research proposal sample on nursing students

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Research/Clinical/Student Project Proposal Guidelines

Download the 2016 application.  All materials must be formatted using APA format.

I. Quantitative Research Proposal

1. Title and Abstract A 200-word abstract are to accompany the proposal. The abstract should include the study aim, significance, the population and sample description and a statement of the design and analysis.

2. Proposal Outline (1,500 word limit) The following areas are to be included in the proposal, as appropriate.

A. The Problem a) Statement of the problem or research question. b) Hypotheses. c) Definitions of variables. Theoretical and operational definitions (instruments). d) Theoretical framework and population. e) Critique of the most salient elements of the pertinent literature. f) Significance to nursing science.

B. Methodology a) Design b) Instrument reliability and validity. c) Data collection procedure. Include official human subjects reviews if conducted and a consent form. d) Sample, size and sampling procedure. e) Method of analysis.

C. References and Appendices a) Reference list

II. Qualitative Research Proposal

A. Title and 200-word Abstract

B. Proposal (1,500 word limit)     a) A clear statement that specifies the phenomenon to be studied;     b) Documentation of a need for study and significance of the study for nursing;     c) Identification of the qualitative approach with a rationale for its selection;     d) Specification of the design with attention to:         - what data are sought         - how and when those data will be solicited         - how relationships with research participants will be initiated, maintained and terminated         - how data will be managed         - how data will be analyzed and related to pre-existing knowledge         - how findings will be reported     e) References and Appendices

III. Clinical Project – 1500 word limit A clinical project is defined as a professional nursing project that addresses a common or significant health concern in a creative and evidence-based manner.  The project should go beyond the applicant’s usual academic or employment requirements. 

A. Aims - State clearly the clinical significance of the project including how it will identify/test/demonstrate nursing interventions and/or care delivery models that provide the most beneficial outcomes for patients. State concisely and realistically the expected clinical impact of this project, i.e., what the clinical project is intended to accomplish and/or demonstrate. 

B. Significance & Background - Briefly describe the clinical significance of the project. Be clear what is being demonstrated. Provide a synthesis of the literature in the field(s) that is pertinent to the proposed project. Summarize the rationale or theoretical/conceptual underpinnings for the work. State clearly the relationship of this project to an overall program of clinical scholarship.

C. Method - Discuss in detail the methods to be used to accomplish the aims. Describe the potential limitations of the methods and approaches you will use to minimize these limitations. Delineate measures to be used to assess the effect of the project.

D. Dissemination & Translation – Describe the audiences that would benefit from knowing and adopting the findings of this work. Outline a dissemination plan.

E. Time Frame - Provide a timeline for the main steps of the project, including anticipated start and completion dates. 

IV. Student Project – 1500 word limit A student project is defined as project that addresses a common or significant health concern in a creative and evidence-based manner. It may include activities associated with Masters, PhD or DNP work.

A. Aims - State clearly the clinical or research significance of the project including how it will identify/test/demonstrate nursing interventions and/or care delivery models that provide the most beneficial outcomes for patients. State concisely and realistically the expected clinical impact of this project, i.e., what the clinical project is intended to accomplish and/or demonstrate. 

B. Significance & Background - Briefly describe the clinical or research significance of the project. Be clear what is being demonstrated. Provide a synthesis of the literature in the field(s) that is pertinent to the proposed project. Summarize the rationale or theoretical/conceptual underpinnings for the work. State clearly the relationship of this project to an overall program of scholarship. 

C. Method - Discuss in detail the methods to be used to accomplish the aims. Describe the potential limitations of the methods and approaches you will use to minimize these limitations. Delineate measures to be used to assess the effect of the project. 

E. Time Frame - Provide a timeline for the main steps of the project, including anticipated start and completion dates.

How to write a nursing research proposal [10 EBP & Research Proposal Examples]

• Bob Johnson
• August 18, 2023
• Academic Writing Guides

Nursing research is an important aspect of nursing practice, and it’s important to know how to write a research proposal in order to fund your studies. This article will provide tips on how to write a research proposal for Nursing and provide examples of nursing research proposals.

If you’re looking for more specific information or help with writing your own nursing research proposal, msnstudy.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order  with us and you’ll have the complete research proposal when you need it.

What is a nursing research proposal?

A nursing research proposal is a document that outlines your proposed study and the rationale for conducting it. It is important to include information about the population you will be studying, the objectives of the study, and the proposed methods of data collection. Additionally, a nursing research proposal should outline the research methodology you will use, as well as the sources of funding you will need to complete the study.

Types of nursing research proposals

There are three types of research proposals: descriptive, analytical, and experimental. Descriptive research focuses on gathering data about a nursing issue or problem. Analytical research aims to develop a hypothesis or theory about a nursing issue. Experimental research investigates the effects of a new intervention on nursing outcomes.

Some tips for writing successful nursing research proposals include:

• Include a clearly written Executive Summary that succinctly explains the purpose of the study and how it will help improve patient care.
• Be clear about what type of data you want to collect and how you will use it.
• Make sure your hypotheses are grounded in evidence from previous studies.
• Clearly state the criteria by which your study will be judged and describe how you will meet those criteria.
• Provide details about the funding sources you will use and any other logistical considerations such as timelines.
• Include a full description of the participants you will interview, the settings in which the study will be conducted, and the tools you will use.
• Clearly state the hypotheses you will test and the data you will use to support them.
• Describe how your study will be blinded or randomized so that participants cannot know which treatment they are receiving.
• Include a full description of the statistical methods you will use.
• Present your findings in a clear, concise manner.
• Make sure to include a References section that includes all the research you used to reach your conclusions.

Nursing research proposals can be difficult to write and require meticulous attention to detail, but if done correctly, they can provide crucial information about how best to care for patients.

How to write a nursing research proposal

Nursing research proposals can be difficult to write, but with the right guidance, they can be a breeze. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for writing a nursing research proposal.

Draft your proposal in advance

Before you even start writing your proposal, it is important to have a solid idea of what you want to achieve. That means drafting it out in advance. This will help you stay organized and keep your thoughts clear while you are writing. Additionally, it will allow you to see any potential holes or areas that need further clarification.

Know where your research is going and why it is important

Once you have drafted your proposal, it is time to think about why you are doing the research and what the benefits could be for patients and nurses. Convince readers that this research is necessary and worth their time and money. Remember to focus on the patient perspective as much as possible when making your case for funding.

Clearly outline your methodology and data collection methods

Your methodology section should clearly outline how you plan on collecting the data you need for your study. This includes discussing how you will collect data from participants, how you will analyze the data, and how you will report your findings. It is also important to include a description of any blinding or randomization methods you will use.

Summarize your findings in a concise way

Your results section should summarize your study’s findings in a clear, concise manner. This includes discussing the overall findings, as well as any specific findings that stood out. In addition, it is important to provide information about the implications of your research for patient care.

Include a References section

Finally, include a References section at the end of your proposal that includes all the research you used to reach your conclusions. This includes articles, books, journal articles, and other sources of information. Including a References section is essential for demonstrating credibility and rigor of your research.

Formatting a nursing research proposal or EBP Proposal Examples

There are a few things to keep in mind when formatting a nursing research proposal. The goal is to make the proposal easy to read and understand, while still being professional.

The following tips can help:

• Use a concise and organized format. The proposal should be divided into sections that are easy to read and follow.
• Use headings to organize your ideas. For example, you might have one heading for “Background” followed by “Objective,” “Scope of Research,” and so on. This will help readers easily see what the proposal is about and where it is going.
• Keep your language simple and clear. Use words that people can understand, without using too many fancy terms or acronyms.
• Use graphics sparingly, if at all. Unless they are essential for making your points, graphics can be distracting and take away from the reading experience. Stick to charts, graphs, pictures, or other visuals that support your argument rather than taking up space on the page itself.
• Proofread carefully before submitting the proposal to make sure it is error-free and meets all requirements laid out by the funding organization.

10 Nursing Research Proposals Examples (EBP Proposal Examples)

• Expert Answer to Benchmark Capstone Project Change Proposal NRS 493 Best Solution
• project proposal
• Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Paper Example
• NUR-590 Evidence-Based Practice Proposal – Section F: Evaluation of Process Essay
• Healthcare Policy Proposal – H.R. 987: Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act
• NUR 550 Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal: PICOT Assignment
• A Change Of Nursing Management Proposal
• Module Pre-assessment: Change management proposal
• Community Teaching Plan Community Teaching Work Plan Proposal
• NRS 493 Benchmark – Capstone Project Change Proposal

If you’re looking for more specific information or help with writing your own nursing research proposal, premiumacademicaffiates.com  has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is  place an order  with us and you’ll have the complete research proposal when you need it.

The Components of a Nursing Research Proposal

When writing a nursing research proposal, it is important to remember that not all proposals are the same. There are many different components that make up a nursing research proposal, and it is important to identify which component will be the most effective for your project. This section will discuss each of the components of a nursing research proposal and how to identify which one will be best for your project.

The Purpose of the Project: The first component of a nursing research proposal is the purpose of the project. This section should state what the main goals of the project are and why they are important. It is also important to explain how the proposed study will contribute to advancing knowledge in nursing.

Research Design: The second component of a nursing research proposal is the research design. This section should describe how the proposed study will be conducted and include information on sample size, margin of error, and other relevant details. It is also important to include a justification for using a particular type of research design and whether it is appropriate for this particular study.

• Methods: The third component of a nursing research proposal is the methods section. This section should describe how data will be collected and analyzed and include information on participant recruitment, survey design, and other methodological details. It is also important to include a justification for using the chosen methods and why they are appropriate for this study.
• Results: The fourth component of a nursing research proposal is the results section. This section should describe how the data has been analyzed and what findings have been found. Results should be presented in a clear and concise manner, and any relevant findings should be highlighted.
• Implications for Practice: The fifth and final component of a nursing research proposal is the implications for practice section. This section should provide short summaries of the main findings and discuss how they could impact patient care. It is also important to highlight any potential future research projects that could be conducted based on the findings of the proposed study.

There are many types of nursing research proposals, but the most common outlines are descriptive and explanatory.

• A descriptive proposal is designed to give the reader an understanding of the project and its goals.
• An explanatory proposal will detail what is to be researched and how it will be done.

It is important to have a clear idea of your objectives before beginning a research project. It is also helpful to have a rough timetable for completing the study. Include information about the sample size you plan to obtain, the time period you will cover, and the resources you will need.

When writing your methodology section, be sure to include information about your study design, sampling methodologies, data collection tools, and statistical analysis methods. Be as specific as possible so that readers can understand how you plan to collect data.

The results section should provide readers with information about your findings and conclusions. This section should include a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of your study, as well as any recommendations you have for further research.

Methods: The third component of a nursing research proposal is the methods section. This section should describe how data will be collected and analyzed and include information on participant recruitment, surveydesign, and other methodological details.

Results: The fourth component of a nursing research proposal is the results section. This section should discuss the findings of the study and include any recommendations for further research.

Conclusion: The fifth and final component of a nursing research proposal is the conclusion section. This section should provide a summary of the main points made in the rest of the document and highlight any important implications of the findings.

There are a number of different ways to write a nursing research proposal. The most important thing is to be clear about your objectives and goals for the project, as well as the specific components that will be included in the final document.

If you’re considering a career in nursing research, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the process. This guide will teach you how to write a nursing research proposal, from beginning to end. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to submitting an outstanding proposal that will help you gain access to funding for your studies.

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Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

What is a nursing research paper.

• What They Include
• Choosing a Topic
• Best Nursing Research Topics
• Research Paper Writing Tips

Writing a research paper is a massive task that involves careful organization, critical analysis, and a lot of time. Some nursing students are natural writers, while others struggle to select a nursing research topic, let alone write about it.

If you're a nursing student who dreads writing research papers, this article may help ease your anxiety. We'll cover everything you need to know about writing nursing school research papers and the top topics for nursing research.  

Continue reading to make your paper-writing jitters a thing of the past.

A nursing research paper is a work of academic writing composed by a nurse or nursing student. The paper may present information on a specific topic or answer a question.

During LPN/LVN and RN programs, most papers you write focus on learning to use research databases, evaluate appropriate resources, and format your writing with APA style. You'll then synthesize your research information to answer a question or analyze a topic.

BSN , MSN , Ph.D., and DNP programs also write nursing research papers. Students in these programs may also participate in conducting original research studies.

Writing papers during your academic program improves and develops many skills, including the ability to:

• Select nursing topics for research
• Conduct effective research
• Analyze published academic literature
• Format and cite sources
• Synthesize data
• Organize and articulate findings

About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

You may need to write a research paper for any of the nursing courses you take. Research papers help develop critical thinking and communication skills. They allow you to learn how to conduct research and critically review publications.

That said, not every class will require in-depth, 10-20-page papers. The more advanced your degree path, the more you can expect to write and conduct research. If you're in an associate or bachelor's program, you'll probably write a few papers each semester or term.

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

Most of the time, you won't be designing, conducting, and evaluating new research. Instead, your projects will focus on learning the research process and the scientific method. You'll achieve these objectives by evaluating existing nursing literature and sources and defending a thesis.

However, many nursing faculty members do conduct original research. So, you may get opportunities to participate in, and publish, research articles.

Example Research Project Scenario:

In your maternal child nursing class, the professor assigns the class a research paper regarding developmentally appropriate nursing interventions for the pediatric population. While that may sound specific, you have almost endless opportunities to narrow down the focus of your writing. 

You could choose pain intervention measures in toddlers. Conversely, you can research the effects of prolonged hospitalization on adolescents' social-emotional development.

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

Your professor should provide a thorough guideline of the scope of the paper. In general, an undergraduate nursing research paper will consist of:

Introduction : A brief overview of the research question/thesis statement your paper will discuss. You can include why the topic is relevant.

Body : This section presents your research findings and allows you to synthesize the information and data you collected. You'll have a chance to articulate your evaluation and answer your research question. The length of this section depends on your assignment.

Conclusion : A brief review of the information and analysis you presented throughout the body of the paper. This section is a recap of your paper and another chance to reassert your thesis.

The best advice is to follow your instructor's rubric and guidelines. Remember to ask for help whenever needed, and avoid overcomplicating the assignment!

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

The sheer volume of prospective nursing research topics can become overwhelming for students. Additionally, you may get the misconception that all the 'good' research ideas are exhausted. However, a personal approach may help you narrow down a research topic and find a unique angle.

Writing your research paper about a topic you value or connect with makes the task easier. Additionally, you should consider the material's breadth. Topics with plenty of existing literature will make developing a research question and thesis smoother.

Finally, feel free to shift gears if necessary, especially if you're still early in the research process. If you start down one path and have trouble finding published information, ask your professor if you can choose another topic.

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

You have endless subject choices for nursing research papers. This non-exhaustive list just scratches the surface of some of the best nursing research topics.

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

• Analyze the use of telehealth/virtual nursing to reduce inpatient nurse duties.
• Discuss the impact of evidence-based respiratory interventions on patient outcomes in critical care settings.
• Explore the effectiveness of pain management protocols in pediatric patients.

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of nurse-led diabetes education in Type II Diabetics.
• Analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare services.

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

• Review the effectiveness of simulation-based learning to improve nursing students' clinical skills.
• Identify methods that best prepare pre-licensure students for clinical practice.
• Investigate factors that influence nurses to pursue advanced degrees.
• Evaluate education methods that enhance cultural competence among nurses.
• Describe the role of mindfulness interventions in reducing stress and burnout among nurses.

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

• Explore patient outcomes related to nurse staffing levels in acute behavioral health settings.
• Assess the effectiveness of mental health education among emergency room nurses .
• Explore de-escalation techniques that result in improved patient outcomes.
• Review the effectiveness of therapeutic communication in improving patient outcomes.

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of parental involvement in pediatric asthma treatment adherence.
• Explore challenges related to chronic illness management in pediatric patients.
• Review the role of play therapy and other therapeutic interventions that alleviate anxiety among hospitalized children.

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

• Analyze the effects of short staffing on nurse burnout .
• Evaluate factors that facilitate resiliency among nursing professionals.
• Examine predictors of nurse dissatisfaction and burnout.
• Posit how nursing theories influence modern nursing practice.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

The best nursing research advice we can provide is to follow your professor's rubric and instructions. However, here are a few study tips for nursing students to make paper writing less painful:

Avoid procrastination: Everyone says it, but few follow this advice. You can significantly lower your stress levels if you avoid procrastinating and start working on your project immediately.

Plan Ahead: Break down the writing process into smaller sections, especially if it seems overwhelming. Give yourself time for each step in the process.

Research: Use your resources and ask for help from the librarian or instructor. The rest should come together quickly once you find high-quality studies to analyze.

Outline: Create an outline to help you organize your thoughts. Then, you can plug in information throughout the research process. 

Clear Language: Use plain language as much as possible to get your point across. Jargon is inevitable when writing academic nursing papers, but keep it to a minimum.

Cite Properly: Accurately cite all sources using the appropriate citation style. Nursing research papers will almost always implement APA style. Check out the resources below for some excellent reference management options.

Revise and Edit: Once you finish your first draft, put it away for one to two hours or, preferably, a whole day. Once you've placed some space between you and your paper, read through and edit for clarity, coherence, and grammatical errors. Reading your essay out loud is an excellent way to check for the 'flow' of the paper.

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

Purdue OWL (Online writing lab) has a robust APA guide covering everything you need about APA style and rules.

Grammarly helps you edit grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Upgrading to a paid plan will get you plagiarism detection, formatting, and engagement suggestions. This tool is excellent to help you simplify complicated sentences.

Mendeley is a free reference management software. It stores, organizes, and cites references. It has a Microsoft plug-in that inserts and correctly formats APA citations.

Don't let nursing research papers scare you away from starting nursing school or furthering your education. Their purpose is to develop skills you'll need to be an effective nurse: critical thinking, communication, and the ability to review published information critically.

Choose a great topic and follow your teacher's instructions; you'll finish that paper in no time.

Joleen Sams is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in the Kansas City metro area. During her 10-year RN career, Joleen worked in NICU, inpatient pediatrics, and regulatory compliance. Since graduating with her MSN-FNP in 2019, she has worked in urgent care and nursing administration. Connect with Joleen on LinkedIn or see more of her writing on her website.

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NUR 401: Introduction to Nursing Research

Creating a research plan.

• Nursing Article Databases/Other Information Resources
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• 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.

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Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

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How to Write a Research Proposal

• Research Proposal Guidelines This overview of how to write a research proposal gives a framework as well as writing tips and strategies.
• 10 Tips for Writing Your Research Proposal From McGill University, follow these clear, straight-forward tips when writing your proposal.
• How to write a research proposal Clear, concise article on how to write a health-related research proposal, including the 5 C's of the literature review and an solid reference list of other articles.

Examples of Research Proposals

• Research Proposal Examples This York St John University website not only includes proposal examples but also a few tips for success.

Writing a Research Proposal

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NURS 3750 - Nursing Honors Project: Research Proposals

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Nursing Research Proposals

What is a Research Proposal? 

The goal of a research proposal is to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. The design elements and procedures for conducting the research are governed by standards within the predominant discipline in which the problem resides, so guidelines for research proposals are more exacting and less formal than a general project proposal. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews. They must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. In addition to providing a rationale, a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and/or benefits derived from the study's completion.

Adapted from:   Krathwohl, David R.  How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005.

Your professor may assign the task of writing a research proposal for the following reasons:

• Develop your skills in thinking about and designing a comprehensive research study;
• Learn how to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to ensure a research problem has not already been answered [or you may determine the problem has been answered ineffectively] and, in so doing, become better at locating scholarship related to your topic;
• Improve your general research and writing skills;
• Practice identifying the logical steps that must be taken to accomplish one's research goals;
• Critically review, examine, and consider the use of different methods for gathering and analyzing data related to the research problem; and,
• Nurture a sense of inquisitiveness within yourself and to help see yourself as an active participant in the process of doing scholarly research.

A proposal should contain all the key elements involved in designing a completed research study, with sufficient information that allows readers to assess the validity and usefulness of your proposed study. The only elements missing from a research proposal are the findings of the study and your analysis of those results. Finally, an effective proposal is judged on the quality of your writing and, therefore, it is important that your writing is coherent, clear, and compelling.

Regardless of the research problem you are investigating and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions:

• What do you plan to accomplish? Be clear and succinct in defining the research problem and what it is you are proposing to research.
• Why do you want to do it? In addition to detailing your research design, you also must conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide convincing evidence that it is a topic worthy of study. Be sure to answer the "So What?" question.
• How are you going to do it? Be sure that what you propose is doable. If you're having trouble formulating a research problem to propose investigating,  go here .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failure to be concise; being "all over the map" without a clear sense of purpose.
• Failure to cite landmark works in your literature review.
• Failure to delimit the contextual boundaries of your research [e.g., time, place, people, etc.].
• Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research.
• Failure to stay focused on the research problem; going off on unrelated tangents.
• Sloppy or imprecise writing, or poor grammar.
• Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues.

Adapted from: Procter, Margaret.  The Academic Proposal .  The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Sanford, Keith.  Information for Students: Writing a Research Proposal . Baylor University; Wong, Paul T. P.  How to Write a Research Proposal . International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University;  Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University;  Writing a Research Proposal . University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Adapted text found on:  https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/researchproposal

Carrie Forbes, MLS

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• Last Updated: Jan 12, 2024 10:05 AM
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How to write a nursing research proposal.

Nursing research proposals are an essential part of the nursing profession. They enable nurses to develop and implement evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes. However, crafting a well-written proposal can be daunting for many nurses, especially those with little or no experience in research writing.

This article will guide you through writing a nursing research proposal – from understanding its purpose and components to developing your research question and methodology. Whether you are a novice researcher or an experienced nurse seeking to enhance your research skills, our step-by-step approach will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a compelling proposal that meets scholarly standards.

What is a nursing research proposal?

A nursing research proposal is a document that outlines a plan for a study or research project in the field of nursing. It outlines the purpose, methodology, and expected outcomes of the study. The proposal provides an overview of what will be studied and how it will be conducted.

The purpose of a nursing research proposal is to guide the feasibility and potential impact of a particular study. It helps researchers determine whether their proposed study can be completed within a specific timeframe, with available resources, and if it has enough significance to warrant funding.

Nursing research proposal format

The format for a nursing research proposal should be clear, concise, and well-organized to enable the target audience to comprehend the study’s purpose easily. The first section of the nursing research proposal should include the following;

• Introduction/background of the proposed topic
• The literature review
• The methodology section
• Data collection and analysis
• Ethical considerations (if any)
• Conclusion/implications

Tips on how to write a Nursing research proposal

• Start by identifying a topic that interests you and aligns with your career goals
• Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps in existing knowledge and establish the rationale for your study
• Clearly state your research question or hypothesis and explain why it is important to address this issue in the field of nursing
• Clearly define your objectives and research questions
• Outline your methodology, including data collection methods, sampling strategy, and statistical analysis plan
• Include information on how to analyze data once it is collected
• Finally, don’t forget about formatting!

How to write a Nursing research proposal

The proposal should clearly and concisely summarize your research goals, objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. Writing a successful nursing research proposal requires careful planning, attention to detail, and an understanding of the essential elements necessary for a strong proposal.

The abstract of a nursing research proposal

The abstract of a nursing research proposal is the first glimpse into the study being conducted. It summarizes the research question, methodology, and expected outcomes. The abstract should be clear and concise to grab readers’ attention and encourage them to read further.

In the abstract, it is essential to include information about the population being studied and any inclusion or exclusion criteria. This helps readers understand to whom the study will apply and whether they fit within those parameters. Additionally, it is crucial to provide information about any interventions or treatments being tested and how data will be collected and analyzed.

Overall, the abstract serves as a roadmap for readers to understand what they can expect from reading further into the research proposal. By providing a detailed summary of key elements of the study, you can help ensure that your work is accessible and understood by all interested parties.

Research proposal introduction

An effective introduction should provide a clear and concise overview of what the study aims to achieve, including its purpose, objectives, and significance. In crafting an introduction section for a nursing research proposal, identify a gap in existing knowledge on your subject matter. The introduction should address this gap by providing background information contextualizing their research question.

This may involve citing relevant literature or previous studies and highlighting how their proposed research will build on these existing works. Furthermore, in writing an introduction section for a nursing research proposal, it is important to provide readers with an understanding of why your study matters.

Literature view

The literature review thoroughly examines existing scholarly works related to the proposed research topic. The literature review aims to identify gaps in knowledge, highlight areas where further investigation is needed, and provide context for the proposed study.

In conducting a literature review for a nursing research proposal, systematically searching relevant databases such as PubMed or CINAHL is crucial. The selection of articles should be based on their relevance to the research question and inclusion criteria established by the researcher.

It is also essential to evaluate each article critically using tools such as CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) or GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) to ensure high-quality evidence.

The methodology section of a nursing research proposal

The methodology section of a nursing research proposal outlines the procedures and techniques used in conducting the study. The methodology section helps researchers design their study and effectively answer their research questions or hypothesis.

The methodology section should describe the type of study design used in the research proposal. Common types of designs include experimental, descriptive, and correlational studies, among others. You should explain how they will recruit participants for their research and provide information on sample size calculation.

 Describe the data collection methods used in their proposed study. This could be through questionnaires, interviews, or focus group discussions, depending on the nature of the research question under investigation.

The Conclusion of a nursing research proposal

In this section, you can demonstrate how your study will contribute to nursing practices and make significant changes in healthcare. In crafting a conclusion section, it is essential to begin by restating the purpose and objectives of your study.

This helps readers who may have skipped some parts of your proposal understand what you intend to achieve with your research. Subsequently, outline key findings from each part of your study, such as literature review, methodology, or data analysis. Finally, highlight how these findings answer or contribute towards addressing your research questions or hypothesis.

Nursing research proposal APA

If you’re writing a nursing research proposal in APA format, there are several essential elements you’ll need to include. First and foremost, your proposal should clearly state the problem or issue you intend to investigate. This should be followed by a thorough review of relevant literature, demonstrating your understanding of the current knowledge on the topic.

Next, you’ll need to describe your proposed methods for collecting and analyzing data. This section should be detailed enough that someone else could replicate your study based on your description alone.

It should also demonstrate that you’ve carefully considered potential ethical issues and have plans to address them. Finally, you’ll need to outline any expected results or conclusions from the study and their implications for future research or practice.

Nursing research proposal topics

Nursing research proposal topics can be challenging to come up with, but they are essential for anyone who wants to make a difference in the healthcare industry. Many areas of nursing need further exploration, and a well-crafted research proposal can help identify gaps in knowledge and lead to better patient outcomes. Whether starting your academic career or looking to advance your current position, here are some ideas for nursing research proposal topics.

• Pain management
• Mental health
• Ways to improve patient care in Long-term care Facilities
• The Impact of online education on nursing students’ learning outcomes
• The relationship between nursing burnout and medical errors
• The effects of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes
• Alternative therapies
• The Impact of nurse-led interventions on improving patient outcomes
• How technology can enhance communication between nurses and patients during hospital stays
• Telehealth consultations
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital readmissions rates for elderly patients
• The Impact of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes
• Patient Safety in healthcare delivery settings
• The Effect of stress management techniques on healthcare workers’ job satisfaction
• Chronic illness management
• The impact of patient education on medication adherence among elderly patients
• The experiences of nurses working in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The effects of stress on nurses in different healthcare settings
• The effectiveness of different pain management strategies in post-operative patients
• The effectiveness of telehealth technology in improving patient outcomes

Nursing research proposal example

One example of a nursing research proposal could be examining the effects of mindfulness meditation on reducing nurse burnout rates. This study would explore whether regular mindfulness practice can help nurses manage stress levels and prevent burnout.

The study’s methodology would likely involve recruiting participants from several hospitals and providing them with training on mindfulness techniques over a certain period. Data analysis would then examine any changes in stress levels or overall well-being among participants before and after the intervention.

Bottom line

Writing a nursing research proposal can be daunting, but with the right approach and resources, it can become an achievable goal. The key is to identify a relevant and exciting topic, conduct thorough research, develop an outline that clearly outlines your objectives and methodology, and present your findings clearly and concisely.  With these tips in mind, you are on your way to creating a compelling nursing research proposal that will meaningfully contribute to healthcare. So go ahead and start working on your proposal today!

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Sample Undergraduate Nursing Dissertation Proposal

Here is a sample that showcases why we are one of the world’s leading academic writing firms. This assignment was created by one of our expert academic writers and demonstrated the highest academic quality. Place your order today to achieve academic greatness.

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Investigating the Impact of Tube Feeding

This study seeks to explore patients’ living experience with tube feeding and how poorly they do after this intervention from their caregivers’ view as the patient may exhibit changes in cognitive or language function that affect their ability to understand or express their feelings and experiences.

The proposal opens with an introductory chapter that gives a brief overview of patients’ problems suffering from dementia. It further highlights the research objectives and the resulting research questions regarding this study.

The introduction is followed by a brief literature review that discusses previous research about dysphagia quoted in this research. The methodology section gives a compact description of how the research will collect the primary data.

It is proposed that the paper follows the structure stated below: ● Introduction o Research Objectives o Research Questions ● Literature Review ● Research Methodology & Approach ● Research Analysis ● Ethical Issues ● Limitations ● Conclusion

Introduction

Dementia cannot be classified as a specific disease. Rather it encompasses a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and communication abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life functioning. Dementia can be caused by either a progressive brain cell death or neurodegenerative diseases such as head injury, a stroke, or a brain tumour.

There are various types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Mixed dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Dementia symptoms include memory loss, disorientation, mood changes, eating and communication difficulties (MacGill,2016).

The impact of cognitive status on the swallowing mechanism is unclear (Riquelme et al., 2016). However, Riquelme& Tristani (2014) verified a relationship between mental and physiologic changes in the swallowing mechanism for persons with cognitive decline due to dementia. Individuals with dementia experience sensory loss that disrupts bolus organization, mastication, and oral transit affecting their ability to eat and swallow.

They also experience a motor loss that disrupts airway closure and pharyngeal movement affecting their ability to initiate the swallowing process. Sensory and motor damage eventually leads to difficulty in aspiration, silent aspiration, bronchiectasis, dehydration, weight loss, and starvation (Easterling & Robbins, 2008).

Dysphagia is very common among individuals with dementia and is defined as difficulty moving food from mouth to stomach (Easterling & Robbins, 2008). Intellectual impairment is the primary cause of dysphagia in people who have dementia (Tristani, 2015).

Dysphagia impairments during the dementia stages of the disease manifested in the following manner, Initially, the individual experienced delayed pharyngeal swallow and reduced lingual movement, at the mid-stage, they experienced reduced oral preparation, pharyngeal clearance, UES opening, and aspiration, and at the advanced stage, they experienced increased aspiration pneumonia which is a common cause of death (Easterling & Robbins, 2008; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

Dysphagia treatment options include diet modifications, positioning, feeding techniques, feeding tubes, and oral care (Easterling & Robbins, 2008).

However, the decision regarding the course of treatment depends on the symptoms of eating and drinking difficulties. The speech and language therapist is responsible for evaluating swallowing challenges and recommendations regarding diet safety; recommends the best and suitable treatment option for each case (Vitale et al., 2011; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013).

Individuals with dementia cannot take care of their daily needs, which renders them incapable of taking adequate nutrition and hydration and leads to minimal to non-existent social interaction that accompanies mealtime. They also fail to recognize food and lose the normal physiological drivers of appetite.

They may experience apraxia that is difficult in coordinating movements, which will affect their ability to use cutlery. Furthermore, they develop physical difficulties with the act of swallowing, such as failing to manage the food bolus once it’s in the mouth (oral phase dysphagia) or aspirates when swallowing (pharyngeal phase dysphagia).

An enteral feeding tube, which uses tubes to deliver artificial nutrition and hydration, is often recommended to individuals with dementia who have significant dysphagia or have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs by mouth (Easterling & Robbins ,2008; Candy et al., 2009; Vitale et al., 2011).

This research aims to study the impact of enteral tube feeding on an individual’s quality of life suffering from dementia. To this end, a phenomenological research design will be collected to collect the primary data.

In addition to this, previously conducted studies will also be used in the form of secondary data. This proposal’s methodology section will discuss further details about the collection of data and the research design.

Research Objectives

Hence, this study’s primary aim is to explore the impact of tube feeding on the quality of life of individuals with dementia and eating problems from their caregivers’ views. Based on this main aim, the research objectives are:

● To determine how the patient fares in terms of health after the tube feeding.

● To determine whether the patient’s quality of life (QOL) improves or not.

Research Questions

Based on the aforementioned aims, the following research questions are derived which will help achieve the primary objective of this study:

1. How does tube feeding impact the quality of life of individuals with dementia and eating problems?

2. How can these impacts be categorized from the caregivers’ view?

By exploring their challenges and difficulties with the feeding tube, this study will help increase the caregivers’ knowledge and awareness and understanding regarding tube feeding usage outcomes among individuals with dementia to ultimately provide better end-of-life care for a patient with dementia.

More evidence on how this intervention impacts QOL would give context to this population’s ethical decision-making and consider if life in advanced dementia should be prolonged artificially.

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Literature Review

Tubes feeding is often used to deliver artificial nutrition and hydration to patients with significant dysphagia or difficulties meeting their nutritional needs by mouth, such as individuals with stroke, head injuries, neurological diseases, and individuals with dementia.

Dysphagia among the dementia population leads to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, functional decline, and decreased quality of life. The primary rationale of using it is to improve their nutritional status and QOL and prevent aspiration pneumonia (Candy, 2009; Vitale et al., 2011; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

The common types of feeding tubes often used with dementia include nasogastric tube (NGT) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. The NGT is a tube that passes through the nose and oesophagus until it reaches the stomach.

It is usually used in temporary and short-term feeding needs. In contrast, the PEG tube is a feeding tube passed through an endoscopic into the stomach and guided out through a permanent incision in the abdominal wall and considered for long-term use (Easterling & Robbins, 2008; Candy et al., 2009).

The risks of tube feeding among individuals with dementia have been well documented in the literature, including aspiration pneumonia, oesophagal perforation, haemorrhage, death, pressure sores, infections, fluid overload, and loss of social aspects of feeding. Some studies argue that it may increase gastric secretions (Candy et al., 2009; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

The prevalence of dementia is predicted to rise worldwide, with an estimated 81 million people diagnosed with dementia by 2040 (Brooke & Ojo, 2015). The pervasiveness of swallowing difficulties in individuals with dementia ranges from 13 to 57% in different types of dementia.

The prevalence of tube feeding in individuals with dementia is common in nursing home residents with advanced dementia. The majority of tubes are inserted during an acute setting, with the most common cause being aspiration pneumonia and dysphagia (Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013).

A recent systematic review conducted by Brooke & Ojo (2015) revealed that the prevalence of tube feeding among individuals with dementia in Japan might be higher than in Western populations due to current guidelines.

In Japan, guidelines compiled under the Japan Gastroenterology Endoscopy Society’s supervision recommend PEG insertion for patients who cannot maintain their nutrition due to cerebrovascular disease or dementia.

The impact of these guidelines may contribute to earlier insertion of PEG tubes and the commencement of enteral nutrition in patients with dementia, ultimately leading to longer survival rates.

Multiple studies outline the outcomes of tube feeding among the dementia population. Several studies report that aspiration pneumonia may be caused by reflux of tube feeding fluid and aspiration of oral secretions.

In a systematic review conducted in 2009, two studies reported that at 6 months, 58% of enteral fed patients had aspiration pneumonia, 54% of those with NG feeding, and 67% with PEG, compared with 17% of those fed orally. However, in a recent review conducted in 2015, one observational study reported aspiration pneumonia at 5%, comparable for patients with and without dementia.

Moreover, it illustrated that enteral nutrition delivered through a PEG tube does not increase the risk of aspiration for patients with dementia than rates of aspiration pneumonia of other disease cohorts (Candy et al.,2009; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

Alagiakrishnan et al. (2013) highlight that an observational study conducted in nursing homes with severe dementia found no difference in survival with feeding tube placement.

Another recent systematic review conducted by Brooke & Oji (2015) came out with consistent results, indicating six studies evaluating mortality that found that there is no evidence of prolonged life as a result of feeding tube use for individuals with dementia and no significant association between decreased mortality and enteral tube feeding. Some studies also argue that there may be a slightly higher death rate when tube feeding for this population and reduced QOL.

Furthermore, no study indicates that QOL was measured. However, one reported that over 6 months, 71% of 52 patients needed to be physically restrained to prevent extubation, compared with 55% of those who were not enterally fed (Vitale et al., 2011; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

The decision to start enteral tube feeding in someone with dementia is argumentative, emotive, and ethically challenging for all involved. The decision is influenced by various complex issues such as clinical needs, local practices, physician and caregiver preferences, and whether an advanced care plan is in place.

The previously conducted studies point out that to date, the decision making regarding enteral nutrition in individuals with dementia remains ethically challenging and concerns whether informal caregivers who give consent are fully informed, both of the benefits and potential harms of this intervention, and of alternatives that might optimize QOL of the patient (Candy et al., 2009; Vitale et al., 2011; Brook & Ojo, 2015). The patient’s caregivers must be informed of all implications of tube feeding to help them decide.

Despite the issues regarding the utility of enteral tube feeding among dementia populations, it remains a common intervention regardless of the evidence suggesting that intervention is ineffective in preventing aspiration, prolonging life, improving nutrition and quality of life (QOL). According to Brook & Ojo (2015), with the expected increase in patients with dementia, enteral tube feeding is likely to become common.

Among the studies and reviews that evaluated the role of enteral feeding in individuals with dementia, no data was found about the patient’s quality of life. Some studies report that the QOL is difficult to analyze in this population as patients with advanced dementia lose their capacity to express their feelings, and family members often report conflicting opinions.

Also, some studies emphasize that further research on how this intervention impact QOL among the dementia population would give more context to the ethical consideration, and Alzheimer’s Society supports the importance of QOL rather the longevity (Candy et al., 2009; Vitale et al., 2011; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

Research Methodology & Approach

The study will explore a patient’s living experience with tube feeding from their caregivers’ view generating a range of insightful knowledge about the impact of complications regarding tube feeding on the patient’s QOL. Since these experiences are very personal, discovering their small details would be best investigated by a phenomenological research design (Grbich, 2013). The phenomenology approach is designed to explore individuals’ experiences in depth.

As the intention is to gather detailed information about patients’ experiences during their journey while receiving artificial nutrition via tube feeding, a depth semi-structured interview method is a suitable tool to utilize.

Since it is a flexible and adaptable method, it will provide the researcher with an opportunity to listen to the participants’ views and experiences and allow probing questions to explore further ideas (Harding, 2013). Face-to-face interviews are suitable methods to facilitate honest, open responses, gain new insights, and maintain patient privacy (Creswell, 2014).

As the research intends to explore the essence of patients’ experiences in-depth through their thoughts, opinions, and experiences about the impact of tube feeding on their life, the interview will take time; hence, a smaller size of participants is appropriate. The few participants will provide access to an exciting hypothesis from a high level of information power, critical to achieving the research aim.

Research Strategies

Purposive sampling in recruiting the study’s participants will be chosen. This will facilitate obtaining an in-depth understanding of the impact of tube feeding on a patient’s QOL. Participants will be selected purposively to provide the researcher’s most information elaborated in detail (Patton, 2015).

The study will attempt to collect data from the patient’s caregiver who has dementia in a particular hospital and nursing home in the UK, specifically those diagnosed with dementia and who have received artificial nutrition via NGT or PEG.

An internet search and telephonic inquiry to the dementia care services at hospitals and nursing homes in the UK will be carried out to identify suitable participants for the study. In addition to this, approval from the registry of the dementia department from a specific hospital in the UK will be requested to recruit participants.

The sample population for this study will have the attributes listed below:

● Male and female ● Caregiver for the patient diagnosed with dementia ● The caregiver should have spent a long time with the patient.nt ● Acute hospital settings and nursing homes ● Patients ranged from 60+ years ● At any stage of the disease ● Experience eating difficulties and have been recommended eternal tube feeding

If you need assistance with writing your dissertation proposal, our professional dissertation proposal writers are here to help!

Research analysis.

This section analyses the primary and secondary data collected from the literature sources and the interviews conducted, respectively. An effort will be made to ensure coherence between the sections of the paper.

Thematic analysis, the “process of segmentation, categorization, and relinking of aspects of the data before final interpretation” (Matthews and Ross 2010:373), will be utilized in analyzing the collected data.

This analysis facilitates working with the collected raw data, such as the raw verbal or visual data. The thematic analysis is flexible, which helps divide the data into chunks before working with it and returning to raw data throughout the analytical process (Matthews & Ross, 2010). Also, the thematic analysis will help explore and better understand the comments made by the participants.

To ensure the credibility of the study, numerous steps will be taken. These steps include:

● A verbatim transcript of the interviews ● Read the transcripts and then read back to immerse yourself in the data and accurately reflect what was said by the participant. ● Use member checking to ensure the truth value of the data. ● Provide the participants with a copy of the transcript to validate that it reflected their perspective. ● Considering reflexivity, that is, being aware of the researcher’s effect on the research process and outcomes.

Ethical Issues

The moral and ethical code conducts the paper. However, there is always a possibility that ethical issues may arise. The ethical issues that might occur in conducting this research are:

● Gaining the agreement of individuals in authority (e.g., gatekeeper) allows study participants at research sites.

● Participation will be voluntary, and it will be stressed that the consent could be withdrawn during the study.

● Anonymity and confidentiality issues anticipate that some patients may want to have their identity remain confidential. By permitting this, the researcher allows the participants to retain ownership of their voices. The consequence of this would mean that the data regarding the particular patient will be excluded in the final report.

● Since a face-to-face interview method is used while conducting this study, the interaction may be stressful due to the topic’s sensitivity.

● Emotional reactions in the interview.

● Psychological risk such as distress.

● The researcher–participant relationship can raise a range of ethical concerns such as respect for privacy, establishing honest and open interactions, and avoiding misrepresentations.

Limitations

Every study conducted encounters some limitations. Researching within a time frame often proves to be the most complex challenge. Even though using literature resources can be helpful, it may be classified as a hindrance since the studies have been conducted over different periods.

This study section will summarize and comprehensively interpret the analyzed data’s findings and answer the research questions satisfactorily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write an undergraduate dissertation proposal.

To write an undergraduate dissertation proposal:

• Choose a research topic.
• Outline objectives and research questions.
• Describe methodology and data sources.
• Provide a brief literature review.
• State significance and potential outcomes.
• Include a timeline and list of references.

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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290 Good Nursing Research Topics & Questions

Florence Nightingale is called “the mother of modern nursing.” She was the first one who started incorporating research into her practice. While providing patients with health care and support, nurses observe things that may need further investigation. This way, they become not only caretakers but also scientists.

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Research topics in nursing are a way to gain valuable evidence-based knowledge while providing patient care. Moreover, they offer an opportunity to help other nurses by contributing to global healthcare. Some of the most pressing nursing research questions concern medical surgery, midwifery, and geriatrics, as well as the issues of leadership and management.

Need some inspiring topics for nursing students? Look no further! This article by Custom-writing.org experts contains 290 hot nursing research topics, as well as useful additional information and writing tips.

• 🔝 Top 10 Topics
• ☑️ How to Choose a Topic?
• 🐥 Pediatric Topics
• 👴 Geriatric Topics
• 🍼 Midwifery Topics
• 💆 Mental Health Topics
• 🏊 Health Promotion Topics
• 💡 Topics for Discussion
• 🔝 10 Research Questions
• 🔢 Quantitative Research
• 🔬 Qualitative Research

👋 Conclusion

🔝 top 10 nursing research topics 2024.

• The social effect of the opioid crisis.
• Cancel culture and women’s health.
• Economic aspects of euthanasia.
• Nursing adaptation for a digital era.
• The gender pay gap in nursing.
• Health issues of immigrant women.
• Should futile medical care be provided?
• Ways to improve diversity in nursing.
• Ethics of artificial hydration and nutrition.
• Overcoming vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy.

☑️ Research Topics in Nursing: How to Choose?

BSc students and interns often find it challenging to come up with a nursing research paper topic. Healthcare covers a lot of very diverse topics. It’s easy to get confused while trying to choose the most interesting one.

First of all, t is very important to narrow your focus. If the problem you’ve chosen is too large, it can be impossible to examine it properly. Remember: you don’t have to solve world problems in order to contribute to medical science. Choose a current topic which already has plenty of literature studies , and add something new to it. There are interesting nursing research questions in any area, be it social work, psychology, obstetrics, or clinical nursing.

You can choose a topic based on your personal experience. It can be something you observe in your family or an issue that made you interested in the nursing profession in the first place. You can look at the situation in your hometown or city to help you come up with an idea for evidence-based practice nursing research topics.

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📜 Nursing Research Topics

Once you’ve chosen your area of interest, you are ready to formulate your thesis and write a research proposal. Below is a list of research questions examples for you to choose from.

🐥 Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

Ways of enhancing language development for children with developmental disabilities

• Evaluation of pragmatic language patterns in autistic children
• Taking care of children with congenital heart disease : psychological issues
• Childhood cancer treatment optimization: new ways
• Children with cancer and their families: psychological issues
• Cancer: health service delivery efficiency
• Childhood obesity: a population health issue
• Radiation therapy: the response of the hematopoietic system in oncology patients
• Leukemia cells and the immune system: mechanisms of interaction
• Childhood acute leukemia : the use of molecular markers in diagnosis
• Blindness in children receiving oxygen therapy : risk-reducing strategies

• Early life exposures that promote heart disease later in life
• Role of early-life exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in childhood obesity
• Obesity in children and adolescents : prevention strategies
• Childhood obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors: epidemiologic research
• Childhood obesity : identification, screening, prevention, and management
• Stem cells and their usage in the treatment of pediatric diseases
• Early-life exposure to air pollution : health effects
• Prenatal exposure to nicotine : health effects
• Effects of early life stress on metabolic and cognitive development of children
• Asthma in children: diagnosis and management
• Asthma in children : monitoring techniques
• Opportunistic fungal infections: pathogenesis and treatment
• HHV6: pathogenesis, immunology, and treatment
• Meningitis in children: prevention and vaccination
• Vaccination against influenza in children: reactions and complications
• Common measles complications in children
• Surfactant replacement therapy for premature infants: beneficial effects
• Animal models for respiratory diseases : the investigation of pathogenesis
• Cells and molecules in lung health and disease: understanding the function
• Neurotrophin and neurotransmitter receptors: a molecular study
• New therapeutic approaches to developmental diseases of the nervous system
• Movement disorders in children: understanding and treatment
• Tourette syndrome in children: causes and treatment
• Neuroblastoma in children: understanding racial differences
• Understanding Metabolic Syndrome : symptoms and causes
• Anorexia and related changes in brain function and behavior
• Eating disorders in children : effects on growth and health
• Infant nutrition: prevention of obesity and eating disorders
• ADHD medication for children: long-term effects
• ADHD in children: efficacy of dance and music therapy
• Efficacy of mind-body therapy in children with ADHD
• Autism in children : benefits of meditation techniques
• Ear infections in children: diagnosis and treatment
• Acute renal insufficiency: nursing care and treatment
• Childhood nephrotic syndrome : nursing care and management
• Kidney stones in children: preventive strategies
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : development and symptoms
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: management strategies
• Type 1 diabetes in children: genetic and environmental factors
• Children with type 1 diabetes from ethnic minorities: risk factors

👴 Geriatric Nursing Research Topics

• Age-Related Changes in Health: cardiovascular system
• Age-Related Changes in Nervous System and Cognition abilities in older adults
• Physiologic changes in the musculoskeletal system in older adults
• The effects of aging on the immune system
• Vaccination for older adults: benefits and challenges
• Urinary tract infections in older adults: risk factors and diagnosis
• Malnutrition in older adults: consequences and effects on organ systems
• Gastrointestinal tract disorders in older age: nursing care strategies
• Nursing: long-term care facilities
• Sensory system changes and impairments in older adults: nursing care strategies
• Assessment of physical function in older adults: effects of regular physical activity
• Oral health conditions in older adults: effects and treatment
• Ways of improving oral care for older people
• Oral hydration in older adults: ways of maintaining
• Dehydration in older adults: prevention, recognition, and treatment
• Diet as a risk factor for dementia

• Personalized diets for older adults and their role in healthy aging
• The role of diet in reducing the risk of osteoporosis
• Family caregiving of older cancer patients: psychological issues
• Taking care for seniors with chronic illness : psychological issues
• Risk factors for functional decline in older patients: ways of optimization
• Physical environment as a risk factor for functional decline in older patients
• Later-life depression : cause and risk factors
• Ophthalmic care for older patients: nursing strategies
• Medication adherence in patients with dementia : development and implementation of interventions
• Use of machine learning in predicting dementia in older adults: effectiveness and accuracy assessment
• Alzheimer’s disease : biological mechanisms and preventive measures
• Cognitive therapy for older patients with Alzheimer’s disease : effectiveness and strategies
• Delirium in elderly patients: prevention strategies
• Massage Therapy vs. Simple Touch to Improve Pain and Mood in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial
• Improving pain management in older patients: care strategies
• Falls and injury risk in older adults: prevention and management
• Adverse drug effects in elderly patients: interventions and care strategies
• Use of physical restraints : ethics of the issue
• Ethnicity as a risk factor for pressure ulcer development
• Excessive sleepiness as a risk factor of cognitive decline in elderly patients
• Alcohol use disorders in elderly patients: care strategies
• Substance use disorders in older adults: treatment and care options
• Management of sepsis in critically ill elderly patients
• Complications in critically ill patients due to prolonged hospital stay
• Heart failure in older adults: current therapeutic options
• Care of elderly surgical patients: ways of optimization
• The concept of geriatric dehydration
• Perioperative care of older adults: nursing strategies
• Medical emergencies associated with cancer treatment of elderly patients
• Cancer surgery in elderly patients: risk assessment
• Pancreatic cancer surgery in older adults: balancing risks and benefits
• Bladder cancer in older adults: risk factors and challenges
• Older patients with fragility hip fracture: care strategies
• Handling pressure ulcers in hip fracture patients
• Care of the older patients in the ED: nursing intervention
• Transitional care for elderly patients with chronic disease : care strategies
• Advanced care planning : nurse’s roles and strategies

🍼 Midwifery Nursing Research Topics

• Women with a disability: pregnancy and childbirth
• The effect of midwifery care in pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postnatal period
• Maternal and infant outcomes of caseload care
• Caseload midwifery care in ethnic minorities
• Ways of improving health outcomes for women and babies from ethnic minorities
• Depression and anxiety in new mothers : effects on the health of mothers and infants
• Postnatal depression : risk factors
• Complication of pregnancy: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)
• Effectiveness of peer support in preventing postnatal depression
• Telephone support as a means of reducing postnatal depression : a cost-effectiveness analysis
• Diabetes in pregnancy: risk factors and management
• Hypoglycemia in newborns: preventive measures
• Women’s experience of motherhood: attachment and mother-infant bonding
• Stress in midwives and nurses: causes and prevalence
• Group antenatal care: feasibility and acceptability
• The positive impact of early parenting education

• Midwifery continuity of care and its effectiveness.
• The role of community support in maintaining emotional health during pregnancy
• Birth plan and its effects on the birth experience
• Effects of prenatal yoga on women and infants
• Prolonged labor and its effect on birth experience in women
• Childbirth experience for autistic women
• Pain management in labor: relaxation techniques and therapies
• Cesarean section : risks and long-term effects
• Fear of childbirth: symptoms and treatments
• Parental experiences with premature and low birth weight infants
• Sleep disorders in new mothers: effects on mothers and infants
• Perinatal palliative care : the role of midwives in providing care and support to families
• Childbirth expectations and experience: effect on new mother’s mental health
• Advanced maternal age: risk factors
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes: causes and risk factors
• Periodontitis: effect on preterm birth and low birth weight in babies
• Spirituality in midwifery: effects on labor and delivery
• Obesity and pregnancy: labor intervention and outcomes
• Teamwork in midwifery: key concepts
• Power dynamics in midwifery care: initiating, building, and maintaining relationships
• Domestic violence against women: raising awareness among midwives
• Midwifery care for women of low socioeconomic status: benefits of understanding social context
• Psychological traumatic childbirth: contributing factors
• The role of midwives in the monitoring process of emergency care
• Fetal monitoring, screening, and other tests during pregnancy
• Weight management and physical activity in pregnancy
• Handling physical and emotional changes during pregnancy
• Facilitating and maintaining normal childbirth: strategies and practices
• Decision-making during birth: the role of midwives
• Midwifery care during the immediate postnatal period
• Engaging fathers in perinatal services: ways and strategies
• Skincare and hygiene for newborns and infants
• Immediate care of the newborns
• Infant feeding : methods and techniques
• Common feeding problems: identification and management

💆 Mental Health Research Topics in Nursing

• The connection between air pollution and Alzheimer’s disease
• Vitamin D Deficiency and long-term cognitive impairment among older patients
• Effects of meditation on patients with cognitive impairment
• The connection between social phobia and selective mutism
• Post-traumatic stress disorder : new prevention techniques
• Social media : effects on mental health among teenagers
• Stimulant treatments of ADHD
• Bipolar disorder : early detection and risk factors
• Bipolar disorder in families: genetic factors
• Effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in patients with depression

• Reconstruction of the sense of self in schizophrenia patients
• Understanding personal experience and phenomenology in patients with schizophrenia
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for panic attack treatment
• The connection between panic disorder and maladaptive behavior
• The connection between brain inflammation and OCD
• White matter abnormalities in patients with OCD
• The combined effects of TMS and therapy on patients with depression
• Changes in task performance under stress in patients with anxiety disorders
• Biological processes of generalized anxiety
• Depression in perimenopausal women
• Schizophrenia : genetic factors
• Schizophrenia : environmental factors
• Ways of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in adults
• Ways of detecting early-stage dementia
• The connection between dopamine levels and autism spectrum disorders
• The connection between serotonin levels and autism spectrum disorders
• The connection between screen time and inattention problems in children with ADHD
• ADHD : prevention strategies
• The efficacy of mindfulness techniques in patients with social phobia
• The efficacy of paroxetine in treating patients with anxiety
• Etiology of anorexia nervosa
• The role of socio-cultural factors in the development of eating disorders
• Treatment of agoraphobia : new ways
• Phobias and the ways to deal with them
• Seasonal affective disorder: summer and winter patterns
• Brain differences in patients with insomnia
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: brain mechanisms and risk factors
• The physical response to a traumatic experience in patients with PTSD
• Borderline personality disorder : brain factors
• Effects of music therapy for adolescents with autism
• The connection between traumatic events during childhood and the development of borderline personality disorder
• Dialectical behavior therapy in the treatment of patients with a borderline personality disorder
• Ways of diagnosing of psychogenic movement disorders
• Conduct disorder in children : ways of increasing awareness
• Adverse childhood experiences : the long-term effects
• Body dysmorphic disorder : diagnosis and treatment
• The mechanisms of body dysmorphic disorder : the use of brain imaging studies
• Adjustment disorder : diagnosis and treatment
• Schizotypal personality disorder : neurobiology and symptoms
• The efficacy of exposure therapy in the treatment of PTSD
• Codependency : ways of raising awareness
• Mood disorders in children: treatment options

🏊 Health Promotion Research Topics in Nursing

• Preventative medicine practices for seniors
• New ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in older age
• Communication and sharing of preventative medicine techniques: new ways
• Community-based exercise programs for older adults
• Late-life depression management programs for the elderly
• Planning meaningful activities with older adults as a means of reducing depressive symptoms
• Smoking cessation : the study of obstacles
• Ideas for quitting smoking : new techniques
• Youth inactivity : ways of raising awareness
• Health promotion strategies for obesity
• Motivation to change inactive behavior in young people
• Involvement of children in various physical activities: promotion strategies
• New ways of educating young people about the importance of having a positive body image
• The relationship between a healthy lifestyle promotion and social media: new educational strategies
• Improving diabetes lifestyle
• New ways of increasing cancer screening rates
• New strategies in fostering cancer-preventive behaviors
• Workplace wellness programs as ways of supporting healthy behavior
• Occupational health and safety programs for people working in dangerous conditions
• Maintenance of healthy work environments : new ways
• Workplace programs for raising awareness of AIDS
• Workplace programs for raising awareness of heart disease
• Workplace health promotion among low-paid workers: new strategies
• New ways of increasing workers’ participation in shaping the working environment
• Non-occupational factors in the general environment: ways of raising awareness
• Award-system as means of promotion of participation in workplace initiatives
• New ways of reducing exposure to cancer risk factors
• The effects of second-hand smoking: ways of raising awareness
• Healthy eating habits as a means of preventing the development of diet-associated cancers
• The connection between obesity and cancer: ways of raising awareness
• Alcohol use as a risk factor for cancer: ways of raising awareness
• The importance of vaccines for the hepatitis B virus in cancer prevention
• Cancer-causing air pollution : ways of raising awareness
• The connection between air pollution and lung cancer
• UV radiation and skin cancer : ways of raising awareness
• Physical inactivity as a major cause of death in developed countries
• Physical activity promotion among people of low socioeconomic background: challenges and opportunities
• Physical activity promotion among people with disabilities: challenges and opportunities
• Eating habits and behaviors in children: ways of influencing
• The efficacy of school-based sex education programs
• Cyberbullying : ways of raising awareness and prevention
• Workplace policies: depression management promotion
• The efficacy of school health promotion
• The role of school-based interventions in preventing childhood mental health problems
• Brain health programs: creating new strategies on a small budget
• Brain exercise: understanding key principles
• Communication of useful health information to lay community: new ways
• Managing the global epidemic: ways of raising health awareness
• Disease outbreaks : the role of health promotion
• HIV prevention : new ways of health promotion
• Ways of raising awareness on the routes of transmitting infectious diseases
• Healthy childhood development : health education for children

💡 Nursing Topics for Discussion

• Concept comparison and analysis across nursing theories
• New technologies in nursing
• Undergraduate nursing program and resnick’s theory
• Contemporary nursing knowledge components
• Nurse-patient interactions and outcomes in clinical practice
• Continuing nursing education: a 3-5 year plan
• Evidence-based practice & applied nursing research
• Nursing communication process
• Certified nurse assistant preparatory school: business plan
• Nurse roles in practice
• Self-employed nurses as agents of change in Canada
• Joint Commission: national patient safety goals

🔝 Top 10 Nursing Research Questions

• What’s the connection between psychiatric ward design and aggressive behavior?
• How can computerized nursing records improve the outcomes for patients?
• Do changes that occur in the brain due to dementia cause pain?
• How can tweet reminders help teenagers with type 1 diabetes maintain lower blood sugars?
• What’s the efficacy of yoga as a treatment in reducing lymphedema in cancer patients?
• How can peer support intervention help to prevent suicides among female high school students?
• Is it possible to link veterans’ suicide rates to the timing and location of suicide prevention appointments?
• What can be done to improve the sustainability of operating rooms?
• What are the roles of nurse managers in turnover intervention among nursing staff?
• What are the ways of preventing cachexia in cancer patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy?

📑 Types of Nursing Research

When writing nursing research, you need to use a particular research design. Typically, the choice of design depends on your research question. There can be qualitative and quantitative nursing research topics.

🔢 Quantitative Research In Nursing

Quantitative research is aimed at gaining empirical evidence using deduction and generalization. This means gathering evidence to support or refute a particular theory and deciding to what extent the results can be generalized to a larger population.

Quantitative research can be non-experimental and experimental in design.

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Non-experimental designs imply a description of what happens naturally, without intervention. They are usually not used to detect causes and effects and are not effective for making predictions. Non-experimental designs are classified as follows:

• Descriptive. Descriptive studies are centered on under-researched subjects and phenomena. You describe it, see how often it occurs, and categorize the information you’ve gained.
• Correlational. Correlational studies are aimed at the examination of relationships between the variables. You must measure the variables, analyze the results, and present statistics.

Experimental designs imply strict control from the researcher. They can be used for establishing cause-and-effect relationships, as well as predictions. The experiments are usually blind, which helps to avoid bias. Experimental designs are classified in the following way:

• True-experimental designs , in which cause-and-effect relationships are examined in a controlled environment. It includes studying two groups of people who receive different treatments, assigned randomly.
• Quasi-experimental designs , which differ from true experiments by the absence of random assignments.

🔬 Qualitative Research In Nursing

Qualitative research studies are focused on one’s personal experience. It is conducted through observation and interaction with patients via interviews, notes, and diaries. Induction is often used, by which you gain evidence to support a theory without generalizing the results.

Qualitative research study designs include four types:

• Phenomenology. Phenomenological research is aimed at describing the phenomena as it is experienced by an individual. In this study, you need to select people who are familiar with the particular phenomenon. You gain information from each participant and make a conclusion.
• Grounded theory. This type of study includes the influence of social processes on individuals. You would need to interview the subjects themselves, as well as their relatives, spouses, etc. Then you synthesize the data into one theory.
• Ethnography. This type of research design is associated with the influence of a particular culture on individuals. It involves describing unique attributes of a culture from the insider’s perspective.
• Narrative inquiry. Narrative inquiry is a research study design that is based on an interpretation of personal accounts of the participants. You ask your subjects to talk about their experiences, and then you analyze their narratives. Contents, as well as the structure of the narratives, must be taken into account.

As you can see, there are great many research topics for nursing students to choose from! See what suits you best and formulate the idea for your own project. You can then publish your results in a nursing research journal article and start a discussion with other nurses around the world.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

If you’ve chosen an evidence-based practice nursing research topic, make sure that you find suitable human subjects for your experiment. You can ask your friends or make online questionnaires to help you conduct your research. Always take care of your subjects and protect their rights.

Once you’ve chosen your topic, study the available literature. See if there’s anything you can critique or question. This type of research is just as useful as applied research, as it helps to keep medical science relevant by constantly checking for obsolete information.

Find the topic, choose the design for your research, set yourself clear goals – and write your best nursing research paper or reflective essay ! Good luck!

🤔 Nursing Research FAQs

Nursing research is a type of study conducted by nurses during their practice. It helps them to gain evidence on the effectiveness of different treatments. Nursing research can be used to demonstrate the trustworthiness of new methods in medicine, as well as to predict outcomes for patients with illnesses or injuries.

The scientific activity of nurses is essential for the medical community. Nurses help to move medicine forward by challenging traditional practices with fresh ideas. Their research is usually aimed at enhancing professional practice and improving nursing activities. The topics include both physical and mental health.

The primary sources of nursing research are experience and scientific knowledge. Your personal experience as a nurse is especially important because it allows you to observe and gather first-hand information about various medical conditions. Scientific knowledge is then used for the evaluation and analysis of the collected data.

Sampling theory in medical science is a study of gathering information about a population by investigating only a part of it. To do that, you need to collect samples from a group of individuals who all share a common trait. A statistic is then estimated and applied to the whole population. Sampling is often conducted as part of nursing research because it allows making conclusions without testing it with all people.

Qualitative research in nursing is aimed at gathering information about patients’ subjective experiences. It is usually conducted in the form of interviews, notes, and diaries. It helps in understanding complex phenomena and is often used in psychology. Sometimes nurses themselves are interviewed about their working conditions. This type of research allows nurses to make their practice better by continually learning from experience.

Extraneous variables may affect the results of your research and even threaten its validity. They are hard to control, but their influence can be reduced in the following ways:

• Assign the subjects to treatment and control groups as randomly as possible.
• Match your samples by distributing people with different variables, such as age and gender, as evenly as possible.
• Maintain objectivity by avoiding bias.
• Adjust the results for the effects of extraneous variables through statistical analysis.

You might also be interested in:

• 226 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology
• 204 Research Topics on Technology & Computer Science
• 178 Best Research Titles about Cookery & Food
• 497 Interesting History Topics to Research
• 180 Best Education Research Topics & Ideas
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• 512 Research Topics on HumSS
• 281 Best Health & Medical Research Topics
• 501 Research Questions & Titles about Science
• A List of Research Topics for Students. Unique and Interesting
• Good Research Topics, Titles and Ideas for Your Paper

🔎 References

• Find a Topic Idea: Questia
• Nursing: Choosing a Research Topic (FGCU Library)
• Examples of Research Questions: Vanderbilt School of Nursing
• Current Issue: Nursing Research
• Nursing Research: Definitions and Directions (NCBI)
• Table of Contents (Nursing Research and Practice – Volume 2023)
• Nursing, research, and the evidence: Evidence-Based Nursing
• Psychiatry & Mental Health Topics: Medscape
• Geriatric Topics: ConsultGeri
• Major Research Areas: Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester
• An overview of research designs relevant to nursing: Part 1: Quantitative research designs: SciELO
• An overview of research designs relevant to nursing: part 2: qualitative research designs: SciELO
• Clinical Nursing Research: Academia
• Innovation and scientific discovery: School of Nursing, University of Washington
• Center for Nursing Research: Duke University
• Research: Penn Nursing
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Do you have to write a research proposal and can’t choose one from the professor’s list? This article may be exactly what you need. We will provide you with the most up-to-date undergraduate and postgraduate topic ideas. Moreover, we will share the secrets of the winning research proposal writing. Here,...

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thanks for the presentation, now I know who to turn to for help

Thank you for your feedback, Frank!

Hello dear Thank you for your kind presentation like this hot topics . Am nursing master student and I need topic for my thesis.if you can help me

Hello, Alaa! Thank you for the great feedback!

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22+ SAMPLE Nursing Research Proposal in PDF | MS Word | Google Docs | Apple Pages

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1. Developing Etiquette for the Scholarly World

2. organizing and classifying information, 3. controlling the passage of time, 4. investigating the topic, 1. statement of the problem, 2. background of the problem, 3. the purpose and objectives of the research, 4. assumptions and conceptual framework, 5. research hypothesis and methodology, 6. budget, ethical considerations, references, and appendices, share this post on your network, file formats, word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates, you may also like these articles, 25+ sample construction company proposal in ms word.

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Did you mean..., diploma of arts and social sciences, art/science collaboration wins waterhouse natural science art prize, unit of study nurs5016 nursing research (2025).

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Unit snapshot.

PG Coursework Unit

Credit points

Faculty & college.

Faculty of Health

Pre-requisites

NURS6001 - Clinical Nursing II

Unit description

Examines a range of research methodologies that can be ethically and responsibly utilised in clinical practice environments. These methodologies are considered within the context of critically appraising the quality and appropriateness of published research findings for translation into nursing knowledge and practice. Students will have an opportunity to apply research and inquiry methods to independently scope, plan and report on an original project proposal. The proposal must address a quality, sustainability or safety improvement initiative related to practice or sustainable development goals.  

Unit content

• Human research ethics
• Clinical research
• Appraising and utilising research
• Research methodologies
• Quality improvement and safety projects
• Integrating evidence in practice

Availabilities

Learning outcomes.

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes . The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

communicate to others the key human ethics considerations and components of a quality improvement initiative or clinical research utilising appropriate strategies

critically analyse research philosophies, methodologies and principles relevant to nursing practice

develop a research question and problem statement to guide critical examination of an area of interest, located within a health, social, or community care setting

apply research skills to plan, develop and disseminate a project proposal for a quality, sustainability or safety practice initiative related to the discipline of nursing

Teaching and assessment

Coffs harbour (term), gold coast (term), lismore (term), prescribed learning resources.

• Prescribed text information is not currently available.
• Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Commonwealth Supported courses For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts .

Fee paying courses For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees .

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

Courses that offer this unit

Master of nursing (graduate entry) (2025), master of nursing (graduate entry) (2024), any questions we'd love to help.