200 Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

The capstone project serves as a bridge between the end of the education program and the beginning of a professional career. The capstone project aims to consolidate theoretical knowledge and practical training and demonstrate the skills that the student has acquired during the program.

A capstone project is similar to a thesis in the sense that it’s a work signifying the completion of education, however, there are many differences between the two. First of all, capstone projects are usually more hands-on, evaluating current theories and seeking solutions to current issues, while theses are more theoretical, incorporating existing knowledge on the topic into original research into a problem. The findings of a capstone project can be presented in a poster format, PowerPoint presentation, or a paper, while a thesis must be handed in as a manuscript, defended before a commission, and, depending on a particular school’s requirements, published in a journal.

Another significant difference is duration, with capstone projects being shorter and only spanning 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the school. Theses, on the other hand, is an ongoing project on which students work throughout their 2 to 3-year programs. Finally, capstone projects can be done in groups, whereas a thesis is a strictly solitary project of an individual paper writer.

A capstone project in nursing should demonstrate your knowledge of the subject, work experience, professional skills, and ability to apply all these to real-world situations. While presenting your capstone project, you must show communication skills, persuasiveness, adherence to time limits, as well as the ability to answer questions and cite your sources.

Common Challenges of Nursing Capstone Projects

Nursing capstone projects have their unique challenges connected with the demands placed on students that aren’t present in other disciplines. Some of the most significant include:

Clinical requirements: nursing capstone projects require clinical hours and practical experience in healthcare settings. Finding suitable placements, meeting necessary requirements, and integrating clinical hours into your student schedule can pose logistical challenges. Eileen Shake and Joanne Lanvin of CUNY School of Professional Studies suggest that educational-practice partnership programs could offer an organized solution to this challenge instead of offloading it all on an individual student working on a capstone project.
Patient confidentiality: nursing students must maintain patient confidentiality, which poses challenges for collecting data and discussing cases within the capstone project.
Ethical dilemmas: navigating ethical dilemmas in healthcare is challenging enough for professionals, but even more so for students who must ensure their projects are ethically sound.
Complexity of healthcare systems: understanding and navigating the complexities of healthcare systems, policies, and procedures is especially challenging for students new to the realities of the profession.
Collaboration: nursing capstone projects often require team collaboration or working with professionals from other disciplines.
Nurse burnout: the demands of the nursing profession paired with the study load and project management can cause burnout in students working on their capstone projects.

Overcoming these challenges might take a little more than careful planning, time management, and all the usual strategies that students in other disciplines employ for coping. Here is what nursing students working on their capstone projects can do to alleviate the stress and overcome the challenges:

Working with supervisors: having access to a qualified capstone adviser or mentor is critically important. Collaborate closely with your capstone adviser or supervisor to address any ethical concerns and navigate complex tasks like choosing research methodology, ensuring you have all necessary permissions for collecting data, etc.
Learning policy analysis: guidance from faculty is crucial to help you learn about healthcare laws and advocacy strategies.
Cultural training: consult experts or take courses/workshops related to cultural competencies you need for sensitively working with your chosen patient demographics.
Documenting experiences: make it a habit of keeping detailed records of your clinical experiences; they will be invaluable when you analyze the data and finalize your project.
Ongoing communication: open lines of communication with experts from other disciplines taking part in your projects; clearly define roles and responsibilities; recognize the expertise of your colleagues from different fields and value their contribution.
Balancing responsibilities: establish clear boundaries between your academic, clinical, and personal life to avoid overloading yourself with commitments. Seek support from friends, family, or counselors to help maintain your well-being; incorporate stress-reduction techniques for keeping a work-life balance.

How to Choose a Topic for a Nursing Capstone Project

When choosing a topic for your nursing capstone project, you should consider your intellectual curiosities and desired nursing specialty, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. It would be best if you also asked faculty, supervisors, preceptors, and peers for guidance to help you narrow down the topic to make it manageable within the scope of a capstone project.

Usually, the proposal questions for your project will follow the PICO format:

Population/patient/problem: define the problem or a group of patients similar to those involved in your research, including specifics like age, gender, medical condition, etc.
Intervention: suggest intervention/prognostic factor/exposure you consider to deal with the problem
Comparison/condition: provide an alternative to compare with your intervention or condition under which it is effective: for example, a different treatment, a placebo, etc.
Outcome: state what you hope to accomplish, improve, affect, or measure; this metric can include any relevant results, for example, patient experiences.

To demonstrate, a PICO question can sound like this: “In older adults (P), does the implementation of regular physical exercise and mobility programs (I), compared to those with no regular exercise (C), reduce the incidents of falls and improve mobility and quality of life (O) in long-term care facilities?”

You should also remember that regardless of the particular topic, your project should meet the capstone course objectives. Dr. Theresa Granger, family nurse practitioner, researcher, and professor, advises to focus on the following:

Identifying a problem related to nursing practice, policy, administration, education, etc.
Research into the problem (literature review)
Critical analysis of existing knowledge on the subject and synthesis with research findings
Discussion of implications
Recommendations for evidence-based practice
Professional collaboration and communication with the community
Application of nursing processes (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation)
Compliance with the nursing code of ethics

Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

Nursing capstone projects encompass a wide range of medical specialties and areas of inquiry. Each such project is usually tailored to the specific interests and career goals of an individual nursing student. However, they can be thematically grouped into the following categories:

Mental health and psychiatric nursing

These topics allow students to engage with various aspects of mental health and psychiatric nursing, from assessing interventions to reducing stigma to promoting mental health in different settings. You can choose projects that align with your interests and desired areas of impact within the field:

Evaluate the effectiveness of remote healthcare in delivering mental health services, especially in underserved or rural areas.
Develop and implement a stigma reduction program targeting a specific population, for example, teenagers, veterans, or the elderly.
Study the effectiveness of Mental Health First Aid training in improving mental health literacy and crisis response among community members.
Conduct a study to assess the outcomes of group therapy as an intervention for individuals with depression.
Examine the benefits and challenges of integrating mental health screenings into primary care settings to improve early detection of mental health issues.
Develop and assess the effectiveness of educational materials for patients who are prescribed psychotropic medications; focus on medication management and side effect recognition.
Investigate the effectiveness of school-based mental health programs on students’ academic performance and overall well-being.
Implement a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for nurses and assess its impact on reducing stress and improving the overall well-being of healthcare providers.
Explore the link between dietary habits and mental health outcomes in a specific demographic; develop nutrition education programs for mental health patients.
Develop and evaluate the effectiveness of workplace mental health programs (e.g., stress-management workshops) to enhance employee productivity and mental health.

Healthcare administration and leadership

These capstone topics deal with critical aspects of healthcare administration and leadership, from improving patient safety to implementing quality assurance initiatives. Choose one of the ideas below and adjust it to align with your interests and aspirations.

Develop and implement a patient-centered care model in a facility of your choice and assess its impact on patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Investigate strategies to reduce hospital readmission rates with a focus on patients with chronic illnesses; propose effective interventions.
Create a leadership development program for nurse managers to enhance their leadership skills and evaluate its impact on the nursing team and patient care.
Assess the effectiveness of communication protocols between healthcare departments and propose improvements to enhance care coordination.
Study the implementation of Electronic Health Records systems (EHRs) in a healthcare facility of your choice and the impact on patient data management, communication, and overall efficiency.
Analyze the patient safety culture within a healthcare organization where you work and develop strategies to foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Implement a quality improvement project, such as Lean or Six Sigma methodologies, to enhance patient care processes and reduce errors.
Investigate strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in healthcare organizations and assess their impact on patient care and staff satisfaction.
Develop and evaluate an emergency preparedness and response plan for a healthcare facility to ensure adequate response during crises or disasters.
Examine the financial challenges in healthcare settings, propose cost-effective strategies, and assess their impact on the organization’s financial stability.

Maternal and child health

These ideas address vital nursing issues in the care of mothers and their children, including the promotion of child well-being and the enhancement of healthcare services to these populations.

Investigate the factors contributing to maternal mortality and design interventions to improve maternal health and reduce mortality rates.
Develop a program to educate and support new mothers in adopting and sustaining breastfeeding and assess the impact on infant health.
Create an educational campaign or program aimed at preventing teenage pregnancies and improving the health and well-being of young mothers and their children.
Develop a support program for families with infants in the NICU, focusing on education, emotional support, and the transition to home care.
Assess immunization rates in a community and develop strategies to increase childhood vaccination rates to protect against preventable diseases.
Study the mental health challenges faced by new mothers and develop interventions to provide support and treatment for conditions like postpartum depression.
Design an intervention program to prevent childhood obesity by promoting healthy lifestyles and nutrition early on.
Develop educational materials or programs to help parents and caregivers understand and monitor childhood developmental milestones.
Investigate the causes of preterm births and develop interventions to reduce preterm birth rates and improve neonatal outcomes.
Focus on maternal and child health in underserved or minority communities and develop strategies to improve access to quality care and outcomes.

Gerontology and elderly care

The following capstone project topics address the unique healthcare challenges and needs of the elderly population, providing nursing students with a chance to make significant input into the well-being and quality of life of older adults.

Develop a system for medication management and adherence for elderly patients, tackling polypharmacy and accompanying complications.
Create an intervention program to prevent falls among the elderly in long-term care facilities and at home.
Assess dementia care practices in the nursing home of your choice and propose improvements for enhancing the quality of life for residents with dementia.
Develop educational materials and programs for elderly individuals on end-of-life care options and advance directive planning.
Evaluate the availability and effectiveness of palliative care services for elderly patients and propose enhancements.
Study the impact of social isolation on the mental and physical health of the elderly and design interventions to combat loneliness.
Create programs and resources that support the ability of the elderly to age in place safely and comfortably.
Develop a protocol for mental health screenings for elderly populations in various healthcare settings.
Suggest protocols for assessing the nutritional needs of the elderly and develop strategies to ensure proper dietary intake for better health outcomes.
Develop educational materials and intervention strategies to prevent elder abuse and improve reporting systems.

General clinical practice and patient care

These topics cover a wide range of clinical practice issues and opportunities to improve patient outcomes, safety, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

Evaluate and compare different patient-centered care models in clinical practice and propose recommendations for the most effective approach.
Develop and implement infection control strategies to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.
Assess the integration and utilization of technology in clinical settings, focusing on its impact on patient care and outcomes.
Investigate the effectiveness of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare teams and propose strategies for improvement.
Evaluate medication reconciliation processes in hospitals and suggest methods to reduce medication errors.
Develop educational materials and programs to improve patient understanding and health literacy, enhancing self-care.
Create a chronic disease management program focusing on conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease to improve patient outcomes.
Explore best practices in pain management for patients receiving palliative care and develop protocols for optimizing pain relief.
Evaluate the discharge planning process, identifying bottlenecks and proposing improvements to ensure smooth transitions to home care.
Assess the patient safety culture within clinical settings and create interventions to enhance patient safety practices and reporting.

Public health and health promotion

These capstone project ideas provide you with opportunities to address critical public health issues and contribute to improving the well-being of your community.

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of health needs and available resources of a specific community; suggest recommendations for targeted health promotion programs.
Evaluate the effectiveness of a recent public health campaign (e.g., vaccination, smoking cessation) and suggest improvements based on the findings.
Develop and assess initiatives to improve maternal and child health outcomes in underserved communities.
Investigate strategies to reduce health disparities in vulnerable populations, focusing on issues like access to care, nutrition, and preventive services.
Create and implement community-based nutrition programs emphasizing healthy eating and food security.
Design and evaluate substance abuse prevention programs, addressing issues like opioid addiction or alcohol abuse.
Develop strategies for reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and evaluate their impact on mental health service utilization.
Conduct an assessment of environmental health concerns in a specific area and propose interventions to minimize health risks.
Create a health promotion program for a school or district, targeting students, teachers, and staff.
Develop initiatives to support the aging population by focusing on chronic disease management, home care, and end-of-life planning.

Community and rural health

These capstone ideas allow nursing students to address the healthcare needs and challenges of rural populations and contribute to healthcare equity in underserved areas.

Assess the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing telehealth services in a rural community to improve access to healthcare.
Conduct a comprehensive health needs assessment for a specific rural community and develop a plan to address identified gaps.
Create and evaluate programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes in underserved rural communities.
Develop and implement health education programs tailored to the needs of rural populations, addressing issues like nutrition, exercise, and preventive care.
Investigate the availability of mental health services in rural areas and propose strategies to improve access and reduce mental health disparities.
Design and assess initiatives that allow elderly individuals in rural communities to age in place while receiving necessary healthcare and support.
Develop and evaluate programs for managing chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) in rural populations, emphasizing self-care and prevention.
Analyze the barriers to accessing medications in rural areas and propose feasible solutions, such as mobile clinics or pharmacy delivery services.
Create and assess oral health promotion programs for rural communities, focusing on prevention and access to dental care.
Develop and evaluate disaster preparedness plans tailored to the unique challenges of rural areas, including response to natural disasters or public health emergencies.

Emergency and intensive care

These capstone project ideas address critical issues of patient care and safety in high-stress healthcare environments. This is a challenging specialty that is recommended for students who are resilient and are capable of performing under pressure.

Assess and improve the triage process in the emergency department to enhance the prioritization of patients based on severity.
Investigate the impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes in ICU settings and propose evidence-based staffing guidelines.
Analyze the causes of medication errors in critical care settings and develop strategies to reduce them.
Evaluate communication effectiveness during code blue emergencies and recommend improvements to enhance response times.
Develop protocols for early sepsis recognition and effective management in the ICU and assess their impact on patient outcomes.
Investigate the factors contributing to nurse burnout in emergency and critical care units and propose retention strategies.
Develop and evaluate training programs for nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve preparedness for mass casualty incidents.
Explore the implementation of family-centered care models in intensive care units and their impact on patient and family satisfaction.
Assess the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation training for ICU nurses and its impact on clinical performance.
Develop and evaluate palliative care protocols for patients in the ICU, addressing end-of-life decisions and support for families.

Chronic disease management

The following capstone project topics allow you to delve into the critical issues of chronic disease management and seek solutions and insights to improve the outcomes of patients with long-term health conditions.

Evaluate the effectiveness of chronic disease self-management programs in improving patients’ quality of life and reducing hospital readmissions.
Investigate the use of remote monitoring technologies for chronic disease management and their impact on patient outcomes.
Develop and assess educational interventions to improve medication adherence in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension.
Explore the integration of palliative care principles in managing chronic and life-limiting diseases and their effects on patient comfort and quality of life.
Develop community programs to support patients with chronic diseases and assess their impact on health outcomes.
Investigate the role of nutrition and lifestyle modifications in managing chronic conditions, such as obesity or heart disease.
Evaluate the effectiveness of integrated care models, where primary care providers, specialists, and nurses collaborate in managing patients with complex chronic diseases.
Explore the connection between mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, and the management of chronic diseases, proposing interventions to address both.
Assess the importance of cultural competence in delivering care to diverse populations with chronic diseases and propose strategies for improving cultural sensitivity.
Analyze the economic burden of chronic diseases on healthcare systems and society and propose cost-effective management strategies.

Nursing education and training

The following capstone ideas encourage you to contribute to the improvement of nursing education, ensuring that future nurses receive the best possible preparation for their careers in healthcare.

Evaluate the effectiveness of e-learning modules and virtual simulations in nursing education and their impact on student learning outcomes.
Suggest assessment tools for measuring clinical competency in nursing students, focusing on key skills and knowledge.
Investigate the benefits of simulation-based training in improving clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills among nursing students.
Develop and assess training programs to enhance cultural competence among nursing students and improve their ability to provide culturally sensitive care.
Explore the impact of interprofessional education on nursing students’ ability to collaborate in healthcare teams and improve patient outcomes.
Develop and evaluate training programs to equip nursing students with the skills to assess and care for patients with mental health issues effectively.
Investigate innovative teaching strategies for clinical instructors to improve the clinical learning experience of nursing students.
Assess the effectiveness of nurse preceptorship programs in supporting the transition of nursing students to professional practice.
Examine the role of online communities and social media in connecting nursing students, facilitating peer support, and sharing educational resources.
Investigate strategies to make nursing education more accessible, such as online education, for individuals from underserved communities.

Pediatrics and adolescent health

These capstone topics allow you to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of children and adolescents.

Develop and assess the effectiveness of community-based programs aimed at preventing childhood obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents.
Evaluate the impact of school-based mental health programs and interventions on reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being in adolescents.
Examine the role of support programs for teenage mothers in improving maternal and child health outcomes, as well as educational and economic opportunities.
Create and evaluate public health campaigns to increase vaccination rates among children and adolescents and reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Investigate the effectiveness of substance abuse prevention programs in schools and communities, focusing on reducing substance use among adolescents.
Explore strategies for improving pain assessment and management in pediatric patients, including non-pharmacological interventions.
Develop and assess care models and interventions for children with chronic illnesses, aiming to improve their quality of life and adherence to treatment plans.
Study the risk factors and interventions related to behaviors such as self-harm, eating disorders, and risky sexual practices in adolescents.
Examine the challenges of workforce shortages in pediatric nursing and develop strategies to attract and retain pediatric nurses.
Evaluate the use of IT services in providing healthcare to children and adolescents, especially in underserved or remote areas.

Infectious disease control

Explore these capstone project topics to contribute to infectious disease control and prevention efforts and address the critical issues in healthcare associated with contagious diseases.

Assess the effectiveness of infection control measures within healthcare facilities, focusing on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Develop strategies for efficient contact tracing during disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, and evaluate the impact on controlling the spread of infectious diseases.
Investigate factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and develop educational programs to promote vaccine adherence within communities.
Analyze antibiotic prescription patterns, create antimicrobial stewardship programs, and measure the impact on reducing antibiotic resistance.
Study infection control practices in long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, or other settings where vulnerable populations are at risk and propose improvements.
Explore methods for controlling tropical diseases, such as malaria or dengue fever, through vector control, community education, and early detection.
Develop and evaluate educational interventions to reduce the incidence of STIs, particularly among high-risk populations.
Analyze global infectious disease surveillance systems and propose enhancements for early detection and response to emerging infectious threats.
Investigate TB transmission within healthcare settings and develop interventions to prevent healthcare-associated TB infections.
Examine and enhance the preparedness and response plans of healthcare facilities and communities for emerging infectious diseases.

Surgical nursing

By exploring these ideas in your capstone project, you will contribute to the advancement of surgical nursing practices, thus improving patient safety, outcomes, and quality of care.

Suggest improvements to preoperative patient education materials or programs and assess their effectiveness to increase patient understanding and reduce anxiety.
Evaluate and refine postoperative pain management protocols, considering patient comfort, opioid-sparing strategies, and pain assessment tools.
Investigate strategies to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs), such as enhanced wound care techniques, preoperative antibiotic administration, and compliance with infection prevention guidelines.
Create and evaluate the outcomes of nurse-led surgical clinics, addressing preoperative assessments, postoperative care, and patient education.
Examine communication strategies and tools to improve interdisciplinary collaboration among perioperative teams, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists.
Explore the role of nurses in robotic surgical procedures, from patient preparation to intraoperative assistance, and assess their impact on patient outcomes.
Develop and test emergency response plans and simulations for the operating room, ensuring safety during unexpected critical events.
Create interactive training modules for surgical nursing students or new hires, covering various surgical procedures and protocols.
Investigate the unique challenges in pediatric surgical nursing, emphasizing age-appropriate care, family involvement, and child-friendly environments.
Assess the safety and efficiency of outpatient surgical centers, examining protocols for patient selection, recovery, and post-discharge care.

Cardiovascular nursing

Choose these topics in your capstone project to delve into critical aspects of cardiovascular nursing, from prevention and management to the innovative use of technology.

Evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation programs in improving the quality of life and reducing the risk of readmission for patients with heart conditions.
Develop strategies for better managing heart failure patients at home, including remote monitoring and patient education; assess how these measures contribute to lowering hospital readmissions.
Create and assess interventions (e.g., smoking cessation, dietary modifications, and physical activity promotion) aimed at reducing the risk factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases.
Investigate the use of cutting-edge technologies in cardiac care, such as wearable devices for monitoring patients with heart diseases.
Develop and test interventions to enhance medication adherence among cardiovascular patients, addressing barriers and providing support.
Investigate palliative care strategies for patients with advanced cardiovascular diseases, focusing on symptom management and improving the quality of life.
Explore the roles and responsibilities of nurses in heart transplant programs, from patient evaluation to post-transplant care.
Create tools for more accurate cardiovascular risk assessment, incorporating factors like genetics, lifestyle, and psychosocial variables.
Develop educational programs specifically tailored to underserved or at-risk populations to increase awareness and promote cardiovascular health.
Assess the nursing roles and practices in cardiac catheterization laboratories, emphasizing patient safety and procedural efficiency.

Substance abuse and addiction nursing

Explore one of these topics in your capstone project to deal with the multifaceted challenges of substance abuse and addiction, from prevention and treatment to addressing the stigma surrounding these issues.

Evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions in treating substance abuse, including counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
Investigate best practices in managing patients with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, focusing on integrated care models.
Develop and assess community-based programs aimed at reducing opioid overdose deaths, such as naloxone distribution and training initiatives.
Create and test interventions to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, both among healthcare providers and the general public.
Evaluate the effectiveness and accessibility of services for individuals seeking addiction treatment and follow-up care.
Investigate the roles and responsibilities of nurses in administering medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, such as methadone or buprenorphine.
Study the unique challenges and care approaches for pregnant individuals with substance use disorders, focusing on maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Develop and assess strategies for providing ongoing support for individuals in recovery, such as recovery coaching and peer support programs.
Create and evaluate school-based prevention programs to reduce substance abuse among adolescents, considering factors like peer influence, education, and awareness.
Investigate barriers that prevent individuals from accessing addiction treatment, such as cost, transportation, or lack of culturally competent services, and develop solutions to address these issues.

Holistic and integrative nursing

Choose one of these topics to explore the integration of holistic and complementary practices into patient care for improving patient outcomes and the well-being of the healthcare providers themselves.

Evaluate the impact of holistic interventions like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or tai chi on stress reduction in patients with chronic illnesses.
Investigate the effectiveness of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, or massage in managing pain among patients, particularly those with chronic pain conditions.
Explore strategies for incorporating holistic nursing practices into traditional healthcare settings like hospitals and clinics, focusing on patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Develop and assess patient education programs that empower individuals to take an active role in their health through self-care practices, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
Examine holistic approaches to pediatric care, focusing on how complementary therapies can benefit children with chronic illnesses or in palliative care.
Investigate the role of holistic nursing practices in promoting mental health, especially in populations experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Explore how cultural competence can enhance the provision of holistic care and improve patient satisfaction, particularly in diverse patient populations.
Develop and assess holistic care models that address the unique healthcare needs of the elderly, including end-of-life care and pain management.
Conduct qualitative research to understand patient experiences and perceptions of holistic nursing care, focusing on patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction.
Investigate the impact of holistic self-care practices on nurse well-being and job satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of nurses’ own health for quality patient care.

Palliative care nursing

Explore these topics to learn more about ways to improve the quality of life of patients facing life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses and their families, assisting them with physical, psychological, social, and spiritual challenges associated with such conditions.

Investigate factors influencing the quality of life for patients in palliative care, including pain management, emotional support, and family involvement.
Develop and assess communication strategies to address the unique needs of patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses.
Explore the effectiveness of music and art therapy for emotional support and improving the overall well-being of patients in palliative care.
Examine the challenges and benefits of providing palliative care in a home setting and develop best practices for home-based care services.
Investigate common ethical dilemmas and challenges healthcare professionals face in palliative care and propose solutions or guidelines for ethical decision-making.
Develop and evaluate programs to provide support and resources for caregivers of patients in palliative care to help them cope with grief and loss.
Investigate the use of technology to provide palliative care consultations and support, addressing the accessibility of palliative care services in remote areas.
Create educational materials and programs that empower patients and their families to engage in advance care planning discussions and decision-making.
Examine the most effective strategies and interventions for managing symptoms, particularly pain, in palliative care patients.
Develop surveys and assessments to measure patient and family satisfaction with palliative care services and identify areas for improvement.

Wound care and ostomy nursing

These capstone project ideas explore the various aspects of wound care and ostomy nursing, from prevention and treatment strategies to educational programs and innovative technologies in care delivery.

Develop a comprehensive program aimed at preventing pressure ulcers in healthcare settings and assess its effectiveness in reducing pressure ulcer incidence.
Evaluate the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of advanced wound dressings, such as hydrocolloids or foam dressings, in promoting wound healing.
Create an educational program for patients with ostomies to improve their self-care and management skills and measure the impact on their quality of life.
Investigate the effectiveness of remote monitoring technologies to provide wound care consultations and support for patients in home settings.
Develop guidelines and protocols for wound infection control and prevention in healthcare facilities, focusing on evidence-based practices.
Analyze the effectiveness of complementary and alternative healing modalities, such as honey-based wound care or maggot debridement therapy, in wound management.
Investigate the unique challenges and best practices in wound care for pediatric patients, including the management of childhood injuries and surgical wounds.
Assess the psychosocial and quality-of-life aspects of patients with ostomies, with a focus on providing holistic care and support.
Evaluate the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in complex wound management.
Develop resources and educational materials to empower both patients and their caregivers to manage ostomies effectively and enhance their overall well-being.

Nursing ethics and ethical dilemmas

Nurses deal with ethical issues daily, and these dilemmas may, at times, conflict with the nurse’s moral values and the Code of Ethics. As first and foremost advocates for the patients, nurses must balance these difficulties with delivering the best possible care to their patients.

Develop a comprehensive ethical decision-making framework specific to nursing and assess its effectiveness in resolving ethical dilemmas in clinical practice.
Investigate the ethical considerations and challenges in end-of-life care, including the use of advanced directives, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, and hospice care.
Analyze the ethical issues related to obtaining informed consent from vulnerable populations, such as minors, elderly patients with cognitive impairments, and non-English-speaking patients.
Explore the ethical dimensions of nurse-patient communication, including issues related to privacy, confidentiality, and shared decision-making.
Examine ethical considerations in nursing research, such as the protection of human subjects, informed consent procedures, and conflicts of interest.
Investigate the ethical dilemmas surrounding resource allocation in healthcare, including the rationing of care during public health emergencies or shortages.
Explore the unique ethical dilemmas faced by psychiatric and mental health nurses when working with patients with severe mental illnesses.
Assess the ethical implications of providing culturally competent care, addressing issues related to cultural diversity, and respecting patients’ cultural beliefs.
Study the role of nurses as patient advocates and analyze ethical challenges in advocating for patient rights and preferences within complex healthcare systems.
Examine the codes of ethics for nursing practice, such as the ANA Code of Ethics, and evaluate their effectiveness in guiding ethical decision-making and professional conduct.

Gastroenterology and digestive health

Gastro nurses typically assist a gastroenterologist, helping diagnose and treat patients with disorders and injuries in the gastrointestinal systems or digestive tract (constipation, diarrhea, reflux, ulcers, food allergies, Crohn’s disease, gastritis, colitis, etc.) Gastroenterology nurses work in various settings, recording and reviewing patients’ medical history, symptoms, and vitals. Their role also includes educating patients about their conditions explaining treatment plans, options, and associated risks and benefits. If you are interested in this specialty, explore one of the following topics as your capstone project.

Investigate the most effective nursing interventions and strategies for managing IBS, focusing on symptom relief and patient education.
Develop and assess the impact of a community-based program aimed at increasing awareness, prevention, and early screening for GI cancers.
Create an educational intervention for IBD patients to improve their self-management skills, including medication adherence, symptom monitoring, and dietary choices.
Evaluate the effects of nutritional interventions on patients with chronic digestive disorders, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, to determine their impact on symptom management and overall well-being.
Investigate the role of endoscopy nurses in ensuring patient safety, quality care, and infection control during endoscopic procedures. Develop guidelines for best practices in endoscopy nursing.
Assess nursing care practices for patients with hepatitis, focusing on medication adherence, lifestyle counseling, and side-effect management.
Analyze strategies for reducing C. diff infections within healthcare settings, with a particular emphasis on nursing interventions and infection control measures.
Explore the influence of gut microbiota on digestive health and its implications for nursing care. Investigate topics such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiome research.
Examine nursing care practices specific to pediatric patients with digestive disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or constipation.
Assess the effectiveness of remote care in managing patients with chronic digestive conditions. Investigate patient satisfaction, outcomes, and the potential for improving access to care.

Nursing capstone project is the pinnacle of your academic journey. This independent or collaborative research allows you to apply knowledge and skills to solving real-world healthcare issues. By selecting a relevant topic that is both impactful and interesting for you as a professional, you can not only complete your capstone project with flying colors but also contribute to the advancement of nursing practice and patient care. Choose wisely, and good luck!