research proposal nursing

Writing a Nursing Proposal: A Comprehensive Guide for Success

As a nursing professional, there will come a time when you need to write a nursing proposal. Whether you’re aiming to secure funding for a research project, implement a new practice or intervention, or advocate for policy changes, a well-crafted proposal is essential. However, the task of writing a nursing proposal can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to write a successful nursing proposal.

1. Understand the Purpose and Scope of the Nursing Proposal

To begin writing a nursing proposal, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of its purpose and scope. This involves asking yourself some important questions:

What problem or issue does the proposal aim to address? Clearly define the specific problem or gap in knowledge that your proposal seeks to fill.

What are the specific objectives or outcomes you hope to achieve? Clearly state the goals and outcomes you want to accomplish through your proposed project or intervention.

Who is the intended audience for the proposal? Determine the key stakeholders who will be reading and evaluating your proposal, such as funding agencies, healthcare organizations, or policymakers.

What resources or funding will be required? Estimate the resources, personnel, and funding needed to successfully execute your proposal.

By clarifying these aspects, you can effectively tailor your proposal to meet the needs of your audience and clearly convey your intentions.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

A well-researched nursing proposal holds significant weight. Before diving into the writing process, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the existing literature, best practices, and relevant guidelines pertaining to your proposal topic. Conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand the current state of knowledge, identify any gaps, and gather evidence to support the need for your proposed project or intervention. This research will not only enhance the credibility of your proposal but also demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

3. Structure Your Proposal

To ensure clarity and coherence, organize your nursing proposal using a logical structure. While the specific sections may vary depending on the requirements, consider including the following elements:

• Introduction: Provide an overview of the problem or issue, its significance, and the purpose of the proposal. Clearly state the objectives of your proposal.
• Background and Literature Review: Summarize relevant literature and previous studies that support the need for your proposed intervention or research project. Highlight key findings, evidence-based practices, and gaps in knowledge.
• Objectives and Hypotheses: Clearly state the specific objectives you aim to achieve and any hypotheses you will test. Make sure your objectives are measurable and aligned with the overall purpose of your proposal.
• Methods: Describe the methodology, study design, data collection, and analysis procedures you plan to employ. Clearly outline the steps you will take to address the problem or achieve your objectives.
• Timelines and Budget: Provide a realistic timeline for the project’s completion and a detailed budget outlining the required resources and expenses. Include information on how you will allocate resources and manage potential risks or challenges.
• Evaluation and Outcomes: Explain how you will assess the success of your project and the expected outcomes. Describe the evaluation methods and metrics you will use to measure the impact of your proposal.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and reiterate the significance of your proposal. Emphasize the potential benefits and contributions your project can make to nursing practice, research, or patient care.

By structuring your proposal in a clear and organized manner, you make it easier for readers to follow your thought process and understand the value of your proposal.

4. Write with Clarity and Precision

When writing your nursing proposal, strive for clarity and precision. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse or alienate readers who may not be familiar with your specific field of nursing. Explain any complex concepts or terminology in a way that is easily understood. Ensure that your ideas flow logically, providing smooth transitions between sections. Use headings and subheadings to guide the reader through your proposal. Additionally, pay close attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation to maintain a professional tone and enhance readability.

5. Tailor the Proposal to Your Audience

Consider the specific needs and preferences of your audience when crafting your nursing proposal. If your proposal targets a funding agency, emphasize the potential benefits and impacts of your project on healthcare delivery or patient outcomes. Clearly outline how the proposed funding will be utilized and the potential return on investment . If your proposal is geared toward implementing a new practice or intervention within your organization, focus on the practical aspects and address any potential concerns or barriers that may arise. Highlight the alignment of your proposal with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

By understanding your audience and tailoring your proposal to their needs, you increase the chances of gaining their support and approval.

6. Collaborate and Seek Feedback

Writing a nursing proposal can benefit greatly from collaboration. Seek input and feedback from colleagues, mentors, or experts in the field. They can provide valuable insights, suggest improvements, and help refine your proposal. Engage in discussions, attend conferences or seminars, and seek opportunities to share your ideas with others. By incorporating diverse perspectives, you strengthen the credibility and quality of your work.

7. Revise and Edit

Once you have completed the initial draft of your nursing proposal, set it aside for a while before revisiting it with a fresh perspective. Review and revise the proposal to ensure clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Pay attention to the formatting, referencing style, and adherence to any specific guidelines provided by the target recipient or institution. Consider the feedback you received from collaborators and incorporate their suggestions where appropriate. Ensure that your proposal is well-organized, free of redundancies, and focused on the main objectives.

8. Proofread Carefully

Before submitting your nursing proposal, proofread it meticulously. Look for any spelling or grammatical errors, inconsistencies, or unclear statements. Read your proposal aloud to identify any awkward phrasing or areas that require further refinement. Consider enlisting the help of a trusted colleague or professional editor to ensure a thorough review. Fresh eyes can often catch mistakes or areas that you may have overlooked.

Writing a nursing proposal can be a challenging task, but with careful planning, thorough research, and clear communication, you can create a compelling and persuasive document. By understanding the purpose and scope, conducting thorough research, structuring your proposal effectively, writing with clarity and precision, tailoring it to your audience, seeking feedback, and revising and proofreading diligently, you can increase the chances of success for your nursing proposal. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and put your best foot forward in advancing nursing practice, research, and patient care through a well-crafted nursing proposal. Remember, a well-written and persuasive proposal has the power to make a significant impact in the field of nursing.

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Writing Research Proposals

Chapter 28 Writing Research Proposals   http://evolve.elsevier.com/Grove/practice/ With a background in the quantitative, qualitative, outcomes, and intervention research methodologies, you are ready to propose a study. A research proposal is a written plan that identifies the major elements of a study, such as the research problem, purpose, and framework, and outlines the methods and procedures to conduct the proposed study. A proposal is a formal way to communicate ideas about a study to seek approval to conduct the study and obtain funding. Researchers who are seeking approval to conduct a study submit the proposal to a select group for review and, in many situations, verbally defend the proposal. Receiving approval to conduct research has become more complicated because of the increasing complexity of nursing studies, the difficulty involved in recruiting study participants, and increasing concerns over legal and ethical issues. In many large hospitals and healthcare corporations, both the lawyer and the institutional review board (IRB) evaluate the research proposals. The expanded number of healthcare studies being conducted has led to conflict among investigators over who has the right to recruit potential research participants. The increased number of proposed studies has resulted in greater difficulty in obtaining funding. Researchers need to develop a quality study proposal to facilitate university and clinical agency IRB approval, obtain funding, and conduct the study successfully. This chapter focuses on writing a research proposal and seeking approval to conduct a study. Chapter 29 presents the process of seeking funding for research. Writing a Research Proposal A well-written proposal communicates a significant, carefully planned research project; shows the qualifications of the researchers; and generates support for the project. Conducting research requires precision and rigorous attention to detail. Reviewers often judge a researcher’s ability to conduct a study by the quality of the proposal. A quality study proposal is clear, concise, and complete. Writing a quality proposal involves (1) developing ideas logically, (2) determining the depth or detail of the content of the proposal, (3) identifying critical points in the proposal, and (4) developing an esthetically appealing copy ( Martin & Fleming, 2010 ; Merrill, 2011 ; Offredy & Vickers, 2010 ). Developing Ideas Logically The ideas in a research proposal must logically build on each other to justify or defend a study, just as a lawyer would logically organize information in the defense of a client. The researcher builds a case to justify why a problem should be studied and proposes the appropriate methodology for conducting the study. Each step in the research proposal builds on the problem statement to give a clear picture of the study and its merit ( Merrill, 2011 ). Universities, medical centers, federal funding agencies, and grant writing consultants have developed websites to help researchers write successful proposals for quantitative, qualitative, outcomes, and intervention research. For example, the University of Michigan provides an online guide for proposal development ( http://www.drda.umich.edu/proposals/PWG/pwgcomplete.html ). The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR, 2012 ) provides online training for developing nurse scientists at http://www.ninr.nih.gov/Training/OnlineDevelopingNurseScientists/ . You can use a search engine of your choice, such as Google, and search for research proposal development training; proposal writing tips; courses on proposal development; and proposal guidelines for different universities, medical centers, and government agencies. In addition, various publications have been developed to help individuals improve their scientific writing skills ( American Psychological Association [APA], 2010 ; Offredy & Vickers, 2010 ; Turabian, Booth, Colomb, & Williams, 2007 ; University of Chicago Press Staff, 2010 ). Determining the Depth of a Proposal The depth or detail of the content of a proposal is determined by guidelines developed by colleges or schools of nursing, funding agencies, and institutions where research is conducted. Guidelines provide specific directions for the development of a proposal and should be followed explicitly. Omission or misinterpretation of a guideline is frequently the basis for rejection or requiring revision. In addition to following the guidelines, you need to determine the amount of information necessary to describe each step of your study clearly. Often the reviewers of your proposal have varied expertise in the area of your study. The content in a proposal needs to be detailed enough to inform different types of readers yet concise enough to be interesting and easily reviewed ( Martin & Fleming, 2010 ). The guidelines often stipulate a page limit, which determines the depth of the proposal. The relevant content of a research proposal is discussed later in this chapter and varies based on the purpose of the proposal. Identifying Critical Points The key or critical points in a proposal must be evident, even to a hasty reader. You might highlight your critical points with bold or italicized type. Sometimes researchers create headings to emphasize critical content, or they may organize the content into tables or graphs. It is critical in a proposal to detail the background and significance of the research problem and purpose, study methodology, and research production plans (data collection and analysis plan, personnel, schedule, and budget) ( APA, 2010 ; Offredy & Vickers, 2010 ; Turabian et al., 2007 ). Developing an Esthetically Appealing Copy An esthetically appealing copy is typed without spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. A proposal with excellent content that is poorly typed or formatted is not likely to receive the full attention or respect of the reviewers. The format used in typing the proposal should follow the guidelines developed by the reviewers or organization. If no particular format is requested, researchers commonly follow APA (2010) format. An appealing copy is legible (the print is dark enough to be read) with appropriate tables and figures to communicate essential information. You need to submit the proposal by the means requested as a mailed hard copy, an email attachment, or uploaded file. Content of a Research Proposal The content of a proposal is written with the interest and expertise of the reviewers in mind. Proposals are typically reviewed by faculty, clinical agency IRB members, and representatives of funding institutions. The content of a proposal varies with the reviewers, the guidelines developed for the review, and the type of study (quantitative or qualitative) proposed. This section addresses the content of (1) a student proposal for both quantitative and qualitative studies, (2) condensed research proposals, and (3) preproposals. Content of a Student Proposal Student researchers develop proposals to communicate their research projects to the faculty and members of university and agency IRBs (see Chapter 9 for details on IRB membership and the approval process). Student proposals are written to satisfy requirements for a degree and are usually developed according to guidelines outlined by the faculty. The faculty member who will be assisting with the research project (the chair of the student’s thesis or dissertation committee) generally reviews these guidelines with the student. Each faculty member has a unique way of interpreting and emphasizing aspects of the guidelines. In addition, a student needs to evaluate the faculty member’s background regarding a research topic of interest and determine whether a productive working relationship can be developed. Faculty members who are actively involved in their own research have extensive knowledge and expertise that can be helpful to a novice researcher. Both the student and the faculty member benefit when a student becomes involved in an aspect of the faculty member’s research. This collaborative relationship can lead to the development of essential knowledge for providing evidenced-based nursing practice ( Brown, 2009 ; Craig & Smyth, 2012 ; Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011 ). The content of a student proposal usually requires greater detail than a proposal developed for an agency or funding organization. The proposal is often the first three or four chapters of the student’s thesis or dissertation, and the proposed study is discussed in the future tense—that is, what the student will do in conducting the research. A student research proposal usually includes a title page with the title of the proposal, the name and credentials of the investigator, university name, and the date. You need to devote time to developing the title so that it accurately reflects the scope and content of the proposed study ( Martin & Fleming, 2010 ). Content of a Quantitative Research Proposal A quantitative research proposal usually includes a table of contents that reflects the following chapters or sections: (1) introduction, (2) review of relevant literature, (3) framework, and (4) methods and procedures. Some graduate schools require in-depth development of these sections, whereas others require a condensed version of the same content. Another approach is that proposals for theses and dissertations be written in a format that can be transformed into a publication. Table 28-1 outlines the content often covered in the chapters of a student quantitative research proposal. TABLE 28-1 Quantitative Research Proposal Guidelines for Students Chapter I Introduction   A. Background and significance of the problem   B. Statement of the problem   C. Statement of the purpose Chapter II Review of Relevant Literature   A. Review of theoretical literature   B. Review of relevant research   C. Summary Chapter III Framework   A. Development of a framework   (Develop a map of the study framework, define concepts in the map, describe relationships or propositions in the map, indicate the focus of the study, and link concepts to study variables)   B. Formulation of objectives, questions, or hypotheses   C. Definitions (conceptual and operational) of study variables   D. Definition of relevant terms Chapter IV Methods and Procedures A. Description of the research design (Model of the design, strengths and weaknesses of the design validity) B. Identification of the population and sample (Sample size, use of power analysis, sample criteria, and sampling method including strengths and weaknesses) C. Selection of a setting (Strengths and weaknesses of the setting) D. Presentation of ethical considerations (Protection of subjects’ rights and university and healthcare agency review processes) E. Description of the intervention if appropriate for the type of study (Provide a protocol for implementing the intervention, detail who will implement the intervention, and describe how intervention fidelity is ensured) F. Selection of measurement methods (Reliability, validity, scoring, and level of measurement of the instruments as well as plans for examining reliability and validity of the instruments in the present study; precision and accuracy of physiological measures) G. Plan for data collection (Data collection process, training of data collectors if appropriate, schedule, data collection forms, and management of data) H. Plan for data analysis (Analysis of demographic data; analyses for research objectives, questions, or hypotheses; level of significance if appropriate; and other analysis techniques) I. Identification of limitations (Methodological and theoretical limitations) J. Discussion of communication of findings References Include references cited in the proposal and follow APA (2010) format Appendices Presentation of a study budget and timetable Introduction The introductory chapter identifies the research topic and problem and discusses their significance and background. The significance of the problem addresses its importance in nursing practice and the expected generalizability of the findings. The magnitude of a problem is partly determined by the interest of nurses; other healthcare professionals; policy makers; and healthcare consumers at the local, state, national, or international level. You can document this interest with sources from the literature. The background describes how the problem was identified and historically links the problem to nursing practice. Your background information might also include one or two major studies conducted to resolve the problem, some key theoretical ideas related to the problem, and possible solutions to the problem. The background and significance form the basis for your problem statement, which identifies what is not known and the need for further research. Follow your problem statement with a succinct statement of the research purpose or the goal of the study (see Chapter 5 ) ( Martin & Fleming, 2010 ; Merrill, 2011 ). Review of Relevant Literature The review of relevant literature provides an overview of the essential information that will guide you as you develop your study and includes relevant theoretical and empirical literature (see Table 28-1 ). Theoretical literature provides a background for defining and interrelating relevant study concepts, whereas empirical literature includes a summary and critical appraisal of previous studies. Here you will discuss the recommendations made by other researchers, such as changing or expanding a study, in relation to the proposed study. The depth of the literature review varies; it might include only recent studies and theorists’ works, or it might be extensive and include a description and critical appraisal of many past and current studies and an in-depth discussion of theorists’ works. The literature review might be presented in a narrative format or in a pinch table that summarizes relevant studies (see Chapter 6 ) ( Pinch, 1995 ). The literature review shows that you have a command of the current empirical and theoretical knowledge regarding the proposed problem ( Merrill, 2011 ; Offredy & Vickers, 2010 ). This chapter concludes with a summary. The summary includes a synthesis of the theoretical literature and findings from previous research that describe the current knowledge of a problem ( Merrill, 2011 ). Gaps in the knowledge base are also identified, with a description of how the proposed study is expected to contribute to the nursing knowledge needed for evidence-based practice. Framework A framework provides the basis for generating and refining the research problem and purpose and linking them to the relevant theoretical knowledge in nursing or related fields. The framework includes concepts and relationships among concepts or propositions, which are sometimes represented in a model or a map (see Chapter 7 ). Middle-range theories from nursing and other disciplines are frequently used as frameworks for quantitative studies, and the proposition or propositions to be tested from the theory need to be identified ( Smith & Liehr, 2008 ). The framework needs to include the concepts to be examined in the study, their definitions, and their link to the study variables (see Table 28-1 ). If you use another theorist’s or researcher’s model from a journal article or book, letters documenting permission to use this model from the publisher and the theorist or researcher need to be included in your proposal appendices. In some studies, research objectives, questions, or hypotheses are developed to direct the study (see Chapter 8 ). The objectives, questions, or hypotheses evolve from the research purpose and study framework, in particular the proposition to be tested, and identify the study variables. The variables are conceptually defined to show the link to the framework, and they are operationally defined to describe the procedures for manipulating or measuring the study variables. You also will need to define any relevant terms and to identify assumptions that provide a basis for your study. Methods and Procedures The researcher describes the design or general strategy for conducting the study, sometimes including a diagram of the design (see Chapter 11 ). Designs for descriptive and correlational studies are flexible and can be unique to the study being conducted ( Kerlinger & Lee, 2000 ). Because of this uniqueness, the descriptions need to include the design’s strengths and weaknesses. Presenting designs for quasi-experimental and experimental studies involves (1) describing how the research situation will be structured; (2) detailing the treatment to be implemented ( Chlan, Guttormson, & Savik, 2011 ); (3) explaining how the effect of the treatment will be measured; (4) specifying the variables to be controlled and the methods for controlling them; (5) identifying uncontrolled extraneous variables and determining their impact on the findings; (6) describing the methods for assigning subjects to the treatment group, comparison or control group, or placebo group; and (7) exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the design ( Shadish, Cook, & Campbell, 2002 ). The design needs to account for all the objectives, questions, or hypotheses identified in the proposal. If a pilot study is planned, the design should include the procedure for conducting the pilot and for incorporating the results into the proposed study (see Table 28-1 ). Your proposal should identify the target population to which your study findings will be generalized and the accessible population from which the sample will be selected. You need to outline the inclusion and exclusion criteria you will use to select a study participant or subject and present the rationale for these sample criteria. For example, a participant might be selected according to the following sample criteria: female, age 18 to 60 years, hospitalized, and 1 day status post abdominal surgery. The rationale for these criteria might be that the researcher wants to examine the effects of a selected pain management intervention on women who have recently undergone hospitalization and abdominal surgery. The sampling method and the approximate sample size are discussed in terms of their adequacy and limitations in investigating the research purpose ( Thompson, 2002 ). A power analysis usually is conducted to determine an adequate sample size to identify significant relationships and differences in studies (see Chapter 15 ) ( Aberson, 2010 ). A proposal includes a description of the proposed study setting, which frequently includes the name of the agency and the structure of the units or sites where the study is to be conducted. The specific setting is often identified in the proposal but not in the final research report. The agency you select should have the potential to generate the type and size of sample required for the study. Your proposal might include the number of individuals who meet the sample criteria and are cared for by the agency in a given time period. In addition, the structure and activities in the agency need to be able to accommodate the proposed design of the study. If you are not affiliated with this agency, it would be helpful if you had a letter of support for your study from the agency. Ethical considerations in a proposal include the rights of the subjects and the rights of the agency where the study is to be conducted. Describe how you plan to protect subjects’ rights as well as the risks and potential benefits of your study. Also, address the steps you will take to reduce any risks that the study might present. Many agencies require a written consent form, and that form is often included in the appendices of the proposal. With the implementation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), healthcare agencies and providers must have a signed authorization form from patients to release their health information for research. You must also address the risks and potential benefits of the study for the institution ( Martin & Fleming, 2010 ; Offredy & Vickers, 2010 ). If your study places the agency at risk, outline the steps you will take to reduce or eliminate these risks. It is also necessary for you to state that the proposal will be reviewed by the thesis or dissertation committee, university IRB, and agency IRB. Some quantitative studies are focused on testing the effectiveness of an intervention, such as quasi-experimental studies or randomized controlled trials. In these types of studies, the elements of the intervention and the process for implementing the intervention must be detailed ( Bulecheck, Butcher, & Dochterman, 2008 ). You need to develop a protocol that details the elements of the intervention and the process for implementing them (see Chapter 14 and the example quasi-experimental study proposal at the end of this chapter). Intervention fidelity needs to be ensured during a study so that the intervention is consistently implemented to designated study participants ( Chlan et al., 2011 ; Santacroce, Maccarelli, & Grey, 2004 ). Describe the methods you will use to measure study variables, including each instrument’s reliability, validity, methods of scoring, and level of measurement (see Chapter 16 ). A plan for examining the reliability and validity of the instruments in the present study needs to be addressed. If an instrument has no reported reliability and validity, you may need to conduct a pilot study to examine these qualities. If the intent of the proposed study is to develop an instrument, describe the process of instrument development ( Waltz, Strickland, & Lenz, 2010 ). If physiological measures are used, address the accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, and error rate of the instrument ( Ryan-Wenger, 2010 ). A copy of the interview questions, questionnaires, scales, physiological measures, or other tools to be used in the study is usually included in the proposal appendices (see Chapter 17 ). You must obtain permission from the authors to use copyrighted instruments, and letters documenting that permission has been obtained must be included in the proposal appendices. The data collection plan clarifies what data are to be collected and the process for collecting the data. In this plan you will identify the data collectors, describe the data collection procedures, and present a schedule for data collection activities. If more than one person will be involved in data collection, it is important to describe methods used to train your data collectors to ensure consistency. The method of recording data is often described, and sample data recording sheets are placed in the proposal appendices. Also, discuss any special equipment you will use or develop to collect data for the study, and address data security, including the methods of data storage (see Chapter 20 ). The plan for data analysis identifies the analysis techniques that will be used to summarize the demographic data and answer the research objectives, questions, or hypotheses. The analysis section is best organized by the study objectives, questions, or hypotheses. The analysis techniques identified need to be appropriate for the type of data collected ( Grove, 2007 ). For example, if an associative hypothesis is developed, correlational analysis is planned. If a researcher plans to determine differences among groups, the analysis techniques might include a t -test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) ( Munro, 2005 ). A level of significance (α = 0.05, 0.01, or 0.001) is also identified (see Chapters 21 through 25 ). Often, a researcher projects the type of results that will be generated from data analysis. Dummy tables, graphs, and charts can be developed to present these results and are included in the proposal appendices if required by the guidelines. The researcher might project possible findings for a study and indicate what support or nonsupport of a proposed hypothesis would mean in light of the study framework and previous research findings. The methods and procedures chapter of a proposal usually concludes with a discussion of the study’s limitations and a plan for communication of the findings. Both methodological and theoretical limitations are addressed. Methodological limitations might include areas of weakness in the design, sampling method, sample size, measurement tools, data collection procedures, or data analysis techniques; theoretical limitations set boundaries for the generalization of study findings. The accuracy with which the conceptual definitions and relational statements in a theory reflect reality has a direct impact on the generalization of study findings. Theory that has withstood frequent testing through research provides a stronger framework for the interpretation and generalization of findings. A plan is included for communicating the research through presentations to audiences of nurses, other health professionals, policy makers, and healthcare consumers and publication (see Chapter 27 ). A budget and timetable are frequently included in the proposal appendices. The budget projects the expenses for the study, which might include the cost for data collection tools and procedures; special equipment; consultants for data analysis; computer time; travel related to data collection and analysis; typing; copying; and developing, presenting, and publishing the final report. Study budgets requesting external funding for researchers’ time include investigators’ salaries and secretarial costs. You need a timetable to direct the steps of your research project and increase the chance that you will complete the project on schedule. A timetable identifies the tasks to be done, who will accomplish these tasks, and when these tasks will be completed. An example proposal for a quasi-experimental study is presented at the end of this chapter to guide you in developing your study proposal. Content of a Qualitative Research Proposal Qualitative research proposal guidelines are unique for the development of knowledge and theories using various qualitative research methods. A qualitative proposal usually includes the following content areas: (1) introduction; (2) research philosophy and general method; (3) applied method of inquiry; and (4) current knowledge, limitations, and plans for communication of the study findings ( Marshall & Rossman, 2011 ; Munhall, 2012 ; Patton, 2002 ; Sandelowski, Davis, & Harris, 1989 ). Guidelines are presented in Table 28-2 to assist you in developing a qualitative research proposal. TABLE 28-2 Qualitative Research Proposal Guidelines for Students Chapter I Introduction   A. Identify the phenomenon to be studied   B. Identify the study purpose or aim and its significance   C. State the study questions or objectives   D. Describe the evolution of the study    1. Provide a rationale for conducting study    2. Place the study in context historically    3. Discuss the researcher’s experience with phenomenon    4. Discuss the relevance of the study to nursing Chapter II Philosophical and Conceptual Foundation and General Method for the Proposed Study   A. Identify the type of qualitative research (phenomenological research, grounded theory research, ethnographic research, exploratory-descriptive qualitative research, and historical research) to be conducted   B. Describe the philosophical and theoretical basis for the research method   C. Explain the research assumptions   D. Discuss the general steps, procedures, and outcomes for this method   E. Translation of concepts or terms Chapter III Method of Inquiry   A. Demonstrate the researcher’s credentials for conducting this qualitative study   B. Select a site and population   C. Describe the plan for the researcher’s role in the following    1. Entry into the site and approval to collect data    2. Selection of study participants    3. Ethical considerations   D. Describe the plan for data collection    1. Data to be collected    2. Procedures for data collection    3. Procedures for recording data during data collection   E. Describe the plan for data analysis conducted with data collection    1. Steps for coding information    2. Use of specific data analysis procedures advanced in the specific research method (phenomenology research, grounded theory research, ethnography research, exploratory-descriptive qualitative research, and historical research)    3. Steps to be taken to verify the information Chapter IV Current Knowledge, Limitations, and Plans for Communication of the Study A. Summarize and reference relevant literature as appropriate for the type of qualitative study B. Disclose anticipated findings, hypotheses, and hunches C. Discuss procedures to remain open to unexpected information D. Discuss limitations of the study E. Identify plans for communication of findings ( Marshall & Rossman, 2011 ; Munhall, 2012 ) References Include references cited in the proposal and follow APA (2010) format Appendices Present the study budget and timetable Introduction The introduction usually provides a general background for the proposed study by identifying the phenomenon, clinical problem, issue, or situation to be investigated and linking it to nursing knowledge. The general aim or purpose of the study is identified and provides the focus for the qualitative study to be conducted. The study purpose might be followed by research questions that direct the investigation ( Munhall, 2012 ; Offredy & Vickers, 2010 ). For example, a possible aim or purpose for an ethnographic study might be to “describe the coping processes of Mexican American adults with type 2 diabetes receiving care in a federally funded clinic.” The research questions might focus on the influences of real-world problems, cultural elements, and the clinic environment on the coping processes of these adults. Thus, the study questions might include any of the following: How do Mexican American adults respond to a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes? What is the impact of type 2 diabetes on Mexican American adults and their families over time? What community, clinic, and family types of support exist for Mexican American adults with type 2 diabetes? What does it mean to Mexican American adults to have their diabetes under control? The introduction also includes the evolution of the study and its significance to nursing practice, patients, the healthcare system, and health policy. The discussion of the evolution of the study often includes how the problem developed (historical context), who or what is affected by the problem, and the researcher’s experience with the problem (experiential context). Whenever possible, the significance and evolution of the study purpose needs to be documented from the literature ( Munhall, 2012 ). The significance of a study may include the number of people affected, how this phenomenon affects health and quality of life, and the consequences of not understanding this phenomenon. Marshall and Rossman (2011) identified the following questions to assess the significance of a study: (1) Who has an interest in this domain of inquiry? (2) What do we already know about the topic? (3) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (4) How will this research add to knowledge, practice, and policy in this area? The introduction section concludes with an overview of the remaining sections that are covered in the proposal. Philosophical and Conceptual Foundation and General Methods for the Proposed Study This section introduces the philosophical and conceptual foundation for the qualitative research method (phenomenological research, ethnographic research, grounded theory research, exploratory-descriptive qualitative research, or historical research) selected for the proposed study. The researcher provides a rationale for the qualitative method selected and discusses its ability to generate the knowledge needed in nursing (see Table 28-1 ). The investigator introduces the philosophy, essential elements of the philosophy, and the assumptions for the specific type of qualitative research to be conducted. The philosophy varies for the different types of qualitative research and guides the conduct of the study. For example, a proposal for a phenomenological study might indicate the purpose of the study is to understand the experience of young and middle-aged women receiving news about a family BRCA 1/2 genetic mutation. “The specific study aims are to (a) describe the experiences of women learning about a family BRCA 1/2 mutation, (b) describe the meaning of genetic risk to female biologic relatives of BRCA 1/2 mutation carriers, and (3) gain an understanding of practical knowledge used in living with risk” ( Crotser & Dickerson, 2010 , p. 367). Genetic testing has determined that 5% to 10% of breast cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations such as BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 . “Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology was selected to guide this study.… By listening to the stories of women who lived the experience, HCPs [healthcare providers] will understand the meaning of living with risk through the language used to express their life view ( Heidegger, 1975 )” ( Crotser & Dickerson, 2010 , p. 358). Assumptions about the nature of the knowledge and the reality that underlie the type of qualitative research to be conducted are also identified. The assumptions and philosophy provide a theoretical perspective for the study that influences the focus of the study, data collection and analysis, and articulation of the findings. Method of Inquiry Developing and implementing the methodology of qualitative research require an expertise that some believe can be obtained only through a mentorship relationship with an experienced qualitative researcher. The role of the researcher and the intricate techniques of data collection and analysis are thought to be best communicated through a one-to-one relationship. Thus, planning the methods of a qualitative study requires knowledge of relevant sources that describe the different qualitative research techniques and procedures ( Marshall & Rossman, 2011 ; Miles & Huberman, 1994 ; Munhall, 2012 ; Patton, 2002 ), in addition to requiring interaction with a qualitative researcher. The proposal needs to reflect the researcher’s credentials for conducting the particular type of qualitative study proposed (see Chapter 12 for details on qualitative research methods). Identifying the methods for conducting a qualitative study is a difficult task because sometimes the specifics of the study design emerge during the study. In contrast to quantitative research, in which the design is a fixed blueprint for a study, the design in qualitative research emerges or evolves as the study is conducted. You must document the logic and appropriateness of the qualitative method and develop a tentative plan for conducting your study. Because this plan is tentative, researchers reserve the right to modify or change the plan as needed during the conduct of the study ( Sandelowski et al., 1989 ). However, the design or plan must be (1) consistent with the philosophical approach, study purpose, and specific research aims or questions; (2) be well conceived; and (3) address prior criticism, as appropriate ( Fawcett & Garity, 2009 ). The tentative plan describes the process for selecting a site and population and the initial steps taken to gain access to the site. Having access to the site includes establishing relationships that facilitate recruitment of the participants necessary to address the research purpose and answer the research questions. For the research question, “How do Mexican American adults cope with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes while receiving care in federally funded clinics?” the participants might be identified in a specific clinic or by contacting particular healthcare providers. Although initial contact might be made through a clinic, the interviews and observations might occur in the community, at family gatherings, or in the participants’ homes. The researcher must gain entry into the setting, develop a rapport with the participants that will facilitate the detailed data collection process, and protect the rights of the participants ( Marshall & Rossman, 2011 ; Sandelowski et al., 1989 ). You need to address the following questions in describing the researcher’s role: (1) What is the best setting for the study? (2) How will I ease my entry into the research site? (3) How will I gain access to the participants? (4) What actions will I take to encourage the participants to cooperate? (5) What precautions will I take to protect the rights of the participants and to prevent the setting and the participants from being harmed? You need to describe the process you will follow to obtain informed consent and the actions you will take to decrease study risks. The sensitive nature of some qualitative studies increases the risk for participants, which makes ethical concerns and decisions a major focus of the proposal ( Munhall, 2012 ; Patton, 2002 ). The primary data collection techniques used in qualitative research are observation and in-depth interviewing. Observations can range from highly detailed, structured notations of behaviors to ambiguous descriptions of behaviors or events. The interview can range from structured, closed-ended questions to unstructured, open-ended questions ( Marshall & Rossman, 2011 ; Munhall, 2012 ). You need to address the following questions when describing the proposed data collection process: (1) What data will be collected? For example, will the data be field notes from memory, audio recordings of interviews, transcripts of conversations, DVDs of events, or examination of existing documents? (2) What techniques or procedures will the research team use to collect the data? For example, if interviews are to be conducted, will a list of the proposed questions be included in the appendix? (3) Who will collect data and provide any training required for the data collectors? (4) Where will sources of data be located? In historical research, data are collected through an exhaustive review of published and unpublished literature. (5) How will the data be recorded and stored? The methods section also needs to address how you will document the research process. For example, you might keep a research journal or diary during the course of the study. These notes can document the day-to-day activities, methodological events, decision-making procedures, and personal notes about the informants. This information becomes part of the audit trail that you can provide to ensure the quality of the study ( Miles & Huberman, 1994 ; Munhall, 2012 ; Patton, 2002 ). The methods section of the proposal also includes the analysis techniques and the steps for conducting these techniques. In qualitative research, data collection and analysis often occur simultaneously. The data are usually in the form of notes, digital files, audio recordings, DVDs, and other material obtained from observation, interviews, and completing questionnaires. Through qualitative analysis techniques, these data are organized to promote understanding and determine meaning (see Chapter 12 ) ( Patton, 2002 ). Researchers also need to identify software programs they plan to use for data analysis. Current Knowledge Base, Limitations, and Plans for Communication of the Study This section of the proposal summarizes and documents all relevant literature that was reviewed for the study. Similar to quantitative research, qualitative studies require a literature review to provide a basis for the study purpose and to clarify how this study will expand nursing knowledge ( Marshall & Rossman, 2011 ; Munhall, 2012 ). This initial literature review is often conducted to establish the significance of the study and to develop research questions to guide the study. In phenomenological and grounded theory research, an additional literature review is usually conducted toward the end of the research project. The findings from a phenomenological study are compared and combined with findings from the literature to contribute to the current knowledge of the phenomenon. In grounded theory research, the literature is used to explain, support, and extend the theory generated in the study ( Glaser & Strauss, 1965 ). In all types of qualitative studies, the findings obtained are examined in light of the existing literature (see Chapter 4 ). You need to describe how the literature reviewed has influenced your proposed research methods. Biases and previous experience with the research problem need to be addressed, as does their potential impact on the proposed study. Often, anticipated findings, hypotheses, and hunches are identified before the study is conducted, followed by a discussion of the procedures that might be used to remain open to new information. You will also need to address the limitations of your proposed study in the context of limitations of similar studies. Conclude your proposal by describing how you plan to communicate your findings to various audiences through presentations and publications. Often, a realistic budget and timetable are provided in the appendix. A qualitative study budget is similar to a quantitative study budget and includes costs for data collection tools, software, and recording devices; consultants for data analysis; travel related to data collection and analysis; transcription of recordings; copying related to data collection and analysis; and developing, presenting, and publishing the final report. However, one of the greatest expenditures in qualitative research is the researcher’s time. Develop a timetable to project how long the study will take; often a period of 2 years or more is designated for data collection and analysis ( Marshall & Rossman, 2011 ; Munhall, 2012 ; Patton, 2002 ). You can use your budget and timetable to make decisions regarding the need for funding. Excellent websites have been developed to assist novice researchers in identifying an idea for qualitative study and developing a qualitative research proposal and reports (see www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/qualres.html ). The Office of Behavior and Social Sciences Research within the National Institutes of Health has a website to assist researchers in developing qualitative and quantitative research proposals for funding ( http://grants.nih.gov/grants/writing_application.htm ). You can use these websites and other publications to promote the quality of your qualitative research proposal. The quality of a proposal is based on the potential scientific contribution of the research to nursing knowledge; the research philosophy guiding the study; the research methods; and the knowledge, skills, and resources available to the investigators ( Marshall & Rossman, 2011 ; Munhall, 2012 ; Patton, 2002 ).

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• Indian J Anaesth
• v.60(9); 2016 Sep

How to write a research proposal?

Department of Anaesthesiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Devika Rani Duggappa

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or ‘blueprint’ for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

INTRODUCTION

A clean, well-thought-out proposal forms the backbone for the research itself and hence becomes the most important step in the process of conduct of research.[ 1 ] The objective of preparing a research proposal would be to obtain approvals from various committees including ethics committee [details under ‘Research methodology II’ section [ Table 1 ] in this issue of IJA) and to request for grants. However, there are very few universally accepted guidelines for preparation of a good quality research proposal. A search was performed with keywords such as research proposal, funding, qualitative and writing proposals using search engines, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Five ‘C’s while writing a literature review

BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer.[ 2 ] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.[ 3 ] Four categories of audience with different expectations may be present in the evaluation committees, namely academic colleagues, policy-makers, practitioners and lay audiences who evaluate the research proposal. Tips for preparation of a good research proposal include; ‘be practical, be persuasive, make broader links, aim for crystal clarity and plan before you write’. A researcher must be balanced, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Being persuasive implies that researcher must be able to convince other researchers, research funding agencies, educational institutions and supervisors that the research is worth getting approval. The aim of the researcher should be clearly stated in simple language that describes the research in a way that non-specialists can comprehend, without use of jargons. The proposal must not only demonstrate that it is based on an intelligent understanding of the existing literature but also show that the writer has thought about the time needed to conduct each stage of the research.[ 4 , 5 ]

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The contents or formats of a research proposal vary depending on the requirements of evaluation committee and are generally provided by the evaluation committee or the institution.

In general, a cover page should contain the (i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and lines for signatures of investigators.

The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings: (i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations.[ 4 ]

Introduction

It is also sometimes termed as ‘need for study’ or ‘abstract’. Introduction is an initial pitch of an idea; it sets the scene and puts the research in context.[ 6 ] The introduction should be designed to create interest in the reader about the topic and proposal. It should convey to the reader, what you want to do, what necessitates the study and your passion for the topic.[ 7 ] Some questions that can be used to assess the significance of the study are: (i) Who has an interest in the domain of inquiry? (ii) What do we already know about the topic? (iii) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (iv) How will this research add to knowledge, practice and policy in this area? Some of the evaluation committees, expect the last two questions, elaborated under a separate heading of ‘background and significance’.[ 8 ] Introduction should also contain the hypothesis behind the research design. If hypothesis cannot be constructed, the line of inquiry to be used in the research must be indicated.

Review of literature

It refers to all sources of scientific evidence pertaining to the topic in interest. In the present era of digitalisation and easy accessibility, there is an enormous amount of relevant data available, making it a challenge for the researcher to include all of it in his/her review.[ 9 ] It is crucial to structure this section intelligently so that the reader can grasp the argument related to your study in relation to that of other researchers, while still demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. It is preferable to summarise each article in a paragraph, highlighting the details pertinent to the topic of interest. The progression of review can move from the more general to the more focused studies, or a historical progression can be used to develop the story, without making it exhaustive.[ 1 ] Literature should include supporting data, disagreements and controversies. Five ‘C's may be kept in mind while writing a literature review[ 10 ] [ Table 1 ].

Aims and objectives

The research purpose (or goal or aim) gives a broad indication of what the researcher wishes to achieve in the research. The hypothesis to be tested can be the aim of the study. The objectives related to parameters or tools used to achieve the aim are generally categorised as primary and secondary objectives.

Research design and method

The objective here is to convince the reader that the overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the research problem and to impress upon the reader that the methodology/sources chosen are appropriate for the specific topic. It should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

In this section, the methods and sources used to conduct the research must be discussed, including specific references to sites, databases, key texts or authors that will be indispensable to the project. There should be specific mention about the methodological approaches to be undertaken to gather information, about the techniques to be used to analyse it and about the tests of external validity to which researcher is committed.[ 10 , 11 ]

The components of this section include the following:[ 4 ]

Population and sample

Population refers to all the elements (individuals, objects or substances) that meet certain criteria for inclusion in a given universe,[ 12 ] and sample refers to subset of population which meets the inclusion criteria for enrolment into the study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined. The details pertaining to sample size are discussed in the article “Sample size calculation: Basic priniciples” published in this issue of IJA.

Data collection

The researcher is expected to give a detailed account of the methodology adopted for collection of data, which include the time frame required for the research. The methodology should be tested for its validity and ensure that, in pursuit of achieving the results, the participant's life is not jeopardised. The author should anticipate and acknowledge any potential barrier and pitfall in carrying out the research design and explain plans to address them, thereby avoiding lacunae due to incomplete data collection. If the researcher is planning to acquire data through interviews or questionnaires, copy of the questions used for the same should be attached as an annexure with the proposal.

Rigor (soundness of the research)

This addresses the strength of the research with respect to its neutrality, consistency and applicability. Rigor must be reflected throughout the proposal.

It refers to the robustness of a research method against bias. The author should convey the measures taken to avoid bias, viz. blinding and randomisation, in an elaborate way, thus ensuring that the result obtained from the adopted method is purely as chance and not influenced by other confounding variables.

Consistency

Consistency considers whether the findings will be consistent if the inquiry was replicated with the same participants and in a similar context. This can be achieved by adopting standard and universally accepted methods and scales.

Applicability

Applicability refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied to different contexts and groups.[ 13 ]

Data analysis

This section deals with the reduction and reconstruction of data and its analysis including sample size calculation. The researcher is expected to explain the steps adopted for coding and sorting the data obtained. Various tests to be used to analyse the data for its robustness, significance should be clearly stated. Author should also mention the names of statistician and suitable software which will be used in due course of data analysis and their contribution to data analysis and sample calculation.[ 9 ]

Ethical considerations

Medical research introduces special moral and ethical problems that are not usually encountered by other researchers during data collection, and hence, the researcher should take special care in ensuring that ethical standards are met. Ethical considerations refer to the protection of the participants' rights (right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to autonomy and confidentiality, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm), obtaining informed consent and the institutional review process (ethical approval). The researcher needs to provide adequate information on each of these aspects.

Informed consent needs to be obtained from the participants (details discussed in further chapters), as well as the research site and the relevant authorities.

When the researcher prepares a research budget, he/she should predict and cost all aspects of the research and then add an additional allowance for unpredictable disasters, delays and rising costs. All items in the budget should be justified.

Appendices are documents that support the proposal and application. The appendices will be specific for each proposal but documents that are usually required include informed consent form, supporting documents, questionnaires, measurement tools and patient information of the study in layman's language.

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used in composing your proposal. Although the words ‘references and bibliography’ are different, they are used interchangeably. It refers to all references cited in the research proposal.

Successful, qualitative research proposals should communicate the researcher's knowledge of the field and method and convey the emergent nature of the qualitative design. The proposal should follow a discernible logic from the introduction to presentation of the appendices.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

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.

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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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A guide to writing grant proposals for nursing research

Affiliations.

• 1 Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
• 2 College of Nursing & Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
• PMID: 33974286
• DOI: 10.1002/nur.22137

Publication types

• Guidelines as Topic*
• Nursing Research / standards*
• Research Design*
• Writing / standards*

Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

What is a nursing research paper.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

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

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

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

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

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

Example Research Project Scenario:

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

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

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

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

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

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

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

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

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

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

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

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

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

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

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

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

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

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

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

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

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NURS 3750 - Nursing Honors Project: Research Proposals

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Nursing Research Proposals

What is a Research Proposal? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

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

Carrie Forbes, MLS

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• Last Updated: Jan 12, 2024 10:05 AM
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Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

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How to Write a Research Proposal

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

Examples of Research Proposals

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

Writing a Research Proposal

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Nursing research proposal: writing guide.

There are a few key points to remember when writing a nursing research proposal. First and foremost, your proposal must be clear and concise. You must first identify the problem or question you wish to investigate and the purpose of your research.

It is also essential to explain how your research will help solve the problem or answer the question. You must also describe the methods you will use to collect and analyze data. You may feel overwhelmed if you are tasked with writing a nursing research proposal. But don’t worry; we are here to help you!

What is a nursing research proposal?

A nursing research proposal is a written plan for a research project that will be done by a nurse or a team of nurses.

Nursing research proposal: writing guide

Here are some guidelines to help you draft a nursing research proposal:

• Identify the research question

Start by stating the research question that your proposal will attempt to answer. This query should be precise, understandable, and pertinent to the nursing industry. Also, it must be subject to research and have empirical questions that may be answered.

• Review the literature

Perform a thorough analysis of the knowledge already published on the subject. You can use this to find research gaps and develop a solid argument for your proposed study.

• Create a research design

Decide which research design is best for your project. Your study question and the kind of data you intend to gather will determine this. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and qualitative research are standard study designs in nursing.

• Define the sample

You intend to recruit for your study by defining the sample of people. This should include information about the inclusion and exclusion criteria, recruitment procedures , and sample size.

• Outline the data collection methods

Explain the techniques you plan to employ to collect data in your outline of the data collection procedures. Surveys, interviews, observations, and evaluations of medical records may all fall under this category. Be sure to clarify the rationale behind your method selection and how it relates to your research topic.

• Plan the data analysis

Prepare your data analysis strategy by outlining how to examine the information you get. This should cover the statistical techniques you’ll employ and any tools or software you intend to use for data analysis.

• Consider ethical issues

Consider moral concerns; specify how you’ll approach them in your research. This should involve acquiring participants’ consent after providing information, safeguarding their privacy and confidentiality, and ensuring the study won’t hurt them.

• Develop a budget

Create a budget by estimating your study’s costs, including those for staff, equipment, and other expenses. Make sure to take into account any potential funding sources.

• Write the proposal

Once the stages mentioned above have been finished, draft the proposal. Ensure your proposal complies with the requirements of the funding agency or organization by adhering to their guidelines.

• Revise and refine

After finishing your initial draft, revise and improve your proposal. To do this, ask your coworkers or mentors for input, then make the necessary adjustments in response to their advice.

Components of nursing research proposal

A nursing research proposal usually has a few essential parts that help outline the proposed research study. These parts may be different depending on what the research proposal needs. Here are some of the most common components of the nursing research proposal you will find:

A concise and descriptive title that communicates the study’s subject effectively.

A concise overview of the proposed research, including the research topic, methods, and anticipated results.

• Introduction

A brief review of the research issue and background information that explains why the proposed study is necessary.

• Literature review

 A thorough examination of current literature relevant to the research issue, including theories and research findings utilized to inform the study.

• Research question/hypothesis

A clear statement of the research issue or hypothesis driving the investigation is required.

• Methodology

 A description of the research strategy, data gathering, and analysis procedures, including sample size, recruiting process, data collection tools, and statistical analysis plan.

 Examining the ethical issues raised by the planned research, such as informed permission, privacy, confidentiality, and potential dangers or benefits.

A proposal for the research study’s timeframe, including significant milestones and deadlines.

A breakdown of the research study’s expected costs, including staff, equipment, and other expenses.

A list of sources used in the proposal, such as academic articles, books, and other materials.

Nursing research proposal ideas

Here are some nursing research proposal ideas:

• The effects of mindfulness-based therapies on nurses’ levels of anxiety, stress, and depression
• The impact of technology-based interventions on nursing care outcomes for patients
• In acute care settings, examining the connection between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes
• The application of non-pharmacological pain treatment techniques to hospitalized patients
• The success of patient-centered care in enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction in primary care settings
• The incidence and effects of compassion fatigue in nursing staff working in critical care environments
• The application of telehealth to increase underserved communities’ access to healthcare
• The efficiency of nurse-led discharge planning in lowering readmissions to hospitals
• How a patient’s family can help improve their care at the end of life
• The effects of a stress-reduction program based on mindfulness on how stressed and burned-out nurses feel
• Exploring how music therapy can be used to help kids with pain and anxiety
• How training in cultural competence helps nurses take better care of LGBTQ+ patients
• Studying the link between the number of nurses on staff and how safe patients are in long-term care facilities
• Finding out what it’s like for nurses to care for people with dementia in acute care settings
• How a nutrition program led by a nurse helps patients who are malnourished get better
• Finding out how well nurse-led programs help people stop smoking work in primary care settings
• Finding out if preoperative education helps patients feel less anxious before surgery
• How well do nurse-led interventions help people with long-term conditions take their medicines as prescribed

How to write a problem statement nursing

Are you wondering how to write a problem statement nursing, follow these steps:

• Determine the issue

Choose the issue you wish to address first. This may be a problem with patient care, staff education, communication, or any other nursing-related component.

• Identify the issue

 Clearly state the issue and how it affects nursing practice or patient outcomes. Provide clear evidence or information to back up your claims.

• Describe the problem

Determine the problem’s extent by identifying the impacted patients or nursing staff and the environment in which the issue occurs.

• Find the root causes

Determine the root causes of the issue. This may involve problems with personnel, instruction, coordination, or policies and procedures.

• Discuss possible answers

 Finally, talk about possible fixes for the issue. This could involve adjusting the policies and processes, educating or training the staff, or making other interventions.

• Provide proof

Use data, statistics, or research studies to support your problem statement. This will help to strengthen and strengthen your argument.

• Determine the significance of the problem

 Discuss why the issue is important and how it affects patient care or nursing practice. This will help to highlight the importance of finding a solution.

• Discuss the feasibility of the proposed solution

Include the resources needed, the likelihood of success, and potential risks or challenges. This will assist in ensuring that the proposed solution is feasible and achievable.

• Identify potential ethical considerations

Identify potential ethical considerations for the problem and the proposed solution, such as patient autonomy, confidentiality, and informed consent. This will ensure the proposed solution is honest and adheres to professional nursing standards.

Public health research proposal

A public health research proposal describes a research effort focusing on enhancing the health of a particular group or community. A proposal typically includes a problem statement, potential research questions or hypotheses, literature evaluation, research methodology and data collection procedures, timeline, and budget.

Ideas for public health research may focus on expanding access to healthcare, analyzing the origins and risk factors of a health problem, or assessing a public health program or solution. The proposal should strongly argue why the research is essential and clearly outline the project’s aims, methodologies, and anticipated results.

How to write a problem statement for a research proposal

A problem statement concisely describes the issue or gap you want to address in your nursing research proposal. It should clearly state the problem and its significance and explain why conducting research on this topic is essential.

Here are some steps to help you how to write a problem statement for a research proposal:

• Identify the problem

The first step in drafting a problem statement is identifying the problem. This could be a research gap or an issue in your field that needs to be addressed.

• Present the research question

When you’ve described the problem, state the research question you’d like to solve. This should be a clear and straightforward statement explaining your research topic.

• Describe the importance of the study

Finally, explain why conducting a study on this topic is critical. What are the possible outcomes of your research? What impact will your results have on the field?

• Make it clear

 Your problem statement needs to be precise and narrowly targeted. Steer clear of ideas that are too general or vague to give your research a clear direction.

• Use data and evidence

 It’s crucial to use data and evidence showing how severe and essential the issue is to support your claim. You can use data, research studies, or examples from your area of expertise to keep your argument.

• Think about your audience

Consider who will read your research proposal and adjust the problem statement accordingly. You should emphasize the importance of the issue and its potential impact on society.

• Keep it brief

 Your problem statement must be clear and to the point but must also include enough detail and context. Refrain from confusing your readers with unnecessary technical terms or jargon in your writing.

• Link the problem to current literature

It’s crucial to demonstrate that you are aware of existing research on the topic and to tie your problem statement to this literature. This shows that your research builds on current knowledge and fills a field gap.

• Provide a solution

Finally, propose a solution or hypothesis you intend to investigate further through your research. This is not a definitive answer but a suggestion for approaching the problem.

• Be realistic

Check to see if your research question(s) are realistic and achievable within the time frame and resources you have available. Set realistic expectations and only attempt to solve a problem that is narrow enough for your research project.

Writing a nursing research proposal might seem complicated, but remember; it is only a starting point. Its goal is to convince your audience that your research is essential. You can write a persuasive research proposal that will help you get the approval you need by following the advice in this blog.

Consider working with our nursing research proposal experts at onlinenursingexams.com if you find the entire process challenging or time-consuming. We’re available to help you with your writing. You can also get a nursing research proposal sample upon request.

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NUR 401: Introduction to Nursing Research

Creating a research plan.

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

Sample Research Plan

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

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

How a Research Plan Helps You Search for Sources

Why use a research plan.

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

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

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

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

Creating a Research Plan can help you avoid these problems

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

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

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

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

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

Directions:

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

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

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• Last Updated: Feb 9, 2024 11:35 AM
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How nursing research informs nursing practice

Research can help improve patients’ outcomes as well as nurses’ professional lives, National Institute of Nursing Research director says at UND

Last Friday, a high-profile member of the nursing profession visited the UND College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines. The visitor was Shannon Zenk, director of the National Institute of Nursing Research, a part of the National Institutes of Health that conducts research and establishes a scientific basis for evolving nursing practices.

During a 45-minute fireside chat with CNPD Dean Maridee Shogren , Zenk shared her insights with the nearly 250 students in attendance. She emphasized the importance of the symbiotic relationship between nursing practice and research.

“They need to be interconnected. One informs the other,” Zenk said. “What we see in our practice informs the types of research questions we ask, and it’s really important that we take the evidence generated from research and apply it to our practice. There’s a continuum, and nurses are involved in the whole process.”

Zenk developed an interest in research after transitioning from the more traditional surgical-medical setting to one focusing on homecare. As she visited patients in their homes and interacted more directly with communities, she began to recognize common problems faced by populations with higher rates of illness — and this led to a growing interest in research.

“I was really struck by the differences in the resources people have, the differences in the communities and the implications that those factors had for people’s health,” Zenk said.

Early on in their conversation, Shogren asked Zenk what she believes to be the most urgent struggles faced in healthcare. Zenk replied that research increasingly shows a need to address gaps in health outcomes based on socioeconomic and racial differences.

“These disparities are among the biggest challenges we face, and we cannot address those challenges unless we take a big-picture approach to understanding health detriments and solutions,” Zenk said. “That means we’re looking upstream at the most fundamental drivers of what shapes our health: poverty, race, housing and food access and affordability.”

An increased focus on research regarding “upstream” contributors to overall health will equip healthcare professionals with the tools to address the root causes of illness before they manifest, Zenk said. And nurses, she said are uniquely positioned to help identify and solve these problems.

“The scope of our practice, the depth of our knowledge — from biological to societal — and our focus on individual patients, families and the community makes nursing research distinct,” she said. “Nurses have always had a really holistic perspective on health, and I think social determinants are a part of that.”

This broader approach to looking at community health outcomes has sparked an increased interest in healthcare equity, which Shogren says she’s seen flourishing in UND’s programs.

“We’ve seen a growing number of our students being especially interested in Indigenous health,” Shogren said, referencing the Recruitment & Retention of American Indians into Nursing or RAIN program. “We know that 79 percent of our nursing graduates from that program have gone on to be employees in Indigenous health centers in their home communities.”

In reply, Zenk said that that supporting a more diverse workforce is the next step toward creating a more equitable healthcare system.

“Both practice and research settings require people with diverse perspectives and diverse experiences to come together to really understand what is needed to improve people’s health,” she said. “We want to bring in people who haven’t had as much chance to have a seat at the table and give them opportunities to engage in research.”

Accordingly, Zenk hopes that as the table expands, nurses and nurse researchers will have more opportunities to improve the health of their communities.

“I’m always looking for opportunities to bring the nursing perspective — our voice, our viewpoint — to the table,” she said. “I hope that, as we move forward, we’ll apply our expertise and our experience to make a difference in reducing and eliminating health disparities.”

Following Shogren and Zenk’s discussion, the leaders opened the floor to questions from students and faculty, including questions about how students can get involved with research as undergraduates and how to find internships in the state.

A student looking ahead to graduation in May asked how she could integrate nursing research into her career when she is a practicing nurse.

“Don’t let go of those skills and the motivation you’re acquiring in class to look at and understand the research and literature,” Zenk replied. “I think it’s critically important to stay on top of the evidence and best practices to inform what you’re doing.”

Another student, interested in a research career, asked what being a nurse researcher is like. Zenk replied that while research roles and career paths are varied, the most fulfilling part of her work is the ability to connect with patients and the community.

“The most enjoyable part in my role is getting to talk with people and engage with communities to learn what’s important to them and what they think will work to improve their health,” she said. “Just like in practice, you’re getting to spend time with patients, families and communities. In research, that just looks a little different.”

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Walter Criswell

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Research study participation opportunity for RN-to-BSN students

The School of Nursing has been asked by a graduate student in the School of Education at North Dakota State University to notify RN-to-BSN nursing students at our School of Nursing about an opportunity to participate in a research project. The purpose of the study is to learn about factors that impact nursing student satisfaction in the online learning environment. The researcher is asking for participants to complete an online survey that should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

This study has been approved by the IRB committee at the researcher’s home institution. It is not an expectation that you participate. This is something you can do if you wish.  Faculty at the UW Madison School of Nursing will not know who decides to participate.

If you are interested in participating, the survey is available at this link: https://mayvillestate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_di3p4gnw1S8aTnU

If you have any questions, please contact the study lead researcher – Collette Christoffers at [email protected] .

This post was authored by Linsey Steege on 04/23/2024.