quantitative research topics about nursing

200+ Quantitative Research Topics for Nursing Students [Updated 2023]

Quantitative research plays an important role in the field of nursing education. It empowers nursing students to develop critical thinking skills, fosters evidence-based practice, and paves the way for career growth in the nursing profession. However, the journey of a nursing student in selecting the right quantitative research topic can be daunting. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of quantitative research topics for nursing students. 

We’ll discuss why these topics matter, offer tips on choosing them, and provide a comprehensive list of intriguing research ideas across various nursing subfields.

Benefits of Quantitative Research for Nursing Students

Table of Contents

Before we dive into the world of quantitative research topics for nursing students, let’s understand why quantitative research is so crucial for nursing students:

• Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills: Nursing students often find themselves in situations where they must assess, analyze, and make decisions that directly impact patient care. Engaging in quantitative research hone these critical thinking skills, enabling students to approach complex problems methodically.
• Contributing to Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Evidence-based practice is the cornerstone of modern healthcare. Quantitative research empowers nursing students to explore and apply the latest evidence in their clinical practice, ensuring the best possible care for patients.
• Career Advancement: As nursing professionals progress in their careers, research experience becomes increasingly valuable. Nurses who can conduct and interpret quantitative research are more likely to secure leadership roles, contribute to policy development, and influence positive change in healthcare systems.

How to Choose Quantitative Research Topics

Selecting suitable quantitative research topics for nursing students is the first and often the most critical step in the research process. Here are some tips for nursing students on how to choose the right quantitative research topic:

Opt for a topic that aligns with your interests and career goals. Research is a long journey, and enthusiasm for your topic will sustain your motivation.

Feasibility

Consider the resources available to you. Assess the feasibility of data collection, analysis, and the overall research process. A well-planned study within your means is more likely to succeed.

Literature Review

Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps in existing research. Your topic should address an unanswered question or provide a fresh perspective on an existing issue.

Consult with Advisors

Seek guidance from your professors or mentors. They can help you refine your research question and provide valuable insights based on their experience.

200+ Quantitative Research Topics for Nursing Students

Now, let’s explore a range of quantitative research topics that nursing students can consider across different subfields:

Nursing Workforce and Patient Outcomes

• The Impact of Nurse-Patient Ratios on Patient Outcomes in Critical Care Units.
• Assessing the Relationship Between Nurse Staffing Levels and Falls Among Hospitalized Patients.
• The Effect of Nursing Workload on Medication Errors in Acute Care Settings.
• Investigating the Influence of Nurse Experience on Surgical Site Infections.
• Nurse Burnout and Its Consequences on Patient Safety and Satisfaction.
• Examining the Link Between Nurse-to-Patient Ratios and Pressure Ulcer Development.
• The Role of Nurse Education and Certification in Reducing Hospital Readmissions.
• Assessing the Impact of Nursing Leadership Styles on Patient Outcomes.
• Investigating the Association Between Nurse Retention Rates and Patient Mortality.
• The Effect of Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration on Patient Care in Oncology Units.
• Nurse-Patient Communication and Its Effect on Pain Management in Postoperative Patients.
• The Influence of Nurse Staffing on the Length of Hospital Stay for Surgical Patients.
• Examining the Relationship Between Nurse-Patient Ratios and Delirium in Elderly Patients.
• The Impact of Shift Length and Overtime on Nurse Performance and Patient Safety.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Nurse-Managed Early Warning Systems in Identifying Deteriorating Patients.
• Investigating the Link Between Nurse Workforce Diversity and Cultural Competence in Patient Care.
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratios and the Incidence of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Long-Term Care Facilities.
• The Role of Nursing Workforce Development Programs in Enhancing Patient-Centered Care.
• Exploring the Effect of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Satisfaction and Hospital Ratings.
• Nurse Burnout and Its Influence on Discharge Planning and Patient Education.

Telehealth and Remote Monitoring

• The Effectiveness of Telehealth in Improving Access to Mental Health Services in Rural Areas.
• Assessing the Impact of Remote Monitoring on Medication Adherence Among Chronic Disease Patients.
• Telehealth for Pediatric Care: Examining Parental Satisfaction and Child Outcomes.
• Investigating the Use of Telehealth in Post-Operative Care and Its Effect on Recovery Rates.
• Telehealth and Diabetes Management: A Comparative Analysis of Telemedicine vs. Traditional Care.
• The Role of Telehealth in Preventive Care: Evaluating its Effectiveness in Promoting Healthier Lifestyles.
• Telehealth for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Study on Functional Outcomes and Cost Savings.
• Telemedicine in Mental Health Crisis Intervention: Assessing Crisis Resolution and Patient Satisfaction.
• Exploring the Use of Wearable Devices and Remote Monitoring in Monitoring Elderly Patients’ Health.
• Telehealth and Chronic Pain Management: A Comparative Study of Virtual vs. In-Person Consultations.
• The Impact of Telehealth on Reducing Hospital Readmissions Among Heart Failure Patients.
• Telehealth and Maternal Care: Investigating its Role in Prenatal Monitoring and Postpartum Support.
• Telemedicine in Emergency Medical Services: Evaluating its Effectiveness in Triage and Decision-Making.
• Telehealth and Home-Based Palliative Care: A Study on Patient Comfort and Quality of Life.
• Remote Monitoring of COVID-19 Patients: Assessing its Role in Early Detection of Complications.
• Telehealth for Geriatric Care: Analyzing its Impact on Aging-in-Place and Independence.
• Investigating the Cost-Effectiveness of Telehealth Interventions in Managing Obesity and Weight Loss.
• Telemedicine in Speech Therapy for Children with Speech Disorders: Evaluating Speech Outcomes.
• Telehealth for Dermatology Consultations: A Comparative Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy.
• The Use of Telehealth in Mental Health Crisis Intervention for Veterans: Assessing PTSD Symptom Reduction.

Mental Health Nursing

• The Efficacy of Telehealth Interventions in Providing Mental Health Support to Remote or Underserved Populations.
• Assessing the Impact of Peer Support Programs on the Recovery of Individuals with Severe Mental Illness.
• Exploring the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and the Development of Mental Health Disorders in Adulthood.
• The Role of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Reducing Anxiety and Depression Among College Students.
• Investigating the Effectiveness of Art Therapy in Improving Emotional Regulation in Adolescents with Behavioral Disorders.
• Assessing the Impact of Music Therapy on Agitation Levels in Dementia Patients in Long-Term Care Facilities.
• The Influence of Nurse-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression Remission Rates.
• Exploring the Use of Digital Mental Health Apps in Improving Treatment Adherence Among Individuals with Bipolar Disorder.
• Investigating the Association Between Sleep Patterns and Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents.
• The Effect of Family Involvement in Therapy on the Outcomes of Schizophrenia Patients.
• Evaluating the Role of Mental Health Nurses in Suicide Prevention and Postvention Strategies.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of School-Based Mental Health Programs in Reducing Bullying and Its Impact on Mental Health.
• Exploring the Use of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Reducing Anxiety and Depression in Psychiatric Patients.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Mental Health in Young Adults.
• The Impact of Cultural Competence Training on Mental Health Care Delivery for Diverse Populations.
• Assessing the Effect of Physical Activity and Exercise Programs on the Mental Health of Individuals with Schizophrenia.
• Exploring the Role of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Mental Health Disparities and Access to Care.
• Investigating the Influence of Stigma on Help-Seeking Behavior Among Individuals with Mental Health Disorders.
• The Effectiveness of Psychoeducation Programs in Reducing Relapse Rates in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder.
• Assessing the Impact of Trauma-Informed Care in Mental Health Settings on Patient Outcomes and Staff Well-being.

Pediatric Nursing

• The Impact of Parental Involvement in Pediatric Pain Management.
• The Effectiveness of Child Life Specialists in Reducing Pediatric Anxiety During Medical Procedures.
• Assessing the Role of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in Early Childhood Development Screening.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Pediatric Obesity and Long-Term Health Outcomes.
• Exploring the Use of Play Therapy in Pediatric Pain Management.
• The Impact of Pediatric Palliative Care on Quality of Life for Seriously Ill Children and Their Families.
• The Role of School Nurses in Promoting Mental Health Awareness Among School-Aged Children.
• Investigating the Efficacy of Pediatric Vaccination Education Programs in Increasing Immunization Rates.
• The Effect of Parenting Styles on Pediatric Asthma Management and Control.
• Assessing the Impact of Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Management Programs on Disease Outcomes.
• Exploring the Influence of Family-Centered Care on Pediatric Hospitalization Experiences.
• The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents.
• Investigating the Effectiveness of Pediatric Telehealth Services for Rural and Underserved Populations.
• The Impact of Pediatric Nursing Interventions on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Infants Born to Substance-Using Mothers.
• Assessing the Efficacy of Pediatric Nutrition Education Programs in Reducing Childhood Obesity Rates.
• Exploring the Use of Technology and Apps for Pediatric Diabetes Management.
• The Role of Pediatric Nurses in Early Detection and Intervention for Developmental Delays.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Childhood Vaccination Rates and School Immunization Policies.
• The Effect of Child Abuse Prevention Programs on Reducing Child Maltreatment Incidents.
• Assessing the Impact of Pediatric Pain Assessment Tools on Pain Management Practices in Pediatric Settings.

Gerontological Nursing

• The Impact of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment on Hospital Readmission Rates in Elderly Patients with Multiple Comorbidities.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fall Prevention Interventions in Nursing Homes for Older Adults with Dementia.
• The Role of Family Caregivers in Managing Chronic Illnesses and Maintaining Quality of Life for Elderly Patients.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Social Isolation and Cognitive Decline in the Aging Population.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Palliative Care Services in Improving End-of-Life Quality for Elderly Patients.
• The Influence of Nutrition and Diet on Functional Independence in Older Adults.
• Examining the Impact of Gerontological Nursing Education on the Competence and Confidence of Nursing Students in Caring for Older Adults.
• Exploring the Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Preventing Falls and Fractures in Elderly Individuals.
• The Effect of Medication Management Programs on Medication Adherence and Health Outcomes in Older Adults.
• Investigating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Elder Abuse in Long-Term Care Facilities.
• Assessing the Impact of Cognitive Training Programs on Delaying the Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease in Older Adults.
• Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Function in the Aging Population.
• The Role of Gerontological Nurses in Promoting Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Decision-Making in Older Adults.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Home-Based Telehealth Services in Managing Chronic Conditions for Elderly Patients Living Alone.
• Investigating the Influence of Multimorbidity on Healthcare Utilization and Quality of Life in Older Adults.
• The Impact of Music Therapy on Emotional Well-Being and Quality of Life in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Polypharmacy in Older Adults.
• Exploring the Role of Gerontological Nurses in Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults.
• The Relationship Between Oral Health and Overall Health in the Aging Population: Implications for Nursing Care.
• Investigating the Use of Robotics and Assistive Technologies in Promoting Independence and Quality of Life for Older Adults.

Women’s Health Nursing

• The Impact of Midwife-Led Care on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Prenatal Education Programs in Reducing Maternal Anxiety and Stress.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Maternal Nutrition and Birth Weight in Low-Income Communities.
• The Role of Postpartum Support in Preventing Postpartum Depression.
• Exploring the Barriers to Accessing Reproductive Health Services Among Underserved Women.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Intimate Partner Violence Screening and Intervention in Obstetric Care.
• The Association Between Breastfeeding Duration and Postpartum Weight Loss in Mothers.
• Assessing the Impact of Menopause Education Programs on Women’s Quality of Life.
• Investigating the Role of Nurse Practitioners in Providing Comprehensive Menopausal Care.
• The Effect of Body Image and Self-Esteem on Women’s Health Behaviors.
• Exploring Factors Influencing Women’s Decision-Making Regarding Contraceptive Methods.
• Evaluating the Efficacy of Sex Education Programs in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy.
• The Relationship Between Fertility Awareness-Based Methods and Contraceptive Efficacy.
• Assessing the Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Managing Urinary Incontinence in Women.
• Investigating the Impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Cardiovascular Health in Postmenopausal Women.
• The Role of Preconception Health Promotion in Reducing Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes.
• Exploring the Use of Telehealth for Gynecological Consultations and Follow-Up.
• The Association Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Infertility in Women.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Support Groups for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
• Investigating the Influence of Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors on Maternal Health Disparities in Minority Populations.

Community Health Nursing

• The Impact of Community Health Education Programs on Smoking Cessation Rates in High-Risk Populations.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of School-Based Nutrition Interventions in Reducing Childhood Obesity.
• Assessing the Role of Community Health Nurses in Promoting Vaccination Compliance and Preventing Infectious Disease Outbreaks.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Access to Green Spaces and Mental Health in Urban Communities.
• The Effect of Community-Based Diabetes Management Programs on Glycemic Control and Health Outcomes.
• Exploring the Challenges and Strategies in Providing Culturally Competent Care in Diverse Community Settings.
• The Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Health Disparities in Underserved Communities.
• Assessing the Impact of Mobile Health (mHealth) Apps in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles in Rural Areas.
• Investigating the Role of Community Health Nurses in Disaster Preparedness and Response.
• The Effectiveness of Community Health Worker (CHW) Programs in Reducing Healthcare Costs and Hospital Readmissions.
• Exploring the Relationship Between Community Health Nursing Interventions and Reductions in Substance Abuse Rates.
• Evaluating the Impact of Maternal and Child Health Programs on Infant Mortality Rates in Low-Income Communities.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Community-Based Mental Health Support Services in Preventing Hospitalizations.
• Investigating the Influence of Community Health Promotion Campaigns on Immunization Rates.
• The Role of Community Health Nurses in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic Through Harm Reduction Strategies.
• Exploring the Impact of Community Health Initiatives on Improving Access to Healthcare Services in Rural Areas.
• Assessing the Effect of Home Visiting Programs on Maternal and Child Health Outcomes.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Chronic Disease Management in Urban Communities.
• The Effectiveness of Telehealth Services in Providing Mental Health Support to Underserved Populations.
• Exploring the Implementation of Community-Based Palliative Care Programs and Their Impact on Quality of Life for Terminally Ill Patients.

Nursing Education and Training

• The Impact of Simulation-Based Training on Nursing Student Competency.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Blended Learning Models in Nursing Education.
• Assessing the Integration of Cultural Competence Training in Nursing Curricula.
• Investigating the Role of Interprofessional Education in Preparing Nursing Students for Collaborative Practice.
• The Influence of Emotional Intelligence Training on Nursing Students’ Interpersonal Skills.
• Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Nursing Education.
• The Effect of Peer Mentoring Programs on Retention and Success Rates of Nursing Students.
• Analyzing the Efficacy of Team-Based Learning in Nursing Curriculum.
• Investigating the Impact of Preceptorship Programs on Transition to Practice for New Graduates.
• Assessing the Role of Reflective Practice in Developing Clinical Decision-Making Skills in Nursing Students.
• The Influence of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Training on Nursing Student’s EBP Implementation.
• Exploring the Integration of Mindfulness and Resilience Training in Nursing Education.
• Investigating the Use of Social Media and Technology in Enhancing Nursing Education.
• Assessing the Role of Nursing Simulation Centers in Improving Clinical Competence.
• The Effect of Cultural Immersion Experiences on Cultural Competency Development in Nursing Students.
• Analyzing the Impact of High-Fidelity Patient Simulators on Critical Thinking Skills in Nursing Education.
• Investigating the Use of Competency-Based Education in Nursing Programs.
• Assessing the Role of Clinical Reasoning Development in Nursing Education.
• The Influence of Team-Based Care Training on Nursing Students’ Understanding of Collaborative Healthcare Models.
• Exploring Strategies to Enhance Clinical Placement Experiences for Nursing Students.

Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety

• The Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) on Patient Safety and Data Accuracy.
• Strategies to Reduce Medication Errors in Hospital Settings.
• The Role of Nurse Staffing Levels in Preventing Adverse Patient Outcomes.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Rapid Response Teams in Hospitals.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Hospital Accreditation and Patient Safety.
• The Use of Human Factors Engineering to Enhance Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety.
• Evaluating the Implementation of Surgical Safety Checklists and Their Impact on Surgical Complications.
• Analyzing the Link Between Hand Hygiene Compliance and Hospital-Acquired Infections.
• The Role of Patient and Family Engagement in Promoting Healthcare Quality and Safety.
• Investigating the Effect of Healthcare Provider Burnout on Patient Safety.
• Assessing the Impact of Telemedicine on Patient Safety and Care Quality.
• Strategies for Reducing Diagnostic Errors in Healthcare.
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in Predicting and Preventing Patient Safety Incidents.
• Examining the Influence of Organizational Culture on Patient Safety Practices.
• The Effectiveness of Team-Based Training in Enhancing Communication and Reducing Errors in Healthcare.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Nurse Leadership Styles and Patient Safety Culture.
• Assessing the Impact of Patient Safety Initiatives on Healthcare Costs.
• Strategies for Improving Patient Handoff Communication to Enhance Continuity of Care.
• Analyzing the Effect of Healthcare Policy Changes on Patient Safety Outcomes.
• The Role of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Enhancing Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety.

Cultural Competence in Nursing

• The Impact of Cultural Competence Training on Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Diverse Healthcare Settings.
• Exploring the Role of Cultural Competence in Reducing Health Disparities Among Minority Populations.
• Assessing the Influence of Cultural Competence on Patient-Centered Care and Patient Satisfaction.
• The Relationship Between Language Proficiency and Effective Communication in Cross-Cultural Nursing Care.
• Investigating the Effect of Cultural Competence on Nursing Student Preparedness for Providing Culturally Sensitive Care.
• The Influence of Cultural Competence on Nurse-Patient Trust and Rapport Building in Multicultural Healthcare Settings.
• Evaluating the Impact of Cultural Competence Education on Nursing Curricula and Program Outcomes.
• Exploring the Challenges and Barriers Faced by Nurses in Providing Culturally Competent Care.
• The Effect of Cultural Competence on Medication Adherence and Health Outcomes Among Diverse Patient Groups.
• Assessing the Cultural Competence of Healthcare Organizations and Its Relationship to Quality of Care.
• Investigating the Influence of Cultural Competence on Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing Practice.
• The Role of Cultural Competence in Reducing Healthcare Misdiagnoses and Medical Errors.
• Exploring the Effectiveness of Cultural Competence Models and Frameworks in Nursing Education.
• Assessing the Cultural Competence of Nursing Leadership and Its Impact on Staff Morale and Retention.
• Investigating the Influence of Cultural Competence on End-of-Life Care Preferences and Decision-Making in Diverse Populations.
• The Relationship Between Cultural Competence and the Delivery of Culturally Tailored Health Promotion Programs.
• Evaluating the Role of Cultural Competence in Shaping Nursing Practice Guidelines and Protocols.
• Exploring the Impact of Cultural Competence on the Management of Chronic Diseases in Culturally Diverse Patient Populations.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Culturally Competent Care in Reducing Hospital Readmission Rates.
• Investigating the Link Between Cultural Competence and Health Equity Initiatives in Healthcare Systems.

Tips for Conducting Quantitative Nursing Research

Now that you have a glimpse of potential research topics, it’s essential to understand the key steps involved in conducting quantitative nursing research:

• Research Design and Methodology: Choose the most appropriate research design (e.g., cross-sectional, longitudinal, experimental) and methodology (e.g., surveys, experiments) for your research question.
• Data Collection Methods: Determine how you’ll collect data. Will it involve surveys, observations, or analysis of existing datasets? Ensure your data collection methods align with your research design.
• Data Analysis Techniques: Familiarize yourself with statistical analysis tools and techniques (e.g., regression analysis , t-tests) to analyze your data accurately.
• Data Management: Develop a robust data management plan to organize, store, and protect your research data. Adherence to ethical data handling is crucial.
• Ethical Considerations: Always prioritize ethical principles in your research. Obtain informed consent from participants, maintain confidentiality, and seek ethical approval if required.

Resources for Nursing Students

To support your journey in quantitative research topics for nursing students, here are some recommended resources:

• “Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence” by Denise F. Polit and Cheryl Tatano Beck.
• “Quantitative Research in Nursing and Healthcare” by Immy Holloway and Stephanie Wheeler.
• “Journal of Nursing Scholarship”
• “Research in Nursing & Health”

Online Resources

• The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) offers valuable research resources and funding opportunities.
• Online courses and webinars on research methods and statistical analysis (e.g., Coursera, edX).

Quantitative research is an indispensable tool for nursing students looking to make a meaningful impact in their field. By choosing the right quantitative research topics for nursing students and following ethical research practices, nursing students can contribute to the body of nursing knowledge, improve patient care, and advance their careers. 

So, don’t hesitate to embark on your quantitative research journey, and let your curiosity and passion drive you toward excellence in nursing practice.

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120+ Best Quantitative Research Topics for Nursing Students (2024 Edition)

• Post author By admin
• October 7, 2023

Explore a comprehensive list of quantitative research topics for nursing students, covering various aspects of healthcare.

Welcome to the exciting world of nursing research! For nursing students, quantitative research is like a treasure map, guiding you through the uncharted waters of healthcare with data as your compass.

It’s not just about numbers; it’s about unlocking the secrets of patient care, unraveling the mysteries of healthcare policies, and making a real impact in the field.

In this article, we’re your partners in this thrilling quest as we unveil a treasure trove of quantitative research topics tailor-made for nursing students.

These topics aren’t just lines on a page; they’re sparks of inspiration that can ignite your curiosity and fuel your passion for nursing.

So, whether you’re just beginning your research journey or you’re a seasoned explorer, grab your mental hiking boots, and let’s venture into the captivating world of quantitative research topics that will take your nursing studies to extraordinary places.

Table of Contents

The Significance of Quantitative Research in Nursing

Welcome to the dynamic world of nursing, where patient well-being is paramount. Beyond the bustling corridors and comforting smiles of nurses, there’s a vital aspect that often goes unseen but holds tremendous significance: quantitative research.

Quantitative research is like a secret ingredient that elevates nursing from being a caring profession to a dynamic force of positive change in healthcare. It’s the art of collecting, crunching, and deciphering numbers to uncover profound insights. In nursing, quantitative research shines for a multitude of reasons:

1. Identifying Trends in Patient Health

Think of it as a detective’s magnifying glass, revealing hidden patterns in patient data. Nurses can track changes over time, deciphering trends that could be game-changers in patient care.

2. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Interventions

When nurses administer treatments or implement new protocols, they want to know if it’s making a difference. Quantitative research steps in to provide concrete answers, ensuring that patient care isn’t just a guessing game.

3. Informing Policy Decisions

Policies shouldn’t be written in the dark. Quantitative research sheds light on what works and what doesn’t in healthcare, shaping policies that are backed by hard data.

4. Enhancing Evidence-Based Practice

It’s the golden standard in healthcare. Nurses are expected to base their decisions on research findings. Quantitative research equips nurses with a powerful tool to make informed choices, ultimately benefiting patients.

So, quantitative research isn’t just about numbers and statistics. It’s the compass that guides nurses in their quest to provide top-notch care, the fuel that propels innovation in healthcare, and the cornerstone of evidence-based practice.

For nursing students setting out on their educational odyssey and seasoned nurses striving for excellence, embracing quantitative research isn’t just a choice; it’s the heartbeat of progress.

It’s a journey of discovery that leads to better patient outcomes, more effective care, and a brighter future for healthcare.

Quantitative Research Topics For Nursing Students

Check out the best quatitive research topics for nursing students:-

Patient Care and Outcomes

• Analyzing the Relationship Between Nurse-Patient Ratios and Incidence of Medication Errors.
• Investigating the Impact of Early Ambulation Protocols on Postoperative Complications in Orthopedic Patients.
• Conducting a Longitudinal Study on Medication Adherence Among Diabetes Patients.
• Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Patient Falls in Geriatric Care Settings.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Nurse Communication Training on Patient Satisfaction Scores.
• Examining the Impact of Hourly Rounding on Patient Call Light Usage in Medical-Surgical Units.
• Analyzing the Correlation Between Nurse Experience Levels and Pressure Ulcer Rates.
• Investigating the Use of Telehealth Monitoring on Readmission Rates Among Heart Failure Patients.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Pain Assessment Tools in Pediatric Pain Management.
• Measuring the Impact of Nurse-Driven Protocols on Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections.

Healthcare Quality and Management

• Implementing Lean Management Principles in an Outpatient Clinic to Improve Efficiency.
• Assessing the Impact of Electronic Health Record System Upgrades on Clinical Workflow.
• Conducting a Patient Satisfaction Survey to Identify Areas for Quality Improvement in an Emergency Department.
• Analyzing the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines in a Surgical Unit.
• Evaluating the Impact of Hospital Policies on Reducing Medication Errors.
• Investigating the Effect of Nurse-to-Nurse Handoff Communication on Patient Safety.
• Measuring the Efficiency of Discharge Planning in Reducing Readmission Rates.
• Analyzing the Use of Six Sigma Methodology in Improving Radiology Department Operations.
• Assessing the Impact of Nurse-Led Interdisciplinary Rounds on Care Coordination.
• Examining the Role of Healthcare Administrators in Promoting Patient-Centered Care.

Mental Health and Well-Being

• Evaluating the Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programs for Nursing Students.
• Investigating the Impact of Nursing Workload on Nurse Burnout and Patient Outcomes in Psychiatric Units.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of School-Based Mental Health Education Programs on Student Well-Being.
• Analyzing the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Mental Health in College Students.
• Conducting a Comparative Study of Teletherapy versus In-Person Therapy for Treating Depression.
• Investigating the Influence of Peer Support Groups on Coping with Anxiety Disorders.
• Evaluating the Effect of Art Therapy on Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Hospitalized Patients.
• Assessing the Impact of Nurse-Led Mental Health Screenings in Primary Care Settings.
• Measuring the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
• Analyzing the Role of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners in Improving Mental Health Access in Underserved Areas.

Pediatrics and Child Health

• Conducting a Longitudinal Study on Childhood Obesity Trends and Contributing Factors.
• Investigating Parental Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding Childhood Vaccinations.
• Assessing the Impact of Parental Involvement in Pediatric Asthma Management on Disease Control.
• Implementing an Early Intervention Program for Speech Delay in Toddlers and Measuring Outcomes.
• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Pediatric Pain Management Protocols in Emergency Departments.
• Evaluating the Use of Pediatric Simulation Training for Nursing Students.
• Investigating Parental Perceptions of Childhood Immunizations and Vaccine Hesitancy.
• Assessing the Influence of Childhood Nutrition Education on Dietary Choices and Health Outcomes.
• Conducting a Comparative Study of Pediatric Nursing Care in Hospital vs. Home Settings.
• Analyzing the Impact of Child Life Specialists on Pediatric Patient Anxiety in Hospitals.

Community Health and Health Disparities

• Conducting a Cross-Cultural Study on Healthcare Access Disparities Among Diverse Ethnic Groups.
• Evaluating the Impact of Community Health Worker Interventions on Reducing Health Inequities.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of School-Based Health Promotion Programs in Underserved Areas.
• Investigating Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services in Rural Communities.
• Analyzing the Influence of Public Health Campaigns on Smoking Cessation in Low-Income Neighborhoods.
• Conducting a Longitudinal Study on the Relationship Between Neighborhood Environments and Health Outcomes.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Nutrition Education Programs in Reducing Childhood Obesity Disparities.
• Investigating the Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Healthcare Access and Health Disparities.
• Assessing the Role of Cultural Competency Training in Reducing Healthcare Disparities.
• Analyzing the Utilization of Telehealth Services in Addressing Rural Healthcare Disparities.

Nursing Education and Training

• Evaluating the Integration of Simulation-Based Learning into Nursing Curricula and Its Impact on Clinical Competency.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Nursing Preceptorship Programs in Improving New Graduate Nurse Transitions.
• Investigating Factors Influencing Nursing Students’ Choice of Specialization and Career Paths.
• Analyzing the Use of Technology-Enhanced Learning Tools in Nursing Education.
• Evaluating the Long-Term Outcomes and Career Advancement of Certified Nursing Professionals.
• Assessing the Impact of Multisensory Teaching Approaches on Nursing Students’ Knowledge Retention.
• Investigating the Effect of Educational Interventions on Nursing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills.
• Analyzing the Role of Faculty Mentorship in Nursing Student Success.
• Evaluating the Efficacy of Interprofessional Education in Nursing and Healthcare.
• Assessing the Impact of Clinical Simulation on Nursing Students’ Confidence and Clinical Decision-Making.

Elderly Care and Aging Population

• Investigating the Relationship Between Polypharmacy and Adverse Drug Reactions in Elderly Patients.
• Analyzing the Role of Geriatric Nurses in Detecting and Preventing Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Person-Centered Care Approaches in Long-Term Care Facilities.
• Assessing the Impact of Falls Prevention Programs on Reducing Fall-Related Injuries in the Elderly.
• Investigating the Influence of Social Isolation on Cognitive Decline in Older Adults.
• Analyzing the Use of Telehealth Services in Providing Geriatric Care and Monitoring.
• Evaluating the Effect of Nutrition Programs on the Nutritional Status and Health Outcomes of Elderly Individuals.
• Assessing the Role of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners in Managing Chronic Illnesses in Older Adults.
• Investigating the Impact of Aging-Friendly Home Modifications on Elderly Independence.
• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Memory Enhancement Interventions in Delaying Cognitive Impairment in Seniors.

These project ideas offer a wide range of opportunities for nursing students to engage in meaningful quantitative research, contribute to the field of nursing, and address critical healthcare issues across various domains.

What are the quantitative research topics for nursing?

In the world of nursing, data isn’t just numbers; it’s the key to unlocking insights that can transform patient care.

Quantitative research, with its focus on collecting and analyzing numerical data, is the superpower that empowers nurses and nursing students to answer critical questions. It’s the compass that guides us through a multitude of fascinating topics in healthcare.

Here’s a glimpse of the diverse world that quantitative research in nursing opens up:

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Diseases and Conditions

This type of research helps us understand not only the most common diseases and conditions but also the factors that increase the likelihood of someone developing them. It’s like shining a spotlight on health risks.

Effectiveness of Treatments and Interventions

Whether it’s a new drug or an innovative therapy, quantitative research allows us to rigorously test their effectiveness. It’s the litmus test for healthcare solutions.

Quality Assessment of Healthcare Services

Want to know how different healthcare facilities stack up in terms of quality? Quantitative research is the yardstick for evaluating services in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

Impact of Nursing Care on Patient Outcomes

The care nurses provide isn’t just about empathy; it’s about measurable outcomes like hospital stays, readmission rates, and even mortality. Quantitative research connects the dots.

Now, let’s dive into some specific and intriguing quantitative research topics in nursing:

The Relationship Between Nurse Staffing Levels and Patient Outcomes

Ever wondered how the number of nurses on duty affects the experiences and health outcomes of patients? It’s an essential question for improving patient care.

The Effectiveness of Various Pain Management Interventions for Cancer Patients

For those battling cancer, effective pain management can be a game-changer. Quantitative research helps us identify what works best.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcers in Hospitalized Patients

Pressure ulcers are a significant concern in healthcare. Quantitative research unveils their prevalence and contributing factors.

Impact of Educational Programs on Nurses’ Knowledge and Skills

The learning and training of nurses are pivotal. Quantitative research assesses how educational programs enhance nurses’ knowledge and abilities.

The Relationship Between Nurses’ Job Satisfaction and Patient Satisfaction

Happy nurses, happy patients – that’s the mantra. Quantitative research explores the connection between nurses’ job satisfaction and the contentment of those they care for.

Quantitative research isn’t just about data; it’s about making healthcare better, more effective, and patient-focused. It’s the bridge between questions and answers, between problems and solutions.

What is an example of quantitative research for nursing students?

For nursing students, quantitative research is like a treasure map, guiding them to uncover valuable healthcare insights. It’s not about complex data but practical answers to vital questions.

Here are two exciting examples of quantitative research topics made simple:

Do More Nurses Mean Better Care?

Imagine a busy hospital. Does having more nurses around mean better care for patients? This is a question nursing students can investigate.

They can study a hospital, noting the number of nurses for each patient and patient outcomes like how long they stay, how often they’re readmitted, and even survival rates.

By connecting the dots in this data, students can find out if more nurses lead to better patient outcomes.

Soothing Pain for Cancer Patients

Cancer patients often deal with pain, and easing it is crucial. Quantitative research can help answer which pain management methods work best. Nursing students can set up a trial, testing different pain relief approaches.

They might compare various medicines and alternative options like massage or acupuncture. Once the trial is done and data collected, students can tell us which pain relief method works best for cancer patients.

Quantitative research isn’t just about numbers; it’s about nursing students making healthcare better. By exploring these topics, students not only learn but also become healthcare problem-solvers.

It’s a journey of discovery that promises to improve patient care and the quality of healthcare services, one research question at a time.

What are some good research topics for nursing?

In the world of nursing, research is a powerful tool for improving patient care and making healthcare more effective.

Here are some simple and engaging research topics that nursing students and professionals can delve into:

Better Communication, Better Care

How can nurses’ communication skills influence patient satisfaction and health outcomes? Investigate how clear and compassionate communication can make a difference.

Tackling Nurse Burnout

Nursing can be challenging. Explore ways to prevent burnout among nurses and ensure they stay healthy and motivated in their demanding roles.

Mental Health Matters

Delve into the stigma surrounding mental health among nurses. Does it affect their willingness to seek help and their ability to provide quality care?

Making Care Safer

Patient safety is crucial. Study strategies to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Technology and Nursing

How is technology changing nursing practice? Analyze the impact of electronic health records , telemedicine, and other innovations on patient care.

Cultural Competence Counts

Why is cultural competency vital in nursing care? Explore the benefits of nurses understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds.

Nurse-Patient Ratios

Do nurse staffing levels affect patient outcomes? Investigate how the number of nurses on duty relates to patient mortality, readmissions, and infections.

Palliative Care Excellence

Assess the effectiveness of palliative care programs in enhancing the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses.

Education for Competence

How can nursing education prepare students for real-world practice? Look into innovative educational methods like simulation-based learning.

Pain Relief for Kids

Pediatric patients need specialized care, especially when it comes to pain management. Explore methods to improve pain management for young patients.

Closing Health Gaps

Investigate the factors contributing to health disparities among different populations, with a focus on maternal and child health.

Nursing Leadership’s Impact

Examine how different leadership styles among nurses influence the work environment, job satisfaction, and patient care quality.

Ethical Decisions in Nursing

Explore the ethical dilemmas that nurses face in their daily practice and develop guidelines for making ethical decisions.

Managing Chronic Conditions

Study nursing-led interventions in managing chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension to improve patient outcomes.

Aging and Long-Term Care

With an aging population, explore the unique challenges and opportunities in providing care for elderly individuals.

These research topics are not just about numbers; they’re about improving nursing practice and patient care, one study at a time. They offer a chance for nurses and nursing students to make a real impact in the healthcare world.

What are topics suitable for quantitative research?

Quantitative research is like a magnifying glass for understanding the world through numbers. Here are some simple and engaging topics that can be explored:

How Teaching Methods Affect Grades

Dive into how different teaching techniques impact students’ grades. Do interactive lessons lead to better results?

Measuring Patient Happiness

Ever wondered what makes patients happy? Quantify their satisfaction with healthcare services and discover what matters most.

Happy Workers, Productive Workers

Explore whether happy employees are more productive. Does job satisfaction lead to better job performance?

Lifestyle Choices and Health

Connect the dots between lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, and health outcomes. Does a healthy lifestyle reduce the risk of diseases?

Ads and Buying Habits

Find out how advertising influences what we buy. Do those catchy commercials really make a difference?

Tourism’s Impact on Communities

Measure how tourism affects local economies. Does it bring in money and jobs?

Fighting Crime with Community Policing

Quantify crime rates in an area and see if community policing strategies make neighborhoods safer.

Parental Help and School Success

Investigate how parents’ involvement in their child’s education influences their academic achievements.

Pollution and Health

Study the link between exposure to pollution and health problems. Can cleaner environments lead to healthier lives?

Social Media and Mental Health

Examine how our use of social media affects our mental well-being. Does scrolling through feeds impact our happiness?

Training and Skills

Measure the effectiveness of employee training programs. Do they really boost skills on the job?

Online Shopping Satisfaction

Gauge customer satisfaction with online shopping platforms. What makes for a great online shopping experience?

Politics and Public Opinion

Take the pulse of public opinion on political issues. How do people’s views affect their voting choices?

Employee Engagement and Job Retention

Quantify how engaged employees are in their work and see if it affects whether they stay or leave.

Vaccines and Disease Preventio

Investigate how effective vaccination campaigns are in preventing diseases.

These topics aren’t just about numbers; they’re about understanding the world in a clearer, more meaningful way. They’re like puzzles waiting to be solved, and they have the power to make our lives better and more informed.

Quantitative research topics for nursing students are more than just ideas; they’re pathways to understanding and improving healthcare.

These topics beckon students to embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and impact. They offer the chance to seek answers, enhance patient care, and contribute to the evolution of nursing practice.

As nursing students delve into research, they become storytellers of data and advocates for evidence-based care. It’s a journey where questions lead to insights, where data transforms into knowledge, and where research isn’t a task but a mission.

From unraveling the mysteries of nurse staffing and its effects on patients to exploring innovative pain management techniques, each research topic opens doors to better practices and better outcomes. These topics are bridges between theory and real-world solutions.

In the world of quantitative research, nursing students are the architects of change, designing a future where healthcare is more effective, compassionate, and patient-centered.

Their work doesn’t end with research papers; it extends to the bedside, touching the lives of those they care for.

So, as nursing students embark on their research journeys, let them remember that their efforts matter. Every question they ask, every dataset they analyze, and every conclusion they draw has the potential to improve lives. They are the drivers of progress, making healthcare better, one research topic at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i change my research topic after i’ve started my study.

Yes, it’s possible to adjust your research topic if you find that your initial choice isn’t yielding the expected results or if you develop a stronger interest in another area. However, consult with your advisor or faculty for guidance on making this decision.

How can I narrow down a broad research topic?

To narrow down a broad research topic, consider focusing on a specific aspect or population within that topic. Conduct a literature review to identify gaps in existing research, which can help you refine your research question.

Are quantitative research topics more challenging than qualitative ones?

The difficulty of a research topic depends on your familiarity with the subject matter and research methods. Quantitative research often involves statistical analysis, which can be challenging for some students, but it can also provide clear and objective results.

Can I collaborate with other students on a research project?

Collaboration can be beneficial in research projects. Working with peers allows you to share ideas, distribute workload, and gain diverse perspectives. However, ensure that each member contributes substantially to the project.

How do I ensure the ethical conduct of my research?

Ethical considerations are vital in research. Seek guidance from your institution’s ethics committee, obtain informed consent from participants, and follow ethical guidelines in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

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Recent Posts

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.

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

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

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

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

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

About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

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

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

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

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

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

Example Research Project Scenario:

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

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

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

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

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

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

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

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

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

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

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

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

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

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

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

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

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

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

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

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

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 write a research paper topic 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.

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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
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100+ Hot Nursing Research Topics For a Successful Paper

By the end of this article, you’ll have some innovative evidence-based practice nursing research topics for students to use.

Introduction: Why Innovative Nursing Research is Important

Nursing research plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare by generating new knowledge and evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes. Innovative nursing research is particularly important in addressing current healthcare challenges, such as the aging population, chronic disease management, healthcare disparities, and the COVID-19 pandemic. By conducting innovative nursing research, nurses can contribute to the development of new interventions, technologies, policies, and advocacy efforts that promote health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities.

The Benefits of Conducting Nursing Research

Conducting nursing research has numerous benefits for nurses, patients, and the healthcare system as a whole. Nursing research can improve patient outcomes by identifying effective interventions and best practices by advancing nursing knowledge and practice. Additionally, nursing research contributes to evidence-based healthcare by providing a scientific basis for clinical decision-making and policy development. Furthermore, nursing research can enhance the professional development of nurses by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and lifelong learning.

How to Choose the Right Research Topic for Nursing Students

Choosing the right nursing research topic is essential for conducting meaningful and impactful research. Nurses can identify gaps in current nursing knowledge by reviewing the literature and identifying areas where further research is needed. Additionally, nurses can consider current healthcare challenges and trends, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or healthcare disparities, when selecting a research topic. Finally, nurses should align their research topics with their personal expertise and experience to ensure that they are conducting feasible and relevant research.

What is a Nursing Research Paper?

A nursing research paper is a written document that presents the findings of a study or investigation conducted by nurses or other healthcare professionals. The purpose of writing a nursing research paper is to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of nursing and to inform clinical practice. Nursing research papers can cover a wide range of topics, including patient care, healthcare systems, nursing education, and healthcare policy. They may use quantitative or qualitative research methods or a combination of both. The  structure of a nursing research paper  typically includes an introduction that outlines the research question or problem, a literature review that summarizes previous research on the topic, a methodology section that describes the study design and data collection methods, a results section that presents the findings of the study, and a discussion section that interprets the results and discusses their implications for nursing practice. Nursing research papers are important because they provide evidence-based information that can be used to improve patient care and healthcare outcomes. They also help to advance the field of nursing by identifying areas for further research and exploration. In a nutshell, nursing research papers are an essential component of evidence-based practice in nursing. They provide valuable insights into healthcare practices and contribute to the field’s ongoing development.

Here is a list of nursing research topics for healthcare students: 

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topics for Clinical Practice

• The Impact of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes
• The Effectiveness of Telehealth in managing chronic conditions
• The Use of Simulation in nursing education
• The Role of Nursing in end-of-life care
• The Impact of nurse staffing on patient safety
• The Effectiveness of mindfulness-based Interventions in reducing stress and Burnout among Nurses
• The Use of technology in promoting mental health and wellness among nurses
• The Impact of electronic health records on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The Use of artificial intelligence in nursing practice
• The Effectiveness of mobile health interventions in managing chronic conditions
• The Role of Nursing in Developing and implementing healthcare technology
• The Impact of Technology on nursing workforce development
• The Impact of nurse-led quality improvement initiatives on patient outcomes
• The Effectiveness of medication reconciliation in reducing adverse events
• The Role of Nursing in Preventing healthcare-associated Infections
• The Impact of Patient-centered Care on patient satisfaction and Outcomes
• The Use of Technology in improving patient safety
• The Impact of cultural competency training on nursing practice
• The Use of Interprofessional Education in nursing programs
• The Role of nursing education in addressing healthcare disparities

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topic Ideas for Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

• The Effectiveness of hand hygiene interventions in reducing hospital-acquired Infections
• The Role of interprofessional collaboration in promoting patient safety
• The Impact of nurse staffing ratios on patient safety
• The Effectiveness of fall prevention interventions among older adults
• The Use of Checklists to improve surgical safety
• The Role of communication strategies in preventing medical errors
• The Impact of rapid response teams on patient outcomes
• The Effectiveness of discharge planning interventions on readmission rates
• The Role of family engagement in promoting patient safety
• The Use of root cause analysis to identify system failures that contribute to adverse events
• The Impact of clinical decision support systems on medication safety
• The Effectiveness of sepsis management protocols on patient outcomes
• The Role of standardized protocols in reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections
• The Use of electronic prescribing systems to reduce medication errors
• The Impact of teamwork training on communication and collaboration among healthcare providers

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topic Ideas for Education and Training

• The Effectiveness of online nursing education programs
• The Impact of Mentorship on nursing career development
• The Effectiveness of simulation-based training for clinical skills development
• The Use of Gamification in nursing education
• The Impact of Peer-to-peer Learning on student engagement and learning outcomes
• The Role of reflective practice in promoting professional development among Nurses
• The Effectiveness of team-based learning in nursing education
• The Use of virtual reality in nursing education
• The Impact of flipped classroom models on student learning outcomes
• The Role of experiential learning in promoting clinical reasoning skills among Nurses
• The Effectiveness of standardized patient simulations in nursing education
• The Use of case-based learning in nursing education
• The Impact of intercultural communication training on nurse-patient interactions
• The Role of leadership development programs in promoting nurse leadership skills
• The Effectiveness of peer coaching programs for new graduate nurses
• The Use of e-portfolios for professional development among nurses
• The Impact of Continuing Education on nurse competency and job satisfaction

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topics for Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

20 innovative nursing research paper topics for healthcare policy and advocacy.

• The Impact of healthcare policy on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The Role of Nursing in healthcare reform
• The Impact of nurse-led advocacy on Healthcare Policy
• The Use of nursing research shaping healthcare policy
• The Impact of healthcare policy on nursing workforce development
• The Effectiveness of community health worker programs in reducing health disparities
• The role social determinants of health play in health outcomes
• The Impact of Medicaid expansion access care vulnerable populations
• The Effectiveness of school-based health clinics improving access care children adolescents
• The Role of public health campaigns promoting healthy behaviors among Populations at Risk of chronic disease
• The Impact of state-level policies regulating nurse staffing Ratios patient outcomes
• The Use of telehealth expands access to care in rural communities
• The Role primary care providers play in addressing the mental health needs of underserved populations
• The Impact Affordable Care Act Access preventive Services to underserved populations
• The Effectiveness of community-based participatory research addressing health disparities among marginalized populations
• The role public-private partnerships play in improving population health outcomes
• The Impact of state-level policies regulating scope practice advanced practice registered nurses access Care rural communities.
• The Use of mobile clinics expands access to care for homeless populations
• The role community paramedicine programs play in improving access to care in rural communities
• The Impact of global health policies promoting equitable access to care for vulnerable populations

20 Innovative Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of nurse-led interventions mental health outcomes
• Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions reducing stress burnout among Nurses
• Role nursing addressing mental health disparities
• Impact workplace culture nurse mental health wellness
• Use technology to promote mental health wellness among nurses
• Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral Therapy reducing anxiety depression among patients
• Role family support promoting mental health recovery among patients
• Impact peer support groups’ mental health recovery
• Use art therapy to promote mental health wellness among patients
• Effectiveness of exercise interventions reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among patients
• Role spirituality promoting mental health wellness among patients
• Impact social support networks mental health recovery
• Use animal-assisted therapy to promote mental health wellness among patients
• Effectiveness of group therapy reducing symptoms of PTSD among veterans
• Role trauma-informed care promoting mental health recovery
• Impact of workplace stressors on nurse mental health wellness
• Use self-care strategies promoting nurse mental health wellness
• Effectiveness psychoeducation reducing stigma surrounding mental illness
• Role community-based mental health services addressing unmet needs of vulnerable populations
• Impact policy changes improving access to mental health services

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topics for Technology and Innovation

• Impact Electronic health records nursing practice patient outcomes
• Use artificial intelligence nursing practice
• Effectiveness of mobile health interventions managing chronic conditions
• Role nursing developing implementing healthcare technology
• Impact technology nursing workforce development
• Effectiveness of telemedicine improving access to care rural communities
• Use wearable technology monitoring vital signs in patients’ home settings
• Impact social media promoting healthy behaviors among populations at risk of chronic disease
• Role virtual reality pain management interventions
• Impact big data analytics improving population health outcomes
• Use robotics to assist with activities daily living older adults
• Effectiveness gamification promoting healthy behaviors
• Role telemonitoring improving medication adherence
• Impact blockchain technology improving supply chain management medical products
• Use machine learning to predict adverse events
• Effectiveness of chatbots providing emotional support patients
• Role telepsychiatry expanding access psychiatric services
• Impact 3D printing producing customized medical devices
• Use augmented reality enhancing surgical training
• Effectiveness of personalized medicine improving treatment outcomes

Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation Of Nursing Researchers

Innovative Nursing research is essential for advancing healthcare by generating new knowledge, evidence-based practices, technologies, policies, and advocacy efforts that promote health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities worldwide. As such, it is crucial to encourage and support the next generation Of Nursing Researchers to drive innovation In Nursing Practice And Healthcare. 

By providing opportunities for mentorship, funding, networking, And Professional Development Programs That Foster Critical Thinking And Problem-Solving Skills Among Nurses. We can inspire future generations Of Nurses To Conduct Meaningful And Impactful Research That Addresses Current Healthcare Challenges And Improves Patient Outcomes For Years To Come!

• Qualitative vs Quantitative Research Methods

Commonly Asked Questions About Nursing Research Topics

What is a nursing research topic.

A nursing paper research topic refers to a specific area of study within the nursing field that requires investigation and analysis. It focuses on exploring and addressing various aspects of nursing, such as patient care, healthcare practices, or nursing education.

How can I choose the best nursing research topic?

When selecting a nursing research topic, you can start by identifying your areas of interest within the nursing field. Consider current healthcare issues, gaps in knowledge or practice, and the topic’s relevance to your nursing career goals. Consulting with your professors or experienced nurses can also provide valuable insights.

What are some exciting nursing research topics?

Some interesting nursing research topics include examining the Impact of technology on patient care, exploring cultural competency in nursing practice, investigating the Effectiveness of alternative therapies in pain management, or studying the long-term effects of shift work on nurses’ well-being.

How can I develop a strong nursing research question for my nursing research paper?

A robust research question in nursing should be clear, specific, and relevant to your research topic. It should also be answerable through empirical research. Consider using the PICO(T) framework, which stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time, to help structure your research question.

Where can I find research topics in nursing?

You can find research topics in nursing by exploring academic journals, attending nursing conferences, or accessing online databases specializing in nursing research. Additionally, discussing potential research ideas with your professors, colleagues, or nursing mentors can help you discover new and relevant topics.

What are some popular nursing research topics in the healthcare field?

Popular nursing research topics in the healthcare field include studying evidence-based practices in patient care, examining the Role of nurses in primary healthcare settings, investigating the Impact of nurse-patient ratios on quality of care, or exploring the Effectiveness of nursing interventions in preventing healthcare-associated infections.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative nursing research?

Qualitative nursing research involves exploring phenomena, perceptions, or experiences through methods such as interviews, observations, or focus groups. On the other hand, quantitative nursing research focuses on numerical data and uses statistical analysis to draw research conclusions . Both approaches offer unique insights and can complement each other in research studies.

Can you give examples of quantitative nursing research topics?

Examples of quantitative research topics in nursing can include “The Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratio on Fall Rates in Hospital Settings,” “The Effectiveness of a Diabetes Self-Management Program in Controlling Blood Sugar Levels,” or “Evaluating the Relationship Between Nurse Communication Skills and Patient Satisfaction.”

What is the importance of nursing research topics?

Nursing research topics are important as they contribute to the body of knowledge in the nursing profession. They help identify effective healthcare practices, improve patient outcomes, influence nursing education, provide evidence for policy-making, and enhance the overall quality of nursing care.

Nursing Topics for Research plus Ideas

Writing a good nursing essay, term paper, or research paper begins by finding a list of good nursing research topics and then narrowing it down to a specific topic that interests you the most and aligns with your assignment instructions.

For most nursing students, finding the best nursing topics for research can be challenging and confusing. From our interaction with thousands of students, we have realized many dread choosing a nursing research paper topic when given a chance.

In fact, they prefer being given a list of nursing research paper topics they can choose from, which they suppose makes work easier for them, but that's never the case.

Choosing a good topic is part of the assessment; you must do it well because it can either break or make your final nursing school grade .

You are assigned to write on specific nursing topics when the professor wants you to understand the nursing concepts. We have your back if you are after the best nursing research topics. In this blog article, we have highlighted a list of different nursing topics you can select from for any nursing paper you will be assigned and let you have the freedom to choose a topic on your own. If you are looking for a guide on writing a nursing paper, check our guide for writing a nursing research paper and the blog post on how to write a nursing essay .

We also have advanced guides on writing capstone projects, dissertations, and QI reports; go through them and write a digestible nursing research paper that gives you a maximum score. But first, let's dive into the various topics in nursing you can write a paper about.

Steps for Selecting a Good Nursing Research Topic

Before we go into the details of the research topics in nursing, it would be wise to highlight some of the steps you need to take to identify the best topic. When assigned to write a paper, use these steps to select the best topic:

• Read the assignment instructions to identify whether you have a predetermined list of nursing topics or can choose one on your own;
• If you are allowed to select a topic of your choice, begin by identifying the nursing research area you are passionate about;
• Brainstorm for ideas on this specific area by referring to the course readings, class notes, previous class assignments, nursing topic examples online, and past nursing papers submitted by the cohorts before yours;
• Narrow down to three main topics by researching your nursing research ideas and eliminating the ones that don't fit the scope of the paper;
• Again do an elimination based on your research to identify a manageable (has a lot of scholarly resources), engaging, and suitable nursing topic for your nursing paper, and
• Research widely to identify the best sources to use when exploring your research paper in detail, then write your nursing paper.

As you choose a nursing topic, always remember the following:

• to pick a topic that falls within your area of interest or the scope of the course;
• select a topic that you can share as many details without forcing yourself or getting bored;
• choose a topic that has plenty of credible peer-reviewed nursing sources;
• the topic should be unique and unexplored, or if it is explored, select a new perspective or approach;
• the topic should be relevant, fresh, explorative, engaging, meaningful, and original;
• the topic should be flexible so that you can research and form arguments;
• focus on topics with concepts, frameworks, or ideas from class;
• if stuck, ask for help selecting a topic from your instructor or peers;
• don't choose a topic that is too broad or too narrow; choose a manageable topic;
• Prioritize considering the latest, current events, or trending nursing research topics so that you can solve issues as they arise in practice.

These tips also apply to nursing research project topics.

List of Nursing Research Topics Organized by Nursing Category

If you find selecting a research topic for your nursing paper challenging, this list of different nursing topics will come in handy. Even the most proficient nursing writers face challenges with choosing topics. But that has never deterred them from writing research papers, essays, and other nursing papers. To get you ahead of everything, consider these top topics in nursing to help you brainstorm fresh nursing research topics ideas. You can also directly pick a topic of interest or slightly tweak any of them and write a good paper.

Adult Nursing Research Topics

• Impacts of engaging older adult patients through Facebook
• Gastric decompression in adult patients
• Role advanced practice nurse in geriatric oncology care
• Strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles among LGBT older adult patients
• Moral distress among adult nursing practitioners
• Impacts of aging on adult health
• Diagnosis and management of learning disabilities in nursing
• How nurses can support rehabilitation for home-dwelling adult patients
• Role of nurses in addressing sigma for adults living with HIV/AIDS
• Prevalence of hypertension among young adults
• Managing T2DM among young black American adults
• Impacts of malnutrition among elderly adults
• Role of nurses in addressing domestic violence
• Treatment and management of Asthma among adult patients
• Treatment of acute coronary syndrome among adult patients
• Strategies to prevent dehydration among elderly patients
• Impacts of age on the immune system and the skin of adults
• Strategies to address obesity among adults
• Oral care among elderly adults in the USA
• Treatment of anxiety and depression among adults
• Treatment and management of COPD
• Pain management strategies for adult patients
• Ethical issues facing nurses that handle adult patients
• Strategies to promote weight loss and management among adult patients
• Impacts of colon cancer screening among adults

Child Nursing Research Topics

• Diagnosis, treatment, and management of ADHD in children
• Causes and management of seizures among children
• Nutritional benefits of supplements for children
• Impacts of over-exposure of children to antibiotics
• Impacts of heavy metals on the neurological development of children
• Strategies to prompt physical activity among children
• Benefits of parental attachment to children's well-being
• Diagnosis and management of respiratory illnesses in children
• Treatment and management of cryptorchidism in children
• Management of urine incontinence in children
• Benefits of nutritional counseling for adolescent kids
• Psychological impacts of cancer on children and their families
• The ethical dilemma with consent when treating children
• Health education strategies to ensure children stick to medication
• Effects of the opioid epidemic on children and adolescents
• The impacts of parental opioid use and children's health
• Benefits of play therapy for children
• The link between vaccination and the well-being of children
• Should Covid-19 be part of the vaccination schedule for children?

Communications Nursing Research Topics

• Using social media to raise awareness among nurses
• Attitudes of nurses on using SBAR to improve communication
• Impacts of body language on nursing communication
• Benefits of training nurses on interprofessional communication
• Impacts of communication on collaboration within interprofessional healthcare teams
• Why nurses should check for non-verbal cues among patients
• The role of interpreters and translators in clinical settings
• Communicating with patients and their families on aspects related to cancer care
• Strategies to maintain good therapeutic relationships with patients in end-of-life care
• Role of interpersonal communication in transcultural nursing
• Patient perceptions and attitudes of nurse-patient communication
• Communication models oncology nurses can use when 'Breaking Bad News.'
• Strategies to resolve communication challenges in intensive care units
• Benefits of taking notes on proper communication among nurses
• Use of technology to facilitate communication among nurses and patients
• Factors affecting nursing error communication within ICUs
• Perceptions and lived experiences of pediatric oncology nurses during palliative and end of life care
• The link between communication and patient outcomes
• Benefits of patient-centered communication
• How can nurses address the needs of deaf patients
• Perceptions of nurses of prognosis-related communication
• The use of telehealth to facilitate fast communication
• Benefits of using the nursing dashboard to communicate evaluation of program outcomes
• Management of language barrier among nurses and patients
• Management of language discordance in clinical nursing practice
• Role of intercultural communication in nursing
• Multi-professional communication for older patients in transitional care
• Strategies nurses use to communicate with patients who are mechanically ventilated in the ICU
• Improving communication among nurses through resident nurse shadowing
• How to overcome elder speaking when communicating with older patients
• Benefits of nursing communication on patient care quality
• Barriers to communication between adult cancer patients and registered nurses in inpatient care settings
• Benefits of communicating skin changes by certified nursing assistants to reduce pressure injuries
• Strategies nurses can use to communicate contraceptive effectiveness
• Improving nurse-patient communication when caring for patients with dementia
• Using YouTube and simulation to prepare millennial nursing students to communicate well in clinical settings

Controversial Nursing Research Topics

• The placement of G-tube in nursing home patients with end-stage dementia
• Nurses' role in advising families against the provision of futile care or aggressive interventions
• The fear of giving opioids to end-of-life patients by nurses
• Dealing with patients who are non-compliant or aggressively decline treatment
• Longer shifts and poor pay among nurses
• Discrimination of new nurses by older nurses
• Exposure of nurses to job hazards
• Causes and consequences of nurse strikes
• Incivility in the workplace against nurses from the minority groups
• Longer education pathway for one to become a nurse

Controversies in nursing practice, training, and management can be good research topic ideas for a paper if your interest lies in a specific specialization of nursing.

Related Article: Interesting nursing debate topics for students .

Disease Management Nursing Topics

• Management of burn wounds in the ER settings
• Management of Diabetes Mellitus through nutritional and lifestyle changes
• Modern treatment and management of coeliac disease
• Importance of intermittent fasting in managing GERD
• Management of hypertensive cardiovascular disease
• Treatment and management of hemolytic disease of the newborn
• Management of neurovascular disease
• Management of neurodegenerative disease
• Treatment and management of lupus
• Management of endometriosis using modern means
• Management of strabismus
• Management of gynecomastia among adolescents and adults
• Osteopathic management of cancer
• Diagnosis and management of Buerger's disease
• Treatment and management of Crohn's disease
• Management of multiple sclerosis
• Management of pulmonary heart disease secondary to chronic lung disease
• Management of pruritus
• Management of anemia among pregnant women
• Disease management strategies for glaucoma
• Management of pilonidal disease without incision
• Management of alopecia in women
• Medical management of Meniere's disease
• Treatment and management of CUTIs
• Treatment and non-surgical management of bronchiectasis
• Management of hemorrhoidal disease
• Management of listeria
• Management of sepsis
• Management of peptic ulcer disease
• Diagnosis and management of peripheral vascular disease

Related: How to write a windshield survey report paper.

Emergency Room Nursing Topics

• Reasons for emergency room visits during the covid-19 pandemic period
• Improving postpartum visits in the gynecological emergency room
• Factors leading to overcrowding at the emergency departments
• Addressing inadequate visits to the emergency departments by pregnant women
• Strategies to reduce emergency room visits among elderly adults
• SNAP timing and emergency room visits
• Pediatric emergency room visits for neurological conditions
• Effects of community health centers on emergency room visits
• Predictors of frequent psychiatric emergency room visits
• Use of telehealth monitoring to reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations of patients with COPD
• Addressing the increased frequency of emergency room visits of asthmatic children
• The link between proper patient education and emergency room visits
• The connection between emergency room visits and healthcare promotion
• Emergency room visits for accident victims
• Impacts of air pollution on unscheduled emergency room visits
• Self-reported emergency room visits for dental problems
• Handling non-emergency requests presented in emergency departments
• Repeat emergency room visits for hand and wrist injuries
• Seasonal variations in emergency department visits
• Management of sepsis and septic shock in the emergency department
• Management of acute headache in the emergency department: A dilemma
• Emergency management of seizures and epilepsy
• Handling agitated and aggressive patients in the ED
• Management of patients with thermal burns in the ED
• Emergency management strategies to manage chronic pain in elderly adults
• Handling myasthenia gravis in the ED
• Management of priapism in the emergency department
• Evaluation and management of clostridioides defficile infection in the ED
• Management of hematogenous osteomyelitis in children in the ED
• Management of Thunderclap Headache in the ED
• Emergency department as an entry point to inpatient care
• The link between delays in patient admission from ED and mortality

Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Research Topics

• Importance of evidence-based nursing in addressing emerging nursing challenges
• Benefits of disseminating nursing knowledge
• Role of evidence-based nursing research in clarifying concepts necessary for nursing practice
• Use of evidence-based practice to address gaps in nursing knowledge
• The link between evidence-based practice and quality improvement
• The connection between nursing research and evidence-based practice
• Strategies for disseminating evidence-based strategy in nursing
• Benefits of honing evidence-based practice competencies in nursing students
• The Stetler Model of research utilization and EBP
• Role of nurse leaders in promoting EBP implementation at the points of care
• Evidence-based practice guidelines for perioperative nursing
• Planning, implementing and evaluating EBP
• Models of evaluating evidence-based practice strategies
• Contributions of qualitative and quantitative research to evidence-based practice in nursing
• Using action research to facilitate evidence-based practice in nursing
• Factors affecting the implementation of evidence-based strategies in nursing
• Attitudes, knowledge, and skills of nursing students on evidence-based practice
• Benefits of evidence-based clinical guidelines for diseases
• Benefits of integrating evidence-based approach to the nursing curriculum
• Value of evidence-based practice in military nursing

Related Articles:

• How to formulate a good PICOT with examples
• How to write an excellent evidence-based practice paper in nursing
• Writing a nursing diagnosis as a nurse student.

Geriatric Nursing Research Topics

• Cognitive decline among the aging patients
• Polypharmacy management in elderly patients
• Depression among the elderly patients
• Causes of mobility issues among elderly patients
• The link between undernutrition and mortality in older persons
• Strategies for weight management among the elderly
• Abnormal eating behaviors among the elderly patients
• Functional impairment among the older persons
• Sarcopenia or frailty among elderly people
• Impacts of aging on the immune system
• Preventing cardiovascular disease among the elderly population
• Benefits of having a geriatric-friendly nurse in the ED
• Benefits of Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• Utilization of Delirium Intensive Care units by the elderly patients
• Improving patient outcomes in Acute Care for the Elderly Units (ACE)
• How low vision impacts the driving capacity of the elderly
• Relationship between ethnicity and race and depression in older adults with low vision
• Impacts of loneliness among adults with visual impairment
• Effects of light therapy on osteoarthritis and its sequelae in aging and older adults
• Strategies to address plasticity in early Alzheimer's Disease
• Pathophysiology, treatment, and rehabilitation of atherosclerosis among the geriatric population
• Music therapy in geriatrics
• Bone aging and osteoporosis
• Degenerative gastric disorders of the musculoskeletal among geriatric populations
• Addressing inflammation among the elderly
• Impacts of lifestyle on vascular aging
• Pathophysiology and interventions to combat degenerative aortic stenosis in elderly populations
• Frailty and gait disorders in Parkinson's Disease
• Management of falls in older adults
• Pathogenesis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms and pelvic floor dysfunction diseases in elderly adults
• End-of-life care in elderly people living with dementia
• Management of osteosarcopenia in elderly adults
• Strategies to promote healthy aging
• Benefits of aging-in-place for the elderly people
• Interventional strategies to improve the quality of life and health span of the older adults
• Assistive technologies and innovations to help improve the quality of life of the older people
• Diabetes management among elderly adults through life transitions
• The impactful interventions to extend the health span of aging adults
• Mechanisms, clinical significance, and management of age-related changes in body composition
• Strategies to maintain longevity in old age
• Redesign of homes and hospitals to accommodate the needs of elderly adults
• Calorie restriction among the elderly adults
• Management of elderly abuse
• Strategies to measure and manage elderly abuse
• Providing care for elderly patients with a frontotemporal disorder

You can check more research topic ideas from the NIH website .

Healthcare Promotion Nursing Topics

• Strategies to evaluate healthcare promotion and disease prevention program
• Application of the Logic Model to evaluate healthcare promotion programs
• Applying the health belief model in health promotion programs
• Using ecological models to formulate healthcare promotion programs
• The transtheoretical model and healthcare promotion
• Theory of planned behavior and healthcare promotion
• Application of social cognitive theory in disease prevention programs
• Holism in nursing and health promotion
• Benefits of community health promotion in nursing
• Health promotion role of family health nurses
• Integrating interpersonal skills in health promotion
• Contribution of health promotion to community children's nursing
• Benefits of focused health promotion assessment
• Process evaluation strategies for health promotion programs
• Formative evaluation of health promotion
• Outcome and impact evaluation of health promotion
• Role of school nurses in promoting healthy behaviors among teenagers

Hot Nursing Research Topics

• The social and economic effects of the opioid crisis
• Impacts of feminism on women's health
• The gender pay gap in nursing and its implications on the future of nursing
• Access to healthcare by immigrant women
• Strategies to improve diversity in nursing
• Best strategies to reduce vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy
• How nurses can use social media to promote health
• Importance of virtual nursing communities on healthcare
• Nurses as agents of change
• Can nurses be entrepreneurs?
• Benefits of evidence-based nursing practices
• Importance of continuing nursing education
• Role of government in providing nursing education
• Strategies to address nursing staff shortage
• Impacts of nurses on contraceptive uptake among women from minority races in the USA
• Impact of stress on the work behavior of nurses

Neonatal Nursing Research Topics

• Attitudes of neonatal nurses on hand hygiene practices in neonatal units
• Causes of child mortality
• Factors affecting neonatal care in rural areas
• Methods of identifying and addressing eating disorders in children
• Skin-to-skin contact between the newborns and their mothers
• Impacts of postpartum depression on newborns
• Causes of abnormal neurological development in children
• Application of hormones in regulating fetal lung development
• Diagnosis and management of diaphragmatic hernia in infants
• Strategies to establish and maintain therapeutic rapport with infants
• Impacts of the physical appearance of care settings on infants
• Use of nitric acid to treat premature babies
• Benefits of exposing newborns to sun rays
• Use of biomarkers to diagnose and manage neonatal sepsis
• Impacts of prenatal alcohol and substance use on the neurological development of a fetus
• Use of biomarkers in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries in infants
• How inflammatory processes affect the brain development of infants
• Impacts of slow music in the neonatal units on the mood of children
• Impacts of educating newborns on exclusive breastfeeding
• Nutritional plans for a neonatal care unit
• Strategies to prevent drug errors in neonatal units
• Methods of reducing mortality rates in neonatal care settings
• Ways to predict and address feeding problems
• Strategies to increase the uptake of neonatal services among aboriginal women
• Impacts of maternal obesity on infant development
• Benefits of allowing men into neonatal care units
• Methods of predicting diseases in newborn children
• The use of genetic profiling to identify genetic disorders in newborns
• Impacts of counseling by neonatal nurses before discharge from a neonatal facility
• Nursing ethics for newborn care
• Impacts of NICU nursing staff shortage on quality of care

Nurse Practitioner Research Topics

• Transitioning from a nurse to an advanced nurse practitioner
• Core competencies of a nurse practitioner
• Factors affecting advanced nurse practitioner autonomy
• Prescription privileges of nurse practitioners in the USA
• Strategies to mentor new graduate nurse practitioners
• Benefits of joining professional organizations as a nurse practitioner
• Lived experiences of registered nurses transitioning to a nurse practitioner role
• Role of psychiatric nurse practitioners
• Benefits of family nurse practitioners in the management of genetic diseases
• Role of nurse practitioners in congenital heart surgery
• Benefits of establishing nurse practitioner practicums
• Strategies to detraumatize nurse practitioner orientation
• Collaboration between nurse practitioners and physicians in long-term care facilities
• Role of a nurse practitioner in ambulatory women's health
• Impacts of religiosity and spirituality of nurse practitioners in family practice
• Strategies to recruit and retain nurse practitioners
• Role of acute care nurse practitioner
• The advanced nursing practice as a surgical assistant
• Job satisfaction among nurse practitioners
• Retention rates and burnout among nurse practitioners
• Crisis in nurse practitioner preparation in the USA
• Nurse Practitioner privileges in the UK vs. USA
• Roles of pediatric critical care nurse practitioner
• Factors influencing the decision by nurse practitioners to join nurse practitioner associations
• Disciplinary actions for nurse practitioners who err at work
• Struggle for recognition among nurse practitioners
• Challenges faced by new psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners
• Does age matter in the nurse practitioner role?
• Novice nurse practitioner workforce transition
• Turnover intentions and its effect on nurse practitioners
• Are nurse practitioners considered nurses in all settings?
• Liability and authority of nurse practitioners
• Impacts of postgraduate education and training for nurse practitioners
• The racial disparity among nurse practitioners
• Racial disparity in neonatal practitioner training programs in the USA
• Impacts of recognizing achievements of nurse practitioners through honors and awards
• The education trajectory of occupational health nurse practitioners in the UK
• Nurse practitioner's role in endometriosis care
• Mid-Level Practitioners vs. Advanced Nurse Practitioners in the UK
• Role of nurse practitioners in supporting veteran patients
• Nurse practitioners as healthcare advocates
• Nurse practitioners as change advocates
• Gender gap and payment issues affecting advanced nurse practitioners

Nursing Student Research Topics

• Stress and coping strategies among nursing students
• Attitudes of nursing students on the use of simulation
• Attitudes of nursing students on blended learning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• The link between the mental health of nursing students and academic performance
• The perspective of nursing students on a caring relationship in clinical supervision
• Professional values of nursing students
• Nursing students as crucial players in the healthcare industry
• Perceptions of BSN students on being a nurse
• Benefits of maintaining proper sleep, diet, and quality of life among nursing students
• Funding challenges affecting education continuation among student nurses
• Causes and consequences of high dropout rates among nursing students
• Adaptive strategies to the difficulties pre-licensure nursing students face during their first clinical experience
• Strategies nursing students use to build resilience
• Homophobia among nursing students
• Smoking and alcohol abuse among nursing students
• Stress levels of nursing students during placements and practicum
• Impacts of shadowing on the experiences of student nurses
• Factors affecting the readiness of nursing students to enter the nursing workforce
• Performance, attitudes, and growth trajectory of foreign-born nursing students in the United States
• Benefits of mentoring for nursing students
• Perceptions and perspectives of minority nursing students on classroom diversity
• Entry rates among minority nursing students
• Causes of high dropout rates among black American nursing students
• Experiences and perceptions of accelerated nursing programs
• Factors affecting the retention of nursing knowledge among nursing students
• Strategies to boost clinical judgment among undergraduate nursing students
• Spiritual care perceptions of Baccalaureate nursing students
• Perceptions of nursing students on skills learning
• Strategies to promote collaboration and teamwork among undergraduate nursing students
• The knowledge of nurse students on the role of nurses in the management of dysphagia
• Ethical challenges nursing students face in clinical settings
• Perceptions of nursing students on participatory action research
• Role of nurse students in clinical research
• Attitudes of nurse students on participating in pedagogical research
• Moral distress among nursing students
• The impacts of spiritual orientation of nursing students on their attitudes towards principles of dying with dignity
• Experiences and attitudes of nurses who make mistakes in clinical
• Impacts of gender and perceived faculty support on the performance of nursing students
• Perception and attitudes of nursing students on the use of technology in education
• Altruism, religiosity, and honesty among nursing students
• Incivility experiences of student nurses in clinical settings
• Addressing smartphone addiction among nursing students
• The perception of undergraduate nursing students on clinical assessment at the transition to practice
• Benefits of teaching nursing students transcultural caring
• Causes and consequences of poor performance among nursing students
• Benefits of exposing nursing students to leadership concepts in nursing

Pain Management Nursing Topics

• The role of the anesthesiologist in the management of intractable pain
• The value of chlorpromazine in pain management
• Benefits of interdisciplinary pain management
• Using Neuromodulators for pain management
• Strategies to address acute pain among hospitalized children
• Using virtual reality for pain management in children
• Interdisciplinary approach to chronic pain management
• Tools and factors to improve postoperative pain management
• Using acupuncture for pain management
• Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of nurses on pain management
• Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in chronic pain management
• Effectiveness of using clinical aromatherapy in pain management
• Assistive technologies for pain management in patients with amputations
• Benefits of training nurses on transcultural pain management
• Pain management interventions in PICU or NICU
• Rehabilitation therapy in perioperative pain management
• Pediatric pain management in the emergency departments
• Pain management among geriatric patients
• Interventional strategies for the management of oncological pain
• Interventions for post-craniotomy pain management
• Non-pharmacologic approaches to pain management among patients
• Importance of adherence to communication in pain management
• Self-management of cancer pain for oncology patients
• Pain assessment among deaf patients
• Pain assessment among pediatric patients
• The ethics of using epidural and spinal anesthesia
• Pain management in patients with heart failure
• Hypnosis for the management of chronic pain in children
• Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain management
• Benefits of documenting postoperative pain

Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

• Causes and management of Tourette syndrome in children
• Diagnosis and management of asthma in children
• Strategies to address pediatric polypharmacy
• Management of pneumonia in children
• Addressing diarrhea among preschool children
• Strategies to prevent and manage tuberculosis in children
• Impacts of psychological support for children with cancer
• Effects of anorexia on the cognitive function of children
• Reducing risk in children receiving oxygen therapy
• Using molecular markers to diagnose childhood leukemia
• Strategies to address childhood obesity
• Diabetes among children
• Use of stem cell research in solving childhood diseases
• Implications of the passive smoke syndrome in children
• Impacts of alcohol intake among adolescents
• The administration of painkillers for children
• Strategies nurses can use to prevent teenage pregnancies
• Approach to counseling adolescents living with HIV/AIDS
• Impacts of air pollution on the brain development of children
• Diagnosis and management of ear infection among children
• Addressing UTIs in adolescents

Perioperative Nursing Research Topics

• Drugs to manage and prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia
• Benefits of postoperative education for adult patients who've undergone elective surgery
• Effects of using music interventions in perioperative settings
• Strategies to enhance patient safety in an operating theater
• Strategies to reduce patient abuse in the operating theater
• Non-pharmacological interventions in perioperative settings to prevent anxiety in adolescents
• Ethical aspects of non-technical skills in operating room nursing
• Postoperative accelerated recovery protocols
• Benefits of pre-operative fasting
• Nursing interventions to enhance perioperative care for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery
• Use of the IOWA model by perioperative nurse leaders to implement clinical practice guidelines (CPGs)
• Benefits of using perioperative data set in surgical nursing
• Perioperative considerations of patients with concussion

Primary Healthcare Nursing Topics

• Strategies to maintain infant oral health
• ED as an entry into the primary healthcare continuum
• Best practices for transgender health
• Benefits of offering primary oral healthcare
• Strategies to improve vaccination access and uptake in rural areas
• Community-based primary healthcare and child mortality rates
• Strategies to improve patient experiences with primary care
• Strategy for screening for poverty and poverty-related social determinants of health
• The identity crisis of preventive medicine
• Use of data-driven population health in primary care
• Benefits of sharing with adults of adolescents sexual health information in primary care
• Attitudes and perspectives of women on reproductive health services in primary care
• Challenges affecting adolescents from seeing sexual health services in primary care
• The link between primary care and population health
• Immigration as a social determinant of health
• Health promotion among older adults

Psychiatric Nursing Research Topics

• Safety in psychiatric inpatient care
• Impacts of risk management culture on mental health nursing practice
• Consequences of community-based psychiatric nurses in addressing healthcare access for people with mental disorders
• Technical competencies for postgraduate psychiatric nursing students
• Benefits of using focus group interviews for psychiatric nursing research
• Using reflexive methodology in psychiatric nursing research
• Attitudes of psychiatric nursing staff toward containment methods in psychiatric inpatient care settings
• Use of physical restraints for aggressive patients in psychiatric facilities
• Role of psychiatric liaison nursing
• Impacts of human patient and communication simulation on psychiatric nursing training
• The application of telehealth to address mental health issues among patients in rural areas
• Ethical issues in psychiatric care facilities

Related Article: Mental health nursing topics .

Qualitative Nursing Research Topics

In nursing, qualitative research deals with the lived experiences of patients and nurses. Some of the qualitative research methods include narrative inquiry, action research, grounded theory, ethnography, and phenomenology. Below are some of the qualitative topics for nursing research.

• Application of positivism in qualitative nursing research
• Impacts of language barriers on qualitative nursing research
• Use of qualitative research methods to investigate tobacco use and control
• Application of qualitative case study methodology in nursing research
• Lived experience of nurses who handle pediatric patients in oncology departments
• Attitudes of nurses taking care of end-of-life patients on compassion fatigue
• Benefits of qualitative research in clinical epidemiology
• Approaches to qualitative content analysis
• Qualitative research in rheumatology
• Thematic analysis in nursing research
• Descriptive phenomenological vs. qualitative description research
• Challenges and benefits of conducting qualitative research online
• Methodological challenges in qualitative content analysis
• Using lived experiences of pregnant black American mothers to assess the impacts of eclampsia
• Benefits of longitudinal qualitative research in nursing
• Use of action research in nursing education
• Using action research to evaluate the orientation program for nurses in a multicultural healthcare setting
• Effectiveness of clinical simulations for new graduate nurses
• Effectiveness of cognitive therapy and family psychoeducation on the self-esteem of adolescents in orphanages
• Influence of music therapy on the well-being of postoperative patients of total knee arthroplasty
• Investigating the quality of life of elderly adults after spinal cord surgery
• Using focus groups with women with severe psychiatric disabilities
• Using virtual, synchronous focus groups among black sexual minority men
• Using focus groups with children who have undergone sexual abuse prevention program training
• Application of focus groups to understand the perceptions and attitudes of nurses on patient-centered care
• Exploring job satisfaction and workplace engagement among millennial nurses
• Barriers and facilitators of intersectoral cooperation to promote positive health behavior
• Ethical issues in qualitative research
• Examining the effects of the witnessed experiences of patient death during clinical practice on new student nurses
• Qualitative methodological considerations when conducting focus groups in neurodegenerative disease populations
• Understanding the role of gender differences within the barriers to smoking cessation and preferences for interventions in primary care
• Investigation of the impacts of social media bullying on mental health
• Evaluating the effects of medical tabards in reducing medical errors
• Strategies for empowering nurses to prescribe medications
• Role of technology in improving quality of care in nursing
• Impacts of discrimination and racism on nursing student admission
• The knowledge and understanding of the role of emergency nurses in recognizing and responding to patients with sepsis
• Lived experiences of women seeking a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus
• Using poverty screening questions to predict social determinants of healthcare
• Management of antidepressant therapy induced sexual dysfunction in women

Quantitative Nursing Research Topics

• The link between the knowledge level of nurses and the quality of care
• Role of nurses in clinical research
• Association between nosocomial infections and adherence to hand hygiene protocols
• Role of nurses in caring for patients in ICU settings
• Role of nurses in increasing adherence to medication among elderly patients
• Using interviews to assess the level of awareness of stress coping mechanisms among nurses
• Importance of nurses' communication technique in clinical settings
• The impacts of clinical decisions support systems in clinical decision-making
• Role of nurses in providing healthcare to patients in rural areas
• Role of family practitioners in promoting family-centered care
• Causes of high nursing staff attrition rates
• Impacts of mindfulness meditation on stress and burnout in nurses

Trauma Nursing Research Topics

• Risk of vicarious trauma in nursing research
• Impacts of trauma-informed care on the holistic well-being of patients
• Risk factors for postoperative delirium
• Risk factors of perineal trauma during labor
• Impacts of virtual trauma-focused therapy for military veterans with PTSD
• Recognizing and managing poststroke depression
• Prevention of fracture-related infections using a multidisciplinary approach
• Best strategies for offering nursing care to children after a traumatic accident
• Role of trauma nurses in providing support to families of neurotrauma patients
• Management of injuries to the cervix in sexual trauma
• Benefits of fluid resuscitation of the adult trauma patients
• The involvement of nurses in improving compliance with tight blood glucose control in trauma ICU
• Caring for older people with dementia struggling to relieve past trauma
• Impacts of pediatric trauma on the health outcomes of children
• Causes and consequences of geriatric trauma
• Causes of under-detection of trauma in elderly adults involved in motor vehicle accidents
• Impacts of simulated multidisciplinary trauma team training on team performance
• Glucose interventions and outcomes in critically injured trauma patients
• Best education strategies for multi-trauma patients on discharge from the ED
• Strategies for managing hypovolemic shock
• Investigating the experience of patients of trauma resuscitation
• Role of family support on youths experiencing posttraumatic stress

Leadership Nursing Research Topics

• Best leadership styles for nurse educators
• Ethical leadership in nursing
• Role of nursing leadership in ensuring a healthy workforce in clinical settings
• Principles of strengths-based nursing leadership for strength-based nursing care
• Role of nursing leadership in the management of the mental health of nurses
• Benefits of collaborative leadership in nursing
• Application of charismatic and transformational leadership in clinical settings
• Benefits of trauma-informed nursing leadership
• Impacts of nursing leadership on patient outcomes
• Role of nurse leaders in maintaining cultural competency of nurses
• Benefits of nurses having personal leadership development plans
• Nurse leaders as managers in clinical settings
• Nursing leadership styles to help handle crises
• Application of situational leadership theory in clinical settings
• Role of nurse leaders in developing a shared vision
• Role of leaders in promoting cross-generational retention
• Strategies nurse leaders can use to enable staff engagement
• Role of nurse leaders in reducing incivility in the workplace
• Role of nurse leaders in enhancing patient safety
• The competence of black nurse leaders in clinical settings
• Role of nurse leaders in promoting workplace diversity
• Leadership styles and strategies to facilitate the implementation of clinical practice guidelines
• An integrated approach to change leadership in nursing
• Nurses ad leaders, and change advocates
• Impacts of nurse leadership on attrition rates of new nurses

Women's Health Nursing Topics

• Sleep disorders in women
• Prevalence of diabetes and obesity in women
• Infertility issues among obese women
• Binge eating disorder among women
• Stress and coping strategies for lonely older women after the death of a spouse
• Management of carpal tunnel syndrome in women
• The prevalence, diagnosis, and management of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
• Effects of date rape drugs on the memory of women
• Emergency contraception in women
• Benefits of HPV vaccination in women
• Management and treatment of COPD in women
• Impacts of menopause on the physical and emotional well-being of women
• Benefits of educating women about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
• Treatment and management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in women
• Prevalence and incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease in women
• Diagnosis, Causes and consequences, and Treatment and Management of Pelvic organ prolapse in women
• Impacts of sickle cell disease on women
• Causes and management of urine incontinence in women
• Offering primary healthcare services to lesbian women
• Management of vaginal yeast infections: A nursing care plan
• Prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of Trichomoniasis in women
• Diagnosis and treatment of Syphilis in women
• Management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Management of postpartum depression in women
• Benefits of physical activity for women's health
• Benefits of mammograms in screening for breast cancer
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in women
• Causes and management of bladder pain syndrome or interstitial cystitis in women
• Diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women
• Causes and management of anxiety and insomnia in women
• Purpose, benefits, and risks of hypersectomy
• The time it takes to recover from laparoscopic hypersectomy
• Treatment of genital warts in women
• Treatment and management of Grave's diseases in women
• Impacts of caregiver stress syndrome on women
• Attitudes of black women on using contraceptives
• Factors and barriers to accessing insurance by black and minority women
• Healthcare challenges that women immigrants face
• Impacts of domestic violence on women's mental health
• Impacts of noncommunicable diseases on women
• Impacts of stigmatization and isolation of women with HIV/AIDS

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A quantitative systematic review of the association between nurse skill mix and nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes in the acute care setting

急症护理情况下护士技巧组合与护理敏感类患者结果之间联系的定量系统综述, diane e. twigg.

1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup Western Australia, Australia

2 Centre for Nursing Research, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands Western Australia, Australia

Yvonne Kutzer

Elisabeth jacob, karla seaman, associated data.

To examine the association between nurse skill mix (the proportion of total hours provided by Registered Nurses) and patient outcomes in acute care hospitals.

A quantitative systematic review included studies published in English between January 2000 – September 2018.

Data sources

Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Joanna Briggs Institute were searched. Observational and experimental study designs were included. Mix‐methods designs were included if the quantitative component met the criteria.

Review methods

The Systematic Review guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and its critical appraisal instrument were used. An inverse association was determined when seventy‐five percent or more of studies with significant results found this association.

Sixty‐three articles were included. Twelve patient outcomes were inversely associated with nursing skill mix (i.e., higher nursing skill mix was significantly associated with improved patient outcomes). These were length of stay; ulcer, gastritis and upper gastrointestinal bleeds; acute myocardial infarction; restraint use; failure‐to‐rescue; pneumonia; sepsis; urinary tract infection; mortality/30‐day mortality; pressure injury; infections and shock/cardiac arrest/heart failure.

Nursing skill mix affected 12 patient outcomes. However, further investigation using experimental or longitudinal study designs are required to establish causal relationships. Consensus on the definition of skill mix is required to enable more robust evaluation of the impact of changes in skill mix on patient outcomes.

Skill mix is perhaps more important than the number of nurses in reducing adverse patient outcomes such as mortality and failure to rescue, albeit the optimal staffing profile remains elusive in workforce planning.

目的

在于探讨护士技巧组合(注册护士提供的总时数比例)与急性护理医院患者结果之间的联系。

设计

一项定量系统综述包括2000年1月至2018年9月期间以英语发表的各项研究。

资料来源

搜索了Cochrane Library、CINAHL Plus with Full Text、MEDLINE、Scopus、Web of Science和Joanna Briggs Institute。纳入了观察性和实验性研究设计。如果定量成分符合标准,则纳入混合方法设计。

综述方法

使用了Joanna Briggs Institute的系统综述指南及其关键评估工具。当75%或者更多具备显著结果的研究发现这种联系时,就确定了反向关联。

结果

共纳入了63篇文章。12名患者的结果与护理技巧组合呈负相关(即,较高的护理技能组合与患者结果的改善显著相关)。这些是住院天数;溃疡、胃炎和上消化道出血;急性心肌梗死;约束使用;救援失败;肺炎;败血症;尿路感染;死亡率/30天死亡率;压力性损伤;感染和休克/心脏骤停/心力衰竭。

结论

护理技巧组合影响了12例患者的结果。然而,需要使用实验性或纵向研究设计来进一步调查,从而建立因果关系。需要就技巧组合的定义达成共识,以便能够更有力地评估技巧组合变化对患者结果的影响。

影响

在降低死亡率和救援失败等不良患者结果方面,技巧组合可能比护士人数更为重要,尽管最佳的人员配置在人力资源规划中仍然让人难懂。

1. INTRODUCTION

In their report in the year 2000, the World Health Organization highlighted both the importance and the challenges associated with finding the right mixture of healthcare personnel to achieve the best possible outcomes with the staffing resources available (World Health Organization, 2000 ). In this regard, consideration of the nursing workforce is critical. Skill mix, defined as ‘the proportion of total nurse hours provided by Registered Nurses’ (Twigg, Duffield, Bremner, Rapley, & Finn, 2012 ) (page 2,711), is an important element and involves assessing the mix of nursing staff, both registered and unregistered on a ward and varies in configuration dependent on the country where it is discussed. The nurse mix may include Registered Nurses (RNs), Enrolled Nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), assistants in nursing (AINs), healthcare assistants, or other classifications (Jacob, McKenna, & D'Amore, 2015 ).

Various studies have since focussed on the importance of nurse staffing levels in an attempt to define an optimal configuration (Aiken, Clarke, & Sloane, 2002 ; Kim & Bae, 2018 ; Leary et al., 2016 ). Whilst research has explored staffing levels and their impact on patient outcomes, it does not always address nursing skill mix. A systematic review and meta‐analysis published in 2007 for example (Kane, Shamliyan, Mueller, Duval, & Wilt, 2007 ), which analysed nurse staffing levels, focussed on the ratio of Registered Nurses (RNs) to patients and patient outcomes, but not on nurse skill mix.

Despite these efforts, clear evidence‐based guidelines on staffing levels are lacking, particularly in regard to skill mix (Brennan, Daly, & Jones, 2013 ; Sharma, Hastings, Suter, & Bloom, 2016 ). A recent systematic review (Myers, Pugh, & Twigg, 2018 ) that examined the importance of nurse skill mix on patient outcomes focussed specifically on stand‐alone high acuity areas, meaning that findings from this review may not be easily transferrable to other care settings. The only other systematic review on skill mix and patient outcomes (Lankshear, Sheldon, & Maynard, 2005 ) examined articles published up to 2004 and highlighted the relationship between nurse staffing factors (Registered Nurse staffing levels and proportion of RNs in the skill mix) and patient outcomes. Their outcomes included mortality rates, complication rates (pneumonia, urinary tract infections, nosocomial infections, wound infections), failure‐to‐rescue, incidence of adverse events (falls, medication errors), length of stay, or patient satisfaction.

Of additional concern, continuing economic constraints and impending nursing shortages worldwide have led to the increased deployment of less qualified and unregulated health professionals, leading to changes in skill mix in the configuration of the nursing teams (Jacob et al., 2015 ; Roche, Duffield, Friedman, Dimitrelis, & Rowbotham, 2016 ). This is despite at least one study finding increases in unregulated workers has been associated with poorer patient outcomes (Twigg et al., 2016 ). With limited synthesis of the evidence to inform such staffing decisions, there is little guidance for policy makers and managers making those decisions.

The present review aims to expand on previous research by examining more recent studies up to 2018 exploring the impact of nurse skill mix on patient outcomes. The outcome of the review may help inform staffing policy in regard to skill mix changes.

1.1. Background

The conceptual framework developed by McCloskey and Diers ( 2005 ) was used to guide this review and the selection of variables. McCloskey and Diers ( 2005 ) examined the effects of health policy on nursing and patient outcomes sing the work of Aiken et al. ( 2002 ). McCloskey and Diers ( 2005 ) modified Aiken's framework to embed the seminal work of Donabedian's structure‐process‐outcomes framework (Donabedian, 1966 ). Structure was identified as nursing workforce characteristics such as nurse‐to‐patient ratios and skill mix. Process was identified as the processes of care. Outcome was identified as nurse and patient outcomes. This framework has been used to guide further studies including an examination of skill mix (Twigg, Duffield, Bremner, Rapley, & Finn, 2011 ; Twigg et al., 2012 ; Twigg, Gelder, & Myers, 2015 ). In this review, the proportion of total nurse hours provided by Registered Nurses was the structural variable and patient outcomes the outcome variable under review. It was hypothesized that changes in skill mix, for example, fewer Registered Nurse hours, affect the processes of care (such as recognition and response to patient changes) which in turn may impact on patient outcomes.

2. THE REVIEW

The aim of the review was to synthesize the available quantitative evidence on the association of nursing skill mix and patient outcomes sensitive to nursing care in adult patients in acute care hospitals. As such, the review question was: What effect does skill mix have on nurse sensitive patient outcomes?

2.2. Design

The review used a quantitative systematic literature review. Methods of the analysis and inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified in advance and documented in a research protocol. The PICOS framework (Population; Intervention; Comparator; Outcome; Study design) (Schardt, Adams, Owens, Keitz, & Fontelo, 2007 ) was used to refine the inclusion and exclusion criteria and processes and outcomes were guided by the Joanna Brigg Institute for Systematic Reviews. Table ​ Table1 1 outlines the PICOS framework.

PICOS framework

Relevant patient outcomes were identified by reviewing existing literature on the topic (Aiken et al., 2014 ; Duffield et al., 2011 ; Needleman, Buerhaus, Mattke, Stewart, & Zelevinsky, 2002 ; Twigg et al., 2011 ). The review focussed on acute care hospitals and included studies set in general medical, surgical, combined medical/surgical and step‐down wards, telemetry units and emergency departments. Acute care settings were chosen as the purpose of this review was to expand on previous studies by specifically examining the importance of skill mix in optimal staffing and previous studies were primarily undertaken in acute care settings. Nurse‐reported patient outcomes were not included in the study as the outcome was not directly measured. Exclusion criteria were applied as listed in Table ​ Table1 1 .

2.3. Search methods

Prior to commencing the review, searches were run in Medline and CINAHL to identify whether similar systematic reviews had already been completed in the last 10 years. The PROSPERO register was also checked to determine whether similar reviews were already underway. One study was found to be similar and at the initial protocol development stage, the corresponding author was contacted to determine the progress of the review; however; there was no response provided nor was any output from the systematic review published. A copy of the protocol for this study is provided in the Data S1 (Skill Mix OnlineSUPP_A_SystReviewProtocol).

Studies were identified through searching electronic databases, hand searching the reference lists of relevant articles, author searches, and via examining grey literature databases. In addition, an EBSCOhost Alert Notification and a Web of Science Search Alert was set up to capture any new publications between September 2016 and June 2017. An updated search strategy was conducted in September 2018. A health information librarian was consulted during the development of the MeSH terms (nursing assistants; mortality; sepsis; urinary tract infection; pneumonia; clinical deterioration; quality of health care; patient safety; accidental falls; surgical wound infection; venous thrombosis; shock; heart arrest; medication errors; infection; central nervous system infections). The search strategy was applied to Medline and CINAHL Plus with Full Text and was adapted for Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and the Joanna Briggs Institute Database. The search strategy for each database is outlined in the Data S2 (Skill Mix OnlineSUPP_B_ElectDatabaseSearchStrat.pdf). Grey literature catalogues used included Research Online, Open Grey/EThOS, OAIster, Google Advanced Search and PsycEXTRA.

Limiters included articles published between January 2000 – September 2018 and written in English.

2.4. Search outcome

The search strategy identified a total of 2,702 citations from electronic databases. A comprehensive search for grey literature and hand searches produced an additional 12 articles. After removing duplicates, 2,576 articles were retained and their titles and abstracts subsequently screened for inclusion. This process led to 2,481 citations being excluded and the full‐text of the 95 remaining publications was assessed for eligibility.

2.5. Quality appraisal

The critical appraisal of the selected 95 records was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools (Godfrey & Harrison, 2015 ). All studies were examined independently by two reviewers, and the results of the critical appraisal reviewed after both reviewers had completed their assessment and discrepancies resolved by consensus.

Thirty‐two articles were excluded following the full‐text assessment and are detailed further in Data S3 (Skill Mix OnlineSUPP_C1‐4_CritAppraisals.pdf). Of these, three studies were excluded as they were deemed to be of insufficient quality (no reported data, unequal comparison group, small sample size); six did not review any skill mix variables and a further five did not measure any nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes; two studies were conducted in a nursing home setting and therefore did not meet inclusion criteria; five studies were literature reviews, three articles could not be sourced and an additional eight articles were excluded for other reasons (not primary research articles, measured nurse perception, cost analysis). This left 63 articles, which were included in the narrative summary. A record of study assignment was kept, which contained the reviewing authors recommendations about inclusion or exclusion as well as some comments on why an article was retained or rejected. Figure ​ Figure1 1 outlines the study flow chart and the articles selected and excluded at each step of the review. The critical appraisal scores for each of the 95 appraised studies are outlined in Data S3 (Skill Mix OnlineSUPP_C1‐4_CritAppraisals.pdf).

Skill mix systematic review prisma flow diagram [Colour figure can be viewed at http://www.wileyonlinelibrary.com ]

2.6. Data abstraction

One author conducted the initial extraction of the data from the selected studies and a second author checked for accuracy. It was planned that disagreements would be resolved via discussion between the two authors; if no agreement was reached, a third author would be consulted. Information was extracted from the included studies about country, population, setting and sample size, aim, study design, number of participants, type of skill mix variable measured, patient outcomes and general findings. The included articles were treated as equal in this study and are summarized in Data S4 (Skill Mix OnlineSUPP_D_IncStudyCharact.pdf) and include estimates of precision for each outcome. An abbreviated summary is reported in Table ​ Table2 2 .

Included study characteristics (a summary)

Abbreviations: ACS, acute coronary syndrome; ADE, adverse drug event; AIN, Assistants in Nursing; b/w, between; CHF, congestive heart failure; CNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; ED, Emergency department; EN, Enrolled Nurse; FTE, full time equivalent; FTR, Failure to rescue; HAPU, Hospital acquired pressure ulcers; HCSW, Healthcare Support Workers; HPPD, hours per patient day; Hr, hours; ICU, Intensive care unit; LOS, Length of stay; LPN, Licensed practical nurse; LVN, licensed vocational nurse; LWBS, left without being seen; Mgt, management; MI, myocardial infraction; N , number; NA, Nursing assistant; NDNQI, National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators; Nsg, nursing; NSO, nurse sensitive outcomes; OR, odds ratio; PUFRQCI, PU and Fall Rate Quality Composite Index; Pt, patient; Pnem, pneumonia; Post op, Post‐operative; PU, pressure ulcer; RPN, registered practical nurse; RN, Registered Nurse; SM, skill mix; TEN, Trainee Enrolled Nurses; UAP, unlicensed assistive personnel; UAPU, Unit acquired pressure ulcer; UTI, urinary tract infection; VA, Veteran Affairs; %, Percent; ↑, Increase/higher; ↓, Decrease/lower; −ve, negative; +ve, positive.

2.7. Synthesis

The included studies showed great variation as to how nurse skill mix was measured and conceptualized. They also used a variety of different study designs, making it not feasible to perform a meta‐analysis. The data were thus summarized narratively, comparing results where appropriate.

3.1. Settings

Most studies were completed in general acute care settings, including general medical, general surgical, combined medical/surgical, step‐down, telemetry units, and emergency departments in public hospitals. One study was conducted in a non‐federal hospital and four in veteran affairs or military hospital settings. Two studies were conducted in a respiratory care centre and trauma centre, respectively. Thirty‐six studies were assessed at unit level, 23 at hospital‐level, and four at shift level. Most studies were conducted in North America—40 in the USA and five in Canada. Another five studies were conducted in Australia, three in Taiwan and South Korea, one in New Zealand, Italy, UK, Germany and Finland, and two studies were conducted in Europe involving multiple countries.

3.2. Study designs

The studies included in this review were mainly observational studies without a comparison group. Thirty‐eight studies fell into this category. Another 14 studies were cross‐sectional, seven used a cohort study design with a comparison group, one was a quasi‐experimental design, one was a randomized controlled trial, one was descriptive correlations, and one was a two‐phase measure development study. The study designs of the included papers were generally low. There was one randomized control trial and two pre‐test–posttest quasi‐experimental studies. The remaining studies were either an observational study, analytic design or an observational descriptive study.

3.3. Nursing skill mix variables

The included studies used a variety of methods to define and assess skill mix. The most frequently used variable to measure nurse skill mix was ‘ percentage of nursing hours provided by RNs ’. Nineteen studies used this measure, defining skill mix either as ‘RN hours provided per day’, ‘RN hours provided per patient day’, ‘RN hours provided per shift, ‘number of productive hours worked by RNs’, or ‘RN hours provided per inpatient earned hours’. The ‘ percentage of RNs on staff ’ was also a commonly used way to define skill mix (16 studies). Percentage of RNs on staff was defined as ‘RN full‐time equivalent (FTE)’, ‘percentage of total RN nursing full‐time positions’, ‘RNs on the unit’, ‘percentage of professional nurses’, ‘proportion of licensed nurses (RN & Licensed practicing nurses (LPN))’, ‘percentage of RN on staff with direct caring responsibilities’ and ‘ratio of FTE RNs to average daily census’. Additional skill mix variables used for analysis included ‘nursing skill mix excluding assistants in nursing (AINs) (compared with skill mix including AINs)’, ‘the number of licensed nurses (RNs & LPNs) per 1,000 patient days’, ‘proportion of all licensed nurses (RN or LPN)’, ‘percentage of nurses with a minimum of three years training’, ‘proportion of regulated workers’, ‘mandated nurse ratios’, ‘triage systems using nurses only (vs. Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) only)’ and ‘skill mix on the day shift (compared with night shift)’.

3.4. Nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes

Twenty‐six outcomes sensitive to nursing care were identified in the reviewed studies. These indicators were: length of stay, gastric ulcer/gastritis/upper gastrointestinal bleeding, acute myocardial infarction, restraint use, failure‐to‐rescue, pneumonia, sepsis, urinary tract infections, mortality, pressure injury, infections (excluding urinary tract infections), shock/cardiac arrest/heart failure, falls and falls injury, deep vein thrombosis, central nervous system complications, pulmonary failure or pulmonary embolism, medication error, physiological/metabolic derangement, pain control, ventilator weaning, patient wait time/leaving without being seen, quality of care, 30‐day readmission, postoperative respiratory failure, unplanned endotracheal tube extubation, and hypoglycaemia.

Infections (including wound infections, central line‐associated bloodstream infections, respiratory tract infections and mediastinitis) were grouped together for the purpose of data synthesis, with the exception of urinary tract infections, which were examined separately as they can account for over 30% of healthcare‐associated infections (Gardner, Mitchell, Beckingham, & Fasugba, 2014 ). Mortality and 30‐day mortality were also grouped together as they were often assessed simultaneously. In addition, ‘care processes relating to acute myocardial infarction’ were grouped with ‘acute myocardial infarction’ and ‘heart failure’ and ‘heart failure measures associated with care’ with ‘shock & cardiac arrest’.

3.5. Identified associations

Due to the heterogeneity with regard to significance and directionality of findings, patient outcomes were considered sensitive to nurse skill mix if they fulfilled the following criteria: of those studies with significant findings, three quarters or more of the studies for each patient outcome found an inverse significant relationship, that is, higher skill mix was associated with fewer adverse patient outcomes (Table ​ (Table3). 3 ). Non‐significant findings were also reported.

Relationship between nursing skill mix and patient outcomes

Based on these guidelines, 12 outcomes met the criteria for a higher skill mix associated with a decrease in adverse outcomes. These outcomes were: length of stay, ulcer, gastritis and upper gastrointestinal bleeds, acute myocardial infarction, restraint use, failure‐to‐rescue, pneumonia, sepsis, urinary tract infection, mortality/30‐day mortality, pressure injury, infections (excluding urinary tract infections) and shock/cardiac arrest/heart failure.

Thirteen studies examined skill mix and length of stay, six of which did not report a statistically significant relationship. Of the seven reporting significant results, all found a higher proportion of skill mix was associated with lower length of stay. Six studies examined skill mix and gastritis & upper gastrointestinal bleeds of which one did not report significant results. Of the five significant results, all found an increase in skill mix resulted is a decrease in gastritis & upper gastrointestinal bleeds. Four studies examined skill mix and acute myocardial infarction, two with significant results both of which found an increase in skill mix was associated with a decrease in acute myocardial infarction. Two studies did not have any significant findings. Two studies examined restraint use and both were significant finding a decrease in restraint use with an increase in skill mix (see Table ​ Table3 3 ).

A further eight patient outcomes were found to have decreased adverse outcomes with a higher skill mix in three quarters or more of the studies with significant findings reviewed for each outcome. Twelve studies examined failure to rescue of which three did not report a statistically significant relationship. Of the nine significant findings, eight of these identified an inverse relationship between higher skill mix and fewer failure to rescue events. Thirteen studies examined pneumonia, six of which did not report a statistically significant relationship. Seven studies had significant findings about pneumonia, with six inversely related to skill mix. Twelve studies examined sepsis and six studies did not report a significant relationship between skill mix and sepsis. Six studies did report significant findings about sepsis and five were inversely related to skill mix. Eighteen studies examined urinary tract infections of which seven did not report significant results. Eleven did report significant findings about urinary tract infections and nine of these were inversely related to skill mix. Seventeen studies examined mortality and six did not report significant findings. Eleven studies had significant findings about mortality and nine of these were inversely related to skill mix. Twenty‐four studies examined pressure injuries, of which fourteen did not report significant findings. Of the 10 studies reporting significant findings, most ( N  = 8) reported that a higher skill mix was associated with fewer pressure injuries. Fifteen studies examined infections (excluding urinary tract infections) of which seven did not report significant findings. Of the eight studies with significant findings, six were inversely related to skill mix. Finally, eights studies examined shock/cardiac arrest/heart failure of which four did not report significant findings. Of the four significant findings, three of these were inversely related to skill mix (see Table ​ Table3). 3 ). However, one study examining heart failure (Newhouse et al., 2013 ) was undertaken using a RTC and found a non‐significant outcome for the effect of skill mix.

The remainder of the patient outcomes examined were inconclusive. Eighteen studies examined the relationship between skill mix and falls and falls injury, seven did not report a significant relationship. Of the eleven studies with significant results, six studies found an inverse relationship and five did not, providing mixed results. Deep vein thrombosis, central nervous system complications, pulmonary failure/pulmonary embolism, medication error, physiologic/metabolic derangement and pain control had fewer studies (2–7) per outcome and in each occasion only two studies were significant. Of these, again in each case, one of the two had an inverse relationship with skill mix, again providing mixed results (see Table ​ Table3). 3 ). In addition, five patient outcomes were excluded as although they technically satisfied the stated inclusion criteria, they were not considered suitable outcomes as only one study respectively investigated these outcomes. These were ventilator weaning, hypoglycaemia, patient wait time, quality of care, and 30‐day readmission (Table ​ (Table3). 3 ). One patient outcome, blood incompatibilities, was not included in the final synthesis, as the study in question did not find any occurrences of the outcome during their data collection (Frith et al., 2010 ).

Table ​ Table3 3 outlines the studies that found a significant relationship between nursing skill mix and those that did not, as well as the proportion of significant studies according to directionality, that is, whether a higher skill mix containing more RNs was associated with an increase or decrease in adverse patient outcomes.

4. DISCUSSION

4.1. summary of evidence.

Out of 26 patient outcomes reported in the 63 studies included in this review, 12 showed an inverse association with skill mix, when assessed using pre‐defined criteria. These outcomes were: length of stay, ulcer, gastritis and upper gastrointestinal bleeds, acute myocardial infarction, restraint use, failure‐to‐rescue, pneumonia, sepsis, urinary tract infection, mortality/30‐day mortality, pressure injury, infections (excluding urinary tract infections) and shock/cardiac arrest/heart failure. There was a reduction in these 12 patient outcomes when a higher nursing skill mix containing more Registered Nurses was present. These results are similar to relationships found in regard to a systematic review of nurse staffing hours (Kane et al., 2007 ) where mortality, hospital acquired pneumonia, unplanned extubation, cardiac arrest in ICUs, risk of failure to rescue in surgical patients and length of stay was shorter in ICUs and in surgical patients. Additionally, a systematic review of acute specialist units found higher staffing levels were associated with reduced mortality, medication errors, ulcers, restraint use, infections, and pneumonia (Driscoll et al., 2017 ).

Any relationship between the remainder of the patient outcomes and skill mix was inconclusive. These outcomes were falls and falls injury, deep vein thrombosis, central nervous system complications, pulmonary failure/pulmonary embolism, medication error (in contrast to Driscoll et al. ( 2017 )), physiologic/metabolic derangement, and pain control. Five patient outcomes were excluded as not being suitable as only one study investigated each outcome. These were ventilator weaning, hypoglycaemia, patient wait time, quality of care and 30‐day readmission.

Since the seminal study conducted in the 1980’s found that interaction and coordination amongst clinicians (medical and nursing staff) reduced patient deaths in ICU settings, nurse staffing has been under the research microscope (Knaus, Draper, Wagner, & Zimmerman, 1986 ). Fundamental to this research is the recognition that Registered Nurses provide a continuous (24 hr per day, 7 days per week) surveillance system for patients. This surveillance system enables early detection and prompt intervention when a patient's condition deteriorates, or health issues emerge (Twigg, Duffield, Thompson, & Rapley, 2010 ). The ability of nurses to undertake this critical role is dependent on the hours of care and the skill mix of those providing that care. It is not surprising, therefore, that this review found 12 outcomes inversely related to skill mix. What remains less well understood is how nurses manage less than desired hours of care or skill mix. Emerging research suggests nurses ration their care when there is insufficient nurses or lower skill mix and prioritize the most urgent or critical aspects of care and some care may be altogether missed (Bail & Grealish, 2016 ). How this might have an impact on patient outcomes over their length of stay is less well understood but this care rationing may provide some explanation as to why skill mix is associated with only some but not all patient outcomes (Griffiths et al., 2018 ).

Many decades that have now passed since the first seminal works in this area, however, the research examining the association between skill mix and patient outcomes remains in an exploratory stage evidenced by the number of outcomes studied and the number of non‐significant results. The research is plagued by methodological issues including; many research studies rely on secondary administrative data to recode patient discharge diagnoses into adverse events, different measures and definitions are still being used for staffing and skill mix variables as well as patient outcomes reducing the comparability of results and data and coding processes often vary or are not transparent (Unruh & Zhang, 2012 ).

4.2. Limitations

The results of this quantitative systematic review should be interpreted with caution. The methodological quality of the included studies is far from ideal, with only very few studies using experimental designs. In this review, only three out of the sixty‐three studies included in the narrative summary employed experimental or quasi‐experimental designs. Many of the studies collected self‐reported data using single measurement methods, for example, self‐reported pain scales (Huston, 2001 ) and self‐reported use of falls risk assessment and policy use (Aydin, Donaldson, Aronow, Fridman, & Brown, 2015 ), raising the potential for common method bias (Podsakoff, MacKenzie, & Podsakoff, 2011 ; Wingate, Sng, & Loprinzi, 2018 ). Self‐reported studies may inflate, deflate or have no effect on the relationships being studied due to common method bias (Podsakoff et al., 2011 ). Hence, these results may have over‐ or underestimated the effect of skill mix on patient outcomes. Whilst common method bias has been identified as an issue for self‐reported studies, the studies did not discuss how common method bias was addressed. Common method bias can be decreased by the use of different data collection methods, times and locations and checking the wording, number of items and placement of items in data collection tools to maximize motivation and minimize task difficulty to encourage participants to provide accurate results (Podsakoff et al., 2011 ; Wingate et al., 2018 ).

There was also a large degree of variety of heterogeneity in the definitions and of research methods used for determining the effect of skill mix on patient outcomes makes comparison of data difficult. This review was only able to provide a narrative analysis of results as meta‐analysis could not be performed. Consequently, inferences about causal relationships between nurse skill mix and nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes cannot be drawn.

5. CONCLUSION

Of those studies identifying significant results, there were 12 outcomes where three quarters or more of those studies found an inverse association with increases in nurse skill mix: length of stay, ulcer, gastritis and upper gastrointestinal bleeds, acute myocardial infarction, restraint use, failure‐to‐rescue, pneumonia, sepsis, urinary tract infection, mortality/30‐day mortality, pressure injury, infections (excluding urinary tract infections), and shock/cardiac arrest/heart failure. Nevertheless, there was insufficient evidence to draw inferences about causal relationships since research into nursing‐sensitive outcomes continues to suffer from methodological flaws and heterogeneity of results. This has an impact on the synthesis of research findings and recommendations for future research and policy. More experimental or longitudinal study designs are required, which have the potential to establish causal relationships. Currently, a plethora of studies investigating interactions between nurse skill mix and patient outcomes employ observational designs that lack control of basic confounding variables.

Furthermore, future research must not only produce a widely agreed definition of nurse skill mix and its most appropriate form of measurement but must also investigate the existence of an optimal level of RNs in skill mix and explore potential non‐linear relationships between nursing skill mix and patient outcomes. Nonetheless, this systematic review suggests that critical patient outcomes such as mortality, failure‐to‐rescue, and length of stay can be improved with a higher skill mix. Those making staffing decisions cannot ignore this association.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors.

Supporting information

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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.

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