research title about nursing practice

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.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

By clicking “Join Now”, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party, and you may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

• Privacy Policy

Buy Me a Coffee

Home » 500+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas

500+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas

Table of Contents

Nursing research plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. As a field that is constantly evolving, there is a great need for new ideas and innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by nurses in their day-to-day practice. In this article, we will explore some exciting nursing research topic ideas that can help guide the development of new studies and inspire nurses to make meaningful contributions to the field. From exploring the impact of technology on nursing practice to investigating the effectiveness of alternative therapies, there is no shortage of interesting and important topics to explore in the world of nursing research.

Nursing Research Topic Ideas

Nursing Research Topic Ideas are as follows:

• The effectiveness of telemedicine in providing nursing care.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence in chronic disease management.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing burnout among nurses.
• The influence of cultural competence on patient satisfaction with nursing care.
• The effects of virtual reality simulation training on nursing students’ clinical competencies.
• The impact of nurse practitioner-led care on chronic disease management in primary care.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led discharge planning on patient outcomes.
• The influence of nurse-to-patient ratios on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led health coaching on lifestyle modifications in patients with chronic diseases.
• The effects of interprofessional collaboration on patient outcomes in acute care settings.
• The impact of nurse-led patient education on medication adherence in older adults.
• The relationship between nurse work environment and patient safety outcomes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain.
• The influence of nurse staffing levels on patient satisfaction with nursing care.
• The effects of a nurse-led palliative care program on quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses.
• The impact of nurse-led group therapy on social support and quality of life in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led motivational interviewing on smoking cessation in patients with mental health disorders.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient length of stay in acute care settings.
• The effects of nurse-led behavioral interventions on weight loss and management in patients with obesity.
• The influence of nurse-led interventions on self-care management in patients with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led mindfulness-based stress reduction programs on caregiver burden in family caregivers of patients with dementia.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on pain management in patients with sickle cell disease.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient readmission rates.
• The effects of nurse-led motivational interviewing on medication adherence in patients with hypertension.
• The influence of nurse-led telehealth programs on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in postoperative care.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient satisfaction with hospital food services.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient falls in acute care settings.
• The effects of nurse-led interventions on patient anxiety and stress in the preoperative period.
• The influence of nurse-led interventions on wound healing in patients with chronic ulcers.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on postpartum depression in new mothers.
• The impact of nurse-led transitional care on hospital readmissions in older adults.
• The relationship between nurse work environment and nurse retention.
• The effects of nurse-led music therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with dementia.
• The influence of nurse-led mindfulness-based interventions on sleep quality in patients with insomnia.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on symptom management in patients with cancer.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient satisfaction with care coordination.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient mortality in critical care settings.
• The effects of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in end-of-life care.
• The impact of mindfulness meditation on the mental health of nursing students.
• The effect of patient education on the adherence to medication regimens in older adults.
• The role of nurse-led interventions in improving physical activity levels in sedentary individuals.
• The efficacy of telehealth in managing chronic conditions in rural communities.
• The effect of music therapy on anxiety and pain in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• The impact of cultural competency training on nursing students’ attitudes towards diverse patient populations.
• The effectiveness of peer support interventions in reducing readmission rates among individuals with heart failure.
• The use of virtual reality in nursing education to improve clinical decision-making skills.
• The role of family caregivers in end-of-life care decision making.
• The impact of nurse-led discharge planning on hospital readmission rates.
• The effect of a structured communication tool on interdisciplinary communication and collaboration in acute care settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting vaccination uptake in underserved communities.
• The impact of early mobilization on functional outcomes in critically ill patients.
• The effectiveness of an interdisciplinary team approach in managing chronic pain in older adults.
• The role of nursing in addressing the opioid epidemic.
• The effect of a nurse-led weight management program on obesity-related health outcomes.
• The impact of technology-based interventions on medication adherence in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
• The effectiveness of a nursing-led smoking cessation program in hospitalized patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy sleep habits in children.
• The effect of a nurse-led intervention on caregiver burden in family caregivers of stroke survivors.
• The impact of nurse-led motivational interviewing on lifestyle behavior change in individuals with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care transitions in reducing hospital readmissions.
• The role of nursing in promoting advance care planning among older adults.
• The impact of a nurse-led education program on self-care management in individuals with diabetes.
• The effect of nurse-led education on medication adherence in individuals with hypertension.
• The role of nurses in identifying and addressing social determinants of health in underserved populations.
• The impact of a nurse-led exercise program on physical function and quality of life in older adults.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on smoking cessation in pregnant women.
• The role of nurses in promoting health literacy among diverse patient populations.
• The effect of a nurse-led fall prevention program on fall-related injuries in older adults.
• The impact of a nurse-led education program on medication safety in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of a nurse-led mindfulness-based stress reduction program in individuals with chronic pain.
• The role of nurses in managing the care of individuals with multiple chronic conditions.
• The effect of nurse-led patient education on the prevention of hospital-acquired infections.
• The impact of nurse-led coaching on self-management in individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care coordination in improving care transitions for individuals with complex medical needs.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy eating habits in children and adolescents.
• The effect of a nurse-led symptom management program on quality of life in individuals with advanced cancer.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on the self-efficacy of individuals with chronic conditions.
• The role of nurses in promoting sexual health education among adolescents.
• The effect of a nurse-led peer support program on mental health outcomes in individuals with substance use disorders.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on nutrition and physical activity in pregnant women.
• The role of nurses in addressing health disparities in marginalized communities.
• The effect of nurse-led mindfulness interventions on the mental health of healthcare providers.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on medication adherence and quality of life in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities.
• The role of nurses in promoting palliative care for individuals with advanced dementia.
• The effect of a nurse-led exercise program on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing falls in hospitalized older adults.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in hospitalized patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting sexual and reproductive health among LGBTQ+ individuals.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving medication adherence in individuals with mental health conditions.
• The impact of nurse-led coaching on self-care management in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving sleep quality in individuals with chronic pain.
• The role of nurses in promoting oral health in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired delirium.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on the self-care management of individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on self-care management in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for individuals with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving the quality of life of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting early detection and management of sepsis in hospitalized patients.
• The effect of nurse-led education on promoting breastfeeding among new mothers.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on the management of chronic pain in individuals with sickle cell disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving medication adherence in individuals with heart failure.
• The role of nurses in promoting health literacy and patient empowerment among individuals with low health literacy.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing readmission rates in individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving medication adherence in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting self-care management among individuals with depression.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving the quality of life of individuals with spinal cord injuries.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in outpatient settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among older adults with chronic conditions.
• The role of nurses in promoting self-management among individuals with schizophrenia.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital length of stay for individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving the quality of life of individuals with chronic hepatitis C.
• The role of nurses in promoting pain management strategies for patients with sickle cell disease.
• The effect of a nurse-led education program on improving the quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their caregivers.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare-associated infections in the neonatal intensive care unit.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care management and quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient safety through effective communication strategies.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on reducing readmission rates in patients with congestive heart failure.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving end-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on improving the nutritional status of patients with diabetes.
• The role of nurses in promoting evidence-based practices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on reducing anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in the emergency department.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting tobacco cessation among patients with respiratory diseases.
• The role of nurses in promoting culturally competent care for patients from diverse backgrounds.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving sleep quality and quantity for patients with sleep disorders.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving self-management and quality of life for patients with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting early recognition and management of sepsis in the emergency department.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving patient satisfaction with pain management.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for patients with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting adherence to medication regimens among patients with HIV/AIDS.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient-centered care for patients with chronic diseases.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving pain management in patients with dementia.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of falls in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving wound healing in patients with chronic wounds.
• The role of nurses in promoting early detection and management of delirium in hospitalized patients.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving patient outcomes after cardiac surgery.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy eating behaviors among adolescents with obesity.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient safety through effective hand hygiene practices.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving functional status and quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing readmission rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving patient outcomes after hip replacement surgery.
• The role of nurses in promoting effective communication between patients and healthcare providers.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving medication management in patients with multiple chronic conditions.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for patients with mental health conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting physical activity among patients with cardiovascular diseases.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient-centered care for patients with substance use disorders.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving self-care management and quality of life for patients with asthma.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit.
• The role of nurses in promoting resilience among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving adherence to tuberculosis medication.
• The impact of nurse-led programs on improving end-of-life care in hospice settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy sleep habits in hospitalized children.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving wound care management in individuals with diabetes.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on improving patient satisfaction in emergency departments.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in pediatric settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging among older adults living in rural communities.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving oral hygiene in individuals with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in neonatal intensive care units.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on improving pain management in individuals with sickle cell disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health awareness and support in the workplace.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving hand hygiene compliance among healthcare providers.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on improving self-management in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing readmission rates in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving medication adherence in individuals with schizophrenia.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing falls in older adults living in long-term care facilities.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led programs on improving communication and teamwork in healthcare settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents with obesity.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving pain management in individuals with cancer.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on improving self-management in individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy sexuality in individuals with disabilities.
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health among homeless populations.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care management in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in geriatric settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led programs on improving patient outcomes in acute care settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy coping mechanisms among individuals with chronic pain.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving wound care management in individuals with venous leg ulcers.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital readmission rates in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led programs on improving end-of-life care in nursing homes.
• The role of nurses in promoting safe medication administration in pediatric settings.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving sleep quality in individuals with depression.
• The impact of nurse-led programs on improving pain management in individuals with fibromyalgia.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on improving communication skills among healthcare providers.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among individuals with mental health conditions.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care management in individuals with chronic heart failure.
• The impact of nurse-led programs on improving patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy habits among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Interesting Nursing Research Topic Ideas

• The impact of nurse-led health education on the management of chronic diseases in low-income communities.
• The effectiveness of using telehealth technology to monitor and manage patients with mental health disorders.
• The role of nursing in promoting ethical and responsible use of AI in healthcare.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of frontline nurses.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques on reducing burnout among nurses.
• Exploring the experiences of male nurses in a predominantly female profession.
• The impact of nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety and pain among patients in intensive care units.
• The impact of social media on nursing education and professional development.
• The impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction.
• The use of simulation-based training in nursing education to improve clinical competency.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing hospital readmissions.
• The impact of interprofessional collaboration on patient safety and quality of care.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led smoking cessation interventions in promoting smoking cessation among patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting sexual and reproductive health among adolescent girls.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases.
• The impact of cultural competence training on nursing practice and patient outcomes.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in improving sleep quality among shift-working nurses.
• The role of nurses in promoting vaccination uptake among underserved populations.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care behaviors among patients with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving pain management among cancer patients.
• The impact of nurse-led care coordination on improving care transitions for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases.
• The effectiveness of peer mentoring programs in promoting professional development among novice nurses.
• The impact of nurse-led palliative care interventions on improving end-of-life care for patients with terminal illnesses.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing falls among elderly patients in long-term care facilities.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases in the community.
• The impact of nurse-led discharge planning on reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient outcomes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving glycemic control among patients with diabetes.
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health and wellbeing among healthcare professionals.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in promoting self-management behaviors among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led motivational interviewing in promoting physical activity among sedentary patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting safe medication use and preventing medication errors.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in improving nutritional status among patients with malnutrition.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting breastfeeding among new mothers.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy work environments and preventing workplace violence.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in promoting early detection and management of hypertension.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy among patients with HIV.
• The role of nurses in promoting evidence-based practice and improving patient outcomes.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in promoting smoking cessation among pregnant women.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving sleep quality among patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient safety and preventing medical errors.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in improving symptom management among patients with advanced cancer.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers.

Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Research Topic Ideas

• The effect of nurse-led education on medication adherence in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The use of telehealth to improve patient outcomes in rural communities.
• The impact of music therapy on pain management in postoperative patients.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in reducing burnout in nursing staff.
• The effect of exercise on the prevention of falls in elderly patients.
• The use of simulation-based training in improving clinical competency in nursing students.
• The effect of nurse-led discharge planning on readmission rates.
• The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in patients with dementia.
• The impact of bedside reporting on patient safety and satisfaction.
• The effect of aromatherapy on anxiety in hospitalized patients.
• The use of standardized protocols to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
• The effectiveness of peer support in improving diabetes self-management.
• The impact of patient-centered care on outcomes for patients with chronic illnesses.
• The effect of nursing interventions on the prevention of pressure ulcers.
• The use of telemonitoring to improve outcomes in heart failure patients.
• The effect of early mobility programs on outcomes in critically ill patients.
• The effectiveness of team-based care in improving outcomes for patients with complex medical conditions.
• The use of acupressure to manage postoperative nausea and vomiting.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections.
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on pain management in cancer patients.
• The use of telepsychiatry in improving access to mental health care in rural communities.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led smoking cessation interventions.
• The impact of a family-centered care approach on outcomes for critically ill pediatric patients.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence in patients with hypertension.
• The use of music therapy to improve sleep in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of patient education in reducing hospital readmissions.
• The impact of nursing interventions on the prevention of falls in hospitalized patients.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
• The use of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce stress in nursing students.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing healthcare-associated infections.
• The impact of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management on outcomes for patients with chronic pain.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• The use of telehealth to provide palliative care to patients with advanced illnesses.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing the incidence of pressure injuries in long-term care facilities.
• The impact of a nurse-led transitional care program on outcomes for patients with heart failure.
• The effect of a nurse-led sepsis protocol on early recognition and treatment.
• The use of animal-assisted therapy in the management of anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of a nurse-led motivational interviewing intervention in improving self-care behaviors in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The impact of a nurse-led hand hygiene program on healthcare-associated infections.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on the prevention of surgical site infections.
• The use of telehealth to provide mental health services to underserved populations.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving pain management in elderly patients with dementia.
• The impact of a nurse-led transitional care program on outcomes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on the prevention of urinary tract infections in long-term care facilities.

Nursing Research Topic Ideas Medical Surgical Nursing

• The Effectiveness of Pre-operative Education on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Manual Turning vs. Mechanical Turning on Pressure Injury Prevention in Hospitalized Patients.
• The Impact of Postoperative Pain Management on the Length of Hospital Stay for Surgical Patients.
• The Role of Nursing Interventions in Reducing the Incidence of Falls in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Effect of Nursing Shortage on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Nurse-Patient Communication and its Impact on Patient Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Efficacy of Non-pharmacological Interventions in Reducing Anxiety and Stress among Medical-Surgical Patients.
• A Comparison of Standardized Nursing Care Plans vs. Individualized Nursing Care Plans in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Medication Adherence among Medical-Surgical Patients.
• The Effect of Family-Centered Care on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Wound Care Management in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Impact of Nursing Rounds on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparison of Two Nursing Care Models in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Pain Management Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Effectiveness of Discharge Planning on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Traditional vs. High-Fidelity Simulation Training on Nursing Competence in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Multidisciplinary Rounds on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Hand Hygiene Practices among Medical-Surgical Nurses.
• The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Nurses’ Well-being and Job Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Bedside Shift Reporting vs. Traditional Shift Reporting on Patient Safety in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Nursing Education on Pressure Injury Prevention in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Study of Nurse Leadership Styles and their Effect on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Effect of Teamwork on Patient Safety in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Electronic Health Records vs. Paper-Based Records on Nursing Documentation in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Nursing Knowledge on Medication Safety in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Study of Palliative Care Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Effect of Exercise Interventions on the Rehabilitation of Medical-Surgical Patients.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of RN-BSN Programs vs. ADN Programs on Nursing Competence in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Cultural Competence on Patient Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Advanced Practice Nursing in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Effectiveness of Clinical Decision Support Systems on Medication Safety in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Direct vs. Indirect Care on Nursing Workload in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Staff Education on Sepsis Management in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Study of Patient Education Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Effect of Nursing Care Models on Patient Safety in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Nurse-led vs. Physician-led Rounds on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Patient Experience on Nurse Job Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Medication Errors in Medical-Surgical Nursing.

Nursing Research Topics About Community

• The effectiveness of community health worker programs in improving health outcomes among underserved populations
• The role of nurses in promoting community-based health initiatives and prevention programs
• The impact of neighborhood characteristics on health outcomes and health behaviors
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing health disparities in rural communities
• Examining the effects of community-based palliative care programs on end-of-life care
• Investigating the factors influencing healthcare access and utilization among homeless populations
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on vaccination rates in low-income communities
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse-led telehealth programs in rural and remote communities
• Examining the role of community-based nursing in disaster preparedness and response
• The effects of social determinants of health on maternal and child health outcomes in disadvantaged communities
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on substance abuse and addiction in community settings
• The effectiveness of community-based health promotion programs in reducing obesity rates
• The impact of cultural competency training on nursing practice in diverse communities
• Examining the effects of community-based nursing on healthcare costs and utilization
• Investigating the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving mental health outcomes in community settings
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related illnesses in community settings
• The effects of community-based interventions on reducing hospital readmissions for chronic conditions
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on access to healthcare for undocumented immigrants
• The effectiveness of school-based nurse-led interventions in promoting adolescent health
• Examining the effects of community-based nursing on reducing emergency department visits for non-emergent conditions
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing infant mortality rates in disadvantaged communities
• The role of nurses in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities in underserved communities
• The effects of community-based nursing on improving medication adherence and reducing medication errors
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving health literacy in disadvantaged communities
• Investigating the effectiveness of community-based nursing in reducing readmissions for heart failure patients
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related illnesses in long-term care settings
• Examining the effects of community-based nursing on reducing healthcare costs for chronic conditions
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing sexually transmitted infections in high-risk communities
• The effectiveness of community-based nursing in reducing hospital-acquired infections in long-term care facilities
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health and well-being in community settings
• The effects of community-based nursing on reducing healthcare utilization for chronic conditions
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for low-income populations
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving health outcomes among immigrant populations
• Examining the role of community-based nursing in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in high-risk populations
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on improving health outcomes for LGBTQ+ populations
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting breast cancer screening in disadvantaged communities
• The role of nurses in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities in migrant populations
• The effects of community-based nursing on improving end-of-life care for patients with advanced illness
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on improving health outcomes for individuals with disabilities in community settings
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing rates of cardiovascular disease in high-risk communities
• Examining the role of community-based nursing in promoting healthy eating behaviors and reducing food insecurity
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for chronic pain management in community settings

Nursing Research Topics for BSc Students

• The impact of nursing interventions on patient satisfaction in post-operative care.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in ICU.
• The role of the nurse in promoting patient safety in a pediatric setting.
• The effectiveness of simulation-based training in nursing education.
• The impact of electronic medical records on nursing practice.
• The experiences of nursing students during clinical placements.
• The role of the nurse in managing chronic illness in the elderly.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in palliative care.
• The effectiveness of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare teams.
• The impact of nursing leadership styles on job satisfaction and retention.
• The role of the nurse in promoting self-management in patients with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for nursing students.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient mortality in acute care settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in rural healthcare settings.
• The role of the nurse in promoting health literacy among patients.
• The effectiveness of nursing interventions for reducing hospital readmissions.
• The relationship between nurse burnout and patient safety.
• The experiences of family caregivers of patients with dementia.
• The role of the nurse in managing symptoms in patients with cancer.
• The impact of cultural competence on patient-centered care.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in psychiatric settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in home healthcare settings.
• The role of the nurse in promoting healthy lifestyle choices among patients.
• The effectiveness of nursing interventions for reducing healthcare-associated infections.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient satisfaction in emergency departments.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with substance abuse disorders.
• The role of the nurse in promoting medication adherence in patients with chronic conditions.
• The impact of technology on nursing practice and patient outcomes.
• The relationship between nursing education and patient outcomes.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with developmental disabilities.
• The role of the nurse in promoting patient-centered care in long-term care settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care for patients with chronic conditions.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in hospice care.
• The role of the nurse in promoting mental health and wellness in patients.
• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in maternal and child health.
• The relationship between nurse burnout and patient outcomes in critical care settings.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with eating disorders.
• The role of the nurse in promoting patient safety in surgical settings.
• The effectiveness of nursing interventions for reducing pain in patients with chronic conditions.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in primary care settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in disaster response settings.
• The role of the nurse in promoting cultural humility in healthcare.
• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in infectious disease management.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes in neonatal care.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with traumatic brain injuries.
• The role of the nurse in promoting end-of-life care and advance care planning.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for managing depression in patients with chronic conditions.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in geriatric care.
• The experiences of nurses working in correctional healthcare settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

200+ Funny Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

300+ American History Research Paper Topics

500+ Cyber Security Research Topics

500+ Environmental Research Topics

500+ Economics Research Topics

List of 350 Brilliant Nursing Research Topics to Investigate in 2024

Nursing education is challenging. Writing hundreds of tedious nursing research pieces is the most frustrating part. But we know how to help you! Discover 350 exciting nursing research topics and learn how to choose the best one.

• Primary Care Topics
• Public Health Topics
• Emergency Nursing Topics
• Midwifery Topics
• Neonatal Nursing Topics
• Pediatric Research Topics
• Nutrition Topics
• Mental Health Topics
• Healthcare Management Topics
• Medical Ethics Topics
• Nursing Leadership Topics
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research
• How to Choose a Nursing Topic

Process of Nursing Research

350 interesting nursing research topics.

Nursing research topics for college students can cover various areas of this field. Below you will find a list of 350 exciting ideas, which we have divided into different areas of activity. No matter what nursing research is in your sphere of interest. We’ve got you covered! You can also check research essay samples on the same topic for more inspiration.

Primary Care Research Topics

Primary care is the leading clinical service that sustains the health of an entire nation. The study of this topic is mandatory for the stable development of the healthcare system. Here are primary nursing research titles examples:

• What healthcare problems can be in primary care?
• The role of private health care providers in primary care.
• Peculiarities of vaccination in rural areas.
• Basic methods for assessing the quality of primary care .
• The role of modern technology in primary care .
• Basic techniques of evaluating the patient’s health .
• Private sector activities in primary care .
• The necessity to provide childcare services.
• Primary care and chronic pain problem .
• Vaccination programs : pros and cons.
• The role of social workers in primary care.
• Responsibility of the pharmacist for public health.
• Effective methods of asthma prevention.
• Advantages and disadvantages of home nursing care.
• How can primary care system help fight depression?
• Vaccination of the elderly: challenges and potential benefits.
• Principles of preventive medicine: primary care for the elderly.
• Migraine diagnosis and treatment methods.
• Innovative methods in cardiology .
• Major causes of anxiety disorders in adults.
• The problem of obesity treatment in primary care .
• Effective ways of taking anamnesis.
• Methods for diagnosing stroke in the elderly.
• Basic precautions for Parkinson’s disease .
• Basic requirements for intensive care .
• Connection of primary care and information technology training .
• Sleep disorders in women.
• Standard protocol for the treatment of headache in adults.
• Basic guidelines for primary care for disaster victims.
• The role of government agencies in primary care.

Based on previous papers, you can try to come up with your nursing research topics, for example, on infection control.

Research Topics in Public Health

The public health area has a strong connection with government issues. However, it is doctors who study the basis of all problems. So, let’s check out these special nursing research paper topics!

• The role of governmental organizations in the public health system .
• Effectiveness of government programs to prevent drug addiction .
• What role do parents play in promoting children’s health?
• Features of the school nurses’ work.
• The importance of proper nutrition and exercise .
• Telemedicine : advantages and disadvantages.
• The role of government in providing nursing education .
• The importance of long-term care facilities to the healthcare system .
• Discovering public health’s primary functions .
• Promoting healthy lifestyle in old age.
• Sedentary change programs for adolescents.
• Educational strategies for healthcare organizations in social media.
• Ways to educate young people about a positive body image .
• Formation of public behavior in the problem of cancer prevention.
• Occupational health and safety for workers in hazardous professions.
• Connection of modern technologies and public health system .
• Government AIDS awareness programs.
• State programs to increase awareness of heart disease .
• Government programs aimed at maintaining a healthy work environment .
• Health promotion methods.
• Companies against alcohol: examples from history.
• Public health policies: sugary drink tax .
• Raising awareness of the importance of vaccines .
• How is lung cancer related to air condition?
• Promotion of activity among children with disabilities .
• Disease eradication as a leading public health policy target .
• Government mental health awareness programs.
• Improving individual health as a way to counter epidemics .
• Ways of transmission of infectious diseases .
• Educating children about the importance of sports .

Public health is an excellent topic choice for a nursing dissertation. Try it!

Emergency Nursing Research Topics

New studies are essential for new practical approaches for nurses in emergencies. Try to discover new methods with these critical care nursing research topics!

• What role can stress play in emergency nursing?
• How to deal with anaphylactic shock?
• Effective methods of providing emergency care .
• Features of decision-making by a nurse in critical situations.
• Analysis of the effectiveness of emergency assistance in case of accidents.
• Analysis of the extreme degrees of pain in a patient.
• Diagnosing problems in ER.
• Emergency training methods.
• How to increase chances to save a drowning person?
• Models for reducing violence in emergency departments .
• The problem of rural residents’ access to ambulance services.
• Can family stay close to the patient during resuscitation?
• What effect do tasers have on the development of heart disease ?
• Diagnosing sepsis in emergencies.
• Effective methods of dealing with the effects of using pepper sprays.
• Screening for alcohol and drug addiction in adolescents.
• The role of ambulance crews in the fight against human trafficking .
• Identification and assistance to victims of violence.
• How to deal with unwanted patient behavior?
• Pediatric trauma and shock.
• Psychiatric screening in first aid cars.
• Ways to develop tolerance in first-aid workers.
• Effective ER worker behavior models.
• The role of private clinics in providing emergency services.
• The role of nurses in the ambulance crew.
• Common causes of death in ER patients.
• Correct gender policy towards ER staff.
• How to organize a working emergency care system?
• How to help relatives survive the death of a patient?
• Techniques for teaching nurses to diagnose and respond to life threats quickly.

These nursing research topics for critical care would be an excellent choice for your papers!

Midwifery Research Topics

Midwifery is one of the more challenging medical areas. We picked 30 of the best nursing research topics on pregnancy and prenatal care to help you improve your knowledge! Take a look:

• How can midwifery recognize domestic violence?
• Excess weight problems during pregnancy .
• How to analyze the effectiveness of childbirth ?
• Disease prevention during pregnancy.
• Effective methods of newborn resuscitation.
• Features of adolescent education in gynecology.
• Prenatal nursing care.
• Precautions for preterm labor.
• Rules of conduct for staff in the delivery room.
• Basic rules for saving mother and child.
• Preparing staff and the patient for a caesarean section.
• Preventing depression during pregnancy .
• Features and importance of family planning .
• Childbirth in water: advantages and disadvantages.
• Features of caring for pregnant women with breast cancer .
• The influence of the autonomic nervous system on the course of pregnancy.
• Methods for predicting preeclampsia.
• Diseases of the cervix associated with human papillomavirus .
• Frequency and possible complications of pregnancy and cervical disease.
• Treatment tactics of pregnancy complications in women with disorders of the upper urinary tract.
• Identifying asymptomatic pregnancy complications.
• The use of modern technologies in the treatment of fetal diseases.
• Features of the reproductive system after termination of pregnancy.
• Reasons for using iodine supplementation during pregnancy.
• Prevention of complications after operations on the pelvic organs .
• Impact of epilepsy on reproductive health .
• Features of reproductive behavior in students and ways to correct it.
• The effect of oral contraceptives on the contents of immune complexes in the blood.
• Operative delivery and influence on the child.
• Psychological assistance to patients with infertility .

Remember some of these nursing research topics on midwifery. Profs love them!

Neonatal Nursing Research Topics

Neonatal studies are one of the most innovative medical spheres. Check out this brilliant list of research topics for nursing students in the neonatal area. They will help you better understand the neonatal care importance.

• The importance of hand hygiene in neonatal units .
• Features of neonatal practice in rural areas.
• The leading causes of child mortality .
• How neonatal care has evolved in recent decades.
• Hygiene of newborns and skincare for babies.
• Postpartum infant care basics.
• Principles of breastfeeding infants.
• Predicting feeding problems and treatments.
• The leading causes of seizures in newborns and methods of treatment.
• Eating disorder in infants.
• Methods for predicting diseases in newborn children.
• Effective medical practices for babies.
• Nursing ethics for newborn care.
• Features of modern neonatal practices.
• Features of the development of the pulmonary tract of newborns.
• Studies of the lungs of a newborn: functions and structural features.
• Influence of inflammatory processes on the infant’s brain.
• The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury in infants.
• The importance of neonatal health services.
• Basic strategies for modeling neonatal education.
• Monitoring the quality of neonatal services.
• Influence of neonatal care on the further treatment of a newborn.
• Impact of maternal obesity on infant development.
• Causes of abnormal neurological development in children.
• Use of hormones to regulate fetal lung development.
• Diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in infants.
• Potential lung disease in premature babies.
• Using nitric oxide to treat premature babies.
• Parental drug use and effects on fetal neurological development.
• Use of biomarkers for neonatal sepsis.

A nursing dissertation on neonatal issues is always a wise choice!

Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

Studies in pediatrics are aimed to help students discover children’s health issues to solve. Innovative approaches are mandatory to fight modern challenges. Check out these research topics for nursing students; they’ll help you become more informed:

• The importance of self-care nursing in pediatrics.
• Features of the treatment of children with autism .
• Childhood obesity problem.
• Features of vaccination of minors.
• Therapy for speech disorders .
• Causes of diabetes in young people.
• Music therapy and phlebotomy.
• Suboptimal diabetes: causes and methods of intervention.
• Causes of increased fatigue in adolescents.
• HIV prevention in adolescence.

• Preventing unwanted teenage pregnancies .
• Features of the use of painkillers in children.
• Methods for analyzing adolescent behavior.
• Features of the work of the pediatric department in schools.
• The importance of health promotion in pediatrics .
• Ways to connect with your child.
• Pediatric care basics.
• How can a healthcare professional deal with adolescent aggression ?
• Reducing the risk in children receiving oxygen therapy .
• The role of molecular markers in the diagnosis of childhood leukemia .
• Psychological help for children with cancer .
• Assessment of language models in children with autism .
• The use of stem cells in the treatment of childhood diseases.
• How do environmental problems affect the development of a child’s body?
• Implications of passive smoker syndrome for children.
• Possible complications of measles in children .
• Methods for diagnosing asthma in children .
• Common causes of Tourette’s syndrome in children.
• How does anorexia affect cognitive function in children?
• Diagnosis of ear infections in childhood.

We guess this ultimate list of research topics in pediatric nursing will be helpful for you!

Nutrition Research Topics for College Students

The eating habits of modern people can be harmful to the body. Therefore, doctors are seriously studying the current problems in this area. Here you can find tons of excellent nursing research topics on nutrition and its possible issues.

• What are referral reasons for the dietary assessment?
• Nutrition assistance for the elderly.
• Effects of stress on childhood metabolism .
• Prevention of obesity in adolescents.
• Linking diet to behavioral changes.
• How social media influences teen food choices .
• Patient nutrition problem in healthcare policy .
• Predicting and assessing diabetes .
• The problem of dietary intervention in the elderly.
• Promoting healthy eating as a way to fight obesity.
• Nursing promotion of healthy homemade food.
• Effects of good nutrition on fetal development .
• How does nutrition affect a child’s development ?
• Root causes of weight gain : a clinical study.
• Common diseases caused by poor nutrition .
• Nutrition screening for the elderly.
• The nutritional problem of children with autism .
• The importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy .
• Baby food: preventing eating disorders.
• Diet as a cause of dementia development in adults.
• Osteoporosis : the role of diet in disease prevention.
• The role of diet in healthy aging.
• What is the relationship between cancer and diet ?
• Nursing role in the safety of nutrition.
• The main benefits of a healthy diet : advice to patients.
• The role of parents in maintaining healthy eating habits in children.
• The relationship between healthy eating and cognitive development .
• Modern trends in youth nutrition.
• The nurse’s role in maintaining quality nutrition for pregnant women .
• Innovative nursing nutritional care.

Now let’s move to the next section – research topics in mental health!

Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

Mental health problems are more relevant now than ever. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness , nearly 20% of the US adult population suffers from mental health problems. That’s why psychiatry research topics capture the interest of college students.

• The importance of nursing in mental health safety .
• Features of mental disorder in alcohol dependence .
• How does police work affect mental health?
• The connection between video games and the development of teenage aggression.
• How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

• Main theories in mental health studies .
• Features of bipolar mental disorder .
• Causes and prevention of drug addiction .
• Mental health problems of athletes after physical injuries .
• Conditions for the use of psychotherapy .
• Reasons and methods for tackling health imbalances.
• The influence of phone usage on mental health .
• Brain stimulation techniques.
• Diversity of sexual orientation psychology features.
• Methods for dealing with physical violence.
• The effectiveness of traditional methods of treating mental illness .
• Features of mental support for the patient’s relatives.
• The role of nurses in the management of geriatric patients with mental disorders.
• Combating burnout in the practice of healthcare professionals.
• The problem of war veterans’ mental health .
• The phenomenon of occupational deformation as a type of mental disorder.
• Chest pain as a symptom of mental health problems in adults.
• The relationship between increased risk of cancer and depression.
• Basic treatments for dementia .
• Nursing refugee mental health help .
• The practice of mirror therapy in rehabilitation.
• Methods to help victims of violence.
• Helping patients after a stroke .
• The use of antipsychotics : benefits and harms.
• How belly massage helps fight residual stomach volume.

We believe you’re going to find one of the best psychiatric nursing research topics!

Healthcare Management Research Topics

The effective functioning of the health care system is impossible without competent leadership. Therefore, nursing research study topics on healthcare management are as important as the others!

• The importance of financial management for the healthcare industry .
• Assessment of the economic component of primary health care .
• How does bias affect healthcare funding?
• How to properly organize health care at home?
• The Importance of a Unified Nursing Code.
• How risk management affects healthcare projects?
• Gender policy in health management .
• Features of the initial stages of private medical practice.
• The importance of the apology law.
• Features of selling medical marijuana .
• Features of healthcare contracts.
• The problem of human resources in the healthcare industry .
• The problem of the shortage of men in healthcare.
• Medicare : how to get benefits.
• How to improve the minimum level of nursing training ?
• Modern trends in the healthcare management area .
• Staff uniform rules.
• Legal risks of medical personnel .
• Gender bias in nursing.
• Features of the organization of the first aid service in private sector.
• Risk management in healthcare.
• The connection of healthcare and conflict management .
• Ways to solve staffing problems in healthcare.
• Ensuring the personnel safety from infectious diseases .
• Strategies to improve the emotional health of employees.
• What is the danger of not having enough nursing staff for patients?
• Personnel policy in public medical institutions.
• International nursing training.
• Basic principles of management in healthcare facilities.
• Possible ways to get a nursing promotion.

These nursing research titles on healthcare management will impress your professors!

Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics

Controversial issues in the field of medical ethics are felt more and more acutely every year. That is why they need to be solved, and research topics related to nursing ethics present a good opportunity for highlighting them:

• The role of ethical values in the nursing decision-making process .
• Particular ethics of data collection in primary care.
• The ethical dilemma of abortion.
• Moral choice in opioid addiction .
• Features of ethics in helping the homeless .
• Ethics of care for patients with mental disorders .
• Phantom pain phenomenon.
• Features of cultural perception in the work of nurses.
• How can religious beliefs affect medical ethics?
• The role of relatives in the treatment of geriatric patients .
• Ethics of the need to increase sales in medicine.
• The problem of sexualizing the image of a nurse.
• The importance of solving moral dilemmas in nursing .
• Assisting female patients by male nurses .
• What are the main medical ethics principles?
• Ethics of care for geriatric patients.
• The problem of compulsory vaccination : solutions.
• The dilemma of artificial feeding of patients.
• Ethics of nursing in preventive medicine.
• The importance of a hospital work ethic.
• The U.S. standard of ethics for nursing .
• The dilemma of medical ethics .
• The difference in medical ethics in Asian countries and European countries.
• How can medical ethics conflict with religious beliefs?
• Assisting suicide as a dilemma in medical ethics.
• The ethical problem of marijuana usage for medical purposes .
• The impact of cultural patterns on medical ethics .
• Child maltreatment : a medical ethics dilemma.
• Implementation of international medical ethics standards for healthcare development.
• Methods for monitoring compliance with medical ethics.

Nursing ethics research questions have a tendency to be the most interesting ones!

Nursing Leadership Paper Topics

The principle of developing leadership among nurses is vital for improving the performance of any clinic. This list consists of 30 nursing research topics about leadership in healthcare field:

• What role does leadership play in nursing?
• Which skills are necessary for effective nursing leadership performance?
• The nurse’s role in providing quality health care .
• Why is it important for nurses to attend medical conferences?
• Features of the classification of nurses.
• What is a retention strategy for experienced nurses?
• How does nursing leadership development affect patient outcomes?
• The problem of obtaining a diploma for a nurse.
• Nursing leadership : key challenges and opportunities.
• Ethical issues in nursing leadership .
• Protecting staff interests in nursing management .
• Analyzing college students’ nursing leadership experience .
• Effective nursing leadership styles .
• Ways to develop nursing leadership in private healthcare facilities.
• Nursing manual: Betty Newman theory.
• The importance of intuitiveness in the workplace.
• The importance of conflict resolution in the nursing leadership sphere .
• Patient advocacy opportunities for the lead nurse.
• Nursing manual: theory of intellectual capital.
• Effective models of professional practice in nursing.
• Professional opportunities for nursing graduates in nursing leadership .
• What are modern approaches in nursing leadership?
• Transformational leadership model for nursing.
• Fundamental theories for effective nursing leadership .
• Methods for applying leadership theories to nursing .
• What is the need for effective nursing leadership ?
• Methods for monitoring the effectiveness of nursing leadership .
• Principles of delegation of authority in nursing leadership practice.
• The importance of nursing leadership in strategic hospital planning.
• Nursing leadership as a method to retain experienced staff.

Evidence-based nursing topics on leadership can become a great start to your career!

Easy Topics for Nursing Qualitative and Quantitative Research

The division into qualitative and quantitative research can be confusing. But don’t worry, we’ll help you figure it out! Each type of nursing research topic and other materials may depend on dry numbers or subjective opinions. Keep reading for more detailed information and examples of quantitative and qualitative research topics in nursing!

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Nursing Research

Empirical research methods can be divided into two broad categories: quantitative and qualitative. As their name suggests, each view relies on specific types of data. Therefore, your nursing paper topics can also reveal either qualitative or quantitative aspects of the problem. Let’s take a quick look at the main differences between these two methods.

The quantitative method relies entirely on numbers and statistics. Your task is to find patterns and come to a conclusion by analyzing a large amount of data. This type of nursing research is as structured and objective as possible. These are the quantitative method characteristics:

• Sources of information are polls, reviews, records, documents.
• The deductive methodology involved.
• As objective as possible.
• The main content is numbers and data.
• Validity depends on the selected analysis tools.

The qualitative method , on the contrary, is a reflection of the author’s thoughts and conclusions. It depends entirely on the depth of understanding of the problem and the existing materials on the nursing thesis topics. The task of the researcher is to analyze previous works and create their theory through reflection. Check the qualitative method characteristics:

• Sources of information: focus groups, document reviews, interviews.
• The inductive process is involved.
• The subjective opinion of the author is allowed.
• The main content is text and reflections.
• Validity depends on the skill of the author.

You can check lists of topics for nursing research ideas in these spheres below!

Qualitative Nursing Research Topics

Qualitative analysis is a complex but critical aspect of medical practice. Nursing qualitative research topics are designed for students to develop skills of analyzing challenging issues and make proper conclusions:

• The role of technology in improving the quality of nursing care .
• Empowering nurses to prescribe: advantages and disadvantages.
• The problem of equality between doctors and nurses .
• Nursing stereotypes.
• Issues of accreditation of medical schools.
• The problem of systemic racism in the healthcare system.
• How nursing has changed in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• The importance of nursing staff in primary care .
• Priority of cancer in adults.
• Advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research in nursing .

These qualitative nursing research topics can help you improve your analytical skills significantly!

Quantitative Nursing Research Topics

Quantitative type of scientific work is all about statistics, percentages, and numbers. Prepare yourself to analyze tons of information with these nursing quantitative research topics:

• Evaluation of the effectiveness of primary patient care.
• The leading causes of heart disease .
• Analysis of the efficacy of telemedicine .
• The problem of an overabundance of information noise in the modern world.
• Evaluation of methods of assistance in suicide attempts.
• Statistical analysis of the benefits of diets .
• Causes of mental illness in women.
• Using unconventional methods to treat diabetes .
• Benefits of probiotics for treating diarrhea .
• Methods for assessing pain in critically ill patients.

For a successful paper, it’s importnt to pick a good research topics for nursing students based on quantitative evidence.

How to choose a Nursing Research Topic?

Choosing a quality nursing research topic idea can be a daunting task. This is mainly because the variety of possible options is simply too large. But don’t worry, here are some simple tips to help you choose the theme that’s right for you!

📜 Remove large-scale topics . You should not waste your energy on massive topics. Instead, choose narrow evidence-based ideas that allow you to focus on one issue. 📜 Use personal experience . One cannot be informed in all aspects of medicine. So when you write about a topic you have no experience with, you risk getting bogged down in hours of tedious research. Try to remember what problems you faced yourself. This way, you will already have a basic knowledge of the topic. 📜 Review literature . A large amount of ready-made research a topic will be an excellent help in writing about it. Try to do a systematic nursing topics review to find more examples. This does not mean that you should copy the work of another medic. On the contrary, it will be a good opportunity for you to highlight additional information. Therefore, before choosing from easy nursing research topics, look at how much information is already in the public domain.

What is the process of nursing research? Oh, that’s a tricky question. Let’s look at the main stages you need to go through!

✨ Define the research problem . To solve a problem, you first need to find it. That is why the first thing you should do is choose a nursing research question. If you have any experience with the topic, that will be a big plus! ✨ Develop hypothesis . Now, you need to think and create your theory. It can be of any form. The main thing is to make a connection between the data pieces and find a pattern. Of course, the hypothesis must be consistent with the current nursing research topics. ✨ Literature review . Before you start writing, it’s important to tighten your knowledge of the central thesis of the topic you’ve selected. Try reading other people’s research, finding the statistics you want, and just surfing the internet. ✨ Prepare an outline . It is essential to formulate a plan for your work before you start working on it. The more detailed you describe each paragraph of your article, the less time you will need to write it. Quality work begins with a quality plan! ✨ Conduct research . Now you start the longest and most important part of the whole nursing project. You should delve deeper into the problem and find the information you need. Everything that you write should help you prove your hypothesis in one way or another. ✨ Make a conclusion and develop further recommendations . After you have processed all the material, it is time to write a conclusion. Here, you must indicate whether you have succeeded in proving the hypothesis and recommend the application for your scientific work.

Congratulations, you did it! Writing a good paper is not that difficult. It all depends on a well-chosen research topic in the nursing field; luckily, you have a list of 350 topics to look through in this article! You can find more nursing research ideas on our website!

❓ What Is Translational Research in Nursing?

Translational research is a kind of scientific work, and its task is to transform theory into new practical approaches. In other words, discoveries made in laboratories become the basis for creating a new actionable framework in nursing.

❓ What Is an Example of a Clinical Question?

The clinical question is an integral part of your scientific work. It can relate to categories such as the cause of the problem, the manifestation of the disease in the patient, possible solutions, and potential results. A well-formulated clinical question helps you write a quality article.

❓ How to Determine Level of Evidence in Nursing Research?

Several criteria determine the level of evidence in nursing research. These include quality of design, validity, and applicability of results to patient care. Therefore, you should constantly monitor the reliability of your sources and the correctness of your conclusions.

❓ What Are Some Controversial Issues in Nursing?

In modern nursing, there are some controversial issues, mainly of an ethical nature. Such problems include the issue of vaccination of people who are against it, artificial nutrition, opioid addiction, and others. There is a lively discussion about how to act correctly in some instances and what factors the decision may depend on.

📎 References:

• Evidence-Based Practice: PICO. Duke University .
• Asking the clinical question. Penn State University
• Evidence-Based Practice Toolkit. Darrell W. Krueger Library
• Top 5 Ethical Issues in Nursing. American Mobile
• Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods.
• Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research – What Is the difference? Imotions
• The Seven Steps of the Research Process. Teacherph
• Research Paper Writing Guide. Grammarly
• Choosing a research topic. Florida Gulf Coast University
• Nursing Process. NCBI
• Sample Research Topics. CFAES
• Selecting a Research Topic: Overview. MIT Libraries
• Three Important Nursing Subjects Students Should Know. Distant learning systems
• Evidence-Based Practice Tutorial: Asking Clinical Questions. University of Maryland
• Top 5 Ethical Issues in Nursing. Avant Healthcare
• Ethical Issues in Nursing: Explanations & Solutions. Duquesne University
• Clinical & Translational Research. UNC
• Writing a Thesis for Nursing School | Nursejournal.org
• A practical approach to the process of writing a dissertation. Nursing Times
• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter X
• Share to LinkedIn

You might also like

Memorable human trafficking essay: topics & outline [2024], credible sources 101: how to evaluate them + 60 reliable websites for students, 265 powerful research proposal topics to consider [+ writing tips].

The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity (2021)

Chapter: 11 the future of nursing: recommendations and research priorities, 11 the future of nursing: recommendations and research priorities.

The next 10 years will test the nation’s nearly 4 million nurses in new and complex ways. Nurses live and work at the intersection of health, education, and communities. In the decade since the prior The Future of Nursing report was published ( IOM, 2011 ), the world has come to understand the critical importance of health to all aspects of life, particularly the relationship among social determinants of health (SDOH), health equity, and health outcomes. Consistent with this broader understanding, the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) (2020) advanced an important set of recommendations that the committee endorses. The NACNEP report Integration of Social Determinants of Health in Nursing Education, Practice, and Research conveys the importance of investing in SDOH and research to strengthen the nursing workforce and help nurses provide more effective care, as well as design, implement, and assess new care models.

In a year that was designated to honor and uplift nursing (the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020 1 ), nurses have been placed in unimaginable circumstances by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decade ahead will demand a stronger, more diversified workforce that is prepared to provide care; promote health and well-being among nurses, individuals, and communities; and address the systemic inequities that have fueled wide and persistent health disparities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed in the starkest terms that illness and access to quality health care are unequally distributed across groups and commu-

___________________

1 See https://www.who.int/campaigns/annual-theme/year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020 (accessed April 12, 2021).

nities, and has spotlighted the reality that much of what affects health happens outside of medical care. The pandemic and continued calls for racial justice have illuminated the extent to which structural racism—from decades of neglect and disinvestment in neighborhoods, schools, communities, and health care to discrimination and bias—has placed communities of color at much higher risk for poor health and well-being.

The committee’s recommendations call for change at both the individual and system levels, constituting a call for action to the nation’s largest health care workforce, including nurses in all settings and at all levels, to listen, engage, deeply examine practices, collect evidence, and act to move the country toward greater health equity for all. The committee’s recommendations also are targeted to the actions required of policy makers, educators, health care system leaders, and payers to enable these crucial changes, supported by the research agenda with which this chapter concludes. With implementation of this report’s recommendations, the committee envisions 10 outcomes that position the nursing profession to contribute meaningfully to achieving health equity (see Box 11-1 ).

In this chapter, the committee provides its recommendations for charting a 10-year path forward to enable and support today’s and the next generation of nurses to create fair and just opportunities for health and well-being for

everyone. These recommendations are aimed at all nurses, including those working in hospitals, schools, and health departments; policy makers; educators; health care system leaders; and payers. The chapter concludes with a research agenda to fill current and critical gaps that would support this future-oriented path.

CREATING A SHARED AGENDA

In order for nurses to engage fully in efforts to achieve health equity, it will be necessary for nursing organizations to work together to identify priorities for education, practice, and policy, and to develop mechanisms for leveraging existing nursing expertise and resources. Creating a shared agenda will focus efforts and ensure that all nurses—no matter where they are educated or where they practice—are prepared, supported, and empowered to address SDOH and eliminate inequities in health and health care.

Recommendation 1: In 2021, all national nursing organizations should initiate work to develop a shared agenda for addressing social determinants of health and achieving health equity. This agenda should include explicit priorities across nursing practice, education, leadership, and health policy

engagement. The Tri-Council for Nursing 2 and the Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, 3 with their associated member organizations, should work collaboratively and leverage their respective expertise in leading this agenda-setting process. Relevant expertise should be identified and shared across national nursing organizations, including the Federal Nursing Service Council 4 and the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations. With support from the government, payers, health and health care organizations, and foundations, the implementation of this agenda should include associated timelines and metrics for measuring impact.

Specific actions should include the following:

• Assess diversity, equity, and inclusion, and eliminate policies, regulations, and systems that perpetuate structural racism, cultural racism, and discrimination with respect to identity (e.g., sexual orientation, gender), place (e.g., rural, inner city), and circumstances (e.g., disabilities, depression).
• Develop mechanisms for leveraging the expertise of public health nursing (e.g., in population health, SDOH, community-level assessment) as a resource for the broader nursing community, health plans, and health systems, as well as public policy makers.
• Develop mechanisms for leveraging the expertise of relevant nursing organizations in care coordination and care management. Care coordination and care management principles, approaches, and evidence should be used to create new cross-sector models for meeting social needs and addressing SDOH.
• Develop mechanisms for prioritizing and sharing continuing education and skill-training resources focused on nurses’ health, well-being, resilience, and self-care to ensure a healthy nursing workforce.

2 The Tri-Council for Nursing includes the following organizations as members: the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing.

3 The Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations includes the following organizations as members: the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, the American Nurses Association, the American Public Health Association—Public Health Nursing Section, the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, the Association of Public Health Nurses, and the Rural Nurse Organization.

4 The Federal Nursing Service Council is a united federal nursing leadership team representing the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, National Guard and Reserves, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Graduate School of Nursing.

• These resources should be used by nurses and others in leadership positions.
• Develop and use communication strategies, including social media, to amplify for the public, policy makers, and the media nursing research and expertise on health equity–related issues.
• Increase the number and diversity of nurses, especially those with expertise in health equity, population health, and SDOH, on boards and in other leadership positions within and outside of health care (e.g., community boards, housing authorities, school boards, technology-related positions).
• Establish a joint annual award or series of awards recognizing the measurable and scalable contributions of nurses and their partners to achieving health equity through policy, education, research, and practice. Priority should be given to interprofessional and multisector collaboration.

SUPPORTING NURSES TO ADVANCE HEALTH EQUITY

Promoting health and well-being for all should be a national priority, and a collective and sustained commitment is needed to achieve this priority. To chart this path, nurses should be fully supported with robust education, resources, and autonomy. Key stakeholders should commit to investing fully in strengthening and diversifying the nursing workforce so that it is sufficiently prepared to promote health and appropriately reflects the people and communities it serves. Nursing schools, health care institutions, and public health and community health organizations can do significantly more to empower nurses to raise their voices and use their considerable expertise to improve people’s lives, health, and well-being.

Recommendation 2: By 2023, state and federal government agencies, health care and public health organizations, payers, and foundations should initiate substantive actions to enable the nursing workforce to address social determinants of health and health equity more comprehensively, regardless of practice setting.

This can be accomplished through the following actions:

• Rapidly increase both the number of nurses with expertise in health equity and the number of nurses in specialties with significant shortages, including public and community health, behavioral health, primary care, long-term care, geriatrics, school health, and maternal health. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance
• Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state governments should support this effort through workforce planning and funding.
• Provide major investments for nursing education and traineeships in public health, including through state-level workforce programs; foundations; and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS’s) HRSA (including nursing workforce programs and Maternal and Child Health Bureau programs), CDC (including the National Center for Environmental Health), and the Office of Minority Health.
• State governments, foundations, employers, and HRSA should direct funds to nurses and nursing schools to sustain and increase the gender, geographic, and racial diversity of the licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) workforce.
• HRSA and the Indian Health Service (IHS) should make substantial investments in nurse loan and scholarship programs to address nurse shortages, including in public health, in health professional shortage areas for HRSA, and in IHS designated sites; and invest in technical assistance that focuses on nurse retention.
• In all relevant Title 8 programs, HRSA should prioritize longitudinal community-based learning opportunities that address social needs, population health, SDOH, and health equity. These experiences should be established through academic–community-based partnerships.
• Foundations, state government workforce programs, and the federal government should support the academic progression of socioeconomically disadvantaged students by encouraging partnerships among baccalaureate and higher-degree nursing programs and community colleges; tribal colleges; historically Black colleges and universities; Hispanic-serving colleges and universities; and nursing programs that serve a high percentage of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students.
• Report on and propose actions to fill critical gaps in the current nursing workforce and prepare the future workforce to address health equity.
• Use findings, including those from workforce centers, on the ° diversity, capacity, supply, and distribution of nurses; associated competencies; and organizational support for the nursing workforce in addressing social needs, SDOH, and health equity. Recommend actions to ensure nurses’ continued engagement in these areas.
• Further develop recommendations for nursing education and prac- ° tice with respect to addressing social needs, SDOH, and health equity, and assess the implications of these changes for nurse credentialing and regulatory actions.
• Identify and address gaps in evidence-based nursing and interpro- ° fessional and multisectoral approaches for addressing social needs, SDOH, and health equity.
• Provide information to the secretary of HHS regarding activities of ° federal agencies that relate to the nursing workforce and its impact on health equity.
• Public health and health care systems should quantify nursing expenditures related to health equity and SDOH. This includes providing support for nurses in activities that explicitly target social needs, SDOH, and health equity through health care organization policies, governance and related advisory structures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Representatives of social sectors, consumer organizations, and government entities should include nursing expertise when health-related multisector policy reform is being advanced.
• State and federal governments should provide sustainable funding to prepare sufficient numbers of baccalaureate, APRN, and PhD-level nurses to address SDOH, advance health equity, and increase access to primary care.
• Employers should support nurses at all levels in all settings with the financial, technical, educational, and staffing resources to help them play a leading role in achieving health equity.

PROMOTING NURSES’ HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

During the course of their work, nurses encounter physical, mental, emotional, and ethical challenges, and burnout is an increasingly prevalent problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues. In order for nurses to help others be healthy and well, they must be healthy and well themselves; a lack of nurse well-being has consequences for nurses, patients, employers, and communities. As nurses are asked to take a more prominent role in advancing health equity, it will become even more imperative that all stakeholders—including educators, employers, leaders, and nurses themselves—take steps to ensure nurse well-being.

Recommendation 3: By 2021, nursing education programs, employers, nursing leaders, licensing boards, and nursing organizations should initiate the implementation of structures, systems, and evidence-based interventions to promote nurses’ health and well-being, especially as they take on new roles to advance health equity.

This can be accomplished by taking the following steps:

• Integrate content on nurses’ health and well-being into their programs to raise nursing students’ awareness of the importance of these concerns and provide them with associated skill training and support that can be used as they transition to practice.
• Create mechanisms, including organizational policy and regulations, to protect students most at risk for behavioral health challenges, including those students who may be experiencing economic hardships or feel that they are unsafe; isolated; or targets of bias, discrimination, and injustice.
• Provide sufficient human and material resources (including personal protective equipment) to enable nurses to provide high-quality person-, family-, and community-centered care effectively and safely. This effort should include redesigning processes and increasing staff capacity to improve workflow, promote transdisciplinary collaboration, reduce modifiable burden, and distribute responsibilities to reflect nurses’ expertise and scope of practice.
• Establish a culture of physical and psychological safety and ethical practice in the workplace, including dismantling structural racism; addressing bullying and incivility; using evidence-informed approaches; investing in organizational infrastructure, such as resilience engineering; 5 and creating accountability for nurses’ health and well-being outcomes.
• Create mechanisms, including organizational policy and regulations, to protect nurses from retaliation when advocating on behalf of themselves and their patients and when reporting unsafe working conditions, biases, discrimination, and injustice.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion across the nursing workforce, and identify and eliminate policies and systems that perpetuate structural racism, cultural racism, and discrimination in the nursing profession, recognizing that nurses are accountable for

5 Resilience engineering is focused on “understanding the nature of adaptations, learning from success and increasing adaptive capacity” ( Anderson et al., 2016 , p. 1).

• building an antiracist culture, and employers are responsible for establishing an antiracist, inclusive work environment.
• Prioritize and invest in evidence-based mental, physical, behavioral, social, and moral health interventions, including reward programs meaningful to nurses in diverse roles and specialties, to promote nurses’ health, well-being, and resilience within work teams and organizations.
• Establish and standardize institutional processes that strengthen nurses’ contributions to improving the design and delivery of care and decision making, including the setting of institutional policies and benchmarks in health care organizations and in educational, public health, and other settings.
• Evaluate and strengthen policies, programs, and structures within employing organizations and licensing boards to reduce stigma associated with mental and behavioral health treatment for nurses.
• Collect systematic data at the employer, state (including state workforce centers and state nursing associations), and national levels to better understand the health and well-being of the nursing workforce. This enhanced understanding should be used to inform the development of evidence-based interventions for mitigating burnout; fatigue; turnover; and the development of physical, behavioral, and mental health problems.

CAPITALIZING ON NURSES’ POTENTIAL

Nurses often have untapped potential to help people live their healthiest lives because their education and experience are grounded in caring for the whole person and whole family in a community context. However, this potential is too often underutilized. Nurses, particularly RNs, need environments that facilitate their ability to fully leverage their skills and expertise across all practice settings—in hospitals, primary care settings, rural and underserved areas, homes, community organizations, long-term care facilities, and schools. To engage fully in advancing health equity, all nurses need the autonomy to practice to the full extent of their education and training, even as they work collaboratively with other health professionals. They are, however, frequently hindered in this regard by restrictive laws and institutional policies. Policy makers and health care systems need to lift permanently all barriers that stand in the way of nurses in their efforts to address the root causes of poor health, expand access to care, and create more equitable communities.

Recommendation 4: All organizations, including state and federal entities and employing organizations, should enable nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training by removing barriers that prevent them from more fully addressing social needs and social determinants of

health and improving health care access, quality, and value. These barriers include regulatory and public and private payment limitations; restrictive policies and practices; and other legal, professional, and commercial 6 impediments.

To this end, the following specific actions should be prioritized:

• By 2022, all changes to institutional policies and state and federal laws adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that expand scope of practice, telehealth eligibility, insurance coverage, and payment parity for services provided by APRNs and RNs should be made permanent.
• Federal authority (e.g., Veterans Health Administration regulations, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS]) should be used where available to supersede restrictive state laws, including those addressing scope of practice, telehealth, and insurance coverage and payment, that decrease access to care and burden nursing practice, and to encourage nationwide adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact. 7
• The Health Care Regulator Collaborative should work to advance interstate compacts and the adoption of model legislation to improve access, standardize care quality, and build interprofessional collaboration and interstate cooperation.

PAYING FOR NURSING CARE

Nurses are bridge builders, engaging and connecting with individuals, communities, public health and health care, and social services organizations to improve health for all. Without strong financial and institutional support, however, their reach and impact are limited. How care is paid for can determine one’s access to and the quality of care. Thus, it is important to improve and strengthen the design of public and private payment models so nurses are supported, encouraged, and incentivized to bridge health and social needs for people, families, and communities. Nurses also can play a key role in helping to design those models. Also important is for local, state, and federal governments to place more value

6 The term “commercial” refers to contractual agreements and customary practices that make antiquated or unjustifiable assumptions about nursing.

7 Under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), “nurses can practice in other NLC states without having to obtain additional licenses. The current NLC allows for RNs and LPNs/licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to have one multistate license in any one of the 35 member states” (see https://www.ncsbn.org/nlcmemberstates.pdf ). According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), “An APRN must hold an individual state license in each state of APRN practice” (see https://www.ncsbn.org/2018_eNLC_FAQs.pdf ). There is a movement, organized by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, to have an APRN Compact (see https://aprncompact.com/about.htm ) (all accessed April 12, 2021).

on the vital role of school and public health nurses in advancing health equity by adequately funding and deploying these nurses where they are needed to promote health in communities.

Recommendation 5: Federal, tribal, state, local, and private payers and public health agencies should establish sustainable and flexible payment mechanisms to support nurses in both health care and public health, including school nurses, in addressing social needs, social determinants of health, and health equity.

Specific payment reforms should include the following:

• ensuring that the Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) code set includes appropriate codes to describe and reimburse for such nurse-led services as case management, care coordination, and team-based care to address behavioral health, addiction, SDOH, and health equity, and that the relative value units attached to the CPT codes result in adequate and direct reimbursement for this work;
• reimbursing for school nursing; and
• enabling nurses to bill for telehealth services.
• using clinical performance measures stratified by such risk factors as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status;
• supporting nursing interventions through clinical performance measures that incentivize reductions in health disparities between more and less advantaged populations, improvements in measures for at-risk populations, and attainment of absolute target levels of high-quality performance for at-risk populations; and
• incorporating disparities-sensitive measures that support and incentivize nursing interventions that advance health equity (e.g., process measures such as care management and team-based care for chronic conditions; outcomes such as prevention of hospitalizations for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions).
• providing flexible funding (capitated payments, global budgets, shared savings, per member per month payments, accountable health communities models) for nursing and infrastructure that address SDOH; and
• incorporating value-based payment metrics that enable nurses to address SDOH and advance health equity.
• Create a National Nurse Identifier to facilitate recognition and measurement of the value of services provided by RNs.
• implementing state policies that allow school nurses to bill Medicaid and supporting schools, particularly rural schools, in meeting documentation requirements;
• reimbursing school nursing services that include collaboration with clinical and community health care providers;
• promoting new ways of financing public health to address SDOH in the community (e.g., having federal, state, and local leaders, along with public health departments and organizations, partner with payers, health systems, and accountable health communities, and blend or braid multiple funding sources);
• creating funding mechanisms and joint accountability metrics for the efforts of the health, public health, and social sectors to address SDOH and advance health equity that align incentives and behavior across the various stakeholders, including school health;
• leveraging nonprofit hospital community benefit requirements to create partnerships with and among school and public health nursing, primary care organizations, and other social sectors; and
• using pay scales for public health nurses that are competitive with those for nursing positions in other health care organizations and sectors, and that provide equal pay when the services provided (e.g., immunizations) are the same.

USING TECHNOLOGY TO INTEGRATE DATA ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH INTO NURSING PRACTICE

The advent and adoption of new technologies have dramatically changed nursing practice over the past several decades, and will continue to do so into the future. Given the rapid acceleration of technical advances, nurses practicing in the coming decade will need to be adept at and comfortable with using emerging technology and have the skills to support others in doing the same. Nurses are well positioned to design, adopt, and adapt new technologies in practice and leverage data on SDOH to identify and address the needs of populations, individualize care, and reduce health disparities. With care expanding beyond the walls of traditional health care settings, including hospitals and clinics, the deployment of such advanced technologies as artificial intelligence and telehealth can assist nurses in connecting to health care networks, reaching individuals in their homes and other settings, and promoting health and well-being within communities. As key stakeholders in the design, adoption, and evaluation of new care tools, nurses also need to understand how to use new technologies to reduce rather than exacerbate inequities.

Recommendation 6: All public and private health care systems should incorporate nursing expertise in designing, generating, analyzing, and applying

data to support initiatives focused on social determinants of health and health equity using diverse digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and other innovative technologies.

• With leadership from CMS and The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, accelerate interoperability projects that integrate data on SDOH from public health, social services organizations, and other community partners into electronic health records, and build a nationwide infrastructure to capture and share community-held knowledge, facilitate referrals for care (including by decreasing the “digital divide”), and facilitate coordination and connectivity among health care settings and the public and nonprofit sectors.
• Ensure that existing public/private health equity data collaboratives (e.g., the Gravity Project 8 ) encompass nursing-specific care processes that improve visualization of data on SDOH and associated decision making by nurses.
• Employ nurses with requisite expertise in informatics to improve individual and population health through large-scale integration of data on SDOH into nursing practice, as well as expertise in the use of telehealth and advanced digital technologies.
• To personalize care based on person- and family-centered preferences and individual needs, give nurses in clinical settings responsibility and associated resources to innovate and use technology, including in the use of data on SDOH as context for planning and evaluating care; in the design of personal and mobile health tools; in coordination of community and public health portals across care settings; in methods for effective communication using technology; in evaluation of datasets and artificial intelligence algorithms (e.g., for racial bias); and in partnerships with corporate settings outside of health care delivery (e.g., large technology organizations, private insurers) that are addressing health equity in the nonclinical setting.
• expanding the national strategy for a broadband/5G infrastructure to enable comprehensive community access to these services; and
• increasing the availability of the necessary hardware, including smartphones, computers, and webcams, for high-risk populations.

8 See https://sirenetwork.ucsf.edu/TheGravityProject (accessed April 12, 2021).

STRENGTHENING NURSING EDUCATION

Regardless of the setting in which they work or their level of education, nurses of the future will be expected to have a sophisticated understanding of social needs, SDOH, and health equity and to be capable of applying this knowledge in their practice. The World Health Organization has emphasized the importance of monitoring equitable service coverage across wealth and education gradients as part of achieving universal health coverage. Similarly, leading public health researchers have advocated for using markers of health equity to monitor health and health care as a first step in confronting inequities. Recognizing and meeting social needs could both lower health care spending and improve health outcomes.

Nursing schools need to prepare nurses to understand and identify the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health by embedding content on SDOH throughout their curricula. Schools need to ensure that nurses have substantive, enduring, relevant community-based experiences and that they value diverse perspectives and cultures in order to help all people and families thrive. Nurses should have this content updated and reinforced throughout their careers through continuing education.

Recommendation 7: Nursing education programs, including continuing education, and accreditors and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing should ensure that nurses are prepared to address social determinants of health and achieve health equity.

To implement this recommendation, deans, administrative faculty leaders, faculty, course directors, and staff of nursing education programs should take the following steps:

• Integrate social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity as core concepts and competencies throughout coursework and clinical and experiential learning. These core concepts and competencies should be commensurate and seamless with academic level and included in continuing education.
• By the 2022–2023 school year, initiate an assessment of individual student access to technology, and ensure that all students can engage in virtual learning, including such opportunities as multisector simulation. Access to nursing education for geographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged students should be ensured through the development and expansion of the use of remote and virtual instructional capabilities. For rural areas, emphasis should be on baccalaureate preparation given the lower proportion of nurses educated at this level.
• To promote equity, inclusivity, and diversity grounded in social justice, identify and eliminate policies, procedures, curricular content, and clin
• ical experiences that perpetuate structural racism, cultural racism, and discrimination among faculty, staff, and students.
• Increase academic progression for geographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged students through academic partnerships that include community and tribal colleges located in rural and urban underserved areas.
• Recruit diverse faculty with expertise in SDOH, population health (including environmental health), and health equity and associated policy expertise, and, through evidence-based and other training, develop the skills of current faculty with the objective of ensuring that students have access across the curriculum to expertise in these areas. Faculty should also have the technical competencies for online teaching.
• Ensure that students have learning opportunities with care coordination experiences that include working with health care teams to address individual and family social needs, as well as learning opportunities with multisector stakeholders that include a focus on health in all policies and SDOH. Learning experiences should include working with underserved populations in such settings as federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, and IHS designated sites.
• Incorporate in all nurse doctoral education content related to SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, health equity, and social justice. All graduates of doctoral programs should have competencies in the use of data on SDOH as context for planning, implementing, and evaluating care and for improving population health through the large-scale application of these data.
• Ensure that PhD nursing graduates are competent to design and implement research that addresses issues of social justice and equity in education and/or health and health care and informs relevant policies. Increase the capacity of these graduates to apply research and scale interventions to address and improve social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, health equity, the well-being of nurses, and disaster preparedness and to inform relevant policies.
• Prepare all nursing students to advocate for health equity through civic engagement, including engagement in health and health-related public policy and communication through traditional and nontraditional methods, including social media and multisector coalitions.

Accreditors should take the following actions:

• Incorporate standards and competencies for curriculum that reflect the application of knowledge and skills to improve social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity.
• Incorporate standards for increasing student and faculty diversity.
• Require nursing education programs to initiate curricular assessments in 2022–2023 and phase in curricular changes that integrate social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity throughout the curriculum and are assessed in subsequent midterm and accreditation reporting. These curricular changes and their impact should be subject to continuous accreditation review processes.
• Include standards for nurses’ well-being and ethical practice in accreditation guidelines, and include such content on nurse licensing and certification exams.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing and specialty certification organizations should take the following action:

• Incorporate test questions on meeting social needs through care coordination and on meeting population health needs, including addressing SDOH, through multisector coordination.

Continuing education providers should take the following action:

• Evaluate each offering for the inclusion of social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity and strategies for associated public- and private-sector policy engagement.

PREPARING NURSES TO RESPOND TO DISASTERS AND PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the vital role of nurses on the front lines of crises—whether in the hospital intensive care unit, a community testing site, or an emergency shelter—in keeping communities safe and healthy and helping people and families cope. They are reliable, trusted, experienced, and proven responders during both public health emergencies and natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires. But fundamental reforms and a stronger disaster preparedness infrastructure are needed to improve nursing education, practice, and policy so nurses are fully protected during such events and can better protect and care for recovering populations.

Recommendation 8: To enable nurses to address inequities within communities, federal agencies and other key stakeholders within and outside the nursing profession should strengthen and protect the nursing workforce during the response to such public health emergencies as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, including those related to climate change.

To this end, the following steps should be taken:

• CDC should fund a National Center for Disaster Nursing and Public Health Emergency Response, along with additional strategically placed regional centers, to serve as the “hub” for providing leadership in education, training, and career development that will ensure a national nursing workforce prepared to respond to such events.
• CDC, in collaboration with the proposed National Center for Disaster Nursing and Public Health Emergency Response, should rapidly articulate a national action plan for addressing gaps in nursing education, support, and protection that have contributed to the lack of nurse preparedness and disparities during such events.
• The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, CDC, HRSA, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, CMS, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and other funders should develop and support the emergency preparedness and response knowledge base of the nursing workforce through regulations, programs, research, and sustainable funding targeted specifically to disaster and public health emergency nursing.
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National League for Nursing, and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing should lead transformational change in nursing education to address workforce development in disaster nursing and public health preparedness. NCSBN should expand content in licensing examinations to cover actual responsibilities of nurses in disaster and public health emergency response.
• Employers should incorporate the expertise of nurses to proactively develop and implement an emergency response plan for natural disasters and public health emergencies in coordination with local, state, national, and federal partners. They should also provide additional services throughout a disaster or public health emergency, such as support for families and behavioral health, to support and protect nurses’ health and well-being.

BUILDING THE EVIDENCE BASE

Strengthening and diversifying the nursing workforce of the future, fostering nurse well-being, and developing strong and impactful nurse leaders so that nurses can fully address the wide and persistent health disparities in the United States will require a robust and rigorous evidence base. Below, the committee prioritizes the research needs and identifies gaps in the knowledge base that, if filled, would substantially move the nursing profession forward in the future.

Recommendation 9: The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, and private associations and foundations should convene representatives from nursing, public health, and health care to develop and support a research agenda and evidence base describing the impact of nursing interventions, including multisector collaboration, on social determinants of health, environmental health, health equity, and nurses’ health and well-being.

These efforts should be focused on the following actions:

• Develop mechanisms for proposing, evaluating, and scaling evidence-based practice models that leverage collaboration among public health, social sectors, and health systems to advance health equity, including codesigning innovations with individuals and community representatives and responding to community health needs assessments. This effort should emphasize rapidly translating evidence-based interventions into real-world clinical practice and community-based settings to improve health equity and population health outcomes, and applying implementation science strategies in the process of scaling these interventions and strategies.
• Identify effective multisector team approaches to improving health equity and addressing social needs and SDOH, including clearly defining roles and assessing the value of nurses in these models. Specifically, performance and outcome measures should be delineated, and evaluation strategies for community-based models and multisector team functioning should be developed and implemented.
• Review and adapt evidence-based approaches to increasing the number and diversity of students and faculty from disadvantaged and traditionally underrepresented groups to promote a diverse, inclusive learning environment and prepare a culturally competent workforce.
• Determine evidence-based education strategies for preparing nurses at all levels, including through continuing education, to eliminate structural racism and implicit bias and strengthen the delivery of culturally competent care.
• Augment the use of advanced information technology infrastructure, including virtual services and artificial intelligence, to identify and integrate health and social data, including data on SDOH, so as to improve
• nurses’ capacity to support individuals, families, and communities, including through care coordination.

Across all of these efforts, nurses should partner with key community stakeholders in research design; identification of the characteristics of new health models; and the development of related institutional and public policies at the health system, public health, and community levels. To expand the cohort of nurse researchers engaged in this research agenda, NINR should offer continuous summer intensive seminars to build expertise in population health, SDOH, and health equity. Table 11-1 summarizes gaps in the current research base that have been identified throughout this report.

TABLE 11-1 Research Topics for the Future of Nursing, 2020–2030

FINAL THOUGHTS

The nursing profession is vital to the nation’s creation of a culture of health, reduction of health disparities, and improvement in the health and well-being of the population. The committee’s nine recommendations provide a comprehensive path forward for policy makers, practicing nurses, educators, health care system leaders, researchers, and payers to enable and support the nurses of today and the future in creating fair and just opportunities for health and well-being for everyone. The social, political, and health care trends discussed in this report, while replete with myriad challenges, also offer nurses new opportunities for practice and collaboration. Nurses will need to continue to adapt and respond to new and developing health problems at both the individual and community levels, and to deepen their understanding of how social, economic, and environmental issues

and systemic barriers affect the health and well-being of the people and communities they serve. The rapidly deployed changes in community-based and clinical care, nursing education, nursing leadership, and nursing–community partnerships resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have amplified those challenges. The deployment of all levels of nurses across the care continuum, including in collaborative practice models, will be necessary to address the challenges of building a more equitable and accessible health care system.

The United States is at an inflection point with respect to addressing disparities in health and well-being that have adversely impacted too many people for too long. The nation’s health care system is also at an inflection point in terms of meeting consumers’ health needs in ways and in places commensurate with their preferences. It is imperative that the nursing profession focus on the training and competency development needed to prepare nurses, including advanced practice nurses, to work competently in home and community-based as well as acute care settings and to lead efforts to build a culture of health and health equity. There is no time to waste. Over the next 10 years, nurses will assume even greater responsibility for helping to build an accessible, equitable, high-quality public health and health care system that works for everyone. The recommendations in this report are aimed at ensuring that nurses are inspired, supported, valued, and empowered in pursuing that goal so that by 2030, all individuals and communities will have the opportunities they need to live healthy lives.

Anderson, J. E., A. J. Ross, J. Back, M. Duncan, P. Snell, K. Walsh, and P. Jaye. 2016. Implementing resilience engineering for healthcare quality improvement using the CARE model: A feasibility study protocol. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 2(61). doi: 10.1186/s40814-016-0103-x.

NACNEP (National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice). 2020. Integration of social determinants of health in nursing education, practice, and research . 16th Report to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Congress. Washington, DC: Health Resources and Services Administration.

The decade ahead will test the nation's nearly 4 million nurses in new and complex ways. Nurses live and work at the intersection of health, education, and communities. Nurses work in a wide array of settings and practice at a range of professional levels. They are often the first and most frequent line of contact with people of all backgrounds and experiences seeking care and they represent the largest of the health care professions.

A nation cannot fully thrive until everyone - no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make - can live their healthiest possible life, and helping people live their healthiest life is and has always been the essential role of nurses. Nurses have a critical role to play in achieving the goal of health equity, but they need robust education, supportive work environments, and autonomy. Accordingly, at the request of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, on behalf of the National Academy of Medicine, an ad hoc committee under the auspices of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine conducted a study aimed at envisioning and charting a path forward for the nursing profession to help reduce inequities in people's ability to achieve their full health potential. The ultimate goal is the achievement of health equity in the United States built on strengthened nursing capacity and expertise. By leveraging these attributes, nursing will help to create and contribute comprehensively to equitable public health and health care systems that are designed to work for everyone.

The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity explores how nurses can work to reduce health disparities and promote equity, while keeping costs at bay, utilizing technology, and maintaining patient and family-focused care into 2030. This work builds on the foundation set out by The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (2011) report.

READ FREE ONLINE

Welcome to OpenBook!

You're looking at OpenBook, NAP.edu's online reading room since 1999. Based on feedback from you, our users, we've made some improvements that make it easier than ever to read thousands of publications on our website.

Do you want to take a quick tour of the OpenBook's features?

Show this book's table of contents , where you can jump to any chapter by name.

...or use these buttons to go back to the previous chapter or skip to the next one.

Jump up to the previous page or down to the next one. Also, you can type in a page number and press Enter to go directly to that page in the book.

Switch between the Original Pages , where you can read the report as it appeared in print, and Text Pages for the web version, where you can highlight and search the text.

To search the entire text of this book, type in your search term here and press Enter .

Share a link to this book page on your preferred social network or via email.

View our suggested citation for this chapter.

Ready to take your reading offline? Click here to buy this book in print or download it as a free PDF, if available.

Get Email Updates

Do you enjoy reading reports from the Academies online for free ? Sign up for email notifications and we'll let you know about new publications in your areas of interest when they're released.

Research Topics & Ideas: Nursing

50+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a nursing-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of nursing-related research ideas and topic thought-starters, including general nursing, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrics and gynaecological nursing, ICU and mental health nursing.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the nursing domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Nursing Research Topics

• General nursing-related topics
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Pediatric nursing
• Obstetrics and gynaecological nursing
• ICU nursing
• Mental health nursing

General Nursing Research Topics & Ideas

• The impact of cultural competence on patient care in the UK
• The importance of evidence-based practice in nursing for patients with HIV/AIDS
• The effects of workplace stress on nurse well-being and performance
• The role of nurse-patient communication for patients transitioning from adolescent to adult care
• The impact of technology on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare for the rehabilitation of patients post-surgery
• The effects of fatigue on nurse performance in the emergency room
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in rural areas
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in managing chronic conditions: a case study of diabetes
• The impact of patient-centred care on health outcomes for the elderly
• The importance of patient safety in nursing: bedside nurse vigilance
• The effects of empathy and compassion in critical care nursing
• The role of nursing in disaster preparedness and response: a case study of the Haiti earthquake of 2021
• The impact of the level of nursing education on patient outcomes
• The importance of ethical considerations in frail care nursing practice

Topics & Ideas: Medical-Surgical Nursing

• The impact of bedside care on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• The role of the nurse in managing post-operative patient pain
• The effects of nurse-patient ratios on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• A systematic review of different approaches to patient education in medical-surgical units
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction in medical-surgical units: perspectives and recommendations to improving patient satisfaction

Topics & Ideas: Pediatrics Nursing

• The impact of family-centered care on pediatric patient outcomes with sickle cell anemia
• The role of nursing interventions in promoting developmental and behavioral health in pediatric patients
• The effects of play therapy on anxiety and pain in pediatric patients during hospitilisation
• A systematic review of different approaches to pain management in pediatric cancer patients
• The relationship between parent involvement and post-operative patient outcomes in pediatric units

Ideas: Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led prenatal care on maternal and fetal outcomes in African American communities
• The role of the nurse in promoting sexual and reproductive health for women in the UK
• The effects of midwifery care on maternal satisfaction of primiparous women and birth outcomes
• A comparative study of different approaches to childbirth education for expectant mothers and partners: perceptions of control
• The relationship between lactation support and breastfeeding success of primiparous women

Topics & Ideas: ICU Nursing

• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in intensive care units in a developing country
• The role of the nurse in managing palliative and end-of-life care in the ICU
• The effects of family presence on patient outcomes and satisfaction in the ICU: A systematic review of the literature
• A comparative study of different approaches to pain management for trauma patients in the ICU
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and geriatric patient outcomes in ICU

Topics & Ideas: Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led therapy on adolescent patient outcomes in mental health settings
• The role of the nurse in promoting recovery and resiliency in mental health patients through group interventions
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on stress and anxiety in mental health patients: A systematic literature review
• A comparative study of the role of nurses in applying different approaches to patient education in mental health settings
• The association between nurse-patient therapeutic alliance and patient outcomes in mental health settings

Nursing Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a nursing-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various nursing-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Nursing Workload and Interventions of Licensed Nurses in Nursing Homes: An Observational Time and Motion Study (Kang, 2021)
• Missed Nursing Care: Accounting for Education, Experience, and Job Satisfaction in Registered Nurses (Bechard, 2021)
• Examining Predictors of Attitudes and Knowledge of Registered Nurses and Nursing Students in Tennessee toward Pregnant and Perinatal Women with a Substance Use Disorder (Patrylo, 2021)
• A Program Evaluation of the Organizational Readiness for Pathway to Excellence at Two Community Hospitals  (Behling, 2021)
• The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic Policy Decisions on the Wellbeing of Nursing Home Residents in Missouri (White, 2022)
• Battling A Parallel Pandemic: An Evaluation of Sustainable System-Level Nursing Support in Response To COVID-19 (Gifford, 2022)
• Holistic Nursing Process Maps: a Tool for Student Nurses to Operationalize the Nursing Process to Increase Clinical Reasoning (Reyes, 2022)
• Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance in Undergraduate Nursing Faculty: A Mixed-Methods Study (Crawford, 2021)
• The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on the Stress, Anxiety, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion Levels of Nursing Students (Heinrich, 2022)
• Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Case Studies in Undergraduate Nursing Students (Becnel, 2022)
• A Telehealth Simulation Experiment: Exploring Prebriefing (Owen, 2022)
• Perceptions of Lateral Violence Among Vocational Nursing Students, Associate Degree Nursing Students, and Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Students (Martha, 2022)
• Nurse Educators’ Description of Ethics from a Disciplinary Perspective: A Qualitative Descriptive Research Study (Cuchetti, 2022)
• A Literature Review of the Relationship Between Oral Health and Pneumonia Risk in the Geriatric Nursing Home Population (Swift, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your nursing dissertation, thesis or research project, check out our private coaching services below.

You Might Also Like:

To learn from the GRAD Coach is a lofty goal for me. I am unable to express my gratitude for your teaching style. I need assistance with my thesis as a master’s in nursing candidate. Please assist me.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

• Technical Support
• Find My Rep

You are here

Journal of Research in Nursing

Preview this book.

• Description
• Aims and Scope
• Editorial Board
• Abstracting / Indexing
• Submission Guidelines

Journal of Research in Nursing publishes research on nursing topics and themes. Original research is published with the aim of encouraging evidence-based practice and improving the quality of patient care.

It publishes quality research papers on healthcare issues that inform nurses and other healthcare professionals globally. Through linking policy, research and development initiatives to clinical and academic excellence Journal of Research in Nursing aims to support nursing and healthcare professionals in their development, for the overall benefit of quality healthcare services.

"I have used Journal of Research in Nursing extensively in the course of a recent research project and think that it provides an invaluable reference point for nurse researchers particularly for up-to-date policy related information" Professor Donna Fitzmasons, Ulster University and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, UK

" Journal of Research in Nursing is an important journal in UK Nursing and has made a significant contribution to the transfer of knowledge with direct relevance to the whole of the nursing community. Researchers have no hesitation in contributing papers to the journal highlighting the respect Journal of Research in Nursing has as a vehicle for the dissemination of research findings. The partnership with SAGE Publications will enable this success to be taken to the world stage. I wish the journal, its editor and editorial team every success in its 're-birth' and ongoing development" Professor Brendan McCormack, Head of Division of Nursing, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK

"A rip-roaring, highly policy and practice relevant research read" Dr Ann-Marie Rafferty, King's College London, UK This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)

The Journal of Research in Nursing is a leading peer reviewed journal that blends good research with contemporary debates about policy and practice. The Journal of Research in Nursing contributes knowledge to nursing practice, research and local, national and international health and social care policy. Each issue contains a variety of papers and review commentaries within a specific theme. The editors are advised and supported by a board of key academics, practitioners and policy makers of international standing.

The Journal of Research in Nursing will:

• Ensure an evidence base to your practice and policy development

• Inform your research work at an advanced level

• Challenge you to critically reflect on the interface between practice, policy and research

• Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ASSIA)
• British Nursing Index
• Clarivate Analytics: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)
• Corporate ResourceNET
• Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature CINAHL
• MasterFILE Premier
• Periodical Abstracts
• Psychological Abstracts
• Standard Periodical Directory
• TOPIC Search

Manuscript Submission Guidelines: Journal of Research in Nursing

This Journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics

This Journal recommends that authors follow the Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals formulated by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

Please read the guidelines below then visit the Journal’s submission site http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jrn to upload your manuscript. Please note that manuscripts not conforming to these guidelines may be returned.

Only manuscripts of sufficient quality that meet the aims and scope of Journal of Research in Nursing will be reviewed.

There are no fees payable to submit or publish in this Journal. Open Access options are available - see section 3.3 below.

As part of the submission process you will be required to warrant that you are submitting your original work, that you have the rights in the work, that you are submitting the work for first publication in the Journal and that it is not being considered for publication elsewhere and has not already been published elsewhere, and that you have obtained and can supply all necessary permissions for the reproduction of any copyright works not owned by you.

• What do we publish? 1.1 Aims & Scope 1.2 Article types 1.3 Writing your paper
• Editorial policies 2.1 Peer review policy 2.2 Authorship 2.3 Acknowledgements 2.4 Funding 2.5 Declaration of conflicting interests 2.6 Research ethics and patient consent 2.8  Data
• Publishing policies 3.1 Publication ethics 3.2 Contributor's publishing agreement 3.3 Open access and author archiving
• Preparing your manuscript 4.1 Formatting 4.2 Artwork, figures and other graphics 4.3 Supplementary material 4.4 Reference style 4.5 English language editing services
• Submitting your manuscript 5.1 ORCID 5.2 Information required for completing your submission 5.3 Permissions
• On acceptance and publication 6.1 Sage Production 6.2 Online First publication 6.3 Access to your published article 6.4 Promoting your article
• Further information

1. What do we publish?

1.1 Aims & Scope

Before submitting your manuscript to Journal of Research in Nursing , please ensure you have read the Aims & Scope .

1.2 Article Types

The  Journal of Research in Nursing  welcomes research papers and reviews on nursing, whether clinical, research, education or management topics. The contribution of the paper to, or implications for, both nursing practice and health and social care policy must be made explicit. Papers are normally restricted to a maximum of 5,000 words, excluding all elements (title page, abstract, notes, references, tables, biographical statement, etc.).

The Journal considers the following kinds of article for publication:

1.2.1 Research papers  should be presented under the following section headings:

Title Page File

JRN operates double anonymize peer review which means that all author information should be contained within a title page file (not shown to reviewers) and an author anonymised manuscript file. The title page file should include:

• Manuscript Title
• Running head (a short title)
• This is required for each author: author name followed by job title and affiliation - first name in full, followed by family name, job title, department, institution and country. - <b>no other information</b>  (no  roles, academic credentials, positions of authority or emails). 
• Correspondence information should be listed after the affiliations list in full. Write the name of one author for correspondence, their full postal address including postcode and country, tel and fax with international dialling codes, and email.
• Declaration of interest section must appear here in the title page file to preserve anonymity.
• All declarations of interest and funding must be outlined under the subheading “Declaration of interest” If authors have no declarations of interest to report, this must be explicitly stated. The suggested, but not mandatory, wording in such an instance is: The authors report no declarations of interest.
• Ethical Permissions. Please include a statement regarding ethical permissions (or the reason why these were not needed).
• Trial registration information (for interventions and observational studies) - must include the date the trial was registered in a public database, the trial start date, the registration number and the URL of the trial record.
• Author biographies. Please include a 30-word biography for each author.

Main document file (the anonymized manuscript).

Your manuscript should not contain identifying information (note, self-citation is permitted). Please include the following elements:

Abstract - Please provide a structured abstract of no more than 200 words. The structured abstract should include the sub-headings of Background, Aims, Methods, Results and Conclusions.  Within the conclusions section please clearly state the paper’s contribution to nursing.

Keywords - six MeSH compliant keywords.

Introduction - this should set the scene, including the policy context, for the research study and state the research question/ hypothesis. This should be followed by a literature review, which should quote key articles directly relevant to the study

Methodology - this should be sufficiently detailed for subsequent researchers to follow; it should reiterate the aims and hypotheses of the study and why the methodology was chosen. Copies of research tools, such as questionnaires, should be included with the manuscript

Results - full results should be submitted, including relevant tables, figures and diagrams and details of statistical analysis

Discussion - this should be as full as possible and attempt to explain the results achieved and their significance to both nursing practice and health and social care policy. Limitations to the study should be highlighted in this section

Conclusion - this section should draw together the findings of the study, how they relate to the original aims and make recommendations as to how the work can be carried forward.  The paper’s contribution to nursing must be clearly stated.

Key points - a list of four or five key points drawing out the main findings and their implications for nursing practice, health and social care policy and future research.

References - JRN follows Harvard (author, date) style referencing. References should be complete - even when citing your own previous work. Authors should write objectively and not attach ownership to their sources, so anonymizing references is not required. View the Sage Harvard guidelines to ensure your manuscript conforms to this reference style.

Please do not include unpublished data or ‘in press’ sources since we are unable to verify the appropriateness of these.

Tables - as tabulated text/ data (if any)

Figure captions - listed after the tables (if any). Figures must be supplied as separate image format files.

S tatistical analysis should meet the minimum standards of reporting statistics in clinical research (see SAMPL http://www.equator-network.org/2013/02/11/sampl-guidelines-for-statistical-reporting/ ). You may also find the editorial by Amrhein V, Greenland S, McShane B. Retire statistical significance. Nature 2019; 567: 305-7 useful.

Figures - For guidance on the preparation of illustrations, pictures and graphs in electronic format, please visit Sage’s Manuscript Submission Guidelines

Supporting documents

Interventions must be accompanied by a completed CONSORT and TiDier flowchart and checklist.

Observations must be accompanied by a completed STROBE checklist.

The contribution of the paper to, or implications for, nursing practice and health and social care policy should be made explicit .

1.2.2 Review Articles

The contribution of the paper to, or implications for, nursing practice and health and social care policy must be made explicit.

1.3 Writing your paper

The Sage Author Gateway has some general advice and on  how to get published , plus links to further resources. Sage Author Services also offers authors a variety of ways to improve and enhance their article including English language editing, plagiarism detection, and video abstract and infographic preparation.

1.3.1 Make your article discoverable

When writing up your paper, think about how you can make it discoverable. The title, keywords and abstract are key to ensuring readers find your article through search engines such as Google. For information and guidance on how best to title your article, write your abstract and select your keywords, have a look at this page on the Gateway: How to Help Readers Find Your Article Online .

Back to top

2. Editorial policies

2.1 Peer review policy

Sage does not permit the use of author-suggested (recommended) reviewers at any stage of the submission process, be that through the web-based submission system or other communication. Reviewers should be experts in their fields and should be able to provide an objective assessment of the manuscript. Our policy is that reviewers should not be assigned to a paper if:

•  The reviewer is based at the same institution as any of the co-authors

•  The reviewer is based at the funding body of the paper

•  The author has recommended the reviewer

•  The reviewer has provided a personal (e.g. Gmail/Yahoo/Hotmail) email account and an institutional email account cannot be found after performing a basic Google search (name, department and institution). 

2.2 Authorship

All parties who have made a substantive contribution to the article should be listed as authors. Principal authorship, authorship order, and other publication credits should be based on the relative scientific or professional contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their status. A student is usually listed as principal author on any multiple-authored publication that substantially derives from the student’s dissertation or thesis.

Please note that AI chatbots, for example ChatGPT, should not be listed as authors. For more information see the policy on Use of ChatGPT and generative AI tools .

2.3 Acknowledgements

All contributors who do not meet the criteria for authorship should be listed in an Acknowledgements section. Examples of those who might be acknowledged include a person who provided purely technical help, or a department chair who provided only general support.

2.3.1 Third party submissions

Where an individual who is not listed as an author submits a manuscript on behalf of the author(s), a statement must be included in the Acknowledgements section of the manuscript and in the accompanying cover letter. The statements must:

• Disclose this type of editorial assistance – including the individual’s name, company and level of input
• Identify any entities that paid for this assistance
• Confirm that the listed authors have authorized the submission of their manuscript via third party and approved any statements or declarations, e.g. conflicting interests, funding, etc.

Where appropriate, Sage reserves the right to deny consideration to manuscripts submitted by a third party rather than by the authors themselves .

2.3.2 Writing assistance

Individuals who provided writing assistance, e.g. from a specialist communications company, do not qualify as authors and so should be included in the Acknowledgements section. Authors must disclose any writing assistance – including the individual’s name, company and level of input – and identify the entity that paid for this assistance”).

It is not necessary to disclose use of language polishing services.

Please supply any personal acknowledgements separately to the main text to facilitate anonymous peer review.

2.4 Funding

Journal of Research in Nursing requires all authors to acknowledge their funding in a consistent fashion under a separate heading.  Please visit the Funding Acknowledgements page on the Sage Journal Author Gateway to confirm the format of the acknowledgment text in the event of funding, or state that: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. 

2.5 Declaration of conflicting interests

Journal of Research in Nursing encourages authors to include a declaration of any conflicting interests and recommends you review the good practice guidelines on the Sage Journal Author Gateway

2.6 Research ethics and patient consent

Medical research involving human subjects must be conducted according to the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki

Submitted manuscripts should conform to the ICMJE Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals , and all papers reporting animal and/or human studies must state in the methods section that the relevant Ethics Committee or Institutional Review Board provided (or waived) approval. Please ensure that you have provided the full name and institution of the review committee, in addition to the approval number.

For research articles, authors must state in the methods section whether participants provided informed consent and whether the consent was written or verbal. Authors must also state whether ethical approval was required or not for the research, please also include any relevant additional ethical considerations.

Information on informed consent to report individual cases or case series should be included in the manuscript text. A statement is required regarding whether written informed consent for patient information and images to be published was provided by the patient(s) or a legally authorized representative.

Please also refer to the ICMJE Recommendations for the Protection of Research Participants

Sage acknowledges the importance of research data availability as an integral part of the research and verification process for academic journal articles.

Journal of Research in Nursing requests all authors submitting any primary data used in their research articles [“alongside their article submissions” or “if the articles are accepted”] to be published in the online version of the journal, or provide detailed information in their articles on how the data can be obtained. This information should include links to third-party data repositories or detailed contact information for third-party data sources. Data available only on an author-maintained website will need to be loaded onto either the journal’s platform or a third-party platform to ensure continuing accessibility. Examples of data types include but are not limited to statistical data files, replication code, text files, audio files, images, videos, appendices, and additional charts and graphs necessary to understand the original research. [The editor(s) may consider limited embargoes on proprietary data.] The editor(s) can also grant exceptions for data that cannot legally or ethically be released. All data submitted should comply with Institutional or Ethical Review Board requirements and applicable government regulations. For further information, please contact the editorial office at [email address].

3. Publishing Policies

3.1 Publication ethics

Sage is committed to upholding the integrity of the academic record. We encourage authors to refer to the Committee on Publication Ethics’ International Standards for Authors and view the Publication Ethics page on the Sage Author Gateway .

3.1.1 Plagiarism

Journal of Research in Nursing and Sage take issues of copyright infringement, plagiarism or other breaches of best practice in publication very seriously. We seek to protect the rights of our authors and we always investigate claims of plagiarism or misuse of published articles. Equally, we seek to protect the reputation of the journal against malpractice. Submitted articles may be checked with duplication-checking software. Where an article, for example, is found to have plagiarised other work or included third-party copyright material without permission or with insufficient acknowledgement, or where the authorship of the article is contested, we reserve the right to take action including, but not limited to: publishing an erratum or corrigendum (correction); retracting the article; taking up the matter with the head of department or dean of the author's institution and/or relevant academic bodies or societies; or taking appropriate legal action.

3.1.2 Prior publication

If material has been previously published it is not generally acceptable for publication in a Sage journal. However, there are certain circumstances where previously published material can be considered for publication. Please refer to the guidance on the Sage Author Gateway or if in doubt, contact the Editor at the address given below.

3.2 Contributor's publishing agreement

Before publication, Sage requires the author as the rights holder to sign a Journal Contributor’s Publishing Agreement. Sage’s Journal Contributor’s Publishing Agreement is an exclusive licence agreement which means that the author retains copyright in the work but grants Sage the sole and exclusive right and licence to publish for the full legal term of copyright. Exceptions may exist where an assignment of copyright is required or preferred by a proprietor other than Sage. In this case copyright in the work will be assigned from the author to the society. For more information please visit the Sage Author Gateway .

3.3 Open access and author archiving

Journal of Research in Nursing  offers optional open access publishing via the Sage Choice programme and Open Access agreements, where authors can publish open access either discounted or free of charge depending on the agreement with Sage. Find out if your institution is participating by visiting Open Access Agreements at Sage . For more information on Open Access publishing options at Sage please visit Sage Open Access . For information on funding body compliance, and depositing your article in repositories, please visit Sage’s Author Archiving and Re-Use Guidelines and Publishing Policies .

Please check whether you are entitled to publish open access via a deal between your institution and Sage by checking this page of Open Access Agreements.

4. Preparing your manuscript for submission

4.1 Formatting

The preferred format for your manuscript is Word. LaTeX files are also accepted. Word and (La)Tex templates are available on the Manuscript Submission Guidelines page of our Author Gateway.

4.2 Artwork, figures and other graphics

For guidance on the preparation of illustrations, pictures and graphs in electronic format, please visit Sage’s Manuscript Submission Guidelines .

Figures supplied in colour will appear in colour online regardless of whether or not these illustrations are reproduced in colour in the printed version. For specifically requested colour reproduction in print, you will receive information regarding the costs from Sage after receipt of your accepted article.

4.3 Supplementary material

This journal is able to host additional materials online (e.g. datasets, podcasts, videos, images etc) alongside the full-text of the article. For more information please refer to our guidelines on submitting supplementary files .

4.4 Reference style

Journal of Research in Nursing adheres to the Sage Harvard reference style. View the Sage Harvard guidelines to ensure your manuscript conforms to this reference style.

If you use EndNote to manage references, you can download the Sage Harvard EndNote output file .

4.5 English language editing services

Authors seeking assistance with English language editing, translation, or figure and manuscript formatting to fit the journal’s specifications should consider using Sage Language Services. Visit Sage Language Services on our Journal Author Gateway for further information.

5. Submitting your manuscript

Journal of Research in Nursing is hosted on Sage Track, a web based online submission and peer review system powered by ScholarOne™ Manuscripts. Visit http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jrn to login and submit your article online.

IMPORTANT: Please check whether you already have an account in the system before trying to create a new one. If you have reviewed or authored for the journal in the past year it is likely that you will have had an account created.  For further guidance on submitting your manuscript online please visit ScholarOne Online Help.

As part of our commitment to ensuring an ethical, transparent and fair peer review process Sage is a supporting member of ORCID, the Open Researcher and Contributor ID . ORCID provides a unique and persistent digital identifier that distinguishes researchers from every other researcher, even those who share the same name, and, through integration in key research workflows such as manuscript and grant submission, supports automated linkages between researchers and their professional activities, ensuring that their work is recognized.

The collection of ORCID iDs from corresponding authors is now part of the submission process of this journal. If you already have an ORCID iD you will be asked to associate that to your submission during the online submission process. We also strongly encourage all co-authors to link their ORCID ID to their accounts in our online peer review platforms. It takes seconds to do: click the link when prompted, sign into your ORCID account and our systems are automatically updated. Your ORCID iD will become part of your accepted publication’s metadata, making your work attributable to you and only you. Your ORCID iD is published with your article so that fellow researchers reading your work can link to your ORCID profile and from there link to your other publications.

If you do not already have an ORCID iD please follow this link to create one or visit our ORCID homepage to learn more.

5.2 Information required for completing your submission

You will be asked to provide contact details and academic affiliations for all co-authors via the submission system and identify who is to be the corresponding author. These details must match what appears on your manuscript. At this stage please ensure you have included all the required statements and declarations and uploaded any additional supplementary files (including reporting guidelines where relevant).

5.3 Permissions

Please also ensure that you have obtained any necessary permission from copyright holders for reproducing any illustrations, tables, figures or lengthy quotations previously published elsewhere. For further information including guidance on fair dealing for criticism and review, please see the Copyright and Permissions page on the Sage Author Gateway .

6. On acceptance and publication

6.1 Sage Production

Your Sage Production Editor will keep you informed as to your article’s progress throughout the production process. Proofs will be sent by PDF to the corresponding author and should be returned promptly.  Authors are reminded to check their proofs carefully to confirm that all author information, including names, affiliations, sequence and contact details are correct, and that Funding and Conflict of Interest statements, if any, are accurate.

6.2 Online First publication

Online First allows final articles (completed and approved articles awaiting assignment to a future issue) to be published online prior to their inclusion in a journal issue, which significantly reduces the lead time between submission and publication. Visit the Sage Journals help page for more details, including how to cite Online First articles.

6.3 Access to your published article

Sage provides authors with online access to their final article.

6.4 Promoting your article

Publication is not the end of the process! You can help disseminate your paper and ensure it is as widely read and cited as possible. The Sage Author Gateway has numerous resources to help you promote your work. Visit the Promote Your Article page on the Gateway for tips and advice.

7. Further information

Any correspondence, queries or additional requests for information on the manuscript submission process should be sent to the Journal of Research in Nursing editorial office as follows:

[email protected]

• Read Online
• Sample Issues
• Current Issue
• Email Alert
• Permissions
• Foreign rights
• Reprints and sponsorship
• Advertising

Individual Subscription, Print Only

Institutional Subscription, E-access

Institutional Backfile Purchase, E-access (Content through 1998)

Institutional Subscription & Backfile Lease, E-access Plus Backfile (All Online Content)

Institutional Subscription, Print Only

Institutional Subscription, Combined (Print & E-access)

Institutional Subscription & Backfile Lease, Combined Plus Backfile (Current Volume Print & All Online Content)

Individual, Single Print Issue

Institutional, Single Print Issue

To order single issues of this journal, please contact SAGE Customer Services at 1-800-818-7243 / 1-805-583-9774 with details of the volume and issue you would like to purchase.

Top Nursing Research Topics for Students and Professionals

This article was written in collaboration with Christine T. and ChatGPT, our little helper developed by OpenAI.

Nursing research is an essential component of the nursing profession. Its primary purpose is to enhance patient outcomes, elevate the quality of care, and advance nursing as a whole. For nursing students and practitioners, selecting an appropriate research topic is crucial for academic and professional success. This article highlights some current and interesting topics in nursing research that students and professionals can explore.

Nursing Workforce

One of the major topics in nursing research is the challenges that nurses face in their workplace, and how to address them. This is particularly relevant in light of the current shortage of nurses and the healthcare industry’s growing demands.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Nursing Workforce

• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in acute care settings
• The effectiveness of nurse retention strategies on improving nurse job satisfaction
• The role of nursing leadership in creating a positive work environment
• The relationship between nurse staffing ratios and nurse burnout
• The impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on nursing care quality in long-term care settings
• The effectiveness of nurse residency programs in improving new nurse retention rates
• The impact of nursing unit culture on nurse job satisfaction and retention
• The impact of nurse-patient ratios on patient outcomes
• Strategies for retaining experienced nurses in the workforce
• Analyzing the role of advanced practice nurses in healthcare teams
• The challenges and benefits of international nursing recruitment
• Addressing generational differences in the nursing workforce
• The relationship between nurse work schedules and nurse burnout
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on medication errors in hospital settings
• The role of interprofessional collaboration in reducing nursing workload and improving patient outcomes
• The impact of nursing education level on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient falls in acute care settings
• The impact of nurse workload on patient satisfaction with nursing care
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting staff well-being and reducing burnout
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient mortality rates in critical care settings
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care models in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient readmission rates in acute care settings
• The role of nursing autonomy in improving nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The relationship between nurse job satisfaction and patient outcomes in long-term care settings
• The impact of nursing staff turnover on patient safety and quality of care
• Healthcare management: career paths and requirements
• The role of technology in improving nursing efficiency and reducing workload
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient satisfaction with nursing care
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on nurse job stress and burnout in pediatric settings
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving patient outcomes for chronic conditions
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting a culture of safety and reducing patient harm
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in psychiatric settings
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on nurse job satisfaction and burnout in emergency departments
• The effectiveness of nursing education programs in improving nurse practice and patient outcomes
• The role of nurse practitioners in improving access to healthcare in underserved communities
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on nurse retention rates in rural healthcare facilities
• The effectiveness of nurse-led discharge planning in reducing hospital readmissions
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting interprofessional collaboration and teamwork
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in outpatient care settings
• The impact of nursing workloads on patient safety in intensive care units
• The role of nursing research in improving nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and nurse job satisfaction in surgical settings
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient satisfaction with pain management in acute care settings
• The effectiveness of nursing education programs in improving nursing knowledge and skills
• The role of nursing advocacy in promoting patient-centered care and improving healthcare outcomes

Medical Studies Overwhelming?

Delegate Your Nursing Papers to the Pros!

Get 15% Discount

+ Plagiarism Report for FREE

Patient Safety

Another crucial area of nursing research is patient safety. Studying ways to enhance patient safety, reduce adverse events, and improve the quality of care in hospitals and other healthcare settings can help prevent patient harm and improve patient outcomes.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Patient Safety

• Exploring the impact of workplace stress on nurses’ job satisfaction and performance
• Investigating the factors that influence nurse turnover and retention rates
• Assessing the role of nurse staffing levels in patient outcomes and quality of care
• Examining the relationship between nurse burnout and patient safety incidents
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing leadership in creating a positive work environment
• The influence of nursing handovers on patient safety
• Strategies to reduce medication errors in hospital settings
• The role of electronic health records in enhancing patient safety
• Impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient safety outcomes
• Evaluating the effectiveness of patient safety training programs for nurses
• Exploring the experiences of nurses from diverse backgrounds in the workplace
• Assessing the impact of shift work on nurses’ physical and mental health
• Investigating the relationship between nurse-patient ratios and patient outcomes
• Examining the role of interprofessional collaboration in improving the nursing work environment
• Exploring the use of technology to improve nursing workflow and productivity
• Mitigating the economic and social costs of heart diseases among the aging population in the US
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing mentorship programs in retaining new nurses
• Assessing the role of organizational culture in promoting nurse well-being and job satisfaction
• Examining the impact of nursing education on nursing workforce preparedness
• Exploring the factors that contribute to job satisfaction among nurses
• Combating health care-associated infections: a community-based approach
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led care on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Assessing the effectiveness of nursing support programs for nurses with mental health issues
• Examining the role of nursing unions in advocating for the nursing workforce
• Exploring the experiences of male nurses in the nursing workforce
• Investigating the effectiveness of nurse-led clinics in reducing emergency department visits
• Assessing the impact of nursing teamwork on patient outcomes and quality of care
• Examining the role of nursing informatics in improving nursing workflow and patient care
• Exploring the impact of nursing shortages on patient outcomes and quality of care
• Investigating the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for reducing hospital readmissions
• Assessing the impact of nursing certification on nursing workforce competence and confidence
• Examining the role of nursing education in promoting cultural competence in the nursing workforce
• Exploring the experiences of nurses working in rural healthcare settings
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing delegation in improving patient outcomes and quality of care
• Assessing the impact of nursing shortages on nurse job satisfaction and burnout
• Examining the role of nursing research in informing nursing workforce policies and practices
• Exploring the impact of nurse-led quality improvement initiatives on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Investigating the role of nursing leaders in promoting nursing workforce diversity and inclusion
• Assessing the impact of nursing autonomy on nurse job satisfaction and performance
• Examining the effectiveness of nursing residency programs in preparing new nurses for the workforce
• Exploring the experiences of nurses working in correctional healthcare settings
• Investigating the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient falls and injuries
• Assessing the role of nursing education in promoting evidence-based practice in the nursing workforce
• Examining the effectiveness of nursing preceptorship programs in improving nurse job satisfaction and retention
• Exploring the role of nursing education in preparing nurses for leadership roles in the nursing workforce
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing empowerment interventions in improving nursing job satisfaction and performance
• Assessing the impact of nursing shortages on the quality of nursing care provided to older adults in long-term care facilities.

Chronic Illness Management

Managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, is a significant challenge for healthcare providers. Exploring different strategies for chronic disease management can help improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Chronic Illness Management

• The Role of Nurses in Managing Chronic Heart Disease
• Impact of Nurse-led Interventions in Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• The Effectiveness of Self-management Education in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
• Nursing Strategies for Chronic Pain Management
• Chronic Kidney Disease Management: A Nursing Perspective
• Palliative Care in Chronic Illness Management
• Community Nursing and Chronic Illness: A Study on Patient Outcomes
• The Role of Nurses in Managing Chronic Pediatric Asthma
• Telehealth and Chronic Disease Management: The Future of Nursing Practice?
• Evaluating the role of nursing in diabetes self-management
• Strategies for improving patient adherence to chronic illness treatment plans
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management
• Exploring the role of telehealth in chronic illness follow-up and monitoring
• The effectiveness of nurse-led educational programs for patients with cardiovascular diseases
• The Importance of Nurse-led Clinics in Chronic Illness Management
• The Role of Nursing in Depression Management among Chronically Ill Patients
• Empowering the vulnerable: enhancing health and social care for individuals with specific needs
• Advanced Practice Nurses and Chronic Illness Management: A Systematic Review
• The Impact of Holistic Nursing Care on Chronic Disease Management
• The Effect of Nurse-led Health Education on Compliance in Chronic Disease Patients
• The Role of Family Nurses in the Management of Chronic Illness in Home Settings
• Nursing and the Management of Chronic Illness in Geriatric Populations
• The Influence of Nursing Interventions on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Illness
• Challenges Faced by Nurses in Managing Chronic Illness in Low-resource Settings
• Cancer Pain: Assessment, Management, and Patient Empowerment
• Evaluating the Role of School Nurses in Managing Chronic Illnesses in Children
• Developing a Chronic Disease Management Model: The Crucial Role of Nursing
• Nursing Intervention in Lifestyle Modification for Chronic Illness Patients
• The Impact of Patient-Nurse Communication in Chronic Illness Management
• The Role of Nursing in Medication Management for Chronic Illness Patients
• The Effects of Nursing Care Coordination on Chronic Illness Outcomes
• Mental Health and Chronic Illness: The Importance of Psychiatric Nursing
• The Role of Nursing in the Self-Management of Chronic Illness: A Meta-Analysis
• Nursing Interventions for Chronic Illness Management in Rural Areas
• Nurses’ Role in Reducing Hospital Readmissions for Chronic Illness Patients
• Digital healthcare and organizational learning: enhancing patient care through technology and knowledge management
• The Impact of Nursing on Patient Empowerment in Chronic Illness Management
• Cultural Competence in Nursing and Its Effect on Chronic Disease Management
• The Role of Nursing Informatics in Chronic Illness Management
• Evaluating the Role of Community Health Nurses in Chronic Illness Prevention
• The Impact of Home Nursing on Chronic Illness Management in Aging Populations
• The ongoing risk of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men
• The Role of Oncology Nurses in the Management of Chronic Cancer Pain
• The Effects of Nursing-led Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Chronic Illness Management
• The Impact of Advanced Nursing Practice on Health Outcomes in Chronic Disease Management
• The Use of Digital Health Technologies in Chronic Disease Management: A Nursing Perspective

Mental Health

Promoting mental health and well-being in vulnerable patient populations is another important area of nursing research. Nurses can investigate various interventions and programs that can help prevent mental health problems and improve patients’ overall well-being.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Mental Health

• The impact of COVID-19 on mental health in healthcare workers
• The effectiveness of telehealth for delivering mental health services
• The role of social support in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• Investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for mental health
• Examining the use of virtual reality in treating mental health disorders
• The impact of sleep on mental health outcomes
• The role of exercise in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating depression
• Exploring the relationship between mental health and chronic pain
• Investigating the impact of workplace stress on mental health in nurses
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for patients with depression
• Exploring the impact of nurse-patient relationships on mental health outcomes
• Strategies for improving mental health literacy among nursing professionals
• Evaluating the role of nurses in suicide prevention and intervention
• The challenges and strategies in nursing care for patients with dual diagnoses (co-existing mental health and substance use disorders)
• Examining the use of music therapy for mental health promotion
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders
• The relationship between mental health and nutrition
• The impact of trauma on mental health outcomes
• Investigating the use of art therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The role of spirituality in mental health and coping
• The effectiveness of group therapy for mental health disorders
• The impact of stigma on mental health outcomes
• Examining the effectiveness of psychopharmacology in treating mental health disorders
• The role of family support in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• Investigating the relationship between mental health and substance abuse
• The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The impact of social media on mental health outcomes
• Examining the use of humor in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of cognitive training for improving mental health outcomes
• Investigating the impact of gender and cultural factors on mental health outcomes
• The role of occupational therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• Examining the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for mental health disorders
• The relationship between mental health and physical activity
• Investigating the use of peer support for mental health promotion
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction for mental health
• The impact of technology on mental health outcomes
• The role of nutrition in treating mental health disorders
• Examining the use of hypnotherapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy for PTSD
• Investigating the relationship between mental health and social determinants of health
• The impact of social isolation on mental health outcomes
• Examining the use of dance therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for mental health disorders
• The role of self-care in promoting mental health and wellbeing in nurses

Health Promotion

Research into health promotion strategies using technology, social media, and other digital tools is a rapidly growing area of nursing research. Such research can help identify innovative and effective ways to promote health and well-being in communities and patient populations.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Health Promotion

• The effectiveness of community-based interventions in promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits
• Investigating the impact of social media on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Identifying effective strategies for improving health literacy among underserved populations
• Exploring the use of wearable technology in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles
• Evaluating the effectiveness of nurse-led health promotion campaigns on community health outcomes
• The role of nurses in promoting vaccinations in various populations
• Strategies for nurses to address health literacy and its impact on patient outcomes
• The influence of cultural competence in health promotion and disease prevention
• Assessing the role of nurses in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles in at-risk populations
• Investigating the role of family support in promoting healthy behaviors among children and adolescents
• Examining the effectiveness of peer-led interventions in promoting healthy lifestyles
• Investigating the impact of workplace wellness programs on employee health and productivity
• The impact of milk consumption on children’s growth
• The role of nursing in promoting smoking cessation and reducing tobacco use
• Exploring the use of motivational interviewing in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in promoting mental and physical health
• The role of social support in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Examining the effectiveness of school-based interventions in promoting healthy behaviors among children and adolescents
• Exploring the use of technology in promoting health education and behavior change
• Investigating the role of culture and ethnicity in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Nursing: a beautiful blend of art and science
• Examining the effectiveness of community health worker programs in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases
• Investigating the impact of environmental factors on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of incentives in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Investigating the effectiveness of group-based interventions in promoting healthy lifestyles
• Examining the impact of policy interventions on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• The effects of sleep deprivation on students’ cognitive functions and emotional state
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy sleep habits and reducing sleep disorders
• Investigating the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Exploring the use of positive psychology interventions in promoting mental and physical health
• Investigating the role of healthcare providers in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Examining the effectiveness of workplace policies in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy sexual behaviors and preventing sexually transmitted infections
• Investigating the impact of stress on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of community-based participatory research in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• The delicate dance: balancing art and science in the nursing profession
• Investigating the role of nutrition in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Examining the effectiveness of self-management interventions in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy pregnancy and preventing maternal and child health problems
• Investigating the impact of socioeconomic status on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of health coaching in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Investigating the role of spirituality in promoting mental and physical health
• Examining the effectiveness of school-based policies in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy relationships and preventing intimate partner violence
• Investigating the impact of social determinants of health on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of mobile applications in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Investigating the role of health literacy in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases

Palliative Care

Improving the quality of life of seriously ill patients and their families during end-of-life care is another critical area of nursing research. Nurses can explore different interventions and support programs that can enhance the palliative care experience.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Palliative Care

• The effectiveness of palliative care on improving quality of life for cancer patients
• Understanding the needs and experiences of family caregivers in palliative care
• Palliative care and end-of-life decision-making: exploring patient and family preferences
• Optimizing the clarifying diagnosis of stomach cancer
• Improving access to palliative care for patients in rural areas
• The role of spirituality in palliative care for terminally ill patients
• Investigating the impact of music therapy on patients receiving palliative care
• Developing effective communication strategies for discussing end-of-life care with patients and families
• Exploring the experiences and needs of patients with non-cancer diagnoses in palliative care
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in improving the quality of life for patients in palliative care
• Evaluating the training needs of nurses in delivering end-of-life care
• The role of nursing in managing symptoms and side effects in palliative care patients
• Strategies for improving communication between nurses and families during end-of-life care
• Assessing the ethical considerations and challenges faced by nurses in palliative care settings
• Evaluating the effectiveness of home-based palliative care programs
• Palliative care for pediatric patients: understanding unique challenges and opportunities
• The impact of cultural and ethnic differences on palliative care provision
• Investigating the role of social support in palliative care for older adults
• The effectiveness of advance care planning in improving end-of-life care
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with neurological diseases in palliative care
• Exploring the impact of palliative care on reducing healthcare costs
• Investigating the role of complementary therapies in palliative care
• Improving symptom management in palliative care through medication optimization
• Palliative care and spiritual care: exploring the intersection of these two domains
• The impact of palliative care on reducing hospital readmissions
• Investigating the role of occupational therapy in palliative care
• Developing effective pain management strategies for patients receiving palliative care
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with heart failure in palliative care
• The role of pet therapy in improving quality of life for patients in palliative care
• Investigating the impact of palliative care on reducing caregiver burden
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with lung disease in palliative care
• Exploring the impact of palliative care on reducing healthcare utilization
• Investigating the role of nutrition in palliative care for patients with cancer
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with kidney disease in palliative care
• Improving palliative care for patients with dementia: exploring unique challenges and opportunities
• The role of art therapy in improving quality of life for patients in palliative care
• Investigating the impact of palliative care on reducing emergency department visits
• Developing effective communication strategies for discussing end-of-life care with patients with cognitive impairment
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with liver disease in palliative care
• Palliative care for patients with substance use disorders: unique challenges and opportunities
• Investigating the role of physiotherapy in palliative care
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy in improving mental health outcomes for patients in palliative care
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with multiple chronic conditions in palliative care
• Improving symptom management in palliative care through non-pharmacological interventions
• Investigating the impact of palliative care on reducing healthcare disparities
• Palliative care and medical aid in dying: exploring ethical and legal considerations

Healthcare Disparities

Studying the factors that contribute to healthcare disparities between different populations and identifying strategies to address these disparities is an important area of nursing research. Nurses can examine the role of social determinants of health in healthcare disparities and propose solutions to improve access and equity in healthcare.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Healthcare Disparities

• Examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and healthcare disparities
• Investigating the impact of implicit bias on healthcare disparities
• Analyzing the impact of racial and ethnic disparities on health outcomes
• Identifying disparities in access to preventative care among different populations
• Exploring the impact of language barriers on healthcare disparities
• Investigating the impact of discrimination on healthcare outcomes
• Identifying disparities in health insurance coverage and access to healthcare services
• Exploring the importance of national health insurance for socioeconomic growth
• Analyzing the impact of geographic location on healthcare disparities
• Evaluating the role of nursing in addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities
• The impact of socioeconomic factors on patient outcomes and nursing interventions
• Strategies for nurses to promote health equity in diverse patient populations
• Assessing the influence of cultural competence on reducing healthcare disparities
• The role of nursing advocacy in shaping policies to reduce health inequities
• Examining disparities in mental health care access and utilization
• Investigating disparities in maternal and child health outcomes
• Exploring the relationship between healthcare disparities and chronic disease outcomes
• Identifying disparities in end-of-life care and hospice utilization
• Analyzing the impact of cultural differences on healthcare outcomes
• Investigating disparities in healthcare provider communication and patient engagement
• Examining the impact of healthcare policy on healthcare disparities
• Global health learning in nursing and health care disparities
• Identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among the LGBTQ+ community
• Exploring the impact of environmental factors on healthcare disparities
• Analyzing the impact of social determinants of health on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among rural populations
• Examining disparities in healthcare access and utilization among urban populations
• Identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among immigrants and refugees
• Analyzing the impact of education level on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among older adults
• Examining disparities in dental health access and utilization
• Identifying disparities in mental health treatment and access to services
• Analyzing the impact of stigma on healthcare outcomes for marginalized populations
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among incarcerated populations
• Exploring disparities in healthcare access and utilization among individuals with disabilities
• Analyzing the impact of institutional racism on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among low-income populations
• Examining disparities in cancer screening and early detection
• Identifying disparities in access to clinical trials and experimental treatments
• Analyzing the impact of the digital divide on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among veterans
• Exploring the impact of healthcare worker bias on healthcare disparities
• Examining the relationship between healthcare disparities and infant mortality rates
• Identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among people with limited English proficiency
• Analyzing the impact of gender on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among individuals experiencing homelessness
• Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities among different populations

Patient-Centered Care

Enhancing patient-centered care, including patient feedback, patient-centered communication, and patient education, is another vital area of nursing research. Nurses can investigate the impact of patient-centered care on patient outcomes and identify ways to incorporate patient preferences and values in the care process.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Patient-Centered Care

• The importance of patient-centered care in improving health outcomes
• Exploring the effectiveness of patient-centered communication in clinical practice
• Assessing patient satisfaction with patient-centered care
• The impact of nursing staffing on patient-centered care
• The role of family and caregiver involvement in patient-centered care
• The use of technology to enhance patient-centered care
• Patient education and empowerment in promoting patient-centered care
• The role of nurses in facilitating shared decision-making in patient care
• Evaluating the impact of personalized care plans on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Strategies for nurses to engage patients in their care across diverse cultural backgrounds
• The influence of effective communication strategies on the delivery of patient-centered care
• Assessing the barriers and facilitators to implementing patient-centered care in various healthcare settings
• The impact of culture on patient-centered care
• Measuring the quality of patient-centered care in healthcare settings
• The benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in patient-centered care
• Understanding home dialysis: benefits, barriers, and impacts on elderly patients and the healthcare system
• Addressing language barriers in patient-centered care
• Exploring the challenges of implementing patient-centered care in healthcare organizations
• The role of patient-centered care in reducing healthcare costs
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient safety
• The importance of patient-centered care for vulnerable populations
• The role of leadership in promoting patient-centered care
• Evaluating the impact of patient-centered care on healthcare outcomes
• Examining the effectiveness of patient-centered care in chronic disease management
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient adherence to treatment
• The importance of patient-centered care in pediatric healthcare settings
• The use of patient feedback to improve patient-centered care
• Pediatric oncology: working towards better treatment through evidence-based research
• The role of patient-centered care in addressing health disparities
• Patient-centered care in end-of-life and palliative care settings
• The role of healthcare professionals in promoting patient-centered care
• The impact of patient-centered care on healthcare provider job satisfaction
• The importance of patient-centered care in emergency and critical care settings
• The use of simulation-based training to enhance patient-centered care
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient experience and engagement
• The role of healthcare policy in promoting patient-centered care
• Addressing the needs of patients with complex medical needs in patient-centered care
• The role of the nursing profession in promoting patient-centered care
• Patient-centered care in mental health and psychiatric settings
• The impact of patient-centered care on healthcare provider burnout
• The role of patient-centered care in promoting shared decision-making
• Examining the effectiveness of patient-centered care in rural healthcare settings
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient quality of life
• The use of patient-centered care in managing acute and chronic pain
• Addressing the needs of elderly patients in patient-centered care
• The impact of patient-centered care on healthcare system performance
• Promoting patient-centered care through the use of standardized patient education materials

Nursing Education

Exploring innovative approaches to nursing education and training, such as simulation-based learning and online learning, is a growing area of nursing research. Such research can help identify effective ways to prepare nursing students for their future roles in the healthcare system.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Nursing Education

• The impact of simulation-based training on nursing education outcomes
• The effectiveness of online learning in nursing education
• Innovative approaches to clinical teaching in nursing education
• The role of technology in nursing education
• Student perceptions of nursing education and their impact on learning outcomes
• The impact of cultural competence training on nursing students’ attitudes and behaviors
• The effectiveness of peer-led teaching in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating interprofessional education into nursing curricula
• The role of reflective practice in nursing education
• The effectiveness of flipped classroom models in nursing education
• The impact of virtual reality and augmented reality tools in nursing education
• Evaluating the effectiveness of online vs. traditional classroom nursing education
• Strategies for enhancing interprofessional education in nursing curricula
• The role of continuous professional development in enhancing nursing competencies
• Assessing the influence of mentorship programs on nursing student success and retention
• Transforming advanced nursing practice: embracing IOM recommendations and higher education
• The impact of mentorship on nursing students’ learning and professional development
• The use of team-based learning in nursing education
• The effectiveness of hands-on skills training in nursing education
• Student perceptions of clinical experiences in nursing education
• The impact of service learning on nursing students’ attitudes and behaviors
• The role of cultural humility in nursing education
• The effectiveness of blended learning in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating patient-centered care into nursing curricula
• The impact of standardized patient encounters on nursing education outcomes
• Importance and application of patient education technology in healthcare
• The use of case-based learning in nursing education
• The role of faculty development in improving nursing education outcomes
• The effectiveness of clinical reasoning strategies in nursing education
• The impact of nursing education on patient outcomes
• The role of simulation in teaching critical thinking in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating evidence-based practice into nursing curricula
• The use of gamification in nursing education
• The effectiveness of problem-based learning in nursing education
• The impact of nursing education on student stress and burnout
• The role of intercultural competence in nursing education
• The effectiveness of collaborative learning in nursing education
• The impact of teaching communication skills in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating patient safety into nursing curricula
• The role of interprofessional collaboration in nursing education
• The effectiveness of clinical coaching in nursing education
• The impact of teaching teamwork skills in nursing education
• The use of high-fidelity simulation in nursing education
• The role of experiential learning in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating leadership development into nursing curricula
• The impact of nursing education on student retention and graduation rates
• The effectiveness of self-directed learning in nursing education

Healthcare Policy

Studying the impact of healthcare policy on the nursing profession and patient outcomes, including the role of nursing in healthcare reform efforts, is a crucial area of nursing research. Nurses can examine the policy’s effect on healthcare access, quality, and affordability and propose solutions to address policy gaps and challenges.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Healthcare Policy

• The impact of the affordable care act on the nursing profession
• Exploring healthcare informatics: evolution, challenges, and solutions
• The role of nursing in healthcare reform efforts
• The impact of medicare and Medicaid on nursing practice
• The impact of private insurance on nursing practice
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing workforce development
• Combating workplace violence in nursing: the impact of policies, legislation, and organizational culture
• The role of nursing in healthcare policy decision-making
• The impact of healthcare policies on patient outcomes
• The role of nurses in implementing healthcare policies
• The implications of universal healthcare policies on nursing roles and responsibilities
• Evaluating the impact of health insurance reforms on nursing care delivery
• Strategies for nurses to influence healthcare policy decisions at the national and state levels
• The role of nursing in shaping policies related to patient rights and autonomy
• Assessing the influence of healthcare policy on nursing education and licensure requirements
• Evaluating the impact of nurse advocacy on shaping health policies at local and national levels
• Strategies for nurses to stay updated on changing healthcare policies and their implications
• The role of nursing in shaping policies related to electronic health records and patient privacy
• Assessing the implications of global health policies on nursing practices and education
• The influence of healthcare policies on the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing education and training
• The impact of healthcare policies on nurse staffing ratios
• The impact of healthcare policies on patient satisfaction
• Understanding the impact of the American Healthcare System Regulatory Acts
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare costs
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare disparities
• The role of nursing in advocating for healthcare policy changes
• The impact of healthcare policies on patient safety
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing job satisfaction
• Understanding the US. Health Care Reform: necessity, challenges, and implementation
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing burnout
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing retention rates
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing leadership
• The role of nursing in shaping healthcare policies
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare quality
• Workplace violence in healthcare: causes, regulations, and prevention strategies
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing productivity
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare access
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing workload
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing autonomy
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing scope of practice
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing professional development
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing research
• The role of nursing in developing healthcare policies
• Massachusetts Health Reform Act: striving for universal coverage and controlled costs
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing career advancement
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing licensure and certification
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing accreditation
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing ethics
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing professionalism
• The role of nursing in healthcare policy implementation and evaluation
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing informatics
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing diversity and inclusion
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in rural areas
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in underserved communities
• The impact of healthcare policies on international nursing practice

The Importance of Research in Nursing

Research is the bedrock of nursing practice. It provides evidence-based knowledge that informs clinical decision-making, enhances patient outcomes, and advances the nursing profession. For nursing students, engaging in research activities offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Clinical Practice

Evidence-based research provides nurses with the latest knowledge and techniques to deliver optimal patient care. It bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, ensuring that patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

• Professional Development

Engaging in research sharpens critical thinking and analytical skills. It fosters a culture of continuous learning, allowing nurses to stay updated with the ever-evolving medical field.

• Contribution to the Field

By conducting research, nurses contribute to the larger body of knowledge in healthcare. Their findings can lead to improvements in patient care, the development of new interventions, or changes in healthcare policies.

• Enhanced Patient Outcomes

Research equips nurses with the knowledge to educate patients, advocate for their needs, and make informed decisions. This ensures better health outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.

• Career Advancement

For those looking to advance in their careers, research can open doors to academic positions, leadership roles, or specialized fields within nursing.

Tips for Selecting a Suitable Research Topic

• Align with Interests

Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. This will keep you motivated throughout the research process.

• Relevance to Current Trends

Consider current trends and challenges in healthcare. Addressing contemporary issues can make your research more impactful.

• Feasibility

Ensure that you have access to the necessary resources and tools to conduct your research. This includes access to participants, equipment, and relevant literature.

It’s essential to choose a topic that’s neither too broad nor too narrow. A well-defined research question will guide your study and ensure it’s manageable.

• Seek Guidance

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors, professors, or professionals in the field. Their insights can help refine your topic and provide valuable direction.

In conclusion, research is a vital component of the nursing profession, driving innovation and ensuring the best patient outcomes. For nursing students and professionals, engaging in research is not only a pathway to academic and career success but also a means to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of patient care.

📎 Related Articles

1. Key EBP Nursing Topics: Enhancing Patient Results through Evidence-Based Practice 2. Nursing Debate Topics: The Importance of Discussing and Debating Nursing Issues 3. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics: Inspiring Ideas for Students 4. Top Nursing Argumentative Essay Topics: Engage in Thought-Provoking Debates 5. Top Nursing Topics for Discussion: Engaging Conversations for Healthcare Professionals 6. Interesting Nursing Research Topics To Choose 7. Examples of Research Questions 8. Exploring Controversial Issues in Nursing: Key Topics and Examples 9. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics for Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of content

Crafted with Care:

Nursing Essays!

Precision, Passion, & Professionalism in Every Page.

251+ Nursing Research Topics To Explore In 2024

Nursing research is an essential aspect of healthcare education, and it involves exploring various topics to improve patient care and outcomes. However, choosing the right nursing research topic can be challenging, especially for students who are new to the field. To help nursing students and professionals, we have compiled a list of 26 categories and 260 research ideas related to nursing research topics.

These categories include a large number of nursing research topics, including nursing ethics, paediatric nursing, mental health nursing, nursing education, nursing informatics, community health nursing, evidence-based nursing, nursing leadership, nursing management, nursing theory, holistic nursing, palliative care nursing, critical care nursing, maternal-child nursing, public health nursing, and more. By exploring these categories and research ideas, nursing students and professionals can gain valuable insights and inspiration for their research projects.

7 Tips For Nursing Students To Stay Fit And Healthy

Table of Contents

Before jumping on to the nursing research topics let us have a look at some of the tips for nursing students to stay fit and healthy:

• Stay Active: Take breaks during study sessions to stretch or walk. Find activities you enjoy, like dancing or cycling.
• Balanced Diet: Treat your body with a balanced diet and have good and healthy food. Include fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.
• Stay Hydrated: To stay fit, your water intake should be good to keep your body hydrated and drink water regularly.
• Tackle Stress: Practise relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Take breaks to recharge.
• Sleeping Schedule: Take regular sleep of around 7 to 9 hours. Quality sleep boosts energy and supports learning.
• Socialise: Connect with friends, join study groups, or engage in hobbies. Social support is key for mental health.
• Self-Care Routine: Take time for yourself. Whether it’s a warm bath, reading, or listening to music, prioritise self-care to recharge.

251+ Nursing Research Topics

Here we have made different categories and listed top 10 research topics for all of them. Let us start.

Nursing Research Topics On Patient Care Management

• Impact of Telehealth Services on Patient Care Outcomes
• Comparative Analysis of Nurse-Patient Ratios on Care Quality
• Role of Interdisciplinary Teams in Enhancing Patient Care
• Effectiveness of Patient Education Programs on Self-Management
• Integration of Technology in Patient Care: Efficacy and Challenges
• Assessing the Influence of Cultural Competency Training on Care Delivery
• Patient-Centred Care Models: Evaluation and Implementation
• Evaluating the Long-Term Effects of Care Continuity on Patient Health
• Utilisation of Evidence-Based Practice in Patient Care Decision-Making
• Patient Satisfaction and its Correlation with Care Management Practices

Nursing Education Techniques

• Efficacy of Simulation-Based Learning in Nursing Education
• Integrating Virtual Reality in Nursing Curriculum
• Impact of Peer-to-Peer Teaching Methods in Nursing Programs
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Online Education for Nursing Students
• Use of Gamification in Enhancing Nursing Education
• Comparative Analysis of Clinical vs. Classroom Learning in Nursing
• Cultural Competence Training in Nursing Education: Outcomes and Implementation
• Evaluation of Mentorship Programs for Nursing Students
• Incorporating Interprofessional Education in Nursing Curricula
• Adaptive Learning Techniques for Diverse Nursing Learners

Pain Management In Nursing

• Efficacy of Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Pain Management
• Comparative Analysis of Different Pharmacological Approaches for Pain Relief
• Impact of Holistic Care Practices on Pain Management Outcomes
• Nurse-Led Pain Management Interventions: Effectiveness and Patient Satisfaction
• Addressing Barriers to Effective Pain Assessment in Clinical Settings
• Integrating Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pain Management Protocols
• Exploring the Role of Nursing Staff Training in Improved Pain Control
• Pain Management Strategies for Special Populations (Pediatrics, Geriatrics, etc.)
• The Influence of Patient Education on Pain Perception and Coping Mechanisms
• Pain Management in Palliative Care: Challenges and Best Practices

Quality Improvement In Healthcare

• Implementation of Lean Management Principles in Healthcare Settings
• Analysing the Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHR) on Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety Initiatives and their Effectiveness in Healthcare Quality
• Role of Interdisciplinary Teams in Enhancing Healthcare Quality
• Planning for Reducing Medical Errors and Adverse Events
• Continuous Quality Improvement Models in Healthcare Institutions
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Benchmarking in Healthcare Quality
• Impact of Patient-Centred Care Models on Healthcare Quality
• Addressing Disparities in Healthcare Quality: Strategies and Interventions
• The Influence of Quality Improvement Initiatives on Cost-Efficiency in Healthcare

Mental Health Nursing Interventions

• Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Mental Health Nursing
• Evaluating the Impact of Psychoeducation in Mental Health Nursing Practices
• Role of Therapeutic Communication in Psychiatric Nursing Care
• Integrating Art Therapy in Mental Health Nursing Interventions
• Comparative Analysis of Pharmacological vs. Non-Pharmacological Interventions
• Analysing the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Mental Health Nursing
• Trauma-Informed Care in Mental Health Nursing: Implementation and Outcomes
• Evaluation of Family-Based Interventions in Psychiatric Nursing
• Integrating Technology-Assisted Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Care
• Addressing Stigma Reduction Interventions in Mental Health Nursing

Pediatric Nursing Practices

• Pain Management Strategies in Pediatric Nursing Care
• Impact of Family-Centred Care in Pediatric Nursing
• Effectiveness of Play Therapy in Pediatric Nursing Interventions
• Pediatric Immunization Practices: Efficacy and Adherence
• Psychosocial Support for Children with Chronic Illnesses
• Nurse-Led Education Programs for Pediatric Health Promotion
• Comparative Analysis of Pediatric Care in Different Healthcare Settings
• Integrating Technology in Pediatric Nursing: Benefits and Challenges
• Mental Health Screening and Support in Pediatric Nursing
• Palliative Care in Pediatrics: Enhancing Quality of Life

Geriatric Nursing Studies

• Fall Prevention Strategies in Geriatric Nursing Care
• Comparative Analysis of Pharmacological vs. Non-Pharmacological Approaches in Geriatric Care
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Dementia Care Models in Geriatric Nursing
• Role of Nutrition and Diet in Geriatric Health and Nursing Interventions
• Polypharmacy and Medication Management in Geriatric Nursing
• Geriatric Mental Health Interventions: Efficacy and Challenges
• Geriatric Palliative Care and End-of-Life Nursing Practices
• Evaluating Gerontechnology Integration in Geriatric Nursing Care
• Handling Social Isolation and Loneliness in Geriatric Nursing
• Nurse-Led Health Promotion Programs for Elderly Populations

Holistic Nursing Approaches

• Integrative Medicine and Holistic Nursing Practices
• Impact of Mind-Body Interventions in Holistic Nursing Care
• Comparative Analysis of Holistics vs. Traditional Nursing Interventions
• Spirituality and its Role in Holistic Nursing Care
• Wellness Promotion through Holistic Nursing Models
• Exploring the Efficacy of Alternative Therapies in Holistic Nursing
• Holistic Pain Management Strategies in Nursing Care
• Environmental and Occupational Health in Holistic Nursing Practices
• Holistic Health Assessments in Nursing Practice
• Cultural Competence and Diversity in Holistic Nursing Care

Nursing Ethics And Professionalism

• Ethical Dilemmas in End-of-Life Care: Nursing Perspectives
• Professional Boundaries in Nurse-Patient Relationships
• Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Practice
• Cultural Competence and Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing
• Professionalism and Social Media Use among Nurses
• Ethical Issues in Resource Allocation and Healthcare Equity
• Patient Advocacy and Ethical Nursing Practices
• Ethical Considerations in Nursing Research and Publication
• Legal and Ethical Challenges in Nursing Informatics
• Integrity and Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing Leadership

Nursing Research Topics On Nursing Informatics

• Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHR) on Nursing Workflow
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Informatics
• Usability and User Experience of Nursing Informatics Systems
• Data Security and Privacy in Nursing Informatics
• Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring in Nursing Informatics
• Standardisation and Interoperability in Nursing Informatics
• Big Data Analytics in Nursing for Improved Patient Outcomes
• Nursing Informatics and Clinical Decision Support Systems
• Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications in Nursing Practice
• Evaluating the Role of Informatics in Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

Community Health Nursing

• Effectiveness of Health Promotion Programs in Underserved Communities
• Effect of Community Health Nurses in Disease Prevention and Control
• Addressing Health Disparities in Urban vs. Rural Communities
• Effect of Community-Based Interventions on Public Health Outcomes
• Mental Health Support in Community Health Nursing
• Evaluating the Efficacy of School-Based Health Programs
• Community Health Nursing in Disaster Response and Preparedness
• Community Health Assessment and Planning Strategies
• Collaborative Partnerships in Community Health Nursing
• Assessing the Role of Technology in Enhancing Community Health Services

Palliative Care Research

• Level of Life Assessment in Palliative Care Settings
• Family Caregiver Support in Palliative Care
• Implementation of Palliative Care in Chronic Disease Management
• Spiritual and Existential Concerns in Palliative Care                
• Palliative Care in Non-Oncological Conditions
• Palliative Care and End-of-Life Decision-Making
• Advance Care Planning and Preferences in Palliative Care
• Palliative Care for Paediatric Populations
• Healthcare Provider Training in Palliative Care Practices
• Cultural Competence in Palliative Care Settings

Nursing Leadership And Management

• Transformational Leadership in Nursing
• Diversity and Inclusion in Nursing Leadership
• Effective Strategies for Nurse Retention and Satisfaction
• Nurse Manager’s Role in Staff Well-being and Burnout Prevention
• Change Management in Nursing Practice
• Leadership Styles and its Effect on Patient Outcomes
• Collaborative Leadership in Interprofessional Healthcare Teams
• Mentorship and Succession Planning in Nursing Leadership
• Ethical Leadership in Nursing Management
• Financial Management in Nursing Practice

Nursing And Technology Integration

• Adoption and Implementation of Wearable Health Devices in Nursing
• Impact of Telemedicine on Nursing Practice and Patient Care
• Cybersecurity Challenges in Nursing Technology Integration
• Role of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Decision Support Systems
• Robotics and Automation in Nursing Care
• Nursing Workflow Efficiency through Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Assessing the effect of Virtual Reality in Nursing Education and Practice
• Patient Engagement and Empowerment through Health Apps
• Augmented Reality Applications in Nursing Training
• Blockchain Technology in Healthcare and Nursing Documentation

Evidence-Based Practice In Nursing

• Implementation Strategies for Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Settings
• Assessing Barriers to the Adoption of Evidence-Based Nursing Interventions
• Long-Term Outcomes of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
• Impact of Evidence-Based Protocols on Patient Safety
• Evaluating the Role of Nursing Research in Shaping Evidence-Based Practice
• Patient Outcomes and Adherence to Evidence-Based Guidelines
• Incorporating Patient Preferences in Evidence-Based Nursing Care
• Sustainability of Evidence-Based Practice Initiatives in Nursing
• Nurse Education and Training in Evidence-Based Practice
• Comparative Effectiveness of Evidence-Based vs. Traditional Nursing Interventions

Cultural Competence In Nursing

• Cultural Competence Training Impact on Nursing Care
• Assessing Communication Challenges in Cross-Cultural Nursing
• Culturally Sensitive Care in End-of-Life Nursing Practices
• Effectiveness of Cultural Competence Assessments for Nursing Staff
• Cultural Competence and Health Disparities in Nursing Care
• Integrating Cultural Competence into Nursing Curriculum
• Cultural Competence in Mental Health Nursing Interventions
• Role of Cultural Competence in Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes
• Cultural Competence and Decision-Making in Nursing Practice
• Addressing Ethical Dilemmas in Culturally Diverse Nursing Settings

Women’s Health Nursing

• Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes
• Addressing Disparities in Women’s Access to Healthcare
• Menopause Management and Quality of Life
• Breast Health and Screening Practices
• Women’s Mental Health and Nursing Interventions
• Reproductive Health and Family Planning Services
• Gender-Based Violence and Nursing Support
• Chronic Disease Management in Women’s Health
• Cultural Influences on Women’s Health Decision-Making
• Innovations in Women’s Health Nursing Care

Nursing Research Topics On Nursing Workforce Issues

• Nursing Shortages: Causes and Solutions
• Consequences of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Outcomes
• Nurse Burnout and Mental Health in the Workforce
• Diversity and Inclusion in the Nursing Profession
• Job Satisfaction and Retention Strategies for Nurses
• Transitioning to Remote Work in Nursing
• Effect of Shift Length and Schedule on Nursing Performance
• Generational Differences in the Nursing Workforce
• Global Mobility and Migration of Nurses
• Impact of Technology on the Future Nursing Workforce

Nursing And Chronic Disease Management

• Nurse-Led Chronic Disease Management Programs
• Impact of Education Programs on Chronic Disease Self-Management
• Integrative Medicine in Chronic Disease Nursing Care
• Nurse Practitioner Role in Chronic Disease Management
• Home-Based Chronic Disease Care by Nursing Teams
• Palliative Care Integration in Chronic Disease Management
• Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring in Chronic Disease Nursing
• Cultural Competence in Chronic Disease Nursing Care
• Addressing Health Disparities in Chronic Disease Management
• Long-Term Outcomes of Nursing Interventions in Chronic Disease

Critical Care Nursing Research

• Early Mobilisation in Critical Care Patients
• Nurse Staffing Ratios and Patient Outcomes in Critical Care Units
• Sedation Practices and Patient Outcomes in Intensive Care
• Family-Centred Care in Critical Care Settings
• Infection Control Measures in Critical Care Nursing
• Impact of Nurse Education on Critical Care Patient Outcomes
• Ethical Dilemmas in Critical Care Nursing Practice
• End-of-Life Care in Critical Care Settings
• Technology Integration in Critical Care Nursing
• Burnout and Resilience among Critical Care Nurses

Healthcare Policy And Nursing

• Impact of Health Policy Changes on Nursing Practice
• Advocacy Role of Nurses in Health Policy Development
• Nursing Workforce Policies and Healthcare Delivery
• Access to Healthcare Services and Nursing Advocacy
• Health Equity Policies and Nursing Interventions
• Regulatory Policies and Nursing Practice Standards
• Nursing Leadership Influence on Health Policy
• Global Health Policy and Nursing Contributions
• Telehealth Policy Implementation in Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Financing Policies and Nursing Implications

Nursing In Disaster Management

• Communication Strategies in Disaster Nursing
• Psychological First Aid in Disaster Situations
• Triage Protocols during Natural Disasters
• Role of Nurses in Mass Casualty Incidents
• Resilience and Coping Mechanisms in Disaster Nursing
• Community Preparedness and Nursing Response
• Mobile Health Units in Disaster Relief
• Ethics and Decision Making in Crisis Nursing
• Nursing Leadership in Disaster Response
• Training and Education for Nurses in Disaster Management

Health Promotion And Diseases Prevention

• Effectiveness of Community-Based Health Promotion Programs
• Role of Technology in Disease Prevention Initiatives
• Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on Disease Prevention
• Cultural Adaptation in Health Promotion Strategies
• Workplace Wellness Programs and Disease Prevention
• Public Policy and Disease Prevention Interventions
• Health Literacy and Disease Prevention Outcomes
• Integrative Medicine in Health Promotion
• Behavioral Economics and Health Behavior Change
• Environmental Factors in Disease Prevention

Nursing Research Topics On Ethical Issues In Nursing

• End-of-Life Decision Making and Nursing Ethics
• Informed Consent in Nursing Practice
• Ethical Challenges in Nurse-Patient Relationships
• Confidentiality and Privacy in Nursing Care
• Cultural Competence and Ethical Care Delivery
• Allocation of Scarce Resources in Nursing
• Ethical Implications of Advanced Technology in Nursing
• Moral Distress Among Nurses
• Ethical Dilemmas in Mental Health Nursing
• Professional Boundaries and Ethical Practice in Nursing

Infectious Disease Control

• Effectiveness of Vaccination Campaigns in Disease Control
• Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control
• Nosocomial Infections and Hospital Protocols
• Contact Tracing Strategies in Controlling Outbreaks
• Behavioral Interventions for Infectious Disease Prevention
• Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plans
• Role of Public Health Policies in Disease Control
• Environmental Factors in Infectious Disease Transmission
• Community Engagement in Disease Control Efforts
• Surveillance Systems for Infectious Disease Monitoring

Wound Care And Healing

• Advanced Wound Dressings and Healing Outcomes
• Biofilm Management in Chronic Wounds
• Role of Nutrition in Wound Healing
• Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment Strategies
• Regenerative Medicine in Wound Care
• Innovations in Wound Closure Techniques
• Pain Management in Wound Care
• Psychological Impact of Chronic Wounds on Patients
• Factors Influencing Scar Formation and Management
• Telemedicine Applications in Wound Assessment

As we wrap up this exploration of nursing research topics, remember, the world of nursing is vast, diverse, and always evolving. These 26 categories we’ve covered offer an introduction into the huge possibilities for research within this field. With 260 research ideas to spark your curiosity, there’s something here for every aspiring nurse researcher.

But this is just the beginning. The beauty of nursing research lies in its ability to make a real impact, from improving patient care to shaping healthcare policies. Your journey doesn’t end here; it’s the first step towards contributing to a healthier, more informed world.

So, take these categories and ideas as inspiration. Dive deeper, ask questions, and let your passion for nursing guide your research works. Each idea is a curiosity waiting to bloom into a significant contribution to the nursing profession. Increase your curiosity, enjoy the challenges, and most importantly, feel the journey of discovery in nursing research. The future of healthcare eagerly awaits your perception and innovations!

Related Posts

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

14 Research Topics for Nursing Students

What are you struggling with in nursing school?

NURSING.com is the BEST place to learn nursing. With over 2,000+ clear, concise, and visual lessons, there is something for you!

As a nursing student, you will be expected to conduct research as part of your coursework. Choosing a research topic can be challenging, but it's essential to find a topic that is both interesting and relevant to your field. In this post, we'll explore some good research topics for nursing students and provide links to resources where you can learn more.

The effects of shift work on nurses' health and well-being Shift work is a common practice in nursing, but it can have negative effects on nurses' health and well-being. This research topic could explore the impact of shift work on sleep patterns, stress levels, and overall health.

Improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice Nurses play a crucial role in delivering evidence-based care. This research topic could explore the use of evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes in a particular area, such as wound care or medication management.

Examining the role of the nurse in end-of-life care End-of-life care is an important aspect of nursing practice. This research topic could explore the nurse's role in providing end-of-life care, including ethical considerations and communication with patients and families.

Reducing healthcare-associated infections in hospitals Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant problem in hospitals. This research topic could explore strategies for reducing HAIs, such as hand hygiene and infection control measures.

Exploring the impact of cultural diversity on healthcare outcomes Cultural diversity is an essential aspect of nursing practice. This research topic could explore the impact of cultural diversity on healthcare outcomes, including patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and health disparities.

Investigating the use of technology in nursing practice Technology is increasingly being used in nursing practice. This research topic could explore the use of technology in areas such as telehealth, electronic health records, and medication administration.

Addressing healthcare disparities among underserved populations Healthcare disparities are a significant problem in the United States. This research topic could explore the factors contributing to healthcare disparities among underserved populations and strategies for addressing these disparities.

Improving pain management in hospitalized patients Pain management is an essential aspect of nursing practice. This research topic could explore strategies for improving pain management in hospitalized patients, including the use of non-pharmacological interventions.

Examining the effectiveness of nursing interventions in preventing falls in hospitalized patients Falls are a significant problem in hospitals, particularly among older adults. This research topic could explore the effectiveness of nursing interventions in preventing falls in hospitalized patients.

Investigating the use of complementary and alternative therapies in nursing practice Complementary and alternative therapies are becoming increasingly popular among patients. This research topic could explore the use of these therapies in nursing practice, including their efficacy and safety.

The impact of social determinants of health on healthcare outcomes Social determinants of health, such as income and education level, can have a significant impact on healthcare outcomes. This research topic could explore the relationship between social determinants of health and healthcare outcomes.

Investigating the relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes Nurse staffing levels can have a significant impact on patient outcomes. This research topic could explore the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes, including mortality rates and length of stay.

Examining the use of simulation in nursing education Simulation is becoming an increasingly popular teaching tool in nursing education. This research topic could explore the use of simulation in nursing education, including its effectiveness and best practices.

Improving nursing leadership and management in healthcare organizations Nursing leadership and management are essential components of healthcare organizations. This research topic could explore strategies for improving nursing leadership and

Setting Yourself Up for Success: What Are SMART Goals for Nursing Students?

I failed the nclex 6 times . . . how i finally passed, similar blog posts.

Why Passing the NCLEX® in 75 Questions Doesn't Matter | NURSING.com

Addison's Disease NCLEX Review for Nursing Students + Free Download

Pressure Ulcers NCLEX Review for Nursing Students + Free Download

• Practice Test
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical and Surgical Nursing
• Perioperative Nursing
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
• Maternal & Child Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Pathophysiology
• Nursing Research
• Study Guide and Strategies
• Nursing Videos
• Work for Us!
• Privacy Policy

• Nursing Notes

200+ Great Ideas of Nursing Research Topics to Get Started

Running out of topic ideas for your nursing research paper?

Stay on this page to find really cool and helpful lists of interesting research topics for your nursing dissertation or thesis.

What are Some Cool topics to Research?

Whenever students are asked to work on a research paper or present their thesis, the very first concern for them is choosing a unique, interesting, and research-worthy topic that makes their research significant and has enough future scope.

When it comes to finding a unique topic without working on something that’s already been done, most of the nursing and healthcare students struggle. A good research topic should be unique, relevant to current times, and have future scope as well. And you’ll find all three qualities in the topics mentioned below:

1. Primary Healthcare Nursing Research Topics

Primary healthcare refers to essential or basic health care service based on socially acceptable and scientifically sound methods and technology. Since it includes physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being, there are many topics for nursing scholars to explore:

• Strengthening primary healthcare system as the first line of referral system
• Introduction of home health nursing in the community set up
• Primary health care delivery system clinical pathways
• From home visits to home health care: strengthening primary health care delivery system
• Expanding the roles of community health nurses
• Millennial models of health care system
• Strengthening disease surveillance program in the community health set-up
• Home health care of debilitated patients
• Acceptance of evidence-based practice in the primary health care
• Strengthening continuity of care in the community / home health care post hospitalization
• Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy in the community health care setting

2. Good Research Topics in Healthcare Management

Healthcare management is the management, administration, or oversight of healthcare systems, hospitals, public health systems, and other medical facilities. Since it comprises the overall management of all the work of the hospitals, it opens avenues for a lot of research work. Take, for example, the following:

• Evaluating who is responsible for failure in surgeries?
• Healthcare Contracts Limitations
• Medical Home Service
• Analysing nursing channels that nurses can use for becoming physicians?
• Gender Bias in Nursing Profession
• Starting Private Practice as a Nurse
• Medicare: Pros and Cons
• What are the most appropriate methods for increasing staff retention in a health care setting?
• Nursing Uniform Code Rules
• Role of nurses in enhancing a hospital quality improvement
• Legal Risks with Non-English Patients
• Medical Marijuana: Risk, Benefits, and Management Rules
• Shortage of Men in Healthcare
• Health tracking apps for continuity of care post discharge to home
• Telehealth: the impact of virtual care to urban and rural areas
• Strategic referral system to prevent tertiary hospital congestion
• Clinical pathways for referral system
• Drive-thru pharmacy
• Strenghtening the roles of social works and social workers in the health care team
• Case management approach in the healthcare delivery system
• Defining and application of Expected Length of Stay in patient management
• Impact of case managers in Expected Length of Stay and patient outcomes
• Redefining hospital cultures on bed rest versus mobilization
• Redefining hospital cultures on diet and food services
• Redefining hospital cultures on the assumption of the sick roles
• Strict implementation of Expected Length of Stay to prevent hospital congestion
• Roles of Case manager in the Clinical pathways
• Case Manager as a new nursing role an specialization
• Nurse navigator as a new form of nurse entrepreneurship
• Case management clinical pathway for smooth admission, patient flow and continuity of care after discharge
• Increase nursing specialization
• Internet savvy for healthcare providers

3. Nursing Research Topics about Pain Management

Pain management, in nursing, includes study of all the interventions nurses can make during their hospital hours – mainly to relieve a patient’s pain or ailments through medicinal interventions. Pain is complex, with many treatment options such as therapies, medicines, and also mind-body techniques. Nursing research scholars can research about the following topics:

• Pain management in children suffering from life-limiting illnesses: learning about the best practices
• Headache Treatment Protocol
• A closer look at hemophilia patient’s pain management
• Myofascial Pain Rehabilitation
• Labor and delivery: best practices for pain management
• Using Opioid for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fetal pain perception: analysis by medical experts
• Innovative Injection Use
• Therapeutic Injections: Cons & Pros
• Cognitive hypnotherapy application: how effective are they in pain management?
• Evaluating the effectiveness of Benson’s relaxation therapy as a pain management practice.
• Post-discharge pain-management strategies: evaluating their effectiveness in a health care setting?
• Phantom Pains Phenomenon
• Pain management in cancer patients: best practices according to expert nurses
• Spinal cord nerve injury related to chronic constipation
• Mobile pain unit

4. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

In Pediatric nursing, the nursing staff is responsible for medical care of the children and neonates, and adolescents – mainly in a day-clinic or the in-patient setting. Though the main role of child health nursing is administering procedures and medicines to all children as per their prescribed nursing care plans, the research scholars can write papers on the following topics:

• Speech Disorders Therapy
• ADHD Causes & treatment
• Prevalence of misdiagnosis in child health or paediatric ward
• Vaccination & Autism
• Systematic review of range of child health nursing services in UK
• Antibiotic Resistance in Preschool Children
• Mental and Emotional health of children under 10
• Eating Disorders in Children
• Social Media Impact on Teenagers
• Seizures Causes in Infants
• Teething issues in children under 10
• Psychological Aspects of Infant Care
• Use of social media platforms in preparation and prevention of hospital phobia among pediatric groups
• Family engagement in the pediatric care by using hospital information system
• Safety and efficacy of telehealth for pediatric patients

What are the Current issues in Nursing?

Nursing is a high-pressure job. It demands patience, determination, and perseverance. As a high-pressure job, it gets quite challenging and leads to issues from time to time. Some of the examples being staff shortages, long working hours, workplace hazards, personal health, and workplace violence. All of these can be addressed in nursing research papers:

• Analysis of the registered nurse workforce and the relationship to work environments
• Transforming loss: A developing concept for nursing
• Nursing Staff Shortages
• Nursing Practitioners
• Meeting Patient Expectations: A challenge for nurses
• Biggest obstacles nurses face in their education and maintaining career alongside
• Workplace Violence and Hazards Nurses face
• Diversity in Healthcare
• Importance of Community Nursing
• Future of Nursing in the Digital Age
• What measure can a nurse take for helping a person with their eating disorder?
• Clinical Nurse Roles
• How can nurses help in treating patients who already know they don’t have a survival rate?
• Ethics and Homeless People Treatment
• Critical Care Nursing Management
• A nurse’s role in helping and assisting patients with chronic diseases?
• Nursing Theorists Works
• Remote Intensive Care Unit
• Stress Management Practice for Nurses Working in Night Shifts
• Between Career & Professional Service
• Preceptorship and training after distant education program and online learning
• Centralized infectious disease surveillance
• Centralized reporting of chronic diseases
• Patient become more educated: the pros and cons of social media
• Fake news and misinformation on health related issue with the rise of social media platforms
• BPO and call centers for medical procedures booking and admission to decongest emergency room
• Application of BPO in the quality assurance monitoring in documentation

What are Some of the Research Topic Ideas in Surgical Nursing?

• Moral distress among nurses in Surgical units
• Patient’s satisfaction and experience about care provided by nurses in the surgical units
• Organizational effects on patient satisfaction in surgical units
• Medical-Surgical nurses and their perceived leadership abilities as responders in patient deterioration events
• Role of Nurses in Surgical Wards
• Medical-surgical nursing: Critical thinking in client care
• Pain assessment and management in surgical nursing
• Understanding technology in contemporary surgical nursing
• Understanding Medical surgical nursing as an integrated approach
• Standardising fast-track surgical nursing care
• Mobilization team for the fast recovery of post-operative patients
• Use of telehealth for pre-operative preparations and elective surgical admissions to lessen hospital length of stay among surgical patients
• Continuity of care post surgery in the community health care

What have been some of the more important nursing research questions discussed in nursing class?

If you are here to find more important topics for your nursing dissertations, then scroll through this section for topics that are often discussed in nursing classes. Nursing research articles and topics change over time. However, we find these relevant to current times and challenges in healthcare:

1. Research topic ideas for Midwifery Nursing

Nurse-midwife, as a licensed healthcare professional, specialises in child birth and also women’s reproductive health. Apart from attending pregnant women during childbirth, they are responsible for several roles during emergencies, and pre and postnatal care. Hence, opening avenues for research topics such as:

• Role of nurses in improving patient safety during childbirth: Evidence from obstetric trauma
• Evaluate the impact of delayed umbilical cord clamping after child birth
• Maternal & Neonatal Practices in Rural Areas
• Emerging trends in obstetrical and midwifery nursing
• First Antenatal Appointment Analysis
• Limiting interventions during a low-risk labour
• Mental Illness & Post-natal Period
• Analysing the role of prenatal care in pregnant women
• Shift Study Midwives & Length
• Evaluating impact of AIDS and Hepatitis B in the pregnant women
• Self-Instruction Kits & Natal Safety
• Studying advanced trends in obstetrics and gynaecology
• Midwifery Continued Care
• Evaluating pros and cons of labouring in water
• Gestational Weight Gain Challenges
• Vitamin D’s role as a supplement during pregnancy
• Studying clinical reasoning integration into midwifery practice
• Obese Pregnant Women Safety Rules
• A decade after BEmONC and CEmONC

2. Health Promotion Research Topics

Health promotion mainly comes from behavioral social science which draws from the environmental, biological, psychological, medical, and physical sciences for promoting health and preventing diseases. For health promotion, the research topics include the following:

• Healthcare Dangers of Digital Age
• Benefits and Shortages of Telemedicine
• Healthy living and Preventive medicine for Senior Citizens
• Role of School Nurses
• Obstacles for Smoking cessation
• Healthy Eating & Sports
• Causes of Youth Inactivity
• Roles of Parents for Healthy Lifestyle of Children
• Obesity and Mental Stability
• Pharmacist Responsibility
• Social Media and Educational Strategies
• HealthBank as new form of medical insurance inside the hospital organization
• Collaboration of private health insurance company with public and private hospitals

3. Adult Research Topics for Nursing Students

As a nursing scholar, you can also write research papers on adult healthcare, disease prevention, and management. Take, for example, reasons behind anxiety disorders in adults. Find more topics in the list below:

• Nurses’ experiences with urinary catheter insertion: A qualitative focus group study
• Clinical Cardiology Innovations
• CV Imaging Process
• Migraine Case Example
• Bipolar Disorder Non-Chemical Practices
• Mental Health & Psychiatric Care in Adults
• Online nursing education program
• Self care in Nursing
• Home health care for longterm vented patients
• Clinical Instructor, Preceptorship, Educator and Professor as specialized field requiring licensure
• Specialization program in nursing education

4. Geriatric Care Nursing Journal Topics

Nurses working in Geriatric care and management are responsible for coordinating and planning care of the elderly people dealing with mental or physical disabilities. Some of the research work topic ideas for geriatric care include the following:

• Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke in Elderly people
• Pain in elderly people: Assessment and Management
• Joint Disorders Study in Elderly Population
• Rapid Nutritional assessment in Elderly
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Bladder Cancer Therapy
• Atrial Fibrillation Study
• Critical Care Requirements
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
• Geriatrics Ethics
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Parkinson’s Disease Precautions
• Geriatric care clinical pathways of care: holistic approach

What are the recent nursing research paper topics?

If you’re facing the challenge of choosing a recent nursing research topic, we’ve got your back. Many nurses, including experienced and freshers, are faced with this challenge at some point. But there’s no need to panic. So, without further ado, let’s jump-start the list of most recent research topics for nursing students:

1. Women’s Health Nursing Research Topics

Research topics related to women’s health are always trending, relevant, and have future scope as well. Hence, these topics are still worth exploring and researching:

• Culture affects women’s health
• Substance Abuse and Addiction in Women
• Menopause Challenges
• Infertility Ethical Rules
• Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian Disorder Analysis
• Modern Neonatal Practices
• Pregnancy Prevention Measures
• Sepsis after labour
• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Cystic Fibroids
• Sleep Disorders in Women
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Women’s Sexual Health Disorders
• HPV and Cervical Cancer
• Vaginal Atrophy Causes
• Sleep disturbances in Women

2. Mental Health Nursing Research Articles Topics

Research papers focusing on mental health are still one of the most read and referred papers. And there’s still more scope for research on topics such as:

• Evaluating the concept of Integrated Mental and Physical Health Care
• Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health
• Possible skills required for Nurses in Mental health care setting
• Assessing the mental health of nurses
• Depression Causes
• Schizophrenia Diagnostics
• Alcohol Addiction Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Studying the impact of PTSD in the Army Veterans
• Impact of Video Games on Teenage Aggression
• Stress Among Police Officers
• Psychiatric Patient Ethics
• Forbidden Substances: Prevention and Use
• Bioterrorism Medicine
• Physical Traumas & Recovery Methods
• Application of Nursing Case Management in Psychiatry

Nursing leaders have called for research focusing on which of the following topics?

If you’d like to take an expert’s opinion before choosing a topic for your nursing dissertation, this section will be helpful. Our list of best nursing research topics doesn’t end here. We’ve got here more interesting topics that are recommended by nursing leaders and experts. Take a look at some more relevant topics:

• Preterm Labor Dangers
• Labor and Delivery Management Practices
• Saving Mother & Child Challenges
• Abortion Care Ethical Side
• Adolescent Gynecology Education
• Antenatal Care Recommendations
• Hypertensive Disorders Causes
• Newborn Resuscitation Rules
• Caesarean Section Preparation
• Delivery Room Behavior Checklist
• Nurses play vital roles in healthcare. Why are they invisible in the media?
• Increasing nursing research capacity: The roles of nurse scientists within healthcare systems
• Microeconomics and macroeconomics for sources of hospital funds
• Diverting patients and funds to economical services
• Culture vs evidence based practice
• Social media influencer in health education dissemination
• Acceptance of evidence based practice in the hospital
• Impact of socio-cultural nursing to evidence-based practice
• Hindrances in the implementation of evidence-based practice
• Nursing faculty shortage and brain-drain
• Online continuing professional education and development

Academic Writing Service: Work Directly With the Experts

The are list of best nursing research paper topics ends here. However, we still have something helpful for you. Writing a dissertation or a nursing paper is time consuming – needless to mention the mental exertion. That explains why the majority of students prefer seeking research writing help.

Take, for example, apessay.com , a place where you can get in touch with registered experts who have successfully passed their competency examinations to provide academic writing service at an affordable rate. The three USPs include plagiarism free content, complete privacy and security standards to protect your personal info, and money-back guarantee.

What makes apessay.com academic writing service unique is you can work in direct cooperation with your preferred writer and consult them for everything – from choosing a relevant topic to revisions for final submission.

Feel free to get professional help from nursing research paper writing service which will take care of your nursing papers online.

Final Thoughts

Nursing research topics for a dissertation or thesis should not be difficult to find through the ideas suggestion above. Just make sure that you provide a twist (segment or expand the topic, perhaps) and come up with a unique topic for your paper.

During the initial stages of finalising a nursing research topic, you can struggle with a lot of choices or overwhelming information. However, when you start to consider a research topic’s limitations and scope, and outline your topic into a question, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the topic you can manage in terms of workload.

We hope these nursing research topics mentioned above help you find that unique thesis statement or idea you’re looking for. In case you’re still having a tough time making a choice, leave us a comment or drop a mail, and we will direct you to better resources.

• https://www.journals.elsevier.com/applied-nursing-research/recent-articles
• https://www.syberscribe.com.au/blog/10-emerging-trends-healthcare-technology-2019-beyond/
• https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/nursing/top-10-nursing-trends/
• http://ojin.nursingworld.org/

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Evidence-based practice in nursing: beyond the scientific proof of care, nursing research definition: the importance and nurses roles.

It’s was very helpful for me

Disparities in enumeration of staff nurses in developing countries are not researched on.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Open access
• Published: 17 April 2024

Deciphering the influence: academic stress and its role in shaping learning approaches among nursing students: a cross-sectional study

• Rawhia Salah Dogham 1 ,
• Heba Fakieh Mansy Ali 1 ,
• Asmaa Saber Ghaly 3 ,
• Nermine M. Elcokany 2 ,
• Mohamed Mahmoud Seweid 4 &
• Ayman Mohamed El-Ashry   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7718-4942 5  

BMC Nursing volume  23 , Article number:  249 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

230 Accesses

Metrics details

Nursing education presents unique challenges, including high levels of academic stress and varied learning approaches among students. Understanding the relationship between academic stress and learning approaches is crucial for enhancing nursing education effectiveness and student well-being.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of academic stress and its correlation with learning approaches among nursing students.

Design and Method

A cross-sectional descriptive correlation research design was employed. A convenient sample of 1010 nursing students participated, completing socio-demographic data, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2 F).

Most nursing students experienced moderate academic stress (56.3%) and exhibited moderate levels of deep learning approaches (55.0%). Stress from a lack of professional knowledge and skills negatively correlates with deep learning approaches (r = -0.392) and positively correlates with surface learning approaches (r = 0.365). Female students showed higher deep learning approach scores, while male students exhibited higher surface learning approach scores. Age, gender, educational level, and academic stress significantly influenced learning approaches.

Academic stress significantly impacts learning approaches among nursing students. Strategies addressing stressors and promoting healthy learning approaches are essential for enhancing nursing education and student well-being.

Nursing implication

Understanding academic stress’s impact on nursing students’ learning approaches enables tailored interventions. Recognizing stressors informs strategies for promoting adaptive coping, fostering deep learning, and creating supportive environments. Integrating stress management, mentorship, and counseling enhances student well-being and nursing education quality.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

Nursing education is a demanding field that requires students to acquire extensive knowledge and skills to provide competent and compassionate care. Nursing education curriculum involves high-stress environments that can significantly impact students’ learning approaches and academic performance [ 1 , 2 ]. Numerous studies have investigated learning approaches in nursing education, highlighting the importance of identifying individual students’ preferred approaches. The most studied learning approaches include deep, surface, and strategic approaches. Deep learning approaches involve students actively seeking meaning, making connections, and critically analyzing information. Surface learning approaches focus on memorization and reproducing information without a more profound understanding. Strategic learning approaches aim to achieve high grades by adopting specific strategies, such as memorization techniques or time management skills [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].

Nursing education stands out due to its focus on practical training, where the blend of academic and clinical coursework becomes a significant stressor for students, despite academic stress being shared among all university students [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Consequently, nursing students are recognized as prone to high-stress levels. Stress is the physiological and psychological response that occurs when a biological control system identifies a deviation between the desired (target) state and the actual state of a fitness-critical variable, whether that discrepancy arises internally or externally to the human [ 9 ]. Stress levels can vary from objective threats to subjective appraisals, making it a highly personalized response to circumstances. Failure to manage these demands leads to stress imbalance [ 10 ].

Nursing students face three primary stressors during their education: academic, clinical, and personal/social stress. Academic stress is caused by the fear of failure in exams, assessments, and training, as well as workload concerns [ 11 ]. Clinical stress, on the other hand, arises from work-related difficulties such as coping with death, fear of failure, and interpersonal dynamics within the organization. Personal and social stressors are caused by an imbalance between home and school, financial hardships, and other factors. Throughout their education, nursing students have to deal with heavy workloads, time constraints, clinical placements, and high academic expectations. Multiple studies have shown that nursing students experience higher stress levels compared to students in other fields [ 12 , 13 , 14 ].

Research has examined the relationship between academic stress and coping strategies among nursing students, but no studies focus specifically on the learning approach and academic stress. However, existing literature suggests that students interested in nursing tend to experience lower levels of academic stress [ 7 ]. Therefore, interest in nursing can lead to deep learning approaches, which promote a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, allowing students to feel more confident and less overwhelmed by coursework and exams. Conversely, students employing surface learning approaches may experience higher stress levels due to the reliance on memorization [ 3 ].

Understanding the interplay between academic stress and learning approaches among nursing students is essential for designing effective educational interventions. Nursing educators can foster deep learning approaches by incorporating active learning strategies, critical thinking exercises, and reflection activities into the curriculum [ 15 ]. Creating supportive learning environments encouraging collaboration, self-care, and stress management techniques can help alleviate academic stress. Additionally, providing mentorship and counselling services tailored to nursing students’ unique challenges can contribute to their overall well-being and academic success [ 16 , 17 , 18 ].

Despite the scarcity of research focusing on the link between academic stress and learning methods in nursing students, it’s crucial to identify the unique stressors they encounter. The intensity of these stressors can be connected to the learning strategies employed by these students. Academic stress and learning approach are intertwined aspects of the student experience. While academic stress can influence learning approaches, the choice of learning approach can also impact the level of academic stress experienced. By understanding this relationship and implementing strategies to promote healthy learning approaches and manage academic stress, educators and institutions can foster an environment conducive to deep learning and student well-being.

Hence, this study aims to investigate the correlation between academic stress and learning approaches experienced by nursing students.

Study objectives

Assess the levels of academic stress among nursing students.

Assess the learning approaches among nursing students.

Identify the relationship between academic stress and learning approach among nursing students.

Identify the effect of academic stress and related factors on learning approach and among nursing students.

Materials and methods

Research design.

A cross-sectional descriptive correlation research design adhering to the STROBE guidelines was used for this study.

A research project was conducted at Alexandria Nursing College, situated in Egypt. The college adheres to the national standards for nursing education and functions under the jurisdiction of the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education. Alexandria Nursing College comprises nine specialized nursing departments that offer various nursing specializations. These departments include Nursing Administration, Community Health Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing, Nursing Education, and Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health. The credit hour system is the fundamental basis of both undergraduate and graduate programs. This framework guarantees a thorough evaluation of academic outcomes by providing an organized structure for tracking academic progress and conducting analyses.

Participants and sample size calculation

The researchers used the Epi Info 7 program to calculate the sample size. The calculations were based on specific parameters such as a population size of 9886 students for the academic year 2022–2023, an expected frequency of 50%, a maximum margin of error of 5%, and a confidence coefficient of 99.9%. Based on these parameters, the program indicated that a minimum sample size of 976 students was required. As a result, the researchers recruited a convenient sample of 1010 nursing students from different academic levels during the 2022–2023 academic year [ 19 ]. This sample size was larger than the minimum required, which could help to increase the accuracy and reliability of the study results. Participation in the study required enrollment in a nursing program and voluntary agreement to take part. The exclusion criteria included individuals with mental illnesses based on their response and those who failed to complete the questionnaires.

socio-demographic data that include students’ age, sex, educational level, hours of sleep at night, hours spent studying, and GPA from the previous semester.

Tool two: the perceived stress scale (PSS)

It was initially created by Sheu et al. (1997) to gauge the level and nature of stress perceived by nursing students attending Taiwanese universities [ 20 ]. It comprises 29 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, where (0 = never, 1 = rarely, 2 = sometimes, 3 = reasonably often, and 4 = very often), with a total score ranging from 0 to 116. The cut-off points of levels of perceived stress scale according to score percentage were low < 33.33%, moderate 33.33–66.66%, and high more than 66.66%. Higher scores indicate higher stress levels. The items are categorized into six subscales reflecting different sources of stress. The first subscale assesses “stress stemming from lack of professional knowledge and skills” and includes 3 items. The second subscale evaluates “stress from caring for patients” with 8 items. The third subscale measures “stress from assignments and workload” with 5 items. The fourth subscale focuses on “stress from interactions with teachers and nursing staff” with 6 items. The fifth subscale gauges “stress from the clinical environment” with 3 items. The sixth subscale addresses “stress from peers and daily life” with 4 items. El-Ashry et al. (2022) reported an excellent internal consistency reliability of 0.83 [ 21 ]. Two bilingual translators translated the English version of the scale into Arabic and then back-translated it into English by two other independent translators to verify its accuracy. The suitability of the translated version was confirmed through a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which yielded goodness-of-fit indices such as a comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.712, a Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) of 0.812, and a root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.100.

Tool three: revised study process questionnaire (R-SPQ-2 F)

It was developed by Biggs et al. (2001). It examines deep and surface learning approaches using only 20 questions; each subscale contains 10 questions [ 22 ]. On a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never or only rarely true of me) to 4 (always or almost always accurate of me). The total score ranged from 0 to 80, with a higher score reflecting more deep or surface learning approaches. The cut-off points of levels of revised study process questionnaire according to score percentage were low < 33%, moderate 33–66%, and high more than 66%. Biggs et al. (2001) found that Cronbach alpha value was 0.73 for deep learning approach and 0.64 for the surface learning approach, which was considered acceptable. Two translators fluent in English and Arabic initially translated a scale from English to Arabic. To ensure the accuracy of the translation, they translated it back into English. The translated version’s appropriateness was evaluated using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The CFA produced several goodness-of-fit indices, including a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.790, a Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.912, and a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.100. Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.790, a Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.912, and a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.100.

Ethical considerations

The Alexandria University College of Nursing’s Research Ethics Committee provided ethical permission before the study’s implementation. Furthermore, pertinent authorities acquired ethical approval at participating nursing institutions. The vice deans of the participating institutions provided written informed consent attesting to institutional support and authority. By giving written informed consent, participants confirmed they were taking part voluntarily. Strict protocols were followed to protect participants’ privacy during the whole investigation. The obtained personal data was kept private and available only to the study team. Ensuring participants’ privacy and anonymity was of utmost importance.

Tools validity

The researchers created tool one after reviewing pertinent literature. Two bilingual translators independently translated the English version into Arabic to evaluate the applicability of the academic stress and learning approach tools for Arabic-speaking populations. To assure accuracy, two additional impartial translators back-translated the translation into English. They were also assessed by a five-person jury of professionals from the education and psychiatric nursing departments. The scales were found to have sufficiently evaluated the intended structures by the jury.

Pilot study

A preliminary investigation involved 100 nursing student applicants, distinct from the final sample, to gauge the efficacy, clarity, and potential obstacles in utilizing the research instruments. The pilot findings indicated that the instruments were accurate, comprehensible, and suitable for the target demographic. Additionally, Cronbach’s Alpha was utilized to further assess the instruments’ reliability, demonstrating internal solid consistency for both the learning approaches and academic stress tools, with values of 0.91 and 0.85, respectively.

Data collection

The researchers convened with each qualified student in a relaxed, unoccupied classroom in their respective college settings. Following a briefing on the study’s objectives, the students filled out the datasheet. The interviews typically lasted 15 to 20 min.

Data analysis

The data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 26.0. Following data entry, a thorough examination and verification were undertaken to ensure accuracy. The normality of quantitative data distributions was assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to evaluate the reliability and internal consistency of the study instruments. Descriptive statistics, including means (M), standard deviations (SD), and frequencies/percentages, were computed to summarize academic stress and learning approaches for categorical data. Student’s t-tests compared scores between two groups for normally distributed variables, while One-way ANOVA compared scores across more than two categories of a categorical variable. Pearson’s correlation coefficient determined the strength and direction of associations between customarily distributed quantitative variables. Hierarchical regression analysis identified the primary independent factors influencing learning approaches. Statistical significance was determined at the 5% (p < 0.05).

Table  1 presents socio-demographic data for a group of 1010 nursing students. The age distribution shows that 38.8% of the students were between 18 and 21 years old, 32.9% were between 21 and 24 years old, and 28.3% were between 24 and 28 years old, with an average age of approximately 22.79. Regarding gender, most of the students were female (77%), while 23% were male. The students were distributed across different educational years, a majority of 34.4% in the second year, followed by 29.4% in the fourth year. The students’ hours spent studying were found to be approximately two-thirds (67%) of the students who studied between 3 and 6 h. Similarly, sleep patterns differ among the students; more than three-quarters (77.3%) of students sleep between 5- to more than 7 h, and only 2.4% sleep less than 2 h per night. Finally, the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) from the previous semester was also provided. 21% of the students had a GPA between 2 and 2.5, 40.9% had a GPA between 2.5 and 3, and 38.1% had a GPA between 3 and 3.5.

Figure  1 provides the learning approach level among nursing students. In terms of learning approach, most students (55.0%) exhibited a moderate level of deep learning approach, followed by 25.9% with a high level and 19.1% with a low level. The surface learning approach was more prevalent, with 47.8% of students showing a moderate level, 41.7% showing a low level, and only 10.5% exhibiting a high level.

Nursing students? levels of learning approach (N=1010)

Figure  2 provides the types of academic stress levels among nursing students. Among nursing students, various stressors significantly impact their academic experiences. Foremost among these stressors are the pressure and demands associated with academic assignments and workload, with 30.8% of students attributing their high stress levels to these factors. Challenges within the clinical environment are closely behind, contributing significantly to high stress levels among 25.7% of nursing students. Interactions with peers and daily life stressors also weigh heavily on students, ranking third among sources of high stress, with 21.5% of students citing this as a significant factor. Similarly, interaction with teachers and nursing staff closely follow, contributing to high-stress levels for 20.3% of nursing students. While still significant, stress from taking care of patients ranks slightly lower, with 16.7% of students reporting it as a significant factor contributing to their academic stress. At the lowest end of the ranking, but still notable, is stress from a perceived lack of professional knowledge and skills, with 15.9% of students experiencing high stress in this area.

Nursing students? levels of academic stress subtypes (N=1010)

Figure  3 provides the total levels of academic stress among nursing students. The majority of students experienced moderate academic stress (56.3%), followed by those experiencing low academic stress (29.9%), and a minority experienced high academic stress (13.8%).

Nursing students? levels of total academic stress (N=1010)

Table  2 displays the correlation between academic stress subscales and deep and surface learning approaches among 1010 nursing students. All stress subscales exhibited a negative correlation regarding the deep learning approach, indicating that the inclination toward deep learning decreases with increasing stress levels. The most significant negative correlation was observed with stress stemming from the lack of professional knowledge and skills (r=-0.392, p < 0.001), followed by stress from the clinical environment (r=-0.109, p = 0.001), stress from assignments and workload (r=-0.103, p = 0.001), stress from peers and daily life (r=-0.095, p = 0.002), and stress from patient care responsibilities (r=-0.093, p = 0.003). The weakest negative correlation was found with stress from interactions with teachers and nursing staff (r=-0.083, p = 0.009). Conversely, concerning the surface learning approach, all stress subscales displayed a positive correlation, indicating that heightened stress levels corresponded with an increased tendency toward superficial learning. The most substantial positive correlation was observed with stress related to the lack of professional knowledge and skills (r = 0.365, p < 0.001), followed by stress from patient care responsibilities (r = 0.334, p < 0.001), overall stress (r = 0.355, p < 0.001), stress from interactions with teachers and nursing staff (r = 0.262, p < 0.001), stress from assignments and workload (r = 0.262, p < 0.001), and stress from the clinical environment (r = 0.254, p < 0.001). The weakest positive correlation was noted with stress stemming from peers and daily life (r = 0.186, p < 0.001).

Table  3 outlines the association between the socio-demographic characteristics of nursing students and their deep and surface learning approaches. Concerning age, statistically significant differences were observed in deep and surface learning approaches (F = 3.661, p = 0.003 and F = 7.983, p < 0.001, respectively). Gender also demonstrated significant differences in deep and surface learning approaches (t = 3.290, p = 0.001 and t = 8.638, p < 0.001, respectively). Female students exhibited higher scores in the deep learning approach (31.59 ± 8.28) compared to male students (29.59 ± 7.73), while male students had higher scores in the surface learning approach (29.97 ± 7.36) compared to female students (24.90 ± 7.97). Educational level exhibited statistically significant differences in deep and surface learning approaches (F = 5.599, p = 0.001 and F = 17.284, p < 0.001, respectively). Both deep and surface learning approach scores increased with higher educational levels. The duration of study hours demonstrated significant differences only in the surface learning approach (F = 3.550, p = 0.014), with scores increasing as study hours increased. However, no significant difference was observed in the deep learning approach (F = 0.861, p = 0.461). Hours of sleep per night and GPA from the previous semester did not exhibit statistically significant differences in deep or surface learning approaches.

Table  4 presents a multivariate linear regression analysis examining the factors influencing the learning approach among 1110 nursing students. The deep learning approach was positively influenced by age, gender (being female), educational year level, and stress from teachers and nursing staff, as indicated by their positive coefficients and significant p-values (p < 0.05). However, it was negatively influenced by stress from a lack of professional knowledge and skills. The other factors do not significantly influence the deep learning approach. On the other hand, the surface learning approach was positively influenced by gender (being female), educational year level, stress from lack of professional knowledge and skills, stress from assignments and workload, and stress from taking care of patients, as indicated by their positive coefficients and significant p-values (p < 0.05). However, it was negatively influenced by gender (being male). The other factors do not significantly influence the surface learning approach. The adjusted R-squared values indicated that the variables in the model explain 17.8% of the variance in the deep learning approach and 25.5% in the surface learning approach. Both models were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Nursing students’ academic stress and learning approaches are essential to planning for effective and efficient learning. Nursing education also aims to develop knowledgeable and competent students with problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

The study’s findings highlight the significant presence of stress among nursing students, with a majority experiencing moderate to severe levels of academic stress. This aligns with previous research indicating that academic stress is prevalent among nursing students. For instance, Zheng et al. (2022) observed moderated stress levels in nursing students during clinical placements [ 23 ], while El-Ashry et al. (2022) found that nearly all first-year nursing students in Egypt experienced severe academic stress [ 21 ]. Conversely, Ali and El-Sherbini (2018) reported that over three-quarters of nursing students faced high academic stress. The complexity of the nursing program likely contributes to these stress levels [ 24 ].

The current study revealed that nursing students identified the highest sources of academic stress as workload from assignments and the stress of caring for patients. This aligns with Banu et al.‘s (2015) findings, where academic demands, assignments, examinations, high workload, and combining clinical work with patient interaction were cited as everyday stressors [ 25 ]. Additionally, Anaman-Torgbor et al. (2021) identified lectures, assignments, and examinations as predictors of academic stress through logistic regression analysis. These stressors may stem from nursing programs emphasizing the development of highly qualified graduates who acquire knowledge, values, and skills through classroom and clinical experiences [ 26 ].

The results regarding learning approaches indicate that most nursing students predominantly employed the deep learning approach. Despite acknowledging a surface learning approach among the participants in the present study, the prevalence of deep learning was higher. This inclination toward the deep learning approach is anticipated in nursing students due to their engagement with advanced courses, requiring retention, integration, and transfer of information at elevated levels. The deep learning approach correlates with a gratifying learning experience and contributes to higher academic achievements [ 3 ]. Moreover, the nursing program’s emphasis on active learning strategies fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. These findings align with Mahmoud et al.‘s (2019) study, reporting a significant presence (83.31%) of the deep learning approach among undergraduate nursing students at King Khalid University’s Faculty of Nursing [ 27 ]. Additionally, Mohamed &Morsi (2019) found that most nursing students at Benha University’s Faculty of Nursing embraced the deep learning approach (65.4%) compared to the surface learning approach [ 28 ].

The study observed a negative correlation between the deep learning approach and the overall mean stress score, contrasting with a positive correlation between surface learning approaches and overall stress levels. Elevated academic stress levels may diminish motivation and engagement in the learning process, potentially leading students to feel overwhelmed, disinterested, or burned out, prompting a shift toward a surface learning approach. This finding resonates with previous research indicating that nursing students who actively seek positive academic support strategies during academic stress have better prospects for success than those who do not [ 29 ]. Nebhinani et al. (2020) identified interface concerns and academic workload as significant stress-related factors. Notably, only an interest in nursing demonstrated a significant association with stress levels, with participants interested in nursing primarily employing adaptive coping strategies compared to non-interested students.

The current research reveals a statistically significant inverse relationship between different dimensions of academic stress and adopting the deep learning approach. The most substantial negative correlation was observed with stress arising from a lack of professional knowledge and skills, succeeded by stress associated with the clinical environment, assignments, and workload. Nursing students encounter diverse stressors, including delivering patient care, handling assignments and workloads, navigating challenging interactions with staff and faculty, perceived inadequacies in clinical proficiency, and facing examinations [ 30 ].

In the current study, the multivariate linear regression analysis reveals that various factors positively influence the deep learning approach, including age, female gender, educational year level, and stress from teachers and nursing staff. In contrast, stress from a lack of professional knowledge and skills exert a negative influence. Conversely, the surface learning approach is positively influenced by female gender, educational year level, stress from lack of professional knowledge and skills, stress from assignments and workload, and stress from taking care of patients, but negatively affected by male gender. The models explain 17.8% and 25.5% of the variance in the deep and surface learning approaches, respectively, and both are statistically significant. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of demographic and stress-related factors in shaping nursing students’ learning approaches. High workloads and patient care responsibilities may compel students to prioritize completing tasks over deep comprehension. This pressure could lead to a surface learning approach as students focus on meeting immediate demands rather than engaging deeply with course material. This observation aligns with the findings of Alsayed et al. (2021), who identified age, gender, and study year as significant factors influencing students’ learning approaches.

Deep learners often demonstrate better self-regulation skills, such as effective time management, goal setting, and seeking support when needed. These skills can help manage academic stress and maintain a balanced learning approach. These are supported by studies that studied the effect of coping strategies on stress levels [ 6 , 31 , 32 ]. On the contrary, Pacheco-Castillo et al. study (2021) found a strong significant relationship between academic stressors and students’ level of performance. That study also proved that the more academic stress a student faces, the lower their academic achievement.

Strengths and limitations of the study

This study has lots of advantages. It provides insightful information about the educational experiences of Egyptian nursing students, a demographic that has yet to receive much research. The study’s limited generalizability to other people or nations stems from its concentration on this particular group. This might be addressed in future studies by using a more varied sample. Another drawback is the dependence on self-reported metrics, which may contain biases and mistakes. Although the cross-sectional design offers a moment-in-time view of the problem, it cannot determine causation or evaluate changes over time. To address this, longitudinal research may be carried out.

Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the study substantially contributes to the expanding knowledge of academic stress and nursing students’ learning styles. Additional research is needed to determine teaching strategies that improve deep-learning approaches among nursing students. A qualitative study is required to analyze learning approaches and factors that may influence nursing students’ selection of learning approaches.

According to the present study’s findings, nursing students encounter considerable academic stress, primarily stemming from heavy assignments and workload, as well as interactions with teachers and nursing staff. Additionally, it was observed that students who experience lower levels of academic stress typically adopt a deep learning approach, whereas those facing higher stress levels tend to resort to a surface learning approach. Demographic factors such as age, gender, and educational level influence nursing students’ choice of learning approach. Specifically, female students are more inclined towards deep learning, whereas male students prefer surface learning. Moreover, deep and surface learning approach scores show an upward trend with increasing educational levels and study hours. Academic stress emerges as a significant determinant shaping the adoption of learning approaches among nursing students.

Implications in nursing practice

Nursing programs should consider integrating stress management techniques into their curriculum. Providing students with resources and skills to cope with academic stress can improve their well-being and academic performance. Educators can incorporate teaching strategies that promote deep learning approaches, such as problem-based learning, critical thinking exercises, and active learning methods. These approaches help students engage more deeply with course material and reduce reliance on surface learning techniques. Recognizing the gender differences in learning approaches, nursing programs can offer gender-specific support services and resources. For example, providing targeted workshops or counseling services that address male and female nursing students’ unique stressors and learning needs. Implementing mentorship programs and peer support groups can create a supportive environment where students can share experiences, seek advice, and receive encouragement from their peers and faculty members. Encouraging students to reflect on their learning processes and identify effective study strategies can help them develop metacognitive skills and become more self-directed learners. Faculty members can facilitate this process by incorporating reflective exercises into the curriculum. Nursing faculty and staff should receive training on recognizing signs of academic stress among students and providing appropriate support and resources. Additionally, professional development opportunities can help educators stay updated on evidence-based teaching strategies and practical interventions for addressing student stress.

Data availability

The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to restrictions imposed by the institutional review board to protect participant confidentiality, but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Liu J, Yang Y, Chen J, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Li J. Stress and coping styles among nursing students during the initial period of the clinical practicum: A cross-section study. Int J Nurs Sci. 2022a;9(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2022.02.004 .

Saifan A, Devadas B, Daradkeh F, Abdel-Fattah H, Aljabery M, Michael LM. Solutions to bridge the theory-practice gap in nursing education in the UAE: a qualitative study. BMC Med Educ. 2021;21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-021-02919-x .

Alsayed S, Alshammari F, Pasay-an E, Dator WL. Investigating the learning approaches of students in nursing education. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2021;16(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.10.008 .

Salah Dogham R, Elcokany NM, Saber Ghaly A, Dawood TMA, Aldakheel FM, Llaguno MBB, Mohsen DM. Self-directed learning readiness and online learning self-efficacy among undergraduate nursing students. Int J Afr Nurs Sci. 2022;17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2022.100490 .

Zhao Y, Kuan HK, Chung JOK, Chan CKY, Li WHC. Students’ approaches to learning in a clinical practicum: a psychometric evaluation based on item response theory. Nurse Educ Today. 2018;66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.04.015 .

Huang HM, Fang YW. Stress and coping strategies of online nursing practicum courses for Taiwanese nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Healthcare. 2023;11(14). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142053 .

Nebhinani M, Kumar A, Parihar A, Rani R. Stress and coping strategies among undergraduate nursing students: a descriptive assessment from Western Rajasthan. Indian J Community Med. 2020;45(2). https://doi.org/10.4103/ijcm.IJCM_231_19 .

Olvera Alvarez HA, Provencio-Vasquez E, Slavich GM, Laurent JGC, Browning M, McKee-Lopez G, Robbins L, Spengler JD. Stress and health in nursing students: the Nurse Engagement and Wellness Study. Nurs Res. 2019;68(6). https://doi.org/10.1097/NNR.0000000000000383 .

Del Giudice M, Buck CL, Chaby LE, Gormally BM, Taff CC, Thawley CJ, Vitousek MN, Wada H. What is stress? A systems perspective. Integr Comp Biol. 2018;58(6):1019–32. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icy114 .

Article   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Bhui K, Dinos S, Galant-Miecznikowska M, de Jongh B, Stansfeld S. Perceptions of work stress causes and effective interventions in employees working in public, private and non-governmental organisations: a qualitative study. BJPsych Bull. 2016;40(6). https://doi.org/10.1192/pb.bp.115.050823 .

Lavoie-Tremblay M, Sanzone L, Aubé T, Paquet M. Sources of stress and coping strategies among undergraduate nursing students across all years. Can J Nurs Res. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1177/08445621211028076 .

Article   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Ahmed WAM, Abdulla YHA, Alkhadher MA, Alshameri FA. Perceived stress and coping strategies among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Saudi J Health Syst Res. 2022;2(3). https://doi.org/10.1159/000526061 .

Pacheco-Castillo J, Casuso-Holgado MJ, Labajos-Manzanares MT, Moreno-Morales N. Academic stress among nursing students in a Private University at Puerto Rico, and its Association with their academic performance. Open J Nurs. 2021;11(09). https://doi.org/10.4236/ojn.2021.119063 .

Tran TTT, Nguyen NB, Luong MA, Bui THA, Phan TD, Tran VO, Ngo TH, Minas H, Nguyen TQ. Stress, anxiety and depression in clinical nurses in Vietnam: a cross-sectional survey and cluster analysis. Int J Ment Health Syst. 2019;13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-018-0257-4 .

Magnavita N, Chiorri C. Academic stress and active learning of nursing students: a cross-sectional study. Nurse Educ Today. 2018;68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.06.003 .

Folkvord SE, Risa CF. Factors that enhance midwifery students’ learning and development of self-efficacy in clinical placement: a systematic qualitative review. Nurse Educ Pract. 2023;66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2022.103510 .

Myers SB, Sweeney AC, Popick V, Wesley K, Bordfeld A, Fingerhut R. Self-care practices and perceived stress levels among psychology graduate students. Train Educ Prof Psychol. 2012;6(1). https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026534 .

Zeb H, Arif I, Younas A. Nurse educators’ experiences of fostering undergraduate students’ ability to manage stress and demanding situations: a phenomenological inquiry. Nurse Educ Pract. 2022;65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2022.103501 .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. User Guide| Support| Epi Info™ [Internet]. Atlanta: CDC; [cited 2024 Jan 31]. Available from: CDC website.

Sheu S, Lin HS, Hwang SL, Yu PJ, Hu WY, Lou MF. The development and testing of a perceived stress scale for nursing students in clinical practice. J Nurs Res. 1997;5:41–52. Available from: http://ntur.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/246246/165917 .

El-Ashry AM, Harby SS, Ali AAG. Clinical stressors as perceived by first-year nursing students of their experience at Alexandria main university hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2022;41:214–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2022.08.007 .

Biggs J, Kember D, Leung DYP. The revised two-factor study process questionnaire: R-SPQ-2F. Br J Educ Psychol. 2001;71(1):133–49. https://doi.org/10.1348/000709901158433 .

Article   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Zheng YX, Jiao JR, Hao WN. Stress levels of nursing students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Med (United States). 2022;101(36). https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000030547 .

Ali AM, El-Sherbini HH. Academic stress and its contributing factors among faculty nursing students in Alexandria. Alexandria Scientific Nursing Journal. 2018; 20(1):163–181. Available from: https://asalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_207756_b62caf4d7e1e7a3b292bbb3c6632a0ab.pdf .

Banu P, Deb S, Vardhan V, Rao T. Perceived academic stress of university students across gender, academic streams, semesters, and academic performance. Indian J Health Wellbeing. 2015;6(3):231–235. Available from: http://www.iahrw.com/index.php/home/journal_detail/19#list .

Anaman-Torgbor JA, Tarkang E, Adedia D, Attah OM, Evans A, Sabina N. Academic-related stress among Ghanaian nursing students. Florence Nightingale J Nurs. 2021;29(3):263. https://doi.org/10.5152/FNJN.2021.21030 .

Mahmoud HG, Ahmed KE, Ibrahim EA. Learning Styles and Learning Approaches of Bachelor Nursing Students and its Relation to Their Achievement. Int J Nurs Didact. 2019;9(03):11–20. Available from: http://www.nursingdidactics.com/index.php/ijnd/article/view/2465 .

Mohamed NAAA, Morsi MES, Learning Styles L, Approaches. Academic achievement factors, and self efficacy among nursing students. Int J Novel Res Healthc Nurs. 2019;6(1):818–30. Available from: www.noveltyjournals.com.

Google Scholar  

Onieva-Zafra MD, Fernández-Muñoz JJ, Fernández-Martínez E, García-Sánchez FJ, Abreu-Sánchez A, Parra-Fernández ML. Anxiety, perceived stress and coping strategies in nursing students: a cross-sectional, correlational, descriptive study. BMC Med Educ. 2020;20:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02294-z .

Article   Google Scholar  

Aljohani W, Banakhar M, Sharif L, Alsaggaf F, Felemban O, Wright R. Sources of stress among Saudi Arabian nursing students: a cross-sectional study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(22). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211958 .

Liu Y, Wang L, Shao H, Han P, Jiang J, Duan X. Nursing students’ experience during their practicum in an intensive care unit: a qualitative meta-synthesis. Front Public Health. 2022;10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.974244 .

Majrashi A, Khalil A, Nagshabandi E, Al MA. Stressors and coping strategies among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: scoping review. Nurs Rep. 2021;11(2):444–59. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep11020042 .

Download references

Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks go to all the nursing students in the study. We also want to thank Dr/ Rasha Badry for their statistical analysis help and contribution to this study.

The research was not funded by public, commercial, or non-profit organizations.

Open access funding provided by The Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) in cooperation with The Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB).

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Nursing Education, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Rawhia Salah Dogham & Heba Fakieh Mansy Ali

Critical Care & Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Nermine M. Elcokany

Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Asmaa Saber Ghaly

Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt

Mohamed Mahmoud Seweid

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Ayman Mohamed El-Ashry

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

Ayman M. El-Ashry & Rawhia S. Dogham: conceptualization, preparation, and data collection; methodology; investigation; formal analysis; data analysis; writing-original draft; writing-manuscript; and editing. Heba F. Mansy Ali & Asmaa S. Ghaly: conceptualization, preparation, methodology, investigation, writing-original draft, writing-review, and editing. Nermine M. Elcokany & Mohamed M. Seweid: Methodology, investigation, formal analysis, data collection, writing-manuscript & editing. All authors reviewed the manuscript and accept for publication.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ayman Mohamed El-Ashry .

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate.

The research adhered to the guidelines and regulations outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki (DoH-Oct2008). The Faculty of Nursing’s Research Ethical Committee (REC) at Alexandria University approved data collection in this study (IRB00013620/95/9/2022). Participants were required to sign an informed written consent form, which included an explanation of the research and an assessment of their understanding.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ . The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver ( http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ ) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Dogham, R.S., Ali, H.F.M., Ghaly, A.S. et al. Deciphering the influence: academic stress and its role in shaping learning approaches among nursing students: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nurs 23 , 249 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01885-1

Download citation

Received : 31 January 2024

Accepted : 21 March 2024

Published : 17 April 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01885-1

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Academic stress
• Learning approaches
• Nursing students

BMC Nursing

ISSN: 1472-6955

• General enquiries: [email protected]

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• HHS Author Manuscripts

The Importance of Nursing Research

Nursing research has a tremendous influence on current and future professional nursing practice, thus rendering it an essential component of the educational process. This article chronicles the learning experiences of two undergraduate nursing students who were provided with the opportunity to become team members in a study funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research. The application process, the various learning opportunities and responsibilities performed by the students, and the benefits and outcomes of the experience are described. The authors hope that by sharing their learning experiences, more students will be given similar opportunities using the strategies presented in this article. Nursing research is critical to the nursing profession and is necessary for continuing advancements that promote optimal nursing care.

Throughout the 21st century, the role of nurse has evolved significantly. Nurses work in a variety of settings, including the hospital, the classroom, the community health department, the business sector, home health care, and the laboratory. Although each role carries different responsibilities, the primary goal of a professional nurse remains the same: to be the client's advocate and provide optimal care on the basis of evidence obtained through research.

Baccalaureate programs in the United States prepare students for entry-level nursing positions. The focus is to care for individuals throughout the human life span. Knowledge is acquired from textbooks, classroom and Web-based instruction, simulation, and clinical experiences. The goal of all programs is for students to graduate as safe, entry-level professionals, having received a well-rounded exposure to the nursing field. Students are exposed to evidence-based nursing practice throughout their curriculum; however, the allocated time for nursing research is often limited. Many programs require only one 3-credit hour course for nursing research. This amount of time is limited, despite the broad spectrum of nursing research and its influence on current and future nursing care.

Research is typically not among the traditional responsibilities of an entry-level nurse. Many nurses are involved in either direct patient care or administrative aspects of health care. Nursing research is a growing field in which individuals within the profession can contribute a variety of skills and experiences to the science of nursing care. There are frequent misconceptions as to what nursing research is. Some individuals do not even know how to begin to define nursing research. According to Polit and Beck (2006) , nursing research is:

systematic inquiry designed to develop knowledge about issues of importance to nurses, including nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing administration. (p. 4)

Nursing research is vital to the practice of professional nursing, and the importance of its inclusion during undergraduate instruction cannot be overemphasized. Only with exposure and experience can students begin to understand the concept and importance of nursing research.

The purpose of this article is to describe undergraduate students’ experiences of becoming aware of and participating in a federally funded research study from the National Institute of Nursing Research. As a part of funding for the study, which was an AREA award ( A cademic R esearch E nhancement A ward, R15 mechanism), there were designated opportunities for student involvement. The primary aim of the research study was to investigate the effects of gene-environment interactions on risk factors of preclinical cardiovascular disease in a cohort of 585 young adults who all had a positive family history of cardiovascular disease (i.e., essential hypertension or premature myocardial infarction at age 55 or younger in one or both biological parents or in one or more grandparents), verified in the medical record. Specific genes examined included cytochrome P-450, family 1, subfamily A, polypeptide 1; cytochrome P-450 2A; glutathione S-transferase mu 1; and glutathione S-transferase theta 1. Cardiovascular-dependent measures were diastolic blood pressure, endothelium-dependent arterial vasodilation, left ventricular mass indexed for body size, systolic blood pressure, and total peripheral resistance. The effects of ethnicity and gender were also explored.

Learning Opportunity

The learning process began with the principal investigator (M.S.T.) of the study visiting the junior class (class of 2007) of baccalaureate students at the Medical College of Georgia. This particular student group was chosen due to their academic standing because they would have the chance to take full advantage of learning directly from a nurse researcher for one full year before graduation. The principal investigator briefly presented and discussed the growing field of nursing research, the advancements made by nursing research, and the critical role of nursing research to nursing practice. The principal investigator also presented an overview of the funded research study and extended an invitation to students to apply for two part-time positions on the grant that were designed specifically for nursing student involvement. Students recognized the excellent opportunity and were intrigued with the future possibilities. They understood this option was unique and appeared to be a great pathway for becoming an active participant in learning the nursing research process through involvement in an official nursing research study.

The principal investigator established objective criteria for the application process. The criteria included writing a maximum 1-page essay sharing the reasons why the students wanted to join the research project as a team member and also sharing their personal and professional goals for involvement in the study. Many students were interested; thus, it was a very competitive process. The principal investigator reviewed the essays and selected approximately 10 prospective individuals for an interview. The interview was an extension of the essay. At the interview, the principal investigator further described the positions, provided a detailed overview of the grant, and had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the student candidates. The students were encouraged to ask questions to further understand the expectations of the prospective opportunity. The interview also provided the students with increased exposure to the study's goal and more familiarization with the expectations of the funded positions.

After the interview process was completed, two individuals were selected, per the grant specifications. The selected individuals described the interview process as a positive experience that helped solidify their desire to become involved in the research study. The principal investigator emphasized that this job opportunity was designed to be a learning experience in which the students would be guided through the entire research study process and become members of a multidisciplinary team. Time responsibilities for each student included approximately 6 hours per week. The principal investigator communicated clearly that the nursing baccalaureate program was the first priority for the students, and thus provided a flexible work schedule.

Research Study Experience

The students began working in early april 2006. The first step in the work experience included 6 weeks of funded orientation. This was their first exposure to the research process; thus, it was important for the students to be provided with a strong foundation. Orientation included attending a team meeting and being introduced to the members of the multidisciplinary team (i.e., biostatistician, cardiologist, geneticists, nurse researcher, and psychologist, all of whom served as co-investigators, and the genetic laboratory personnel); reviewing the grant application; completing the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) (2000) ; completing the Roche educational program on genetics; and touring the worksite facilities. Reviewing the grant gave the students a better understanding of the specific aims and objectives of the study and the intended procedures of the genetic laboratory work in which the students would be involved. The complexity of the grant required the principal investigator to further explain and clarify specific details. The CITI training, which is required by the institution's Office of Human Research Protection, was completed online and took approximately 5.5 hours. The CITI program was presented in a tutorial format, and satisfactory completion of numerous quizzes was required. The task was tedious and time consuming, but valuable and essential, as it increased the awareness of the established codes of conduct for research. At the conclusion of the CITI training, the students understood the necessary policies and procedures for maintaining security and confidentiality of human subjects, the legal and ethical issues regarding the research process, and the essential procedures for research conduct.

Although the students had a basic understanding of genetics, they completed the Roche Genetics Education Program (2004) to gain a deeper understanding. The program was direct and easy to navigate and was excellent for all learning styles, as it contained both visual and auditory explanations. The explanations covered both basic and complex genetic concepts. Through the use of the genetics program, the students were able to comprehend abstract genetic details and to further understand the importance and influence of genetics on personal health. To conclude the orientation process, students were taught basic laboratory procedures, such as polymerase chain reaction and restrictive enzyme digestion, which were used to perform genotyping for the study. After these procedures had been observed several times, the students were given the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience with these laboratory techniques. Each of these components of the orientation process provided the students with the needed foundation for becoming involved in the research study.

After approximately 2 months of orientation, the students were ready to begin working in the genetics laboratory. One of the primary responsibilities of the students would be to further learn and become confident with genotyping techniques. The laboratory was shared among research personnel of several funded studies, with various research experiments being conducted concurrently. The students, under the supervision of the principal investigator and geneticist (H.Z.), also worked with experienced research assistants to perform the genotyping. The students maintained a daily log describing the laboratory genotyping procedures and experiments, and these logs were reviewed at team meetings. Although the actual procedure for polymerase chain reaction seemed straightforward, the students quickly learned that quality control must be used. Sometimes during genotyping, the DNA samples did not produce results. The students discovered that there are numerous contributing factors to successful polymerase chain reaction, such as quality of DNA templates, primer specifications, temperature settings, gel conditions, pipette measuring accuracy, and general laboratory techniques. Even the slightest error could result in permanent DNA sample loss, major experiment failure, or DNA sample contamination.

The students met with the research team members frequently to discuss and troubleshoot potential solutions and problem solve techniques that would foster improving the success rate and productivity of the genotyping. From the laboratory experience, the students learned that every detail must be considered and addressed precisely and meticulously when conducting experiments. Sometimes the process became frustrating, but the students soon discovered that patience and persistence were the most important attributes for a laboratory researcher to possess. The laboratory experience was an excellent hands-on learning opportunity. The students no longer viewed research as strictly information gathered from a journal or textbook, but rather as a physical act that required extreme concentration, dedication, and determination.

After spending numerous months in the laboratory performing the required genotyping, the students had the opportunity to be exposed to another role of a nurse researcher. They performed literature reviews regarding the study. Although the students had written papers in their nursing school program that required literature citations, they were not familiar with all of the library resources available to them. In no time, the students learned which library and online resources had the most validity and what would be the most relevant to their study. The literature search results provided the students and principal investigator with information on new studies that had been conducted on gene-environment interactions regarding tobacco smoke exposure and cardiovascular disease. From the literature review experience, the students learned the importance of being selective and time efficient. Often when a search was first begun, thousands of articles were listed, but the students learned the importance of narrowing the searches to the specific areas of focus. After the students completed their searches, they met with the principal investigator, who provided direction on the articles identified as the most relevant to the study.

The students continued working with the principal investigator during data review, analysis, and preparation of dissemination of the results (i.e., the publishing process). They helped to prepare an abstract submission of the study presented at an international meeting ( Tingen et al., 2007 ). They also helped with the preparation of manuscripts of the study results. By the conclusion of their work experience, the students will have been exposed to and participated in the entire research process.

Benefits and Outcomes

From the students’ perspectives, this opportunity was extremely beneficial. Prior to this experience, the students were not familiar with nursing research. Their original perception of research was that it was conducted by people with chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and genetic degrees in laboratories at major universities. They now realize that nursing and research can be combined and that optimal nursing care is dependent on the latest research findings. In addition, the students believe this opportunity has been beneficial in learning that nurse researchers are valuable to nurses in other settings. For example, one of the long-term goals of this research study is to develop appropriate interventions for children who are more susceptible to and at risk for the harmful effects of tobacco smoke due to their genetic heritage. The information obtained by a nurse researcher can be disseminated to nurses who work directly with the individuals to whom the research applies. Practice that has shown to be effective through research allows nurses to better advocate for patients and provide the best possible care. Although the majority of nurses who provide patient care will be consumers of nursing research, implementing evidence-based nursing practice is crucial to provide optimal nursing care. Information from nursing research has the potential to directly impact the care provided to patients in all health care settings.

Now that the students have had the opportunity to become more familiar with nursing research through involvement as team members, they recognize that their future professional possibilities are endless. Nursing research is an emerging and growing field in which individuals can apply their nursing education to discover new advancements that promote evidence-based care. They learned the research process and the important roles that each team member plays during the study phases of conception, design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination. Each aspect of the research process is important and contributes to the overall success of the study.

The students also discovered the benefit of trying new things. Prior to this experience, they had little exposure to the research process and nursing research. Consequently, they had to be receptive to learning and recognize that acquiring new knowledge was a gradual process. At times, the students felt anxious because all aspects were new, but they realized that without trying, they would never advance and feel comfortable with the research process. As the students reflected, they thought this was an excellent growing experience professionally, scholastically, and personally. In addition, this opportunity benefited the students’ peers through discussions and their sharing of work responsibilities, the research process, and the importance of evidence-based practice. As future nurses, the students are strong proponents of nursing research, and this experience has also broadened their horizons regarding future professional growth and opportunities. In addition, they have a better understanding of the importance of scientific evidence to support their clinical practice. As a result, the students thought that a stronger emphasis should be placed on nursing research in undergraduate baccalaureate education and that more students should have the opportunity to participate as team members in nursing research studies.

The students were almost one full year into nursing school and thought they had learned about all of the possibilities for their futures when they were first presented with this learning opportunity. They knew their future options were numerous and included working in acute care and community settings. They also realized they could further their education and pursue graduate degrees to include a master's degree and become an administrator, educator, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse practitioner, or potentially pursue a doctorate. They did not know there was an emerging and growing field in which their nursing education could be applied and furthered—the area of research and the role of becoming a nurse researcher. Prior to this experience, students perceived their possibilities for a professional career in nursing were tremendous. Now by being involved in the entire process of conducting a federally funded research study, they realized their future professional possibilities are limitless.

The authors of this paper hope that by sharing their experience, they will encourage both nursing faculty and nursing students to not only introduce the research process into the nursing curriculum, but also to consider making nursing research a tangible and more integrated process. They think that a more beneficial approach to the introduction of research may be achieved through incorporating research-related content into each nursing course throughout the educational process. This could be conducted in addition to the current curriculum plan of many schools of nursing that require a single and concentrated 3-hour research course with a goal of research becoming a positive experience for students that is enthusiastically received as a new learning opportunity. In addition, students who are involved as team members in a funded research study may be provided with scheduled classroom opportunities for making progress reports to their peers. Also, the students could field questions regarding the research project and their experiences. These activities may foster increased learning and interest about research among the students’ classmates.

As nursing students are the future members of the nursing profession, and for the profession to continue to advance, nursing research must be the foundation of comprehensive, evidence-based clinical practice. This may only occur with increased exposure to nursing research. Therefore, it is critical that the future members of the nursing profession be exposed to, develop an appreciation for, and become more involved in nursing research, and thus incorporate its outcomes into the delivery of optimal professional nursing practice.

Acknowledgments

The lead author was awarded a grant (NR008871) from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research.

• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative [April 14, 2006]; Office of Human Research Protection. The Medical College of Georgia. 2000 from http://www.mcg.edu/Research/ohrp/training/citi.html .
• Polit DF, Beck CT. Essentials of nursing research: Methods, appraisal, and utilization. 6th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Philadelphia: 2006. [ Google Scholar ]
• Roche Genetics Education Program [May 10, 2006]; Education. 2004 from http://www.roche.com/research_and_development_r_d_overview/education.htm .
• Tingen MS, Ludwig DA, Dong Y, Zhu H, Andrews JO, Burnett AH, et al. Tobacco smoke exposure and genetics: Youth at risk for cardiovascular disease.. Proceedings of the 13th Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.2007. p. 39. [ Google Scholar ]

150 Qualitative and Quantitative Nursing Research Topics for Students

Do not be lazy to spend some time researching and brainstorming. You can either lookup for the popular nursing research topics on social media networks or news or ask a professional writer online to take care of your assignment. What you should not do for sure is refuse to complete any of your course projects. You need every single task to be done if you wish to earn the highest score by the end of a semester.

In this article, we will share 150 excellent nursing research topics with you. Choose one of them or come up with your own idea based on our tips, and you’ll succeed for sure!

Table of Contents

Selecting the Top Ideas for Your Essays in Healthcare & Medicine

Would you like to learn how to pick research paper topics for nursing students? We will share some tips before offering lists of ideas.

Start with the preliminary research. You can get inspired on various websites offering ideas for students as well as academic help. Gather with your classmates and brainstorm by putting down different themes that you can cover. You should take your interests into consideration, but still, remember that ideas must relate to your lessons recently covered in class. You have to highlight keywords and main phrases to use in your text.

Before deciding on one of the numerous nursing school research topics, you should consult your tutor. Make sure that he or she approves the idea. Start writing only after that.

50 Popular Nursing Research Topics

Are you here to find the most popular research topics? They change with each new year as the innovations and technologies move on. We have collected the top discussed themes in healthcare for you.

• Problems Encountered by the Spouses of the Patients with Dyslexia
• Ethics in Geriatrics
• Checklist for the Delivery Room Behavior
• Parkinson Disease: Causes and Development
• Exercises Used to Improve Mental Health
• Effective Tips for Antenatal Treatment
• Syndrome of the Restless Legs: How to Treat It
• Behavior Assessment in Pediatric Primary Care
• Why Can Mother’s Health Be under the Threat During the Child Birth?
• Recommendations for Creating Strong Nursing Communities
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Proper Treatment
• Pre-Term Labor Threats
• Music Therapy and Lactation
• Influence of Ageism on Mental Health
• Newborn Resuscitation Practices
• Effective Therapy for Bladder Cancer
• Approaches to Improving Emotional Health of Nurses
• Skin-to-skin Contact by mothers and Its Consequences
• Does a Nurse Have a Right to Prescribe Drugs?
• Research on Atrial Fibrillation
• Pros & Cons of Water Birth
• Prevention Measures for Those Who Have to Contact Infectious Diseases
• Stroke Disease and Ways to Cure It
• The Role of Governmental Policies on the Hiring of Healthcare Professionals
• Demands for the Critical Care
• Joint Issue Research in Elderly Population
• Why Should Nurses and Healthcare Workers Cooperate?
• The Role of Good Leadership Skills in Nursing Profession
• How to Minimize the Threat of Cardiovascular Problems
• What Should a Nurse Do When an Elderly Refuses to Eat?
• Main Reasons for the Depression to Occur
• Methods Used to Detect an Abused Elderly Patient
• Treatment and Prevention of Acne and Other Skin Problems
• Consequences of the So-Called “Cold Therapy”
• End-of-Life Care Interventions That Work
• Risk factors for Osteoporosis in Female Population
• Alcohol Addiction and How to Get Rid of It
• Emerging Ethical Problems in Pain Management
• Psychiatric Patient Ethics
• How to Teach Female Population about Menopause Management
• Reasons for Aged Patients to Use Alcohol in Nursing Homes
• Family Engagement in Primary Healthcare
• Do the Race and Gender of a Patient Play a Role in Pain Management?
• PTSD in the Veterans of the United States Army
• How to Prepare a Nurse for Primary Healthcare
• The Correlation between Teen Aggression and Video Games
• Outcomes of Abdominal Massage in Critically Sick Population
• Developing an Effective Weight Loss Program: Case Study
• Comparing and Contrasting Public Health Nursing Models in Various Regions
• Mirror Therapy for Stroke Patients Who Are Partially Paralyzed

50 Interesting Nursing Research Topics

Do you wish to impress the target audience? Are you looking for the most interesting nursing research topics? It is important to consider time and recently covered themes. People tend to consider a topic an interesting one only if it is relevant. We have prepared the list of curious ideas for your project.

• Reasons for Hypertensive Diseases
• Self-Care Management and Sickle Cell Grown-Up Patients
• Schizophrenia Symptoms, Treatment, and Diagnostics
• Acute Coronary Syndrome Care
• Getting Ready with Caesarean Section
• What Are Some of the Cold and Cough Medicines?
• Why Do Patients Suffer from Anxiety Disorders?
• Use of the Forbidden Substances in Medicine
• How to Make Wise and Safe Medical Decisions
• CV Imaging Procedure
• Complementary vs. Alternative Therapy
• Can Some Types of Grains Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases?
• Restrictions of Medical Contracts
• How to Cope with High Levels of Stress
• Legal Threats with Non-English Patients
• The Basics of Palliative Care
• Clinical Cardiology Innovations
• How to Reduce Body Temperature in Household Conditions
• What Causes Type II Diabetes?
• Ways to Control Blood Pressure at Home
• Dental/Oral Health in the US
• Is There a Gender Bias in Nursing Profession?
• Gyno Education for the Young Girls
• Bipolar Disorder and Its Main Symptoms
• Methods Used to Recover after Physical Traumas
• The Principles of Sports Medicine
• The Gap between Female and Male Healthcare Professionals
• Increasing the Efficiency of Asthma Management in Educational Establishments
• Different Roles of Clinical Nurses
• Case Study: Successful Treatment of Migraine
• In-depth Analysis of the Ovarian Disorder
• Distant Intensive Treatment Until Questions
• Proper Treatment of Sleep Disorders
• How to Overcome Stressful Situations during Night Shifts
• Effective Methods to Prevent Breast Cancer
• Future of Healthcare & Medicine (Based on Modern Innovations)
• Approaches to Treating Insomnia
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Diversity in the Field of Medicine
• Issues Associated with Menopause
• Causes and Effects of the Vaginal Atrophy
• Is Child’s Health Insurance a Right or a Privilege?
• Best Practices for Nursing Practitioners
• What Does the Phenomenon of Phantom Pains Stand for?
• Ethical Aspects of Infertility
• Protocol for Headache Treatment
• Moral Aspects of Euthanasia
• Treatment of Homeless People
• Why Should Healthcare System Be Made Free Everywhere in the World?
• Pain Restrictions Evaluation

50 Good Nursing Research Topics

Here is one more list of the nursing topics for research paper. We hope that at least one of these ideas will inspire you or give a clue.

• Advantages of Pet Therapy in Kids with the Autism Disorder
• Contemporary Approaches to Vaccinating Teenagers
• eHealth: The Effectiveness of Telecare and eCare
• Burn-Out in the Nursing Profession: Effective Ways to Handle Stress
• Healing of Bone Injuries
• Providing Spiritual Care: Does It Make Sense?
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Opioid Usage
• Symptoms in ER That Cannot Be Explained by Medicine
• Contemporary Neonatal Practices
• Disorders with the Sexual Heath of an Average Woman
• Typical Causes of Headache
• Top Measures Used to Prevent Pregnancy
• Strategies Used by Government to Finance Healthcare System
• The Possible Consequences of Abortion for Women
• Evaluation of Childbirth Efficacy
• Quality Evaluation Techniques in Healthcare & Medicine
• Maternal Practices in Urban Areas
• Childcare Services Integration in Primary Medicine
• Rules for Pregnant Women Who Suffer from Obesity
• Mental Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
• Self-Instruction Kits
• Post-Natal Period Recommendations
• Midwifery Continuous Treatment & Care
• Case Study: Analyzing Positive Birth Experience
• Issues Related to the Gestational Weight Gain
• The Importance of Healthy Nutrition and Hydration
• What Are the Obligations of Every Nurse in Any Situation?
• Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of ADHD
• Management of Disease and Prevention Methods
• The Importance of Kid and Teen Vaccination
• Termination of Pregnancy: Risks for Female Health
• Obligations of Every Pharmacist
• How to Prevent Child Obesity
• How to Stick to the Safe Sex Culture
• What Are the Main Symptoms of Autism?
• Ethics of the Healthcare Sales Promotion Campaigns
• Pros and Cons of Telemedicine
• Ethics in Pediatric Care
• Therapies Used to Treat Speech Disorders
• Medical Uniform Code Principles
• Psychological Sides of Infant Treatment
• Reasons for Seizures to Happen in Young Adolescents
• Healthcare Home Service and Self-Medicine
• How to Deal with Various Types of Eating Disorders
• Treatment of Patients in Prison
• Patient Security and Human Factors
• Bad Habits and Illnesses Impacted by Social Media and Pop Culture
• Apology Legislation and Regulations
• Antibiotic Resistance in Small Kids
• Nursing Marijuana Management & Control

You should also know that there are qualitative and quantitative nursing research topics. If you decide to base your study on numbers and figures, you should think about the second category. In quantitative research papers, writers must provide statistical data and interpret it to defend a thesis statement or find a solution to the existing problem.

Keep in mind that you can always count on the help of our professional essay writers. They will come up with the good nursing research topics and even compose the whole paper for you if you want.

15% OFF Your first order!

Aviable for the first 1000 subscribers, hurry up!

You might also like:

Why You Should Read a Data Gathering Procedure Example

What Is Culture and What Are Some Popular Culture Essay Topics?

Money-back guarantee

24/7 support hotline

Safe & secure online payment

A Toolkit for Delirium Identification and Promoting Partnerships Between Carers and Nurses: A Pilot Pre–Post Feasibility Study

• Original Research
• Open access
• Published: 22 April 2024

Cite this article

You have full access to this open access article

• Christina Aggar PhD   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0137-7796 1 , 6 ,
• Alison Craswell PhD   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8603-3134 2 ,
• Kasia Bail PhD   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4797-0042 4 ,
• Roslyn M. Compton PhD   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2069-2767 3 ,
• Mark Hughes PhD   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1158-5214 1 ,
• Golam Sorwar PhD   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5294-1895 5 ,
• James Baker PhD   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8290-3996 1 ,
• Jennene Greenhill PhD   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8325-2139 1 ,
• Lucy Shinners PhD   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7160-5838 1 ,
• Belinda Nichols MCN 1 , 6 ,
• Rachel Langheim MSc 6 ,
• Allison Wallis MRes 6 ,
• Karen Bowen MBA   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5840-3820 6 &
• Hazel Bridgett DTPH 6  

21 Altmetric

Explore all metrics

Delirium is frightening for people experiencing it and their carers, and it is the most common hospital-acquired complication worldwide. Delirium is associated with higher rates of morbidity, mortality, residential care home admission, dementia, and carer stress and burden, yet strategies to embed the prevention and management of delirium as part of standard hospital care remain challenging. Carers are well placed to recognize subtle changes indicative of delirium, and partner with nurses in the prevention and management of delirium.

To evaluate a Pr evention & E arly Delirium I dentification C arer T oolkit (PREDICT), to support partnerships between carers and nurses to prevent and manage delirium.

A pre–post-test intervention and observation study.

Main Measures

Changes in carer knowledge of delirium; beliefs about their role in partnering with nurses and intended and actual use of PREDICT; carer burden and psychological distress. Secondary measures were rates of delirium.

Participants

Participants were carers of Indigenous patients aged 45 years and older and non-Indigenous patients aged 65 years and older.

Intervention

Nurses implemented PREDICT, with a view to provide carers with information about delirium and strategies to address caregiving stress and burden.

Key Results

Participants included 25 carers (43% response rate) ( n  = 17, 68% female) aged 29–88 ( M  = 65, SD  = 17.7 years). Carer delirium knowledge increased significantly from pre-to-post intervention ( p  =  < .001; CI 2.07–4.73). Carers’ intent and actual use of PREDICT was ( n  = 18, 72%; and n  = 17, 68%). Carer burden and psychological distress did not significantly change. The incidence of delirium in the intervention ward although not significant, decreased, indicating opportunity for scaling up.

The prevention and management of delirium are imperative for safe and quality care for patients, carers, and staff. Further comprehensive and in-depth research is required to better understand underlying mechanisms of change and explore facets of nursing practice influenced by this innovative approach.

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

INTRODUCTION

Delirium, the most common hospital-acquired complication worldwide, is characterized by shifting attention, incoherence, disorientation, and impaired cognition. 1  It is a frightening experience for the person affected, and their sudden change in behavior and/or emotions can impact family carers’ burden and psychological distress. 1 , 2 , 3  The global rise in ageing populations is expected to exacerbate the impact of delirium in healthcare settings, leading to increased rates of hospital-acquired complications (e.g., falls), delayed discharge, re-admissions, dementia, residential aged care admissions, death, and greater caregiving responsibilities for families. 4  Therefore, the prevention, identification, and early management of delirium are imperative in the provision of safe, high-quality care for both the patient and their family.

The healthcare team, including nurses, are responsible for the initial and ongoing assessment, management, and safety of patients at risk of delirium across hospital settings; however, prevention strategies and risk screening are not consistently practiced, and understanding of and recognition of delirium is poor. 5 , 6 , 7  Reasons for undiagnosed delirium include language barriers, fluctuation of symptoms during the day, a lack of routine screening and assessment, lack of resources, competing clinical priorities, and organization culture. 5 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13  These are compounded by a lack of knowledge of the patient’s prior day-to-day level of functioning by the healthcare team. 14

Rapid deterioration due to delirium begins with subtle changes that are best recognized by family or close ones (referred to as carers here on). 15  Carers can provide not only a valuable cognitive anchor point but also comforting reassurance, and if supported by clinicians, implement preventative non-pharmacological interventions. 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21  Interventions implemented with carers to address delirium have been found to improve nurse and carer delirium knowledge, 20  reduce carer psychological distress, 18 , 22  and length of hospital stay. 18 , 23 , 24  However, innovative interventions to support partnerships with carers in the prevention and management of delirium in the hospitalized older patient are needed. 25 , 26

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate a Pr evention & E arly D elirium I dentification C arer T oolkit (PREDICT) to support partnerships between carers and nurses to prevent and manage delirium. Specifically, the study aimed to evaluate changes in the carer:

•Knowledge of delirium prevention and management

•Beliefs about their role in partnering in delirium prevention and management

•Actual and intended use of PREDICT

•Levels of burden and psychological distress

A secondary aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the incidence of delirium. We hypothesized that the involvement of nurses would improve their understanding of delirium and lead to changes in nursing practice and delirium incidence rates.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

A pre–post-test intervention study was conducted on a medical ward in an Australian regional hospital with data collected during admission (pre-intervention) and 4–6 weeks post-discharge (post-intervention). A further observational study to address the secondary aim examined the incidence of delirium during the intervention period compared to the same period 12 months prior.

The Intervention (PREDICT)

Acknowledging and valuing the insight and lived experience, a model of care utilizing a Pr evention & E arly D elirium I dentification C arer T oolkit (PREDICT) was codesigned and validated by carers whose family members had been hospitalized and for some had experienced delirium, consumers, and healthcare professionals working in the acute care setting. 27  PREDICT, available on a digital platform and accessed via QR code, included short videos and information on delirium preventive strategies, risk factors, and non-pharmacological interventions to reorientate older adults who experience delirium. To enable carers to express and communicate their concerns about the person being cared for, an interactive psychometrically tested delirium screening questionnaire suitable for informal or untrained carers was also included. 14  To support carer well-being and address burden and psychological distress, PREDICT also includes information and links to carer resources such as counselling and social prescribing programs (social service programs that provide activities to improve health and well-being). 27  PREDICT was also made available in hard copy.

Participants were carers of Indigenous patients aged 45 years and older and non-Indigenous patients aged 65 years and older. The lower age range for Indigenous patients was set because people who identify as Indigenous Australians are more likely to develop serious medical conditions earlier in life and have a lower life expectancy than non-Indigenous Australians 28 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).

Eligibility

The carer was eligible to receive PREDICT if visiting at the patient’s bedside daily during hospitalization for ≥ 2 days and could communicate in English or with an interpreter. The carer was not eligible to participate if the patient’s hospital stay was less than 48 h, and the patient was receiving end-of-life care or had a diagnosis of advanced dementia and was unable to communicate or interact.

Prior to the implementation of PREDICT (September 2022 to February 2023), nurses received a delirium education session and orientation to PREDICT, and during the study nurses received ongoing weekly briefings from the lead ward nurse for dementia and delirium. This regular communication was to ensure the nursing staff were equipped to answer questions the carer may have regarding PREDICT, the delirium screening questionnaire, and the study evaluation. Posters promoting PREDICT and the study evaluation were placed in strategic areas around the ward, with contact information for further enquiries.

The admitting nurse offered eligible carers access to PREDICT. Carers were advised that they were not required to participate in the study evaluation (that is, complete the study survey) to receive and engage with PREDICT.

Nursing staff were encouraged to support all carers to use PREDICT daily, including the delirium screening questionnaire. 14  Carers were not offered incentives to participate.

Data Collection

Participating carers were invited to complete an anonymous survey online using Qualtrics, 29  or in a paper-based format, at admission (pre-intervention) and 4–6 weeks post-discharge (post-intervention). Pre- and post-intervention surveys were matched using an anonymous participant-generated code (the last 4 digits of participants’ phone numbers, and first initial of their mother’s name). For carers completing a paper-based survey, a secure box was placed at the nurses’ station for surveys returned at admission and a reply-paid envelope for surveys returned at 4–6 weeks follow-up. The incidence of delirium (using the standard unit of measurement of utilization—cases per 1000 occupied bed days (OBDs)) during the intervention period (T2) was compared to the same period 12 months prior (T1).

The following measures were combined into the online survey as a continuous tool.

Demographics

Carer demographic items included age, gender, whether they identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, length of time as a carer, their relationship with the person they cared for, and whether they lived together, as well as the age and gender of the person they cared for.

Caregiver Delirium Knowledge Questionnaire (CDKQ) 14

The CDKQ is a validated measure of carer knowledge of delirium risk factors, symptoms, and appropriate actions with good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α  = 0.76). 22  Nineteen true/false items across three subscales include Risk (10 items, e.g., dehydration), Symptoms (5 items, e.g., increasing confusion over several days), and Actions (4 items, e.g., immediately calling a doctor). Total and subscale scores comprise the sum of correct items where higher scores indicate greater knowledge.

Beliefs About Carers’ Role in Partnering in Delirium Prevention and Management

A single item question was asked, rated “yes” or “no.”

“Do you think that carers should be incorporated into delirium identification and management?”

Carers’ Intended and Actual use of PREDICT, Including the Delirium Screening Questionnaire

Two questions were asked, rated “yes” or “no.”

“Do you intend to use/ Did you use the Delirium Toolkit?” “Do you intend to use/ Did you use the delirium screening questionnaire?”

Caregiver Delirium Burden Scale (DEL-B-C) 30

The DEL-B-C is a validated 16-item measure of the burden experienced by carers; Cronbach’s α  = 0.82. 31  Total scores range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater burden.

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) 32

The K10 is a widely used and validated measure of psychological distress; Cronbach’s α  = 0.93. 32 , 33  Total scores range from 10 to 50 with higher scores indicating greater psychological distress.

Incidence of Delirium

Routinely collected hospital data was accessed to determine delirium incidence. Data was calculated using cases per 1000 OBDs which were compared from September 2021 to February 2022 (T1) and during the intervention period September 2022–February 2023 (T2).

Ethical Conduct

Ethical approval was provided by [ removed for blinding ].

Data were entered using Qualtrics survey software, 29  downloaded and cleaned, checked, and analyzed in SPSS 27 34 and OpenEpi 35 analysis software. Summary and descriptive statistics were produced including frequencies, totals, and means of participant demographics and study outcome variables. Significance level was set at alpha ( α ) = 0.05. Normality was established by visual inspection of histograms, skew and kurtosis, and Shapiro–Wilk (as n  < 50) tests of normality. 36  Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated as estimates of clinical significance where 0.2 indicates a small effect size, 0.5 moderate, and 0.8 large. 37  Normally distributed data were assessed for change from admission to post-discharge using paired t -tests (CDKQ, DEL-B-C, K10). Non-parametric data were assessed for change using related-samples McNemar change tests for dichotomous dependent variables (beliefs about partnering, satisfaction with care). Relationships between demographics and outcome variables (years as a carer versus intended and actual use of PREDICT) were assessed using independent-samples Mann–Whitney U tests. Missing values were handled as follows: frequency data (demographics, beliefs about partnering and use of PREDICT) were unchanged and were reported in raw form; missing CDKQ items were scored as incorrect; missing DEL-B-C items were scored as though carers had not experienced the relevant burden; and no K10 items were missing. Change in delirium incidence was analyzed by calculating an incidence rate ratio (IRR)—that is, comparing incidence at T1 and T2, wherein an IRR of 1 (or 95% CI that includes 1) indicates equal rates of delirium and thus a non-significant change; Z (standard) scores and p values are also presented for IRRs. 38 , 39

PREDICT was provided to a total of 56 carers, of whom 25 carers (43%) provided pre- and post-intervention data. Carers were primarily females ( n  = 17, 68%) with an average age of 65 years ( SD  = 17.7) providing care for their partner ( n  = 15, 60%). The majority of carers ( n  = 17, 68%) lived with the patient prior to admission. A total of seven carers (28%) reported the patient was diagnosed with delirium; see Table  1 for demographics.

Carer Delirium Knowledge

Carer delirium knowledge (CDKQ) 22 increased significantly from admission ( M  = 8.7, SD  = 4.62) to post-discharge ( M  = 12.1, SD  = 5.43). Scores increased by an average of 3.4 ( SE  = 0.65, 95% CI [2.07, 4.73]; paired t (24) = 5.27, p  =  < 0.001, d  = 1.1). This very large effect size (d) indicates a meaningful, clinically significant improvement in delirium knowledge. 37

Beliefs about Partnering in Delirium Prevention and Management

During admission, the majority of carers ( n  = 18, 72%) believed carers should be incorporated into delirium identification and management, which increased to 24 (96%) post-discharge. A related-samples McNemar change test indicated this was a significant increase ( p  < 0.001).

Carers’ Intended and Actual Use of PREDICT

At admission, most carers intended to use PREDICT ( n  = 18, 72%), and at post-discharge nearly all carers with positive intentions reported they had used PREDICT ( n  = 17, 68%). Similarly, at admission, most carers intended to use the delirium screening questionnaire ( n  = 17, 68%) and at post-discharge most reported they had used it ( n  = 15, 60%), reflecting an effective intention-behavior link with minimal gap; 40  see Table  2 .

Intended and actual use of PREDICT was associated with total time as a carer, where participants who had been carers for longer were significantly more likely to report intention to use PREDICT (Mann–Whitney U  = 93.5, p  = 0.003) and the delirium screening questionnaire ( U  = 90.0, p  < 0.001) weekly, and actual weekly use PREDICT ( U  = 69.0, p  = 0.039) and delirium screening questionnaire ( U  = 77.0, p  = 0.011).

Carer Burden and Distress

Carer burden (DEL-B-C) 31 and distress (K10) 32 did not change significantly from admission to post-discharge ( p  > 0.05). K10 scores were consistently high with carers reporting moderate–high levels of psychological distress at both timepoints 41 ; see Table  3 .

The incidence of delirium on the medical ward was 16.6 cases per 1000 OBDs for 2022/2023, compared to 27.1 cases per 1000 OBDs in the 2021/2022 matched period. The incident risk ratio (IRR) for delirium during the period PREDICT was introduced, compared to the same period 12 months prior which was 0.61 [95%CI 0.33, 1.13]. The associated z -value was 1.59 with a p -value of 0.056 approaching significance. Given the impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization, for contextual comparison points data was also pulled for the whole of hospital, the whole of health district, and the state for the same time periods, which can be seen in Table  4 . No other dataset showed any changes in OBD nearing significance, demonstrating promise of association related to the intervention rather than external factors.

There is increasing attention on the importance of the prevention and early management of delirium because of the deleterious effect on older patients’ and carers’ health and well-being. 2 , 3 , 30  This study evaluated the introduction of a model of care utilizing PREDICT, an interactive toolkit designed to support partnerships with carers and nurses in the prevention and management of delirium. The results of this study while only indicative, are promising, highlighting a partnership approach with carers may impact delirium prevention and management.

Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses highlight the importance of carer involvement in delirium management 42 and the efficacy of education; 11 , 18  however, many key studies omit the carer perspective. 15  While most carers in this study significantly increased their knowledge of delirium, we were also able to demonstrate that they saw a clear role for their ongoing involvement in preventing and managing delirium, particularly carers who had been caring for a longer time. This is important because it presents opportunities for improved long-term patient outcomes as the carer is likely to continue to monitor delirium risk following discharge. These findings respond directly to the expectations of carer involvement in care decisions and delivery, as demonstrated by delirium guidelines and standards worldwide. 43 , 44 , 45

Despite increases in delirium knowledge and the utilization of acquired learnings, carers’ moderately high levels of psychological distress and burden did not significantly improve, contrasting with other studies. 11 , 22  While this finding could be due to differences in characteristics of sample populations, it is consistent with studies reporting carers were often highly distressed when the person they were caring for experienced delirium or was at risk of delirium. 46 , 47  Perception of burden is multifaceted and changes over time, raising questions as to whether equity measurements, such as social needs and barriers to care, such as transportation, food insecurity, and housing, are more relevant outcome indicators of burden for carers. 48  While the focus on partnering with carers in our study maximizes the opportunity for enhanced communication and collaboration between carers and nurses, further research is required to elicit the impact of psychological distress and burden in the management of delirium. 30 , 49  Where health inequities impact vulnerable groups including LGBTQ + and Indigenous communities, 50  further research is required to enable carers to highlight their well-being and support needs.

Finally, in relation to our secondary aim, our findings indicate the potential of partnering with carers in delirium prevention and the broad promotion of PREDICT for reducing the incidence of delirium. Given change in the incidence of delirium was not seen elsewhere in the hospital, local health district, or state figures, it is reasonable to hypothesize that PREDICT might have had a ripple effect at the ward level and improved nurses’ delirium prevention practice. Combined with the pre–post-intervention results, there appears to be merit in proceeding to a randomized controlled trial to further validate and understand this model of care and PREDICT’s broader impact.

When deploying this toolkit in additional facilities, it would be of benefit to specifically explore changes in nurse delirium knowledge levels and self-rated confidence in detecting delirium. This would enable improved measurement of the program’s impact on nurses’ understanding and competence in managing delirium cases. It would also be of benefit to include qualitative interviews to better understand how consciously or unconsciously the program may have influenced their practice, altered perceptions of patient interactions, and transformed their overall approach to care, providing a deeper understanding of any mechanisms of change. Finally, future studies could examine any changes to the way in which nurses work when acting in the role of partner in care, including if there are any changes in shared vigilance, improved communication with carers, or changes in intervention strategies. Understanding any mechanisms of change would be crucial for refining program design and understanding its impact.

Study Limitations

A limitation of this study lies in the small sample size and its location in a single medical ward in an Australian regional hospital. This study did not calculate average length of stay; however, older persons’ hospital service utilization in Australia is reported to average 7.1 days. 51  A further limitation was that PREDICT was validated with carers in the community 27 but not an inpatient setting. Finally, PREDICT is limited to those patients who have carers visit at the bedside. While carers are not always at the bedside 24/7, the provision of PREDICT to carers upon admission will support any non-face to face communication between healthcare professionals and carers about the cognitive status of the patient. Future rigorous research as to whether partnering with carers in the prevention of delirium using PREDICT can reduce the incidence of delirium will be an important next step.

This study focused on engaging and supporting carers as partners in the prevention and management of delirium. While this study presents encouraging preliminary results, more extensive research is required seeking to better understand underlying mechanisms of change and exploring additional facets of nursing practice influenced by this innovative approach.

Data Availability

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author (Christina Aggar).

Fong TG, Racine AM, Fick DM, Tabloski P, Gou Y, Schmitt EM, et al. The Caregiver Burden of Delirium in Older Adults With Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2019;67(12):2587-92.

Article   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Krewulak KD, Bull MJ, Wesley Ely E, Davidson JE, Stelfox HT, Fiest KM. Effectiveness of an intensive care unit family education intervention on delirium knowledge: a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study. Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia. 2020;67(12):1761-74.

Rosgen BK, Krewulak KD, Davidson JE, Ely EW, Stelfox HT, Fiest KM. Associations between caregiver-detected delirium and symptoms of depression and anxiety in family caregivers of critically ill patients: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):187-.

Pereira JVB, Aung Thein MZ, Nitchingham A, Caplan GA. Delirium in older adults is associated with development of new dementia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. International journal of geriatric psychiatry. 2021;36(7):993-1003.

Article   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Inouye S, K, Westendorp R, GJ, Saczynski J, S. Delirium in elderly people. The lancet. 2014;383(9920):911-22.

Google Scholar  

Kumbun G, Treml J, Moseley A, Reid J, Furmedge D, Mohammedseid-Nurhussien A, et al. Delirium is prevalent in older hospital inpatients and associated with adverse outcomes: results of a prospective multi-centre study on World Delirium Awareness Day. BMC medicine. 2019;17(1):229-.

Article   Google Scholar  

Lange PW, Lamanna M, Watson R, Maier AB. Undiagnosed delirium is frequent and difficult to predict: Results from a prevalence survey of a tertiary hospital. Journal of clinical nursing. 2019;28(13-14):2537-42.

Ragheb J, Norcott A, Benn L, Shah N, McKinney A, Min L, et al. Barriers to delirium screening and management during hospital admission: a qualitative analysis of inpatient nursing perspectives. BMC Health Services Research. 2023;23(1):712.

Ahmed S, Leurent B, Sampson EL. Risk factors for incident delirium among older people in acute hospital medical units: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age and ageing. 2014;43(3):326-33.

Hughes CG, Hayhurst CJ, Pandharipande PP, Shotwell MS, Feng X, Wilson JE, et al. Association of Delirium during Critical Illness With Mortality: Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study. Anesthesia and Analgesia. 2021;133(5):1152-61.

Article   CAS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Lee J, Yeom I, Yoo S, Hong S. Educational intervention for family caregivers of older adults with delirium: An integrative review. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2023;32(19-20):6987–97.

Salluh JIF, Wang H, Schneider EB, Nagaraja N, Yenokyan G, Damluji A, et al. Outcome of delirium in critically ill patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical Research ed). 2015;350:h2538-h.

Travers C, Byrne GJ, Pachana NA, Klein K, Gray L. Delirium in Australian hospitals: a prospective study. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research. 2013;2013:284780.

Shulman RW, Kalra S, Jiang JZ. Validation of the Sour Seven Questionnaire for screening delirium in hospitalized seniors by informal caregivers and untrained nurses. BMC Geriatrics. 2016;16:44.

Aggar C, Craswell A, Bail K, Compton R, Hughes M, Sorwar G, et al. Partnering with carers in the management of delirium in general acute care settings: An integrative review. Australasian Journal on Ageing. 2023a;42(4):638-48.

Lee‐Steere K, Liddle J, Mudge A, Bennett S, McRae P, Barrimore SE. “You’ve got to keep moving, keep going”: understanding older patients’ experiences and perceptions of delirium and nonpharmacological delirium prevention strategies in the acute hospital setting. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2020;29(13-14):2363-77.

Martins S, Conceição F, Paiva JA, Simões MR, Fernandes L. Delirium recognition by family: European Portuguese validation study of the family confusion assessment method. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2014;62(9):1748-52.

McKenzie J, Joy A. Family intervention improves outcomes for patients with delirium: Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Australasian Journal on Ageing. 2020;39(1):21-30.

Rosenbloom-Brunton DA, Henneman EA, Inouye SK. Feasibility of family participation in a delirium prevention program for hospitalized older adults. Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 2010;36(9):22-35.

Rosenbloom DA, Fick DM. Nurse/family caregiver intervention for delirium increases delirium knowledge and improves attitudes toward partnership. Geriatric Nursing. 2014;35(3):175-81.

Shrestha P, Fick DM. Family caregiver's experience of caring for an older adult with delirium: a systematic review. International Journal of Older People Nursing. 2020;15(4):e12321.

Bull MJ, Boaz L, Jermé M. Educating Family Caregivers for Older Adults About Delirium: A Systematic Review. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing. 2016;13(3):232-40.

Boltz M, Resnick B, Chippendale T, Galvin J. Testing a family‐centered intervention to promote functional and cognitive recovery in hospitalized older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2014;62(12):2398-407.

Cohen C, Pereira F, Kampel T, Bélanger L. Integration of family caregivers in delirium prevention care for hospitalized older adults: A case study analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2021;77(1):318-30.

Cervero RM, Gaines JK. The Impact of CME on Physician Performance and Patient Health Outcomes: An Updated Synthesis of Systematic Reviews. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions. 2015;35(2):131-8.

Lee SY, Fisher J, Wand APF, Milisen K, Detroyer E, Sockalingam S, et al. Developing delirium best practice: a systematic review of education interventions for healthcare professionals working in inpatient settings. European Geriatric Medicine. 2020;11(1):1-32.

Aggar C, Craswell A, Bail K, Compton R, Hughes M, Sorwar G, et al. A co-designed web-based Delirium Toolkit for carers: An eDelphi evaluation of usability and quality. Collegian. 2023b;30(2):380-5.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Canberra. Australian Institute of Health & Welfare; 2023.

Qualtrics. Qualtrics software. USA. 2023. Accessed October, 2023. https://www.qualtrics.com

Racine AM, D'Aquila M, Schmitt EM, Gallagher J, Marcantonio ER, Jones RN, et al. Delirium Burden in Patients and Family Caregivers: Development and Testing of New Instruments. The Gerontologist. 2019;59(5):e393-e402.

PubMed   Google Scholar  

Bull MJ, Avery JS, Boaz L, Oswald D. Psychometric Properties of the Family Caregiver Delirium Knowledge Questionnaire. Research in Gerontological Nursing. 2015;8(4):198-207.

Kessler RC, Andrews G, Colpe LJ, Hiripi E, Mroczek DK, Normand S-L, et al. Short screening scales to monitor population prevalences and trends in non-specific psychological distress. Psychological Medicine. 2002;32(6):959-76.

Article   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Kessler RC, Barker PR, Colpe LJ, Epstein JF, Gfroerer JC, Hiripi E, et al. Screening for serious mental illness in the general population. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2003;60(2):184-9.

IBM Corp. SSPSS Statistics for Windows. V27.0 [Computer software]. IBM Corp. 2020.

Dean AG, Sullivan KM, Soe MM. OpenEpi: Open Source Epidemiologic Statistics for Public Health. 2013. V3.01. Accessed October, 2023.  https://www.openepi.com/PersonTime2/PersonTime2.htm .

Mishra P, Pandey CM, Singh U, Gupta A, Sahu C, Keshri A. Descriptive statistics and normality tests for statistical data. Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia. 2019;22(1):67-72.

Tomczak M, Tomczak E. The need to report effect size estimates revisited. An overview of some recommended measures of effect size. 2014;21:19-25.

Alexander L, Lopes B, Richetti-Masterson K, Yeatts K.  Eric Notebook: Risk and Rate Measures in Cohort Studies. 2015. 2 ed. Accessed October, 2023. nciph_ERIC7.pdf (unc.edu)

Rothman KJ. Epidemiology: an introduction: Oxford University Press; 2012.

Hagger MS, Luszczynska A, De Wit J, Benyamini Y, Burkert S, Chamberland P-E, et al. Implementation intention and planning interventions in Health Psychology: Recommendations from the Synergy Expert Group for research and practice. Psychology and Health. 2016;31(7):814-39.

Andrews G, Slade T. Interpreting scores on the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10). Australian and New Zealand journal of public health. 2001;25(6):494-7.

Meyer G, Mauch M, Seeger Y, Burckhardt M. Experiences of relatives of patients with delirium due to an acute health event - A systematic review of qualitative studies. Appl Nurs Res. 2023;73:151722.

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Delirium: prevention, diagnosis and management in hospital and long-term care (clinical guideline CG103). U.K. NICE; 2023.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare. Delirium Clinical Care Standard. Sydney: ACSQHC; 2021.

Aldecoa C, Bettelli G, Bilotta F, Sanders RD, Audisio R, Borozdina A, et al. European Society of Anaesthesiology evidence-based and consensus-based guideline on postoperative delirium. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2017;34(4):192-214.

Martins S, Pinho E, Correia R, Moreira E, Lopes L, Paiva JA, et al. What effect does delirium have on family and nurses of older adult patients? Aging and Mental Health. 2018;22(7):903-11.

Schmitt EM, Gallagher J, Albuquerque A, Tabloski P, Lee HJ, Gleason L, et al. Perspectives on the Delirium Experience and Its Burden: Common Themes Among Older Patients, Their Family Caregivers, and Nurses. The Gerontologist. 2019;59(2):327-37.

Liu Z, Heffernan C, Tan J. Caregiver burden: A concept analysis. International Journal of Nursing Sciences. 2020;7(4):438-45.

Cherak SJ, Rosgen BK, Amarbayan M, Wollny K, Doig CJ, Patten SB, et al. Mental Health Interventions to Improve Psychological Outcomes in Informal Caregivers of Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Critical Care Medicine. 2021;49(9):1414-26.

Anderson JG, Flatt JD. Characteristics of LGBT caregivers of older adults: Results from the national Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 survey. Journal of gay & lesbian social services. 2018;30(2):103-16.

Reid N, Gamage T, Duckett SJ, Gray LC. Hospital utilisation in Australia, 1993-2020, with a focus on use by people over 75 years of age: a review of AIHW data. The Medical journal of Australia. 2023;219(3):113-119. doi: https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52026

Download references

Acknowledgements

Nursing staff who supported the dissemination of Carer Delirium Toolkit and partnering with carers. Nurse leaders who advocated for the Carer Delirium Toolkit: Brenda Paddon, Princy Albert, and Hannah Graves. Tamsin Thomas and Tina Prassos for supporting the analysis of this study and preparation of the paper for publication and most importantly the study participants for sharing their experiences.

Open Access funding enabled and organized by CAUL and its Member Institutions

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, QLD, Australia

Christina Aggar PhD, Mark Hughes PhD, James Baker PhD, Jennene Greenhill PhD, Lucy Shinners PhD & Belinda Nichols MCN

School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, Australia

Alison Craswell PhD

College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Roslyn M. Compton PhD

Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia

Kasia Bail PhD

Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, QLD, Australia

Golam Sorwar PhD

Northern NSW Local Health District, Lismore, NSW, Australia

Christina Aggar PhD, Belinda Nichols MCN, Rachel Langheim MSc, Allison Wallis MRes, Karen Bowen MBA & Hazel Bridgett DTPH

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

Author contribution.

Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work;

Substantial contributions to the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data;

Drafting the work;

Revising the work critically for important intellectual content;

Final approval of the version to be published;

Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christina Aggar PhD .

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest:.

The authors declare that they do not have a conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval

Approval was provided by the North Coast of NSW Human Research Ethics Committee NCNSW HREC (HREA327 2021/ETH11752).

Additional information

Publisher's note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Aggar, C., Craswell, A., Bail, K. et al. A Toolkit for Delirium Identification and Promoting Partnerships Between Carers and Nurses: A Pilot Pre–Post Feasibility Study. J GEN INTERN MED (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-024-08734-6

Download citation

Received : 08 November 2023

Accepted : 15 March 2024

Published : 22 April 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-024-08734-6

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research

• Research Paper Guides
• Research Paper Topics

Nursing Research Paper Topics: 350+ Ideas and Question Examples

• Speech Topics
• Basics of Essay Writing
• Essay Topics
• Other Essays
• Main Academic Essays
• Basics of Research Paper Writing
• Miscellaneous
• Chicago/ Turabian
• Data & Statistics
• Methodology
• Admission Writing Tips
• Admission Advice
• Other Guides
• Student Life
• Studying Tips
• Understanding Plagiarism
• Academic Writing Tips
• Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

• Essay Guides
• Formatting Guides
• Basics of Research Process
• Admission Guides
• Dissertation & Thesis Guides

Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

Someone once said, “Nursing is a blessed profession because those people are the first and the last to watch the beginning and end of life. Nurses open the eyes of a newborn and moderately close the eyes of a dying man.” This quote summarizes the caregivers' importance in society. However, education for nurses is challenging because they must learn how to provide healthcare and support for patients and research different medical issues. This requires finding good research topics in nursing. In case you are looking for the best nursing research topics, we have you covered. This article explains nursing research topics, their characteristics, and how to select them. Also, we have compiled a list of more than 350 nursing topics for research papers that are divided into various categories to get you started. Choose the title you like most, and contact our professionals to buy nursing papers cheap should you need any help.

What Are Nursing Research Topics?

Nursing research topics refer to subjects or issues that interest nursing students, which they can investigate and write academic proposals about. Any nursing topic is based on theoretical components, including lab applications, human physiology, and healthcare management. However, it focuses on tackling issues from a caregiver’s perspective, such as elderly and child care, midwifery, primary healthcare, mental health, pain management, women's health, etc. The process of selecting nursing topics for research paper can be stressful and challenging for many students because practical assignments are extremely demanding, which leaves little time for writing tasks. As a result, finding the right title for your academic paper is crucial. That's why it is necessary to consider time management skills as your research may take more time than one hour for example.

Characteristics of Good Nursing Research Topics

There are times when students need help with selecting good nursing research paper topics. They may encounter challenges in choosing themes because of mental blocks or lack of time. We have provided tips to guide your selection. Before picking the title, you should be mindful that good research topics for nursing students have the following characteristics:

• Meaningful.
• Interesting.
• Explorative.

These characteristics help in selecting the title of your paper. However, feel free to seek help from your professor to narrow down the options. Their insights might make you more successful in writing your paper. 

How to Choose a Nursing Research Paper Topic?

Before writing your academic paper, it is essential to have a good nursing research topic . Ensure that the selected title has the characteristics mentioned in the above section. In most cases, your teachers will provide suggestions of good research paper topic for nursing that you can choose from. However, if that is not the case, you will have to come up with your own title. You can derive ideas from websites, books, journals, or personal experiences. To set you off, follow the next steps in selecting your title: 

• First, identify the field that is most appealing to you.
• Second, gather a lot of nursing evidence based practice topics from the category you are passionate about.
• Then, deliberate on all the title ideas and eliminate all those irrelevant or with less research scope.
• Fourth, select the most comfortable title from this narrowed-down list and begin writing about it.
• Lastly, ensure that your topic follows the guidelines provided by your teacher or school.

Best Nursing Research Questions

Using research questions in nursing is one of the best ways to arrive at a suitable topic for your study. A nursing research question can act as a guiding tool. Our professional research paper writers have provided you with some of the best examples of nursing research questions below to aid you in coming up with a great title: 

• How does the hospital wards' design influence patients' aggressive tendencies?
• Do patients diagnosed with dementia experience any pain?
• What is the negative impact of cord cutting on placenta separation?
• How has COVID-19 affected caregiving practices?
• What positive effects do computerized records have on patient outcomes?
• What changes can improve the sustainability of surgical rooms?
• How can you assist domestic violence victims?
• How to prevent chemotherapy and radiation effects among cancer patients?
• Is yoga an effective method for helping patients with back problems?
• How can music therapy help lactating mothers?
• Do healthcare providers have to be internet savvy?
• Are spinal cord nerve damage and persistent constipation related?
• What are the advantages of applying cognitive hypnotherapy in managing pain?
• How do you manage PTSD among army veterans?
• Is the immune system impacted by aging?

Top Nursing Research Topics List

If you find it challenging to come up with suitable topics about nursing, do not panic because you are not alone. In some way, many proficient writers and students have encountered the challenge of coming up with topics for nursing research paper. But we are here to help you jump-start the process by providing a list of research topics for nursing students. Some of them include the following: 

• Causes and prevention of childhood obesity.
• Effective ways used to treat ADHD.
• Ethical considerations for pediatric caregivers.
• Causes of pediatric antibiotic resistance.
• Effective ways to ensure diversity in caregiving.
• Adverse effects of children’s hormonal treatment.
• The psychological health impact caused by COVID-19.
• How air pollution is adversely affecting children.
• How is the immune system affected by age?
• What causes seizures in children?

Popular Nursing Research Topics

Another way to develop your essay is to choose from a list of popular nursing topics. There are many common caregiving ideas for your paper that you can choose from. Below we have compiled some of the most popular nursing research topics for students to help in writing your paper:

• Advantages of selecting a nursing career.
• Dangers associated with chemotherapy exposure.
• Night shifts impacts on caregivers' mental health.
• Preventing malnutrition in children.
• Negative impacts of caregiving as a career.
• Benefits of home health nursing.
• How caregivers contribute to the medical industry.
• Reasons why occupational therapy has increased in popularity.
• Key roles that can be played by caregivers in rehabilitation.
• Effective measures employed to reduce infant injuries during delivery.
• Assessing the evolution of newborn care over the past ten years.
• Best ways used to improve working conditions for caregivers.
• Analyzing the measures employed in reducing obesity.
• Causes of child mortality .
• Challenges involved in trying to find the major causes of cancer.

Current Nursing Research Topics

If you want to write about recent affairs, you can select current topics in nursing. Trendy topics are essential in tackling issues that have affected the healthcare industry in recent years. Below is a list of contemporary nursing research paper topic ideas:

• Analyzing rising cases of cancer among children.
• Measures that bridge existing gender gaps in nursing.
• Importance of vaccines during pregnancy.
• Causes and impacts of increased use of online caregiving programs.
• Does online medical education affect the quality of caregiving?
• What positive effects did nurses have during the pandemic?
• How computer tomography scans have impacted treatment methods.
• Negative effects of poor pain management techniques.
• Challenges faced by advanced innovations in clinical cardiology.
• Are caregivers supposed to practice specialization in their education?
• Best measures employed in protecting nurses during the pandemic.
• Parental roles in ensuring healthy lifestyles for their children.
• Challenges associated with Telemedicine.
• Criteria used to improve the popularity of healthcare professions.
• Benefits of community caregiving.

Interesting Nursing Research Topics

Selecting interesting nursing topics is also a great way to ensure the success of your paper. Below is a catalog of interesting nursing research paper topics that will help you: 

• Shortcomings associated with medical contracts.
• Fundamental causes of anxiety in patients.
• Strategies for reducing stress.
• The importance of diversity in medical health.
• What are the moral aspects brought by euthanasia?
• Key causes of hypersensitive diseases.
• Methods used in managing low blood pressure.
• Reasons for universal medical care.
• Practical steps for treating severe headaches.
• Major causes of bipolar disorder .
• Key roles that can be performed by healthcare providers during an El Nino weather phenomenon.
• How can caregivers assist patients dealing with anxiety?
• Have technological advancements enhanced healthcare quality?
• Techniques for handling elderly individuals who won't eat.
• The main causes of death in children.

Good Topics in Nursing

You can get a research topic for nursing students from various lists of ideas online. However, if you are looking for good research paper topics for nursing, you are in the right place. Below we have presented a list of titles that can help you begin your paper:

• Key disadvantages associated with Medicare.
• How can more men be encouraged to take up caregiving courses?
• Methods used for treating osteoporosis in women.
• The success of the chlamydia treatment regimen.
• The best method for improving patient care standards.
• Reasons why caregivers should be tested for drug use.
• Efficient methods utilized in treating acne among teenagers.
• Advantages of specialization for healthcare providers.
• Importance of caregivers being internet savvy.
• How nursing roles have changed in modern times.
• Factors contributing to the rise in male infertility.
• Why should caregivers be subjected to psychological therapy?
• Best care for women who have miscarried.
• Should caregivers be allowed to provide futile medical care?
• Importance of low carbohydrate diet.

Any nursing student is constantly busy with assignments and clinic hours. Research paper writing help from academic experts is very needed from time to time. Get in touch with StudyCrumb if you require any writing assistance.

Easy Nursing Research Topics

Sometimes complicated themes are challenging for students. If you feel like that is your case, consider choosing easy nurse topics. Below is a catalog of a variety of easy nursing topics for research: 

• Critical roles played by caregivers in medical care.
• Analyzing the roles of nutrition in managing obesity.
• How does cyberbullying affect children’s mental health?
• What benefits do children get from being vaccinated?
• Every patient's medical history should remain confidential.
• Ways in which caregivers can improve their service quality.
• Reasons why the demand for home medical services is rising.
• Should all medical records be automated?
• How has the quality of medical service improved over the years?
• Effective ways for preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
• Effective ways to lose weight for women.
• Reasons for decreased child mortality during labor in recent times.
• Common ways to manage hypertension.
• Signs that a patient has experienced physical abuse .
• Efficient methods used in managing stress levels among adults.

Hot Nursing Topics

There is no better way to amaze your professor with your essay than to select hot topics in nursing research. Choosing one of these nursing hot topics provided below will likely guarantee you high grades:

• Challenges facing medicine in 2023.
• How does unhealthy eating affect athletes?
• Effective methods used in protecting healthcare providers during the pandemic.
• The COVID-19 epidemic saw nurses play crucial roles.
• Technological advancements have greatly enhanced medical care.
• People should be taught how to practice preventive care.
• Challenges encountered when trying to quit smoking.
• Advantages of having caregivers on the school premises.
• Significant benefits associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Effective methods employed in managing headaches.
• Strategies that can enhance caregivers’ productivity.
• Is massage therapy effective in relieving pain?
• Challenges faced in managing chronic diseases.
• The most effective strategies for treating eating disorders.
• Efficient ways utilized in improving online caregiving education.

Nursing Research Topics for Students in Healthcare

If you are a healthcare student, you can count yourself lucky because you will not encounter the challenges of selecting a title for your essay. The section below has provided different research paper topics for nursing students to choose from. They are classified into different groups to provide various research ideas for nursing students. Go through them and pick the category that interests you.

Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

Pediatric caregivers are the ones who take care of children, neonates, and adolescents. There are many pediatric nursing topics for writing a research paper found online. Below are pediatric nursing paper topics to jump-start your mind: 

• Reasons why misdiagnoses cases in the pediatric wards are rising.
• Major emotional issues among children below ten years.
• What ways can be used to manage seizures in kids?
• Reasons why children develop resistance to antibiotics.
• What is the connection between autism and vaccination?
• Should there be specialized training for caregivers who manage pediatric wards?
• Reasons for the rising cases of obese children.
• How should caregivers deal with pain and injuries in toddlers?
• Steps involved in controlling allergic reactions in pediatric wards.
• Major health issues that threaten the development of children.
• Ethical considerations for nurses working in pediatric wards.
• Factors contributing to the rise in childhood eating disorders.
• Psychological impacts on parents with kids diagnosed with cancer.
• Best management practice for children with heart diseases .
• Early life exposure to air pollution and health impacts.

Adult Nursing Research Topic Ideas

You can also write your paper based on adult nursing ideas. These will mainly focus on providing healthcare intervention to adults. We have many nursing research ideas below for you to get you going:

• Health implications brought by abortion.
• Home remedies for people with high blood pressure.
• How should caregivers handle patients in prison?
• The proficiency of cognitive therapy in managing pain.
• Effective ways to manage alcohol addiction.
• Dangers associated with living a sedentary life.
• Physical exercises that prevent risks brought by heart complications.
• Efficient methods used to manage work-related stress.
• How to handle migraines at home.
• Reasons why obesity cases are rising among men above 35 years.
• Common causes of sleep disorders among adults.
• Best ways to reduce dependence on pain medicine.
• How can yoga be used as a pain management activity.
• Techniques for treating acute coronary syndrome in persons older than 35.
• How is the body affected by consuming too much carbohydrates?

Midwifery Nursing Topics

Midwifery care providers are specialists in childbirth and women's reproductive health. Students specializing in this should look at nursing research paper topics. For that, we have provided a list of the best midwifery nursing research topics below to assist you in your essay: 

• Management methods for autistic women giving birth.
• Evolution of midwifery in the last decade.
• Feeding problems associated with newborns and infants.
• Techniques for enhancing mother-child ties during postpartum care.
• History and development of midwifery.
• Best practices utilized in managing pain during labor.
• How to deal with postnatal depression among women?
• Advantages of maintaining high standards of skin hygiene for newborns.
• Managing women with disabilities during childbirth.
• Effective ways used in treating pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• Best ways to assist during prenatal and postnatal stages for fathers.
• Technological advancements in midwifery and their impacts.
• Reasons why mothers should ensure vaccinations for newborns children.
• Why has the childbirth mortality rate reduced over the last decade?
• Explanations for the increased number of women choosing to deliver at home instead of the hospital.

Elderly Care Nursing Research Paper Topics

Elderly care nursing topics are also prevalent among scholars. You can choose any elderly care nursing research paper topic from the catalog provided below:

• Techniques for avoiding delirium in older people.
• Methods for improving pain treatment in elderly individuals.
• Should the elderly be subjected to vaccinations?
• Managing cases of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Physical exercises that are not strenuous.
• Age-related changes to the immune system .
• How to shield senior patients from injuries and slips and falls.
• Caregivers should get specialized education to deal with geriatric patients.
• Preventing risk associated with cardiovascular ailments.
• Biological mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease and to prevent it in geriatric patients.
• Nursing approaches to providing ophthalmic care to elderly individuals.
• Interventions strategies to prevent adverse drug effects in senior patients.
• Regular exercises that help maintain joint movements.
• Should older patients be subjected to chemotherapy?
• How is sepsis managed in critically ill older patients?

Women's Health Nursing Research Topics

Women’s health topics in nursing are some of the most trending and relevant titles you can use for your essay. The following are some of the best women’s health nursing research paper topics that you pick from:

• Evaluation of why women experience sleep disorders.
• Ways used in treating menopause.
• Diseases that affect female sexual health.
• Managing infertility cases in women.
• Addressing cultural variations in women's health.
• Techniques for preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
• Symptoms associated with breast cancer.
• Factors that contribute to high numbers of infertilities.
• Best ways employed in treating acne.
• Factors that increase fertility.
• Approaches employed in dealing with postnatal depression.
• Preventive measures for vaginal atrophy.
• Efficient methods of detecting breast cancer.
• Best pregnancy prevention practices.
• How can nurses help prevent sepsis that comes after labor?

Need more ideas? Browse  psychology research topics  and choose something special.

Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

Mental disease is a serious health problem that has recently gained global attention. Therefore, studies focusing on mental health nursing topics are among the most searched. These are some  prevalent mental health nursing projects topics for you:  

• Evaluating caregivers’ mental health.
• Reason why there is an increase in stress cases after the pandemic.
• Are there effective methods to treat schizophrenia?
• Evaluating the significant causes of depression.
• How has social media contributed to the rise in mental incidents?
• The symptoms associated with chronic anxiety.
• Is it advisable to use medication in treating mental health issues?
• Advantages of using antipsychotics in treating mental problems.
• Best methods used in managing dementia effects.
• Causes of mental health issues among medical practitioners.
• How to prevent aggression acts among teenagers caused by playing violent video games.
• Causes of PTSD among war veterans.
• Treatment strategies for patients with cognitive impairment.
• Major causes of bipolar disorder.
• Practical steps that are taken in treating panic attacks.

>> View more: Mental Health Research Topics

Pain Management Nursing Research Topics

The most crucial nursing research problem is pain management. Some students will likely provide interventions for patients dealing with pain. If this is your area of concern, you should look at various pain management nurse topics to get your inspiration. The following is a narrowed-down list of pain management topics for you: 

• Major roles played by caregivers in treating pain.
• Assessing the efficacy of non-pharmacological pain management techniques.
• Successful modern pain management medications.
• Efficient methods used in remedying chronic pain.
• Managing pain in hemophilia.
• Steps involved in treating headaches.
• Best pain managing exercises for women in labor.
• How can caregivers relieve pain in cancer patients?
• Methods used in treating spinal cord nerve injuries.
• Advantages of therapeutic injections.
• Can Benson’s relaxation therapy be used to relieve pain?
• Applying cognitive hypnotherapy in relieving body discomforts.
• How may rheumatoid arthritis be treated with opioids?
• The ideal use of myofascial pain rehabilitation.
• Treating children's stomach pain.

Health Care Management Nursing Research Topics

There are many healthcare research problems in nursing that you can base your essay on. Some of the best healthcare nursing project topics that you can choose from include: 

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare?
• Should the healthcare industry seek to have more diversity?
• Does gender play a role in caregiving?
• What steps should be taken to encourage more people to take caregiving courses?
• How has technological advancement affected the quality of healthcare services?
• Should remote care be explored as a way of enhancing the service?
• How can caregivers rise to become physicians?
• Approaches taken to improve staff relations in the hospital?
• Leadership styles that are effective in caregiving.
• Best training methods for healthcare providers to keep them up to date.
• Importance of caregivers adhering to the uniform codes and rules.
• How can healthcare providers take leadership positions in the hospital?
• The procedures for establishing a private medical practice.
• Methods used in improving record keeping.
• Ethical considerations that caregivers should know when dealing with patients.

>> Read more: Healthcare Research Topics

Primary Healthcare Nursing Research Topics

For those students seeking primary healthcare nursing concept topics, there are various topics you can find on the internet. However, to make your work easier, below we have provided a catalog of primary healthcare nursing related research topics that you can pick from:

• Economic implications associated with enhanced primary healthcare.
• Best ways to treat chronic medical problems.
• Primary care for diabetic patients.
• Advantages of antenatal treatment.
• Methods employed in assessing medical care quality.
• Should pharmacists perform roles meant for physicians?
• Key considerations made in primary healthcare.
• Efficient methods of treating stroke.
• Advantages of the private sector's involvement in creating mental health services.
• Challenges faced in financing quality primary healthcare.
• How data collected during primary healthcare can be used in research.
• Technologically advanced methods used in cardiology.
• Common techniques used in evaluating patients’ health.
• Key responsibilities played by social workers in providing direct healthcare.
• Is preventive medicine effective among elderly patients?

>> Read more: Public Health Topics to Research

Nursing Research Paper Topics on Obstetrics

Obstetrics is a field of caregiving that focuses on providing care during pregnancy, childbirth, and after birth. There are many nursing research problems that you can write on obstetrics. You can choose the following nursing related research topics for your essay: 

• Dangers associated with hypertensive disorders.
• Causes and prevention of hypertension during childbirth.
• Best management practices for labor and delivery.
• Steps employed in resuscitating newborns.
• Dangers related to consuming foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids for pregnant women.
• Disadvantages of water birth.
• Best antenatal care plans.
• Challenges involved in saving mother and child during delivery.
• Methods of dealing with pre-term labor.
• Advantages of incorporating music therapy during lactation.
• Key dangers associated with early pregnancies.
• Best methods to manage post-delivery stress.
• Nutrition that helps mothers recover better after delivery.
• Unhealthy habits during pregnancy that might be dangerous.
• Best foods that increase fertility among women.

Health Promotion Nursing Research Topics

Health promotion aims at encouraging communities and individuals to choose healthy behavior, which reduces the risks of diseases. Selecting a healthy lifestyle is a research problem in nursing that needs addressing. As a scholar, there are many health-promoting issues you can analyze as your clinical nursing problems for research. The following topics are an excellent way to start:

• Nutrition misinformation that is spread on the internet.
• Best practices of educating parents to ensure their children grow up healthy.
• Causes of increased dependency on Telemedicine.
• Ways of promoting healthy living among older patients.
• Dangers related to leading an inactive lifestyle among the youths.
• Methods used in preventing medical misinformation on the internet.
• Dangers associated with fake news on health.
• Impacts of short staffing on patients’ outcomes.
• Modern and safe methods employed in cancer screening.
• How can social media be employed to promote healthy lifestyles?
• Steps that are taken to discourage inactivity behaviors among the youths.
• Dangers related to cigarette smoking.
• Methods used in reversing the adverse effects of diabetes.
• Raising awareness on the causes and risks of heart diseases.
• Is secondhand smoking dangerous to people’s health?

Biology research topics may be helpful as well. Look through additional ideas and come up with something unique.

Nursing Careers Research Paper Topics

You can also investigate medical careers by examining nursing education topics as a scholar. Caregiving is a career that still has plenty of room for growth. This can be achieved by evaluating various nursing problems for research. These are titles that you can look at to get you off: 

• How will caregiving be affected in the future with more technological advancements?
• Challenges that affect the process of diversifying the healthcare industry.
• What leadership skills should caregivers have to be effective in their roles?
• How do nurses who work during the night deal with stress?
• Steps that are taken in dealing with anxiety.
• Critical functions played by clinical health providers.
• Primary ethical considerations for caregivers.
• Practices that ensure safe prescription of medication.
• Role played by nurses in critical care services.
• Career paths for caregivers.
• Methods used in preventing infections in the line of duty.
• Dangers associated with the nursing profession.
• Coping mechanism for caregivers during the pandemic.
• Benefits and drawbacks of a mobile intensive care unit.
• Tactics employed to deal with an elder who refuses to eat.

Topics for Nursing Research: Qualitative & Quantitative

When choosing your nursing research topics, you should consider the research design you want. The research questions you come up with will direct the type of design that will conclusively answer them. As a result, your research topic choices can be either qualitative or quantitative. To make it easier for you, below we have further explained the two types of nursing research examples.

Qualitative Research Topics in Nursing

Qualitative nursing research topics deal with caregivers’ personal experiences with their patients that are derived through observation and interviews. It uses induction to gain evidence that will support a particular theory without generalizing obtained results. The following are examples of qualitative research questions in nursing:

• Challenges in dealing with caregiving stereotypes.
• Problems associated with systematic racism in healthcare systems.
• The evolution of the nursing profession since the 20th century.
• Main accreditation issues in medical school for caregivers.
• How technology has improved the process of caregiving.
• Importance of healthcare staff in primary care.
• How does music affect the psychological conditions of patients?
• Importance of robotics in the healthcare industry .
• Method of preventing harmful effects of obesity.
• How to treat victims of sexual harassment.
• Major physical activities that elderly patients can participate in.
• Efficient methods utilized in managing depression.
• Chief causes of dyslexia in children.
• Managing patients who have PTSD.
• Making older patients' cancer therapy more effective.

Nursing Quantitative Research Topics

On the other hand, quantitative nursing research topics deal with obtaining empirical evidence through generalization and deduction. Below are examples of quantitative research topics in nursing: 

• Benefits of healthy diets.
• Efficacy of Telemedicine.
• Causes and symptoms of heart complications.
• How are cardiovascular problems treated?
• Dangers associated with information overload in medicine.
• Development of Telehealth.
• Ethical considerations of assisted suicide.
• How effective is primary health care for the patients?
• What roles do caregivers play during an operation?
• Leading causes of mental illnesses in adolescents.
• Unconventional methods that may be used in treating diabetes.
• Disadvantages of using probiotics in treating diarrhea.
• Efficient strategies that can be used to assist patients who try to commit suicide.
• How statistics are used to analyze the benefits of changing your diet.
• Effective methods for assessing pain in critical patients.

Bonus Ideas on Nursing Research Paper Topics

You should now be able to select a topic for your essay because we have given you a variety of research topics related to nursing to choose from. The above titles are obtained from different areas of nursing. However, modern times call for different approaches to caregiving. Browse  chemistry topics for research  to come up with some new and interesting ideas for your paper. If you want to focus on more recent evidence-based practice nursing research topics, we have different varieties for you to choose from below.

Nursing Topics for Discussion

Many research questions for nursing aim at triggering deeper conversations on issues from different health stakeholders. If you want to generate a discussion around a particular subject, you should come up with a suitable nursing research topic. The following are examples of such titles:

• Is child health insurance a human right?
• How can the gender gap that exists in healthcare be reduced?
• Compare and contrast complementary and alternative therapies.
• Are video games responsible for increased teen aggression?
• Should elderly patients be allowed to use alcohol?
• Should a caregiver force food on elderly patients who refuse to eat?
• Should all hospitals adopt the usage of Telemedicine?
• Is online education a competent program for nurses?
• Should caregivers be allowed to prescribe medicine to patients?
• Are nurses given the same respect as that offered to doctors?

Nursing Topics for Presentation

Consider nursing presentation topics if you are required to write an essay to present to a class or other medical practitioners. The following are examples of presentation research topics related to nursing: 

• Key disadvantages associated with Telemedicine .
• What is the connection between mental stability and obesity?
• The best non-medical techniques for recuperating from physical trauma.
• Factors contributing to the rise in teenage alcohol misuse.
• The main signs of bipolar disorder in children under the age of 14.
• Health issues related to menopause and how to prevent them.
• Best ways to treat bone injuries at home.
• Effective ways used in managing obesity in women above 35 years.
• Reasons why Telecare is essential to caregivers.
• Is pet therapy an effective method that should be used in managing autism?

Literature Review Nursing Topics

Analyzing previously written nursing research projects provides the best source of information for you to seek answers to different medical issues. If this is what you are aiming at, we have a variety of different nursing literature review topics below:

• How effective is the caregiving education program?
• Challenges facing caregivers in using modern treatment.
• Effects of family therapy on the mental well-being of adolescents.
• How can caregivers improve pregnancy care outcomes?
• Laughter therapy and its positive impacts on patients.
• Social repercussions of HIV.
• Problems associated with teenage alcohol addictions.
• How do caregivers manage drunk patients?
• Recognizing the signs of patients who have been abused.
• Ways in which gardening therapy is used to reduce anxiety among the elderly.

Check out literature topics for research papers , you may find something interesting for you.

Nursing Thesis Topics

You need a suitable thesis to find an appropriate title for your nursing research project. The thesis you choose will guide your research question, which you seek to answer with your findings. Below are examples of nursing thesis topic ideas for your paper: 

• Consequences of avoiding regular checkups.
• Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pupils' mental health.
• Ways of preventing racism in the healthcare industry.
• Importance of treating cancer using bacterial injection.
• Ethical considerations for organ transplants.
• Best methods that should be used in administering vaccines.
• Steps in managing alcohol addiction among adults.
• Confidential ways used in helping patients of domestic violence seek justice.
• Disadvantages associated with using excessive antibiotics in children.
• Effects of alcohol consumption on pregnant women.

Nursing Research Question Examples

Many nursing research questions examples can help you develop suitable evidence-based practice titles for your essay. These will guide your ideas, making it easy to create a suitable topic. The following are examples of research questions in nursing to get you going: 

• How can caregivers assist patients who are abused domestically?
• What effective methods are used in resuscitating newborns?
• What are the main symptoms of dyslexia ?
• What advice should caregivers give to parents who have children with eating disorders?
• How to treat patients who are in prison.
• What is the connection between teenage drug abuse and popular pop culture?
• Methods used to treat seizures in young adolescents.
• Should caregivers adhere to medical uniform code principles?
• What therapies are effective in treating speech disorders?
• What are the advantages of Telemedicine?

Bottom Line on Nursing Research Topics

We understand the stress that comes with writing a nursing research paper. One of those challenges is difficulty in choosing suitable topics for nursing research. However, we have provided you with more than 350 nursing student research topics to inspire you to write your essay. These topics are derived from the different areas of nursing. Others are evidence based practice nursing research topics. Select one that will add more knowledge to the healthcare industry and write about it. 

Our nursing writing services are remedies on their own. Our writers do their best to deliver high-quality result on time. Receive original  papers that can be completed within one click, and we’ll be happy to see you.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

You may also like

Skip to content

Our Culture

Diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Learn about our commitment to social justice and health equality and anti-racism.

Academic Programs

Admissions at a glance.

Learn more about Admissions at Columbia Nursing, including important dates and deadlines, and how to apply to all of our programs. 

Research Centers and Programs

Research areas of focus.

Explore the research areas of focus conducted by our faculty, postdocs, and students.

Patient Care

Primary care services.

The ColumbiaDoctors Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Group, combines evidence-based practice with a personalized approach to provide quality care.

Global Health

Global opportunities for students.

Global opportunities for clinical practicum and research may be available for MDE and doctoral students at Columbia Nursing.

Masterson Creber, Tark Honored for Research, Faculty Practice

Share this page.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on X (formerly Twitter)
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share by email

Two Columbia Nursing faculty received major honors at professional meetings this month. 

Ruth Masterson Creber , PhD, the Mary Crawford Professor of Nursing, received the Distinguished Contributions to Nursing Research Award, presented annually by the Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS) to honor a senior investigator for sustained and outstanding contributions to nursing research. ENRS presented Masterson Creber with the award at its 36th annual meeting April 4-5, 2024, in Philadelphia. Masterson Creber’s research focuses on improving quality of life for patients with cardiac conditions across the disease continuum and developing innovative interventions for health care delivery.  

Aluem Tark , PhD, an associate professor and director of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program, received the Outstanding Faculty Practice Award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) on April 20, 2024, at NONPF’s 50th annual meeting and awards gala in Baltimore. The award, given annually, honors innovative practice that links with teaching and scholarship. Tark practices as a family nurse practitioner in Hematology/Oncology. Her research interests include end-of-life care, advance directives, palliative/hospice care, and the care of individuals with advanced and/or life-threatening illnesses. 

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Johns Hopkins Nursing Magazine

On the Pulse

No. 1 Rankings for the School of Nursing and a Pipeline to the “Best Jobs”

According to  U.S. News and World Report  2024 rankings, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is the No.1 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program No. 1 nursing master’s program (tied). This is the third year in a row that our DNP program received the top ranking, and the master’s program continues to be among the top programs in the country.

In specialty areas, we ranked:

• No. 1 in NP Adult Gerontology Primary Care—DNP    
• No. 1 in DNP Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric/ Mental Health, Across the Lifespan Programs  
• No. 2 in NP Adult Gerontology Acute Care—DNP  
• No. 3 in Nurse Practitioner (NP) Family—DNP (tied)  
• No. 4 in Leadership—DNP (tied)  

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) is advocating to standardize the DNP as the entry into practice degree for nurse practitioners by 2025, making our designation as the top program all the more impactful. And, U.S. News and World Report ranked nurse practitioners the No. 1 “Best Job” for 2024 as well.

Nurses make up the largest health care workforce, and one of the best things about the profession is that there are endless possibilities. At all levels, nursing is central to health care in the future.

Check out even more nursing roles ranked among the “Best Jobs ” and “ Best Health Care Jobs ”  

• Nurse practitioners are the No. 1 ranked “Best Job” and “Best Health Care Job,” the No. 23 “Best Paying Job” and are listed among the 20 careers with the most job security.   
• Nurse anesthetists are the No. 6 “Best Health Care Job” and No. 5 “Best Paying Job” 
• Registered nurses are the No. 10 “Best Health Care Job.” 
• Nurse midwife is the No. 21 “Best Health Care Job” and No. 23 “Best Paying Job” 

Previous rankings were numbered by the year ahead, but the organization now refers to the current year in rankings. *

• Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Launches New Institute for Policy Solutions to Redesign U.S. Health System
• Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Receives Sixth Consecutive HEED Award for Diversity and Fifth Consecutive Best Schools for Men in Nursing Designation
• Emerging Nurse Leaders in the Healthcare Organizational Leadership Tracks

Related Posts

Stay up to date

Get updates on the latest stories, from hot topics, to faculty research, alumni profiles, and more—right in your inbox.

To receive issues of the Johns Hopkins Nursing semi-annual printed magazine, sign up here .

Earth Day: An Opportunity to Address the Environmental Injustice of Plastic Pollution

Forging policy: how can doulas improve black maternal health.

A publication of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the Johns Hopkins Nurses Alumni Association, and the nursing departments of the Johns Hopkins-affiliated hospitals.

© 2020 Johns Hopkins Nursing Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

• Advisory Board
• Privacy Policy
• Post Archive
• Print Archive
• School of Nursing
• Nurses’ Alumni Association
• Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Johns Hopkins Bayview
• All Children’s Hospital

Recognition

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is No. 1 in the nation for its master’s programs in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2021. The school ranks No. 3 for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and top ranked across the board within specialty rankings. JHSON is currently ranked No. 3 globally by QS World University.

News Center

• Browse Archive
• Browse By Administrative Unit
• Browse By College/School
• Accomplishments
• Class Notes
• Experts Directory
• UNLV In The News
• UNLV Today Announcements
• UNLV Magazine
• Share a Story Idea
• Submit Class Note
• Submit a UNLV Today Accomplishment or Announcement
• Become a Speaker/Expert
• Directories

Quick Links

• Directories Home
• Colleges, Schools, and Departments
• Administrative Units
• Research Centers and Institutes
• Resources and Services
• Employee Directory
• Contact UNLV
• Social Media Directory
• UNLV Mobile Apps
• News Center Home
• Accomplishments Home
• School of Nursing

Presentation: School of Nursing

UNLV Nursing doctoral (Ph.D., DNP) students and faculty well represented our institution with distinction at the 2024 WIN (Western Institute of Nursing) Conference , held from April 17-20 in Salt Lake City, Utah. All presenters showcased their expertise, research contributions, and dedication to advancing nursing science and practice. The presenters and their respective presentations are as follows:

Podium Presentations:

• Candace Stidolph, Ph.D. student: "Early Career Nurse Practitioners and Rural Healthcare Practice: An Integrative Review"
• Carrie Jeffrey, Ph.D. alumna: "Emergency Remote Teaching and Transition to Nursing Practice during COVID-19 Pandemic"

Poster Presentations:

• Jennifer Brown, DNP student: "Cost Benefit Analysis: Anesthesia Providers in Outpatient Gastroenterology"
• Laura Chechel, Ph.D. student: "Neighborhood Characteristics, Maternal Mental Health, and Parenting in Brazil"
• Robert Erickson, DNP student: "Neuromuscular Reversal: Preventing Reintubation in PACU Discharge"
• Carissa Hernandez, DNP student: "Implementing Video Discussion Boards in Asynchronous Online Classes"
• Stephanie Meyer, Ph.D. student: "Faculty and Standardized Patient Interactions in Simulation Learning"
• Monica Millard, Ph.D. student: "Virtual Simulation as a Novel Approach to Improve Clinical Judgment"
• Connie Ngo, DNP student: "Need for Implementation of a Dedicated Admission and Discharge Nurse Position"
• Maryse-Noelle Nguyen, DNP student: "Impact of Housing on Mentally Ill Homeless Veterans’ Readmissions to VA Inpatient"
• Larizza Limjuco Woodruff, Ph.D. student: "Understanding Clinical Teaching Among Staff Nurses: Development of Interview Guide"
• Rebecca Benfield, Faculty: "An Immersion Intervention for Symptoms of PTSD in Student Veterans"

Campus Units:

People in the news.

The Interview: Kim Kaplan

The human resources director for University Libraries finds magic in her Vegas life.

What Do We Know About Clara Bow?

The original 'It Girl' — and subject of Taylor Swift’s latest song — has strong ties to Southern Nevada. Discover more from the UNLV Special Collections & Archives.

Advancing Legal and Human Rights 

2024 Service-Learning Award recipient Rachel Anderson combines passions of community service and teaching for new legal clinic.

Your browser is unsupported

We recommend using the latest version of IE11, Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

College of Nursing

Memorial health donates two anatomage tables to springfield campus.

Text of the story Heading link Copy link

The UIC College of Nursing’s Springfield campus and the University of Illinois Springfield unveiled two Anatomage Tables on April 15.

The high-tech tables, donated by Memorial Health, will allow students to use the interactive and immersive tool to visualize human anatomy as they would on a cadaver.

In addition to UIC Nursing students, the new technology will be used by UIS students who are studying athletic training, biology and exercise science, as well as by pre-nursing students (freshmen and sophomores at UIS who are preparing to enter the nursing program as juniors).

“The Anatomage Tables give students hands-on experience doing virtual dissections and help them develop skills that are important in the workforce,” says UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. “We greatly appreciate Memorial Health for its strong community support and commitment to educating the next generation of health practitioners.”

text of pull quote Heading link Copy link

Memorial is excited to work with UIC and UIS to ensure the long-term success of the UIC Nursing-Springfield program. This dynamic nursing education program is making it possible to educate more young people interested in practicing nursing in central Illinois. Marsha Prater, PhD, RN, NEA-BC  |  CNO Emeritus, Memorial Health

body copy 2 Heading link Copy link

The donation of the tables builds on a 10-year partnership formed between UIS, UIC Nursing and Memorial Health for the purpose of launching a nursing program in Springfield, with the first cohort of nursing students enrolling in 2016. Over that time, Memorial Health has donated nearly $8.5 million to secure faculty, enhance clinical learning spaces, and has provided scholarship support of approximately $4.5 million to students aspiring to a nursing career.

“Partnerships like this one benefit not only Memorial Health, UIS and UIC Nursing, but the entire central Illinois region,” says Ed Curtis, president and CEO of Memorial Health. “The steps we are taking now will ensure Memorial and other health care organizations can continue caring for local residents in the decades to come. We’re pleased to have both UIS and UIC Nursing as partners in this important work to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

Diving deeper Heading link Copy link

Sara McPherson , PhD, RN, CNE, director of UIC Nursing -Springfield, says the tables will be useful in anatomy and physiology I and II, both pre-nursing courses, as well as the nursing courses pathophysiology and pharmacology.

“As we study disease processes, the Anatomage Tables will allow us to dive deeper and show students where problems occur in the body or what organ damage occurs from them,” she says.

Dissecting human cadavers is not typically a part of the nursing curriculum, so the life-size virtual dissection tables will allow instructors and students to interact with 3D images of anatomy with touch-screen technology.

“This table will help us bridge the gap between clinical and didactic coursework, just being able to visualize and break down the levels of anatomy while looking at the physiology of a virtual patient,” says Christian Geronimo, a UIC Nursing – Springfield BSN student.

Marsha Prater, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNO Emeritus, Memorial Health, says the healthcare organizations are one of the biggest employers in Springfield and the surrounding region. While there are shortages in many healthcare disciplines, the registered nurse workforce is deeply affected, she says. Educational resources like the Anatomage Tables are an important tool to recruit and engage students to join the health sciences.

“Technology is so engaging for a learner,” Prater says. “To be able to see 3D images of the body, to see the connections, it’s really quite eye-opening and enables learners to get excited about the complexity of the human body.”

McPherson says instructors will be able to change the gender, age and condition of the “patient,” allowing students to see a multitude of case studies. The tables will supplement learning taking place in the simulation lab with simulated patients, she adds.

“Depending on what condition or disease process our simulated patient has, we can look at it with the Anatomage Table,” McPherson says. “We’ll be able to see both angles: what the patient presents like on the outside, and what’s actually happening inside the patient.”

University of Illinois Springfield and UIC Nursing contributed to this report

See: All College News

Biden Administration Sets Nursing Home Staffing Minimums

By Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, April 23, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- The first-ever minimum staffing rule has been set for nursing homes, the Biden administration announced Monday.

Central to the final rule , first proposed in September, is a requirement that a registered nurse be in every skilled nursing facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It also mandates that there be enough staff to provide every resident with at least 3.48 hours of care each day. Last but not least, it strengthens rules for assessing the care needs of every resident, which should boost care for sicker residents.

"When facilities are understaffed, residents may go without basic necessities like baths, trips to the bathroom and meals -- and it is less safe when residents have a medical emergency," the White House said in a statement announcing the new rule. "Understaffing can also have a disproportionate impact on women and people of color who make up a large proportion of the nursing home workforce because, without sufficient support, these dedicated workers can’t provide the care they know the residents deserve."

U.S. Cities With the Most Homelessness

To be phased in over the next few years, the new rule will replace a vague standard that gives nursing homes wide latitude on staffing.

The nation’s 15,000 nursing homes are regulated by the federal government, which pays for the majority of resident stays through the Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs.

While the administration said the rule will improve care, industry groups took issue with the change.

“We are extremely disappointed and troubled that the Biden Administration is resolved to issue this unfunded staffing mandate despite overwhelming concerns from experts, stakeholders and policymakers on both sides of the aisle," American Health Care Association President and CEO Mark Parkinson said in a statement released Monday. "While it may be well-intentioned, the federal staffing mandate is an unreasonable standard that only threatens to shut down more nursing homes, displace hundreds of thousands of residents and restrict seniors' access to care."

"It is unconscionable that the Administration is finalizing this rule, given our nation's changing demographics and growing caregiver shortage," Parkinson added. "Issuing a final rule that demands hundreds of thousands of additional caregivers when there's a nationwide shortfall of nurses just creates an impossible task for providers. This unfunded mandate doesn't magically solve the nursing crisis."

The scope of the crisis is significant, U.S. health officials noted.

The administration received over 46,000 comments on the rule since it was proposed last September, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services .

The comments included reports of people lying in their own filth for hours, not being fed appropriately and being left on the floor too long after falling, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra told the Washington Post.

“These are the kinds of things that drive nightmares in the minds of family members,” he said. “If you’re claiming that you can’t find nurses, then explain to me how you’re running a nursing home.”

Still, an industry  study published last year found nearly all nursing homes would not meet the new standards and would have to hire more people. Nursing homes would need to hire more than 80,077 nurse aides and 22,077 registered nurses, the study said.

Meanwhile, an  independent study released last year by KFF, a nonprofit group specializing in health care, said around 80 percent of facilities would need to hire more staff to meet the new requirements.

The industry has warned that rural facilities may be forced to close if they can’t meet the rules, the Post reported.

Nursing home owners in urban areas will have two years to comply with the rules, while rural operators will have three years. Operators in rural areas without enough workers can qualify for hardship exemptions, the administration noted.

Advocates for the health and safety of nursing home residents say operators could attract workers if they pay more, the Post reported. Front-line workers in nursing homes are paid around $15 an hour,  according to PHI , a nonprofit that tracks wage data for elder care workers.

More information

Medicare has more on nursing home staffing .

SOURCE: White House, news release, April 23, 2024; U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, news release, April 22, 2024; American Health Care Association, statement, April 22, 2024; Washington Post

Copyright © 2024 HealthDay . All rights reserved.

Join the Conversation

America 2024

Health News Bulletin

Stay informed on the latest news on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

The 10 worst presidents.

U.S. News Staff Feb. 23, 2024

Cartoons on President Donald Trump

Feb. 1, 2017, at 1:24 p.m.

Photos: Obama Behind the Scenes

April 8, 2022

Photos: Who Supports Joe Biden?

March 11, 2020

Judge Rips Trump Team on Gag Order

Lauren Camera April 23, 2024

New Home Sales See a Spring Bump

Tim Smart April 23, 2024

What to Know: Trump Trial Day One

Lauren Camera April 22, 2024

The Week in Cartoons April 22-26

April 23, 2024, at 12:42 p.m.

Protests Boil Over on College Campuses

GDP, Inflation Highlight Economic Data

Tim Smart April 22, 2024