Best DNP Nursing Capstone Project Ideas for 2025 Capstone Projects

Best DNP Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

The nursing capstone project provides you with an opportunity to showcase your expertise, apply your clinical knowledge, and make a meaningful contribution to the nursing field.

Coming up with a compelling and impactful capstone project can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and inspiration, you can create a project that truly stands out.

Let’s use this question to help us kickstart our discussion;

Describe the steps of the evidence-based research process and the importance of using them. In the initial stages of an EBP project, where do nurses in your specialty go to locate sources of information that help them to determine whether or not a practice problem is appropriate for an evidence-based practice change proposal? Include two specific sources of information in your discussion.

What is the Nursing Capstone Project?

The nursing capstone project is the culmination of your DNP program, designed to demonstrate your advanced skills, knowledge, and expertise in a specific area of nursing practice. It serves as a comprehensive, evidence-based project that addresses a real-world healthcare problem or issue, with the goal of improving patient outcomes, enhancing nursing practice, or contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession.

Nursing capstone projects typically involves in-depth research, data analysis, and the implementation of a practical solution or intervention. It allows you to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired throughout your DNP program and make a tangible impact on the healthcare system.

The Evidence-Based Research Process

1. Problem Identification:
   • The first step in the evidence-based research process is to identify a practice problem or issue that needs to be addressed.
   • This step involves clearly defining the problem, determining the scope of the issue, and understanding the significance of the problem in the context of the healthcare setting.
2. Literature Review:
   • The next step is to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the identified problem.
   • This involves searching for and critically appraising relevant research studies, systematic reviews, and other evidence-based sources to gain a thorough understanding of the current state of knowledge on the topic.
3. Data Evaluation:
   • Once the literature has been reviewed, the next step is to evaluate the quality and relevance of the available evidence.
   • This involves assessing the methodological rigor, study design, and applicability of the evidence to the specific practice problem.
4. Implementation Planning:
   • Based on the findings from the literature review and data evaluation, the next step is to develop a plan for implementing the evidence-based practice change.
   • This includes identifying the necessary resources, barriers, and facilitators, as well as strategies for effectively implementing the change.
5. Evaluation:
   • The final step in the evidence-based research process is to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the practice change.
   • This involves monitoring the impact of the change on patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and other relevant measures.

Importance of the Evidence-Based Research Process

The evidence-based research process is crucial for several reasons:

1. Improved Patient Outcomes: By basing practice decisions on the best available evidence, the likelihood of improving patient outcomes and quality of care is increased.
2. Minimized Risks: The rigorous evaluation of evidence helps to identify and minimize potential risks or unintended consequences of practice changes.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Evidence-based practice can lead to more efficient use of resources and reduced healthcare costs.
4. Professional Credibility: Engaging in evidence-based practice demonstrates a commitment to professional development and the use of data-driven decision-making.

Locating Sources of Information for EBP Projects

In the initial stages of an evidence-based practice (EBP) project, nurses in your specialty can go to the following sources of information to determine whether a practice problem is appropriate for an EBP change proposal:

1. Nursing and Healthcare Databases:
   • Databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane Library provide access to a wealth of research studies, systematic reviews, and other evidence-based resources.
   • These databases can be used to search for literature on the identified practice problem and assess the available evidence.
2. Professional Organization Websites:
   • Websites of professional nursing organizations and specialty associations often provide evidence-based guidelines, position statements, and best practice recommendations.
   • These resources can help nurses in your specialty determine if the practice problem aligns with current evidence-based standards of care.

15 General Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

1. Implementing a Comprehensive Discharge Planning Program to Reduce Readmission Rates
2. Developing a Telehealth Initiative to Improve Access to Primary Care in Rural Communities
3. Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Chronic Disease Management Clinic
4. Designing a Staffing Optimization Model to Enhance Nursing Workflow and Efficiency
5. Establishing a Nurse-Led Palliative Care Consultation Service in an Acute Care Setting
6. Implementing a Shared Decision-Making Approach to Improve Patient Engagement and Satisfaction
7. Developing a Nurse-Driven Protocol for the Early Identification and Management of Sepsis
8. Evaluating the Impact of a Nurse-Led Medication Reconciliation Program on Medication Safety
9. Designing a Nurse-Led Interprofessional Rounding Process to Enhance Patient-Centered Care
10. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections
11. Developing a Nurse-Led Pain Management Clinic to Improve Chronic Pain Outcomes
12. Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Advance Care Planning Program
13. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Fall Prevention Program to Reduce Patient Falls
14. Designing a Nurse-Led Transition of Care Program to Enhance Post-Discharge Outcomes
15. Developing a Nurse-Led Preceptorship Program to Support the Onboarding of New Nurses

15 Health Promotion Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

1. Implementing a Nurse-Led Smoking Cessation Program in a Primary Care Setting
2. Designing a Community-Based Nutrition and Fitness Program to Prevent Childhood Obesity
3. Developing a Nurse-Led Diabetes Education and Self-Management Program
4. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection Initiative
5. Designing a Nurse-Led Program to Promote Healthy Aging and Prevent Falls in Older Adults
6. Developing a Nurse-Driven Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program
7. Implementing a Nurse-Led Workplace Wellness Program to Promote Employee Health
8. Designing a Nurse-Driven Sexual Health Education and Counseling Program for Adolescents
9. Developing a Nurse-Led Injury Prevention Program for High-Risk Populations
10. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Vaccination Outreach and Education Campaign
11. Designing a Nurse-Led Stress Management and Resiliency Program for Healthcare Providers
12. Developing a Nurse-Driven Health Literacy Initiative to Improve Patient Outcomes
13. Implementing a Nurse-Led Community-Based Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
14. Designing a Nurse-Driven Oral Health Promotion Program for Underserved Communities
15. Developing a Nurse-Led Maternal and Child Health Promotion Program

15 Nursing Capstone Project Ideas for Mental Health

• Implementing a Nurse-Led Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Patients with Anxiety Disorders
• Designing a Nurse-Driven Peer Support Program for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness
• Developing a Nurse-Led Integrated Care Model for Patients with Co-occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
• Implementing a Nurse-Driven Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Program for Patients with Depression
• Designing a Nurse-Led Trauma-Informed Care Initiative for Survivors of Domestic Violence
• Developing a Nurse-Driven Telemental Health Program to Improve Access to Mental Health Services
• Implementing a Nurse-Led Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention Program
• Designing a Nurse-Driven Psychoeducation Program for Families of Individuals with Severe Mental Illness
• Developing a Nurse-Led Geriatric Mental Health Program to Address the Needs of Older Adults
• Implementing a Nurse-Driven Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program for Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder
• Designing a Nurse-Led Mental Health Stigma Reduction Campaign within a Healthcare Setting
• Developing a Nurse-Driven Mental Health First Aid Training Program for Community Members
• Implementing a Nurse-Led Stress Management and Resilience-Building Program for Healthcare Providers
• Designing a Nurse-Driven Collaborative Care Model for Patients with Co-occurring Physical and Mental Health Conditions
• Developing a Nurse-Led Expressive Arts Therapy Program for Patients with Chronic Mental Health Conditions

15 Capstone Project Ideas on Nursing Burnout

1. Implementing a Nurse-Led Wellness and Self-Care Program to Address Burnout and Promote Resilience
2. Designing a Nurse-Driven Staffing and Scheduling Optimization Model to Improve Work-Life Balance
3. Developing a Nurse-Led Mentorship Program to Support the Professional Development of Early-Career Nurses
4. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Workload Assessment and Job Redesign Initiative to Enhance Nursing Workflow
5. Designing a Nurse-Led Stress Management and Coping Strategies Workshop for Nursing Staff
6. Developing a Nurse-Driven Nurse Residency Program to Facilitate the Transition from Student to Practicing Nurse
7. Implementing a Nurse-Led Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration Program to Improve Team Dynamics
8. Designing a Nurse-Driven Nursing Leadership Development Program to Foster Effective Nurse Management
9. Developing a Nurse-Led Nurse Practitioner Residency Program to Support the Transition to Advanced Practice
10. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Nurse Engagement and Recognition Program to Boost Morale and Retention
11. Designing a Nurse-Led Nurse Extern Program to Provide Experiential Learning Opportunities for Nursing Students
12. Developing a Nurse-Driven Nurse Preceptor Training Program to Enhance the Onboarding of New Nurses
13. Implementing a Nurse-Led Nurse Wellness Clinic to Offer Comprehensive Health Assessments and Interventions
14. Designing a Nurse-Driven Nurse Advocacy Program to Empower Nurses and Address Workplace Challenges
15. Developing a Nurse-Led Nurse Burnout Prevention and Management Program to Promote Healthy Work Environments

15 Women’s Health Capstone Project Ideas

1. Implementing a Nurse-Led Perinatal Mental Health Screening and Intervention Program
2. Designing a Nurse-Driven Breast Cancer Survivorship Program to Address Long-Term Care Needs
3. Developing a Nurse-Led Gynecologic Oncology Nursing Clinic to Provide Specialized Care
4. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Maternal and Infant Home Visiting Program to Improve Maternal-Child Outcomes
5. Designing a Nurse-Led Contraception Counseling and Family Planning Services Program
6. Developing a Nurse-Driven Menopause Management Clinic to Address the Needs of Aging Women
7. Implementing a Nurse-Led Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Rehabilitation Program for Women
8. Designing a Nurse-Driven Osteoporosis Prevention and Management Program for Postmenopausal Women
9. Developing a Nurse-Led Postpartum Depression Screening and Treatment Program
10. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Prevention and Education Campaign
11. Designing a Nurse-Led Preconception Care Program to Optimize Women’s Health Prior to Pregnancy
12. Developing a Nurse-Driven Breastfeeding Support and Lactation Consultancy Service
13. Implementing a Nurse-Led Intimate Partner Violence Screening and Intervention Program
14. Designing a Nurse-Driven Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Screening and HPV Vaccination Initiative
15. Developing a Nurse-Led Women’s Health Telehealth Program to Improve Access to Care

15 Pediatric Nursing Capstone Project Topics

1. Implementing a Nurse-Led Pediatric Asthma Management Program to Improve Symptom Control and Quality of Life
2. Designing a Nurse-Driven Childhood Obesity Prevention and Intervention Program in a School-Based Setting
3. Developing a Nurse-Led Pediatric Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care Program to Support Families
4. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Pediatric Chronic Pain Management Clinic to Address Complex Pain Conditions
5. Designing a Nurse-Led Pediatric Transition of Care Program to Facilitate the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care
6. Developing a Nurse-Driven Pediatric Mental Health Screening and Early Intervention Initiative
7. Implementing a Nurse-Led Pediatric Injury Prevention Program to Reduce Unintentional Injuries
8. Designing a Nurse-Driven Pediatric Immunization Outreach and Education Campaign to Improve Vaccination Rates
9. Developing a Nurse-Led Pediatric Diabetes Education and Self-Management Program to Empower Families
10. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Pediatric Nurse Residency Program to Support the Transition to Pediatric Nursing Practice
11. Designing a Nurse-Led Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic to Provide Accessible and Comprehensive Care
12. Developing a Nurse-Driven Pediatric Telemedicine Program to Expand Access to Specialty Care
13. Implementing a Nurse-Led Pediatric Interprofessional Rounds Process to Enhance Patient-Centered Care
14. Designing a Nurse-Driven Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care Program to Support Families
15. Developing a Nurse-Led Pediatric Simulation-Based Training Program to Enhance Clinical Competencies

15 Patient Falls Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

1. Implementing a Nurse-Led Fall Prevention Program in an Acute Care Setting
2. Designing a Nurse-Driven Fall Risk Assessment and Intervention Protocol for Older Adults
3. Developing a Nurse-Led Multifactorial Fall Prevention Program in a Long-Term Care Facility
4. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Fall Prevention Education and Training Program for Healthcare Providers
5. Designing a Nurse-Led Medication Review and Management Program to Reduce Fall Risk
6. Developing a Nurse-Driven Environmental Safety Assessment and Modification Initiative to Prevent Falls
7. Implementing a Nurse-Led Post-Fall Huddle and Root Cause Analysis Process to Identify Fall Risks
8. Designing a Nurse-Driven Standardized Fall Prevention Care Plan Template to Improve Documentation
9. Developing a Nurse-Led Patient and Family Fall Prevention Education Program to Promote Engagement
10. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Multidisciplinary Fall Prevention Committee to Coordinate Interventions
11. Designing a Nurse-Led Fall Prevention Technology Evaluation and Implementation Program
12. Developing a Nurse-Driven Fall Risk Screening and Monitoring System for High-Risk Patients
13. Implementing a Nurse-Led Personalized Fall Prevention Plan for Patients with Cognitive Impairments
14. Designing a Nurse-Driven Fall Prevention Program for Patients with Neurological Conditions
15. Developing a Nurse-Led Fall Prevention Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Adverse Outcomes

15 Emergency Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

1. Implementing a Nurse-Led Rapid Response Team Program to Improve Early Identification and Management of Deteriorating Patients
2. Designing a Nurse-Driven Triage and Patient Flow Optimization Process to Enhance Emergency Department Efficiency
3. Developing a Nurse-Led Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response Plan to Ensure Effective Coordination of Care
4. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Opioid Overdose Prevention and Reversal Program in the Emergency Department
5. Designing a Nurse-Led Psychiatric Emergency Services Program to Provide Comprehensive Mental Health Care
6. Developing a Nurse-Driven Telehealth Initiative to Expand Access to Emergency Care in Remote or Underserved Areas
7. Implementing a Nurse-Led Trauma-Informed Care Program to Support Patients Experiencing Acute Stress or Trauma
8. Designing a Nurse-Driven Medication Safety Initiative to Reduce Medication Errors and Adverse Events in the Emergency Department
9. Developing a Nurse-Led Stroke Care Coordination Program to Optimize Time-Sensitive Interventions and Improve Outcomes
10. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Sepsis Early Recognition and Management Protocol to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality
11. Designing a Nurse-Led Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration Program to Enhance Team Dynamics in the Emergency Department
12. Developing a Nurse-Driven Emergency Department Nursing Residency Program to Support the Transition to Emergency Nursing Practice
13. Implementing a Nurse-Led Patient and Family Engagement Initiative to Improve Satisfaction and Experience in the Emergency Department
14. Designing a Nurse-Driven Emergency Department Nurse-Driven Quality Improvement Program to Address Performance Gaps
15. Developing a Nurse-Led Emergency Department Simulation-Based Training Program to Enhance Clinical Competencies

15 Medical Surgery Capstone Project Ideas

1. Implementing a Nurse-Led Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program to Improve Surgical Outcomes
2. Designing a Nurse-Driven Pressure Injury Prevention and Management Program in a Medical-Surgical Unit
3. Developing a Nurse-Led Inter professional Perioperative Care Coordination Program to Enhance Surgical Patient Experience
4. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Surgical Site Infection Prevention Initiative to Reduce Postoperative Complications
5. Designing a Nurse-Led Nursing Handoff and Communication Process to Improve Patient Safety during Transitions of Care
6. Developing a Nurse-Driven Opioid Stewardship Program to Promote Responsible Prescribing and Pain Management
7. Implementing a Nurse-Led Delirium Prevention and Management Program in a Medical-Surgical Setting
8. Designing a Nurse-Driven Mobility and Early Rehabilitation Program for Hospitalized Patients
9. Developing a Nurse-Led Interprofessional Wound Care Management Program to Optimize Healing Outcomes
10. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Medication Reconciliation and Management Program to Reduce Adverse Drug Events
11. Designing a Nurse-Led Interprofessional Discharge Planning and Transition of Care Program to Improve Post-Discharge Outcomes
12. Developing a Nurse-Driven Nursing Documentation Optimization Initiative to Enhance Communication and Care Coordination
13. Implementing a Nurse-Led Nurse-Driven Rapid Response System to Identify and Manage Acute Clinical Deterioration
14. Designing a Nurse-Driven Nursing Bedside Shift Report Process to Improve Patient and Family Engagement
15. Developing a Nurse-Led Interprofessional Simulation-Based Training Program to Enhance Clinical Competencies in Medical-Surgical Nursing

Nursing Informatics Capstone Project Ideas

Nursing informatics is a rapidly evolving field that combines nursing practice, information science, and data management to enhance patient care, improve clinical outcomes, and support healthcare decision-making. As a DNP student, you may consider exploring nursing informatics as a focus for your capstone project. Here are some potential ideas:

1. Implementing a Nurse-Led Electronic Health Record (EHR) Optimization Program to Improve Clinical Documentation and Workflow
2. Designing a Nurse-Driven Clinical Decision Support System to Enhance Evidence-Based Practice and Patient Safety
3. Developing a Nurse-Led Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring Program to Expand Access to Care and Promote Self-Management
4. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Predictive Analytics Initiative to Identify High-Risk Patients and Prevent Adverse Outcomes

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Creative Nursing capstone Project Ideas

FAQs

What is a capstone project for nursing?

A capstone project in nursing is a culminating academic experience that allows nursing students, typically at the graduate or doctoral level, to demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge, skills, and abilities in a specific area of nursing practice. The nursing capstone project is the final project or thesis that students complete as part of their degree program, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

The capstone project is designed to enable nursing students to apply their advanced nursing knowledge and clinical expertise to address a real-world healthcare problem or issue. It often involves in-depth research, data analysis, and the development and implementation of a practical solution or intervention that can improve patient outcomes, enhance nursing practice, or contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.

What are 5 examples of informative writing?

Informative writing is a style of writing that aims to educate, enlighten, or inform the reader about a specific topic. Here are five examples of informative writing:

1. Research paper: A research paper is a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of a particular topic, presenting the writer’s findings, analysis, and conclusions based on thorough research.
2. Instructional manual: An instructional manual provides step-by-step guidance and information on how to use or operate a product, device, or process.
3. How-to article: A how-to article offers detailed instructions and practical advice on how to complete a specific task or activity.
4. Informative essay: An informative essay explains a topic or issue in a clear, objective, and concise manner, providing the reader with relevant facts, examples, and explanations.
5. Informative blog post: A blog post that is informative in nature aims to educate the reader on a particular subject, providing useful information, insights, and practical tips.

What is an example of a nursing research project?

An example of a nursing research project could be a study that examines the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention to improve pain management for patients with chronic pain. The research project may involve the following:

1. Literature review: Conducting a comprehensive review of existing research and evidence on pain management strategies and the role of nurses in chronic pain care.
2. Study design: Developing a research design, such as a randomized controlled trial or a quasi-experimental study, to evaluate the impact of the nurse-led intervention.
3. Data collection: Gathering data from participants, which may include patient-reported outcomes, pain scores, medication usage, and other relevant clinical data.
4. Data analysis: Analyzing the collected data using statistical methods to determine the effectiveness of the nurse-led intervention in improving pain management outcomes.
5. Dissemination: Presenting the research findings in a written report, scholarly article, or conference presentation to share the knowledge and inform nursing practice and policy.

This example demonstrates how a nursing research project can focus on evaluating an innovative nursing intervention or practice to enhance patient care and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.

How to do a nursing research project?

Conducting a successful nursing research project involves several key steps:

1. Identify a research problem or question: Start by identifying a specific healthcare issue, problem, or area of nursing practice that you want to investigate.
2. Review the literature: Conduct a thorough review of the existing research and literature related to your research problem to understand the current state of knowledge and identify gaps.
3. Develop a research design: Determine the appropriate research methodology, such as a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approach, and design your study to address the research question effectively.
4. Obtain necessary approvals: Seek approval from your institution’s institutional review board (IRB) to ensure that your research complies with ethical standards and protects the rights and well-being of human participants.
5. Collect and analyze data: Gather data using appropriate data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, or patient records, and analyze the data using statistical or qualitative analysis techniques.
6. Interpret the findings: Interpret the results of your data analysis and draw conclusions about the significance and implications of your research findings.
7. Disseminate the findings: Prepare a research report, manuscript, or presentation to communicate your research findings to the nursing and healthcare community, contributing to the body of nursing knowledge.
8. Implement the findings: Consider how the research findings can be translated into nursing practice, policy, or future research to improve patient outcomes and advance the nursing profession.