The sooner you submit your proposal, the better chance you have of being accepted for review. Make sure to follow the submission guidelines outlined by the journal you are submitting to, as well as the submission system specific to that journal .

Nursing Research Proposal Examples

• Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal Research Design Comparison
• Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal Presentation
• Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal: Organizational Culture and Readiness
• Project Proposal Identification of Nursing Practice Problem Assignment
• EBP Proposal – Section E: Duck’s Change Curve Model
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• Evidence Based Practice Proposal: Implementation Plan – Solved Essay
• Evidence-Based Proposal – Solved Essay
• Benchmark – Community Teaching Plan: Community Teaching Work Plan Proposal Example – Solved Essay
• Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal

In this article, we will provide you with some  ideas for nursing research proposal topics  that can be used in any discipline. Whether you are interested in studying public  health issues or improving patient care  through innovative research methods, there is likely something on this list that appeals to you. So get started on your Nursing Research Proposal now by  placing an order  with us.

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Nursing student shines with undergraduate research projects

Research can be a big part of a college student’s education. Many times, partaking in research is a curriculum requirement, and other times, it’s something they pursue on their own.

Stephanie Felonta is an example of a student who has dedicated her time to actively seeking research opportunities, having already completed two research projects before her senior year.

Originally planning to attend medical school, Felonta pivoted toward nursing , driven by her passion for the field. Despite her family’s expectations for medical school, she explained that nursing resonated with her more and offered valuable experience that could benefit her should she decide to pursue a medical career in the future.

“I like nursing because it is very versatile, allowing you to work in many different areas and gain different experiences,” Felonta said.

Her journey to the field began in high school when she completed the certified nursing assistant program. This experience sparked her interest to start her on this journey she continues to follow today.

“I appreciate the patient care aspect of nursing and just being there for people whenever they are experiencing vulnerable times,” said Felonta. “I feel like nurses are there to support their patients and their families.”

Being part of the Honors Program at Augusta University ignited her enthusiasm for research, marking the beginning of her flourishing academic career in college.

The first research topic was on music therapy in dementia patients. She explored how music therapy could positively impact behavioral symptoms in dementia patients across various scenarios and how it could stimulate and alleviate specific behaviors.

She received regional recognition for her research.

“I was selected to present my paper at the Georgia Honors Collegiate Conference through the Honors Program for two consecutive years, winning second place both times.

“The paper was also selected for presentation at the National Collegiate Honors Conference in Chicago. I’ve developed a deep fondness for conducting research, presenting my findings and delving into the literature reviews, which further motivated me to continue down this path,” she said.

“I like to see that there’s faculty there for you. If you show interest, they will help you the best they can. I feel like that’s what really has made my experience here at AU great. It’s also why I chose AU because I’ve heard great things about the research program and how the faculty is there to help you.” Stephanie Felonta

In the College of Nursing PhD program, she caught the attention of several faculty members including Thomas Joshua , PhD, associate professor in the College of Nursing.

Joshua served as a mentor and quickly saw the qualities that set her apart from the others.

“She is a hard-working, self-focused individual,” said Joshua. “She is capable of doing research in a better way. Stephanie is an extremely intelligent, diligent individual with a heart for health equity.”

Felonta’s most recent research is titled “Social Determinants of Health Comparison between Scotland and Georgia.” She approached Joshua and Beth NeSmith , PhD, interim dean of the College of Nursing, looking to do more, and that started the collaborative efforts on the topic.

Having taken some sociology classes, Felonta became interested in the non-medical factors and the role they play in impacting someone’s health. There are a number of similarities between Georgia and Scotland, so it was natural to compare the two.  

“It was very interesting to see the similarities and differences in the medical models and still see that, even though there’s universal health care in Scotland, there are factors that hinder health quality when compared to other countries,” Felonta said. “They also have a lot of similar social determinants of health that can be compared and contrasted here in Georgia. It was very interesting to see and think about how the way they do things differently and that we can apply here and vice versa.”

The research brought additional honors her way, including being named the first Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship International Fellow. Moreover, she was chosen to present the findings at the 2023 CONVERGE symposium, an event primarily attended by seasoned researchers who share their insights and discoveries.

Felonta admitted feeling apprehensive initially but was pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction and genuine interest others showed in her research topic. She indicated that the breakout sessions led to insightful conversations and discussions, contributing to a valuable exchange of ideas.  

“It just sparked the conversations of moving the project forward because it was in the early stages. So, I got to interact with individuals at Robert Gordon University that I could reach out and build the next steps that I had envisioned for my project,” Felonta said.

“I was particularly impressed that, although she was an undergraduate student, Stephanie conducted the statistical analysis and completed her first drafts of the poster independently. Her high-quality poster generated an invitation to be an oral presenter at CONVERGE. These scholarly activities exemplify her outstanding characteristics of diligence, self-directiveness and strong work ethic,” said Joshua.

Felonta gives a lot of credit to Joshua and NeSmith for encouraging not just her, but all nursing students.

“I like to see that there’s faculty there for you. If you show interest, they will help you the best they can,” she said. “I feel like that’s what really has made my experience here at AU great. It’s also why I chose AU because I’ve heard great things about the research program and how the faculty is there to help you.”

Kevin Faigle

Kevin Faigle is Media Relations Specialist at Augusta University. Contact him to schedule an interview on this topic or with one of our experts at [email protected].

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