assignments in nursing school

28 Expert Tips to Successfully Pass Nursing School – (By a Nurse)

Nursing is a gratifying career. You get to deliver care to patients across their lifespan—interacting with the patient and their family, leaving a lasting impact on their life. A nurse's settings are endless, leading to multiple opportunities. Plus, you can easily advance your career, leading to even more opportunities for the nurse. Truthfully, the options are endless. But, one thing that keeps many people from pursuing a career in nursing is nursing school—because they have heard it is hard. Are you interested in becoming a nurse but wondering how to pass nursing school? Below, you will find 28 expert tips to successfully pass nursing school.

What Does Passing Nursing School Exactly Mean?

Is nursing school hard to pass, 6 common reasons why students fail to pass nursing school, 1. nursing is not their passion:, 2. poor time management:, 3. lack of studying or not committing enough time to study:, 4. stress and lack of support:, 5. not asking for help early on:, 6. fall behind in coursework:, how to pass nursing school, 1. time management, 2. get organized, 3. use mnemonics, 4. study everyday, 5. complete practice questions, 6. participate in a study group, 7. focus on course objectives when studying, 8. know your learning style, 9. do not be afraid to use outside learning resources, 10. give yourself a break, 11. find activities to do outside of school, 12. breathe, 13. good sleep habits, 14. eat a well-balanced diet, 15. exercise daily, 16. ask questions, 17. schedule meetings with your instructor, especially if struggling with a specific course or content, 18. do not cram for exams, 19. complete the pre-class prep, 20. maximize clinical experiences, 21. positive attitude, 22. set realistic goals, 23. have a good support system, 24. take 5 minutes after class to review information learned, 25. get to know your instructors, 26. review your course exams, 27. do not fall behind, 28. do not give up, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. how many hours a day should i study for nursing school, 2. how to pass my first semester of nursing school, 3. how to pass my last semester of nursing school, 4. how to pass my clinical in nursing school, 5. can i pass the nclex-rn without nursing school, 6. what if i pass nursing school but fail nclex-rn, 7. do my nursing school grades really matter.

The Ultimate Guide to Nursing Assignments: 7 Tips and Strategies

Nursing assignments are a critical component of every nursing student’s academic journey. They serve as opportunities to test your knowledge, apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, and develop essential skills necessary for your future nursing career. However, tackling nursing assignments can often be overwhelming, particularly when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities. In this comprehensive guide, we provide valuable tips, strategies, and expert assignment help services to help you excel in your nursing assignments. Whether you’re struggling with research, structuring your assignment, or proofreading, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Understanding the Nursing Assignments

To excel in nursing assignments , it’s crucial to start by thoroughly understanding the requirements. Take the time to carefully read the assignment prompt, paying close attention to the topic, word count, formatting guidelines, and any specific instructions provided by your instructor. Understanding these key components will ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria.

Conducting Thorough Research

Once you have a clear understanding of the assignment, it’s time to conduct thorough research. Solid research forms the foundation of any successful nursing assignment. Begin by gathering relevant and credible sources, such as nursing textbooks, scholarly articles, reputable websites , and academic databases specific to nursing. These resources will provide you with evidence-based information to support your arguments and demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

Creating a Well-Structured Outline

A well-structured outline is essential for organizing your thoughts and ensuring a logical flow in your nursing assignment. An effective outline acts as a roadmap, guiding you through the writing process and ensuring that you cover all the necessary points.

At [Your Service Name], our expert writers can assist you in creating a comprehensive outline tailored to your specific assignment. By collaborating with us, you can receive personalized guidance in organizing your ideas effectively and structuring your assignment in a logical manner. Our writers understand the nuances of nursing assignments and can help you identify the most important concepts and supporting evidence to include.

Using a Professional Tone

Maintaining a professional tone throughout your nursing assignment is crucial. As aspiring healthcare professionals, it’s essential to communicate your ideas with clarity, conciseness, and professionalism. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or slang that may hinder the reader’s understanding. Present your arguments and supporting evidence in a logical and coherent manner, demonstrating your ability to think critically and apply nursing principles.

Our expert writers have extensive experience in academic writing within the field of nursing. They possess a deep understanding of the professional tone required for nursing assignments and can ensure that your assignment is written to the highest standards. By collaborating with us, you can receive guidance in maintaining a professional tone and effectively conveying your ideas.

Incorporating Practical Examples

In addition to a professional tone, incorporating practical examples into your nursing assignment can greatly enhance its quality. Practical examples bring theoretical concepts to life, illustrating their application in real-life scenarios. They demonstrate your understanding of nursing principles and showcase your ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Our team consists of experienced nursing professionals who can assist you in incorporating relevant practical examples into your assignment. Drawing from their extensive knowledge and expertise, they can provide you with real-life scenarios or case studies that strengthen the impact and credibility of your work. By collaborating with us, you can elevate the quality of your assignment by demonstrating your ability to apply nursing concepts in practical settings.

Proofreading and Editing

Proofreading and editing are essential steps in the assignment writing process. They ensure that your nursing assignment is polished, error-free, and effectively communicates your ideas. After completing the initial draft, it’s crucial to take a break and return to your work with fresh eyes. During the proofreading stage, carefully review your assignment for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. Correct any errors and inconsistencies that may affect the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

At nursingresearchhelp.com , we have a dedicated team of proofreaders and editors who specialize in nursing assignments. They meticulously review your work, ensuring that it adheres to formatting guidelines and meets the highest standards of academic writing. Our proofreaders and editors will help you refine your assignment, ensuring that it is polished and error-free. By collaborating with us, you can rest assured that your assignment will be thoroughly reviewed and refined before submission.

Seeking Help When Needed

In addition to proofreading and editing, it’s important to seek help when needed. Nursing assignments can be challenging, and it’s perfectly normal to require assistance. Whether you’re facing difficulties in understanding the assignment prompt, need guidance in specific areas, or simply want a fresh perspective on your work, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Our friendly and knowledgeable support team is always available to address any questions or concerns you may have. We understand the unique challenges faced by nursing students and can provide you with the guidance and clarification you need. By seeking help when needed, you can overcome obstacles and ensure the successful completion of your nursing assignments.

Mastering nursing assignments is within your reach with the right tips, strategies, and expert assignment help services. At nursingresearchhelp.com we are committed to supporting nursing students in excelling in their academic pursuits. Our experienced writers, proofreaders, and editors can provide personalized assistance throughout the assignment writing process, ensuring that your assignments meet the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

With our help, you can confidently tackle your nursing assignments and overcome any challenges you may face. Visit our website nursingresearchhelp.com to learn more about our services and how we can support you in achieving academic excellence. Whether you need guidance in understanding the assignment, conducting thorough research, creating a well-structured outline, using a professional tone, incorporating practical examples, or ensuring a polished final product, we are here to assist you. Trust us for reliable and professional assignment help tailored to your needs.

Don’t let the challenges of nursing assignments hold you back—reach out to us for reliable and professional assignment help tailored to your needs.

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Common Assignments: Writing in Nursing

Although there may be some differences in writing expectations between disciplines, all writers of scholarly work are required to follow basic writing standards such as writing clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentences; using proper punctuation; demonstrating critical thought; and, in all Walden programs, using APA style. When writing in nursing, however, students must also be familiar with the goals of the discipline and discipline-specific writing expectations.

Nurses are primarily concerned about providing quality care to patients and their families, and this demands both technical knowledge and the appropriate expression of ideas (“Writing in nursing,” n.d). As a result, nursing students are expected to learn how to present information succinctly, and even though they may often use technical medical terminology (“Writing in nursing,” n.d.), their work should be accessible to anyone who may read it. Among many goals, writers within this discipline are required to:

• Document knowledge/research
• Demonstrate critical thinking
• Express creative ideas
• Explore nursing literature
• Demonstrate understanding of learning activities. (Wagner, n.d., para. 2)

Given this broad set of objectives, nursing students would benefit from learning how to write diverse literature, including scholarly reports, reviews, articles, and so on. They should aim to write work that can be used in both the research and clinical aspects of the discipline. Walden instructors often ask nursing students to write position and reflective papers, critique articles, gather and analyze data, respond to case studies, and work collaboratively on a project. Although there may be differences between the writing expectations within the classroom and those in the workplace, the standards noted below, though more common in scholarly writing, require skills that are transferrable to the work setting.

Because one cannot say everything there is to say about a particular subject, writers present their work from a particular perspective. For instance, one might choose to examine the shortage of nurses from a public policy perspective. One’s particular contribution, position, argument, or viewpoint is commonly referred to as the thesis and, according to Gerring et al. (2004), a good thesis is one that is “new, true, and significant” (p. 2). To strengthen a thesis, one might consider presenting an argument that goes against what is currently accepted within the field while carefully addressing counterarguments and adequately explaining why the issue under consideration matters (Gerring et al., 2004). The thesis is particularly important because readers want to know whether the writer has something new or worthwhile to say about the topic. Thus, as you review the literature, before writing, it is important to find gaps and creative linkages between viewpoints with the goal of contributing innovative ideas to an ongoing discussion. For a contribution to be worthwhile you must read the literature carefully and without bias; doing this will enable you to identify some of the subtle differences in the viewpoints presented by different authors and help you to better identify the gaps in the literature. Because the thesis is essentially the heart of your discussion, it is important that it is argued objectively and persuasively.

With the goal of providing high quality care, the healthcare industry places a premium on rigorous research as the foundation for evidence-based practices. Thus, students are expected to keep up with the most current research in their field and support the assertions they make in their work with evidence from the literature. Nursing students also must learn how to evaluate evidence in nursing literature and identify the studies that answer specific clinical questions (Oermann & Hays, 2011). Writers are also expected to critically analyze and evaluate studies and assess whether findings can be used in clinical practice (Beyea & Slattery, 2006). (Some useful and credible sources include journal articles, other peer-reviewed sources, and authoritative sources that might be found on the web. If you need help finding credible sources contact a librarian.)

Like other APA style papers, research papers in nursing should follow the following format: title, abstract, introduction, literature review, method, results, discussion, references, and appendices (see APA 7, Sections 2.16-2.25). Note that the presentation follows a certain logic: In the introduction one presents the issue under consideration; in the literature review, one presents what is already known about the topic (thus providing a context for the discussion), identifies gaps, and presents one’s approach; in the methods section, one would then identify the method used to gather data; and in the results and discussion sections, one then presents and explains the results in an objective manner, noting the limitations of the study (Dartmouth Writing Program, 2005). Note that not all papers need to be written in this manner; for guidance on the formatting of a basic course paper, see the appropriate template on our website.

In their research, nursing researchers use quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. In quantitative studies, researchers rely primarily on quantifiable data; in qualitative studies, they use data from interviews or other types of narrative analyses; and in mixed methods studies, they use both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A researcher should be able to pose a researchable question and identify an appropriate research method. Whatever method the researcher chooses, the research must be carried out in an objective and scientific manner, free from bias. Keep in mind that your method will have an impact on the credibility of your work, so it is important that your methods are rigorous. Walden offers a series of research methods courses to help students become familiar with the various research methods.

Instructors expect students to master the content of the discipline and use discipline- appropriate language in their writing. In practice, nurses may be required to become familiar with standardized nursing language as it has been found to lead to the following:

• better communication among nurses and other health care providers,
• increased visibility of nursing interventions,
• improved patient care,
• enhanced data collection to evaluate nursing care outcomes,
• greater adherence to standards of care, and
• facilitated assessment of nursing competency. (Rutherford, 2008)

Like successful writers in other disciplines and in preparation for diverse roles within their fields, in their writing nursing students should demonstrate that they (a) have cultivated the thinking skills that are useful in their discipline, (b) are able to communicate professionally, and (c) can incorporate the language of the field in their work appropriately (Colorado State University, 2011).

If you have content-specific questions, be sure to ask your instructor. The Writing Center is available to help you present your ideas as effectively as possible.

Beyea, S. C., & Slattery, M. J. (2006). Evidence-based practice in nursing: A guide to successful implementation . http://www.hcmarketplace.com/supplemental/3737_browse.pdf

Colorado State University. (2011). Why assign WID tasks? http://wac.colostate.edu/intro/com6a1.cfm

Dartmouth Writing Program. (2005). Writing in the social sciences . http://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/materials/student/soc_sciences/write.shtml

Rutherford, M. (2008). Standardized nursing language: What does it mean for nursing practice? [Abstract]. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing , 13 (1). http://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ThePracticeofProfessionalNursing/Health-IT/StandardizedNursingLanguage.html

Wagner, D. (n.d.). Why writing matters in nursing . https://www.svsu.edu/nursing/programs/bsn/programrequirements/whywritingmatters/

Writing in nursing: Examples. (n.d.). http://www.technorhetoric.net/7.2/sectionone/inman/examples.html

Didn't find what you need? Email us at [email protected] .

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Effective clinical learning for nursing students

Approaches that meet student and nurse needs..

• Direct care nurses serve as significant teachers and role models for nursing students in the clinical setting.
• Building critical thinking skills is one of the most important outcomes in the clinical setting for nursing students.
• Collaboration with nursing faculty during the clinical rotation can ease the burden on direct care nurses and facilitate a positive learning experience for the student.

The nursing profession continues to experience several challenges—some longstanding and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage of nurses at the bedside and reports of nurses planning to leave the profession soon place stress on the workforce and the healthcare system. The situation has put even more pressure on nursing schools to recruit and retain students who enter the workforce well-prepared for practice and capable of filling these vacancies. However, concerns exist surrounding students’ critical thinking skills and their readiness for a demanding career.

The challenge

A longstanding shortage of nursing school faculty and a reliance on new graduate nurses to serve as preceptors create challenges to properly preparing nursing students for a demanding role that requires excellent critical thinking skills.

What-Why-How? Improving Clinical Judgement

New nurses and clinical judgment

Nurse faculty shortage

Lack of interest and incentives lead to difficulty recruiting nurses from the bedside or practice to education. Many 4-year schools require a terminal degree to teach full-time in their undergraduate programs, but only 1% of nurses hold a PhD. In addition, according to the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP), the average doctorally prepared nurse faculty member is in their 50s, which means they may soon retire. The surge in doctor of nursing practice programs has helped to bridge this gap, but attracting advanced practice nurses to academia from their more lucrative practice roles continues to prove difficult.

Concerns about the practice readiness of new graduate nurses have existed for several years. Missed clinical experiences and virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic heightened those concerns. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) addressed the calls from nurse employers to make progress in this area by revamping the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams to create Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), which includes more clinical judgment and critical thinking items. Nurse educators are working hard to prepare students for both practice and the new exam items by incorporating more active learning into classroom, clinical, and lab activities and emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment skills.

In most areas of the country, clinical student experiences have returned to pre-pandemic arrangements. State boards of nursing mandate maximum faculty-to-student ratios for clinical experiences. Schools can choose to have faculty supervise fewer students than the maximum, but faculty and clinical site shortages may eliminate that option. In many cases, preceptor-style experiences (such as capstone or practicum courses) have higher faculty-to-student ratios, and preceptors may have to meet specific criteria, such as a certain amount of experience.

Nursing faculty who facilitate on-site learning and supervise and teach students during their clinical experiences face several challenges. Some faculty supervise students across multiple units because unit size can’t accommodate 8 to 10 students at one time. Faculty may or may not have access to the organization’s electronic health records or other healthcare information technology, such as medication dispensing cabinets or glucometers.

In such instances, direct care nurses play an important role in the student’s experience at the clinical site. Their familiarity with the unit, the patient population, and the organization’s technology facilitates learning.

Direct care nurses

Allowing nursing students into the hospital can improve the patient care experience and potentially recruit students to work at the organization in the future. However, precepting a student or new employee creates an extra burden on an already overextended bedside nurse. NACNEP identifies several challenges for obtaining qualified preceptors, including lack of incentives and limited preparation in clinical teaching and learning strategies. Many hospitals have nursing students on the same unit several days a week to accommodate multiple area schools. This means that staff nurses are expected to teach students on most of their workdays during a typical school semester.

Unit nurse experience creates another barrier to effective precepting of nursing students. A study by Thayer and colleagues reported that the median length of experience for inpatient nurses working a 12-hour shift was less than 3 years at an organization. Without a better alternative, new graduate nurses frequently teach nursing students, although they may still be in what Benner describes as the advanced beginner stage of their career (still learning how to organize care, prioritize, and make clinical judgments). It’s difficult for someone who’s still learning and experiencing situations for the first time to teach complex concepts.

A guide to effective clinical site teaching

The following strategies promote critical thinking in students and collaboration with nurse faculty to ease direct care nurses’ teaching workload. Not every strategy is appropriate for all student clinical experiences. Consider them as multiple potential approaches to help facilitate meaningful learning opportunities.

Set the tone

Nursing students frequently feel anxious about clinical experiences, especially if they’ve been told or perceive that they’re a burden or unwanted on the unit. When meeting the student for the first time, welcome them and communicate willingness to have them on the unit.

If you feel that you can’t take on a student for the day, speak to the nurse faculty member and charge nurse to explore other arrangements. Nurse faculty recognize that work or personal concerns may require you to decline precepting a student. Faculty members want to find the best situation for everyone. If the charge nurse or supervisor determines that the student still needs to work with you, talk to the nurse faculty about how they can help ease the burden and facilitate the student’s learning experience for the day.

Begin your time with the student by asking about their experience level and any objectives for the day. Understanding what the student can or can’t do will help you make the most out of the clinical experience. You’ll want to know the content they’re learning in class and connect them with a patient who brings those concepts to life. A student may have assignments to complete, but their focus should be on patient care. Help the student identify the busiest parts of the day and the best time to review the electronic health record and complete assignments.

If a situation requires your full attention and limits training opportunities, briefly explain to the student what will happen. If you have time, provide the student with tasks or specific objectives to note during the observation. Involve the nursing faculty member to help facilitate the learning experience and make it meaningful.

Be a professional role model

Students like to hear about the benefits and rewards of being a nurse, and about each nurse’s unique path. Students also enjoy learning about the “real world” from nurses, but keep in mind that they’re impressionable. Speaking negatively about the unit, patients, organization, or profession may discourage the student. If you must deviate from standard care, such as performing a skill differently than it’s traditionally taught in school, provide the rationale or hospital policy behind the decision.

Feel free to discuss the student’s nursing school experience but don’t diminish the value of their education or assigned work. Keep in mind that school assignments, such as nursing care plans or concept maps, aren’t taught for job training but to deliberately and systematically promote critical thinking. These assignments allow a student to reflect on how a patient’s pathophysiology and nursing assessment and interventions relate to one another.

Reinforce how concepts students learn in school provide valuable knowledge in various settings. For example, if the student is on a medical-surgical unit but says that they want to work in obstetrics, engage the student by pointing out links between the two areas, such as managing diabetes and coagulation disorders. Provide encouragement and excitement about the student’s interest in joining the profession at a time of great need.

Build assessment skills

Explain to students your approach to performing assessments and organizing patient care. Most students learn comprehensive head-to-toe assessments but, in the clinical setting, need to focus on the most relevant assessments. To promote critical thinking, ask the student what data they should focus on gathering based on the patient’s condition. Many students focus on the psychomotor aspect of assessment (performing the assessment correctly); ask them about the subjective data they should gather.

Allow the student to perform an assessment and then compare findings. For example, a student may know that a patient’s lung sounds are abnormal but not remember what the sound is called or what it means. Provide them with the correct terminology to help connect the dots. Discuss with the student when reassessments are warranted. If appropriate, allow a student to reassess the patient (vital signs, output, pain, other physical findings) and then confirm their findings and discuss what any changes mean for the clinical situation. If you don’t have time for these types of discussions following a student’s patient assessment, ask nursing faculty to observe and discuss findings with the student.

Discuss care management

Take advantage of opportunities to discuss concepts such as prioritization, advocacy, delegation, collaboration, discharge planning, and other ways in which the nurse acts as a care manager. Pointing out what’s appropriate to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel or a licensed practical nurse will prove valuable and help reinforce concepts frequently covered on the NGN exam.

Promote critical thinking

The NCBSN has introduced the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) as a framework for evaluating the NGN exam, which incorporates unfolding case studies that systematically address six steps: recognize cues, analyze cues, generate hypotheses, generate solutions, take action, and evaluate outcomes. Each candidate encounters three case studies, with six questions, one for each step of the CJMM. Nursing faculty incorporate this framework and language into the nursing curriculum to help students think systematically and critically and prepare them for the exam.

Nurses with practice experience use this type of framework to gather information, make judgments, and take action. As a nurse approaches Benner’s competent stage of nursing practice, this type of thinking becomes intuitive, and nurses may not even be aware of the conclusions they draw and decisions they make based on their clinical judgment skills. To help students understand why something is happening, they should continue to work through a process like this deliberately. For example, many students view medication administration as a simple task and may say in post-conference discussion, “All I did was give meds.” You perform many assessments and make various judgments while administering medications, but you may not think to discuss them with students. Asking questions of students while they’re performing what may seem like repetitive tasks can help prompt critical thinking. (See Critical questions .)

Critical questions

Enhance self-efficacy

Many nurses believe that the student must follow them to every patient. This can be overwhelming for the direct care nurse and a barrier to agreeing to work with students. Other approaches can better facilitate learning. Most students will complete an assignment focused on one or two patients. Encourage the student to spend time alone with those patients to perform a more comprehensive history and assessment, help patients with basic care, and provide education. Select a patient who might enjoy the extra attention to ensure a mutually beneficial experience.

Also, consider asking the student to find information using available resources. Such inquiry can benefit you and the student. For example, prompt a student to answer one or more critical thinking questions using their textbooks or resources available on the hospital’s intranet. If time prevents you from explaining complex topics or helping the student problem-solve, ask the student to take the information they find to their faculty member to review. Nurse faculty won’t be familiar with the specific details of all patients on the unit, so identify the most appropriate questions for the student to consider to help the nurse faculty facilitate learning.

Allowing the student time to find answers themselves builds self-efficacy and confidence and also relieves some of the stress and anxiety associated with being asked questions on the spot. This strategy also models the professional approach of using evidence-based resources to find information as needed in the clinical setting.

To ensure a positive learning experience and reduce anxiety, provide the student with ample time to prepare for performance-based skills. For example, identify an approximate time that medications will be administered to one patient and ask the student to independently look up the medication information by that time. This is more beneficial for the student than observing every patient’s medication administration or participating only in psychomotor tasks, such as scanning and giving injections. This also can free up your time by setting the expectation that the student will have the chance to prepare for and be directly involved in one medication pass.

Similarly, if an opportunity exists for practicing a psychomotor skill, such as inserting a urinary catheter or suctioning a tracheostomy, ask the student to review the procedure with their instructor using hospital policy and resources. If time doesn’t allow for a review, have the student observe to ensure provision of the best care and efficient use of time and resources.

Opportunities in education

Nurses who enjoy working with students or new staff members may want to consider academic roles. Many advanced nursing degrees, available in various formats, focus on education. For those who want to try teaching or have an interest in teaching only in the clinical setting, opportunities exist to work as adjunct faculty or to participate in hospital-based professional development activities. Adjunct faculty (part-time instructors) teach a variety of assignments and workloads, including in clinical, lab, or classroom settings. Many clinical adjunct faculty are nurses who also work in the organization with patients and may teach one group of students one day a week. Clinical and lab assignments vary from 4- or 6-hour experiences to 12-hour shifts.

According to NACNEP, most nursing programs require that adjunct faculty and clinical preceptors have the same or higher level of educational preparation as the program; for example, a nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) may be able to teach clinicals for associate degree in nursing or BSN programs, depending on the state’s requirements and the school’s needs. Educational requirements to work in nursing programs vary by school. In some cases, adjunct faculty who don’t have a master’s degree may be supervised by full-time faculty with advanced degrees.

Benefits for adjunct faculty can include extra income, professional development, personal reward, tuition discounts or remissions, and giving back to the profession. Locate opportunities on nursing school websites or by talking to the nursing instructors or administrators in the local area.

Everyone benefits

Applying teaching approaches that benefit students and nurses can help ensure a positive clinical learning experience for everyone. When you graciously accept and teach students you help create positive encounters that enhance student critical thinking skill development, aid program retention, and support organizational recruitment.

Jennifer Miller is an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Louisville School of Nursing in Louisville, Kentucky .

American Nurse Journal. 2024; 19(4). Doi: 10.51256/ANJ042432

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Nursing faculty shortage fact sheet. October 2022. aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/nursing-faculty-shortage

Benner P. From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clin­i­cal Nursing Practice . Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley; 1984.

National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice. Preparing nurse faculty, and addressing the shortage of nurse faculty and clinical preceptors. January 2021. hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/advisory-committees/nursing/reports/nacnep-17report-2021.pdf

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. 2023. nclex.com/clinical-judgment-measurement-model.page

Thayer J, Zillmer J, Sandberg N, Miller AR, Nagel P, MacGibbon A. ‘The new nurse’ is the new normal. June 2, 2022. Epic Research. epicresearch.org/articles/the-new-nurse-is-the-new-normal

Key words: nursing students, nursing education, critical thinking, precepting

Let Us Know What You Think

1 comment . leave new.

All nursing programs need to put in more clinical time. Students do not get the time in clinicals so they do not have the opportunities to develop their clinical judgement and thinking skills. Clinical time is what glues concept and theory together if they don’t get the clinical time they are less likely to develop these skills which contributes to errors, burnout and nurses leaving the field.

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Miller J. Effective clinical learning for nursing students. American Nurse Journal. 2024;19(4):32-37. doi:10.51256/anj042432 https://www.myamericannurse.com/effective-clinical-learning-for-nursing-students/

Nursing School Assignments: 11 Must Know Nursing Assignment Tips To Ace Your Semester

Navigating nursing school can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to managing the myriad of assignments that come your way. From care plans to research papers, the workload can be overwhelming. However, with the right strategies, you can not only manage but excel in your nursing assignments. Here are 11 must-know nursing assignment tips to help you ace your semester.

1. Understand the Assignment Requirements

Before diving into any assignment, take the time to thoroughly read and understand the requirements. This includes the grading rubric, due dates, and any specific instructions provided by your instructor. Clarify any doubts immediately to avoid any last-minute confusion.

2. Create a Study Schedule

Time management is crucial in nursing school. Create a detailed study schedule that allocates specific time slots for each assignment. Use planners, calendars, or digital tools to keep track of deadlines and ensure you stay on top of your workload.

3. Break Down Large Assignments

Large assignments can be intimidating. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, if you have a research paper, divide it into sections such as introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. Tackle each section one at a time.

4. Utilize Reliable Sources

When conducting research, use reliable and credible sources. Peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and reputable websites are excellent resources. Avoid using outdated or non-credible sources as they can negatively impact the quality of your work.

5. Practice Critical Thinking

Nursing assignments often require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Practice these skills by analyzing case studies, participating in group discussions, and applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. This will enhance your ability to think critically and make informed decisions.

6. Seek Feedback

Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your instructors or peers. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help you improve your work. Use the feedback to make necessary revisions and enhance the quality of your assignments.

7. Form Study Groups

Study groups can be incredibly beneficial. Collaborating with your peers allows you to share knowledge, discuss complex topics, and gain different perspectives. Ensure that your study group is focused and productive to maximize the benefits.

8. Stay Organized

Organization is key to managing multiple assignments. Keep all your notes, research materials, and assignment drafts in an organized manner. Use folders, binders, or digital tools to keep everything in order and easily accessible.

9. Practice Time Management

Effective time management is essential for balancing your academic and personal life. Prioritize your tasks, avoid procrastination, and set realistic goals. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused and productive.

10. Proofread and Edit

Always proofread and edit your assignments before submission. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and formatting issues. A well-polished assignment reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

11. Take Care of Yourself

Lastly, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Nursing school can be stressful, and it’s important to maintain a healthy balance. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and take breaks when needed. A healthy mind and body will enhance your overall performance.

Acing your nursing assignments requires a combination of understanding the requirements, effective time management, critical thinking, and self-care. By implementing these 11 tips, you can navigate your assignments with confidence and excel in your nursing program. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to your success. Good luck!

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6 Study Tips and Strategies to Survive and Succeed in Nursing School

You’re starting nursing school this year and embarking on one of the most important journeys of your life. Or maybe you are aiming to do better than in previous years of study. Whatever your level, these nursing school tips and strategies on how you can prepare for and survive nursing school will help you hit the ground running and stay on the top of your game throughout the year. Here are some tips you need to learn and habits you need to form if you want to survive nursing school:

1. Focus on your goal

Your ultimate goal in nursing school is to attain the title of registered nurse meaning that you will need to complete the demanding nursing course successfully and pass the NCLEX exam . Also, keep in mind that you are paying a lot of money to achieve this goal.

Whether you are studying at a college or a university, your primary focus for the next few years should be on your education. Your life should be planned around your studies rather than trying to fit your studies around other activities like sports, clubs, parties, and dates.

Your life should be planned around your studies rather than trying to fit your studies around other activities

Focusing in nursing school may sound obvious, but with your environment being far less controlled and structured than when you were at home and in high school, it is easy to get caught up in all the fun activities of student life.

Success requires dedication. At times you will have to spend weekends with your books or say no to that hot date or exciting concert. Explain your priorities to those who are close to you – your family, partner, and friends. Doing so will gain their respect, understanding, and support.  

2. Manage your time well with proper planning

Everyone has the same number of hours every day, but some of the people seem to get so much more done than others. Be that student who manages their time well and not idles away on things that are not important. Managing your time well is critical while at university and learning this skill will be valuable for the rest of your life, and especially in your nursing career.

The first step in time management is detailed planning which helps you to map out your priorities and to avoid procrastination and wasting time on activities that don’t contribute to your goals. Think of how quickly an hour or two can run away while scrolling on social media or chatting on the phone with a friend!

For this nursing school tip , get a diary, use it to plan and create daily task lists. Enter all the fundamental commitments such as classes, clinical assignments, and deadlines for written assignments and tests. Then pen in specific times for reading to prepare for classes, reviewing your study material and studying for tests and exams, as well as for working on written assignments ahead of time.

Once you’ve provided for your study commitments in your planner, you can see clearly where and how much time you can schedule for leisure activities – time to spend with your family and friends or participate in sports and clubs. During the academic year, the course-load will ebb and flow and with proper planning and time-management you will avoid the stress of getting further and further behind as the term progresses.

Committing to a study routine will keep you focused and give you plenty of time to get everything done while still allowing for a work-life balance. Not only will this enhance your learning , but you will be able to approach your tests and exams with confidence .

3. Get the most out of your classes and clinical assignments

Don’t ever be tempted to skip your classes. This is where you get your instructors’ perspectives on what the key points are of the learning material.

Do the reading for classes before attending. It helps if you already have some knowledge of the topic which will the covered and you can prepare questions about material you don’t fully understand.

While in class, listen actively. Don’t try to take notes of every word – evaluate the information. Listen for main ideas and the details that are stressed. Pay particular attention when a teacher explains specific points – this usually covers information which the teacher knows from experience that students have difficulty with.

You may feel intimidated to ask a question in class. Just keep in mind that if you are confused, it is likely that other students are in the same position. So don’t be afraid – just put up your hand and ask.

The same applies to clinical rotations – the more you question, the more you learn. Also, try not only to make yourself available for tasks where you feel confident in your knowledge and skill – where you can, choose or ask for assignments that will challenge you and which will be a new learning experience.

4. Study effectively

At the beginning of each course analyze the course outline as well as the description of the goals and objectives – this will give you valuable insights into what and how to study.

While studying, always focus on the key points as well as on underlying principles, facts alone won’t help you in nursing. You need to be able to critically analyze and relate the facts to find solutions in every unique situation.

Read actively and thoughtfully to make sure that you understand what you read. Use class discussions as a guide to identify the most essential information. Forget what you were taught about never writing in books (unless they don’t belong to you). Skim through the material first to identify the most important points – then underline, highlight, make notes in the margins. You can also create nursing mnemonics to help you familiarize yourself with the nursing topic.

Effective learning requires repetition and variety keeps us from getting bored. Find different “inputs” for engaging with the material that matches your learning style. Make summaries, draw diagrams, use flash cards, read the material out loud, or join a study group. Practice with NCLEX questions from the start – these really test your insight and understanding.

Read as widely as you can in the time you have available. Use other resources to study the material besides the prescribed books. Even if it covers the same information, your thoughts are less likely to wander if you read the topic in different words and perspective. Extensive reading also gives you more knowledge on the subject – this could earn you bonus points in examinations but, more importantly, as you expand your familiarity with a topic, the more the key facts become like common knowledge to you.

Our concentration span is limited, and you will study more effectively if you take regular breaks. When you find your thoughts wandering get up, stretch and move around, get something to eat or drink, rest your eyes by focusing in the distance.

5. Build a support network

Make friends with fellow nursing students as soon as you can. For the next few years, they will be going through the same experiences you are.

They will be the only ones who really understand what you are going through – you will become each other’s study buddies, shoulder’s to cry on, and family away from home. There will be times that it feels that everything is just getting too much, there will be tears and times that you feel like quitting – your fellow nursing students will be the ones that are there to support you and help you to pick yourself up and push on.

You can also explain work to each other when one of you becomes stuck, work together on assignments, form study groups and quiz each other before exams.

Your fellow nursing students will also be the only ones to share those nursing jokes with (jokes that none of your other friends or family will appreciate!)

A further important part of the support network you should build is with your instructors. Their goal is to help you to achieve yours, and they will be more than willing to help you if they see that you are serious about your studies. So get to know them and don’t be afraid to approach them when you need help.

6. Stay healthy

You will be unable to keep up with the demanding course if you don’t pay attention to staying healthy. A healthy body and mind will help you to optimize your learning as well as keep your immune system going so that you don’t fall ill easily.

Eat regular and healthy meals, get some exercise , sleep enough and make time for stress-relieving leisure activities. It’s especially important to make sure that you get enough sleep before a test or an exam – if you attended classes and reviewed your work regularly your mind will quickly access the information it has stored if it is rested.

It will all be worth it!  

“It’s going to change who you are and be one of the most challenging yet exhilarating times of your life. And at the end of it all, what we all wait for ….’I am a registered nurse ’” wrote Karen Rouse in the American Journal of Nursing after asking readers about what advice they would give to a new nursing student.  

“ If I had to put your best advice to her in one sentence, it would be this: nursing school is probably one of the most difficult things you will ever do, but with good study habits and the support of your fellow nursing student friends, you will get through, and it will be oh so worth it!”

4 thoughts on “6 Study Tips and Strategies to Survive and Succeed in Nursing School”

This is so on point!

I am so keen for the day that I can get my strips as I have set myself a goal to finish my Diploma of Nursing and then do my Bachelor and then specialise in the field of becoming a rural nurse for my native community and help bridge a small gap between my people and others so I found this to be very helpful thank you so much for posting this up I should be able to do a lot better if I have a study structure

Thank you so much ! This is litterrally what I needed to boost my energy and confidence in these times I have to take my HESI !

You’re very welcome!

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Academic writing: what you need to know

10 top tips to help with your studies

Don’t worry, it's a new skill

Start reading, take your time, consider tone.

Nursing is an evidence-based discipline

Think about specialised language

Ask a librarian for help, critical thinking isn’t about criticising.

Use the skills you’ve already developed in other areas

Learn from feedback

Ditch the imposter syndrome, remember your end goal, useful information .

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Academic essays part 3: how to pass an assignment.

John Fowler

Educational Consultant, explores how to survive your nursing career

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John Fowler , Educational Consultant, explores academic writing

Writing an academic essay is a skill, and like any other skill it can be learnt and improved upon. This is easier if the skill is broken down into steps that can be identified, followed and practised. Whereas nurse educators recognise the need to teach practical skills by identifying the various steps involved in the process—such as nursing assessments or applying sterile dressings—they are not so good at helping students identify the essential components of a successful academic essay. If the student can appreciate why these components are essential, they can be honed and practised to improve academic performance. These principles can also be used to give structure for lecturers introducing an assignment or formulating individual feedback.

Essential components of a successful essay

I've been setting and marking essays for over 30 years, supporting a range of staff from first-year students to specialist nurses undertaking Masters and PhDs. From this, I've identified eight components that make up the skill of successful academic essay writing:

• Clear thinking and factually correct The essay is a clear and logical exploration of the question set, based on the best available evidence. This demonstrates that the student has understood the subject and researched the question, going beyond their own opinions.
• Use of evidence-based literature and correct referencing technique The subject is explored using published evidence from journals and appropriate sources such as www.nice.org.uk and Cochrane databases. This demonstrates that the student can extract up-to-date information from reliable sources and reference the sources correctly as per the specific university guidelines.
• Evaluation of the evidence Rather than just repeating that an author said ‘A+B = C’ the student asks questions of the reliability of the evidence in terms of research style and sample size. Do the findings from one clinical setting transfer to another setting? This demonstrates that although the student understands the importance of evidence-based practice, they are not just accepting that anything in print can be directly applied without question.
• Comparative analysis The essay is not just a list of what different authors have said. It demonstrates that the student has read different papers and has attempted to make sense of how the opinions and findings agree or disagree. For example: Brown and Smith (2015) identified ‘patient-controlled analgesia’ as an important factor in a patient's perception of postoperative pain on a surgical ward. This was supported by Raby (2019) with patients on a orthopaedic ward, but not identified by Raine (2018), whose work centred on palliative care wards .
• Use of own experience to comment on the literature The student uses their own experience to comment on the literature, either agreeing, disagreeing or offering an explanation. This is very different from the student stating an opinion and then saying Smith (2010) agrees with me . Thus in the example above of factors affecting a patient's pain perception, the student might add an opinion as to why the results from a palliative care setting did not identify patient-controlled analgesia as an important factor. It is important that the nurse's experience is offered as a possible explanation rather than as a solid fact.
• Identification of gaps in the literature Once the evidence from the literature has been collected the student can use their clinical experience to comment on possible gaps in the literature. This is a valuable way to use clinical experience. It demonstrates understanding of the principles regarding the topic set in the question and acknowledges that there are many aspect of nursing not fully explored in the literature. It can also demonstrate originality of thought and ideas.
• Development of an argument The essay is not just a collection of ‘stand alone’ paragraphs. There should be a structure to the essay in which the main theme of the question set is explored, with each paragraph exploring a different sub theme. These sub themes should build together, linking and complementing each other. As the essay progresses it develops the interaction of the themes and the deepening of the argument based on the assignment question.
• Clear conclusion The conclusion should be about 8-10% of the essay. It should draw out the findings from the body of the essay and present them clearly and concisely. The argument that has been developed in the essay should be summarised and the implications for nursing discussed. The student should be succinctly answering any points in the original question.

Essay writing is a skill. Too often students of all professions are left to develop this skill by trial and error, never really understanding why one essay achieved a high mark and the next one didn't. Once you begin to understand the various components of this skill then you can begin to incorporate and build them into your work. Understanding why they are important and then practising them will help you develop and improve this important skill.

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Writing as a Professional Nurse

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The field of nursing requires a great deal of swift, accurate writing. You will need to fill out reports and charts correctly and completely and record your interactions with doctors and patients fairly. In addition, you must always be prepared to defend the information you record. The material below is intended to help you get used to this type of writing both in school and in the field of nursing.

Three General Rules

This may seem to go without saying, but you should remember that accuracy is important even beyond the obvious areas like medication administration and treatment procedure. Accurately reporting sequences of events, doctor’s orders, and patient concerns will protect you from scrutiny. Example : “Did dressing change.” If this is the entire record of you performing a dressing change for a patient, then exactly what you did is up to interpretation. A more precise version would be:

“Performed dressing change, cleaned wound with NS and gauze, applied calcium alginate, covered with ABD, secured with silk tape. Patient tolerated well.” This revision provides a clear picture of every step of the procedure and explains use of all materials. (Note: even further explanation may be necessary to describe wound status and any changes or doctor notifications.)

Be Objective

Always try to remove personal emotions and opinions from the writing you do. Place yourself in a dispassionate mindset and record information, not feelings, hunches, or viewpoints.

Example : “Patient acting crazy.” This statement relies on the nurse’s subjective opinion of the patient’s mental state. A better version would be: “Patient pacing back and forth, breathing fast, clenching fists, yelling ‘Don’t touch me!’ repeatedly.”

This provides a clear picture of what actually happened during the incident, allowing the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.

Remember Your Critical Audience

Litigation and auditing are a fact of life in the medical field, and chances are good that readers of your writing will be actively looking for mistakes or inconsistencies. Scrupulous charting and reporting is the best way to satisfy such readers. Examples : “Did dressing change.” “Patient acting crazy.” Both of the examples in the above points could be used by a critical audience to have cause for correction or could be used negatively against you in court. The phrase “Did dressing change” details no necessity for specific materials, leaves room for doubt as to compliance with doctor-ordered treatments, and can provide space for accusations from expert witnesses. Writing “Patient acting crazy,” without quantifying statements and description of your actions, can be grounds for charges of negligence. Either one of these cases, in an extreme scenario, could be grounds for you to lose your license.

Nursing Assignment Writing

Mastering the Art of Nursing Assignment Writing

Nursing assignment writing is an integral part of your academic journey as a nursing student. It’s not just about putting words on paper; it’s about mastering the art of effectively communicating crucial healthcare information. Let’s delve into the world of nursing assignment writing, exploring its significance, key elements, and tips for success.

The Significance of Nursing Assignment Writing

Nursing assignment writing serves several vital purposes in your educational and professional development:

• Skill Development: It hones your ability to research, analyze, and critically evaluate healthcare concepts, preparing you for real-world scenarios.
• Knowledge Application: Assignments bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, helping you understand how to use what you’ve learned in a clinical setting.
• Communication Skills: Effective writing is essential in nursing. Clear, concise, and accurate communication is vital when conveying patient information or writing medical reports.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Assignments are a means for instructors to gauge your understanding of nursing topics, ensuring you’re on the right track in your studies.
• Professional Growth: As future healthcare professionals, the skills you acquire through nursing assignment writing will serve you well in your career, enabling you to provide the best care possible to your patients.

Key Elements of Nursing Assignment Writing

Successful nursing assignment writing involves attention to key elements that contribute to its effectiveness:

• Clarity and Conciseness: Your writing should be clear and concise, avoiding jargon or overly complex language. Aim for simplicity and accuracy in conveying your message.
• Relevance: Stay focused on the assignment’s topic and objectives. Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant information.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Incorporate evidence-based research to support your arguments. Cite credible sources and ensure your information is up to date.
• Structure: Organize your assignment with a clear structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. Use headings and subheadings to enhance readability.
• Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone throughout your writing. Avoid slang or colloquial language.

Tips for Excelling in Nursing Assignment Writing

• Understand the Assignment: Read the assignment instructions carefully. Understand the topic, objectives, and formatting requirements before you begin.
• Research Thoroughly: Gather information from reputable sources, including peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and official healthcare websites.
• Plan Your Time: Allocate sufficient time for research, writing, and editing. Avoid last-minute rushes, which can lead to errors.
• Create an Outline: Outline your assignment’s structure before writing. This will serve as a roadmap for your content.
• Draft and Revise: Write a draft and then revise it for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Check for grammar and spelling errors.
• Seek Feedback: If possible, have a peer or instructor review your assignment. Constructive feedback can help you improve your writing.
• Cite Properly: Use the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) and ensure you cite all sources correctly to avoid plagiarism.
• Proofread: Before submitting your assignment, proofread it meticulously. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues.

In Conclusion

Nursing assignment writing is a fundamental aspect of your nursing education. Embrace it as an opportunity to develop essential skills, apply your knowledge, and prepare for a successful nursing career. By mastering the art of nursing assignment writing, you’ll not only excel academically but also contribute to better patient care through effective communication and evidence-based practice.

Nursing Capstone Project Ideas for Nursing Students

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Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

• Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
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Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Nursing students complete capstone projects toward the end of their training. While capstone formats differ between programs, they typically consist of hands-on, one-on-one experience with a nurse at a hospital or facility and or an evidence-based practice formal paper or presentation.

During their last semester, students work one-on-one with an experienced nurse caring for a full patient load. Here, students apply the nursing skills and knowledge learned throughout the nursing program. Students select a capstone project idea by evaluating their interests, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their chosen nursing specialty area and creating a project on this idea.

Not every nursing program requires a capstone, but those that do, generally culminate in a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. Learn more about how to come up with ideas, complete, and present your capstone project at the end of your nursing program.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Is a Nursing Capstone Project?

A capstone course functions as a bridge between the end of school and the beginning of a career, allowing nursing students to put what they’ve learned into practice. As the name suggests, students complete capstones toward the end of their nursing training.

Each nursing program sets its requirements. Students may complete their capstone projects as team leaders. BSN candidates may present their papers to a faculty panel. Projects could include:

• Case studies
• Program evaluations
• Policy analyses

Students focus on evidence-based practice allowing them to apply research and experiential evidence toward solving a healthcare problem. Capstone goals center on the application of knowledge gained during nursing training programs, including topics related to:

Topics can also focus on the strategies needed to transition from students to baccalaureate-level nurses.

There is a difference between a capstone project and a thesis. Students complete capstones individually or in groups, while thesis projects must be done alone.

Capstone project time lengths span vary, while graduate students work on their thesis projects throughout their entire program length. Graduate thesis courses generally take place over 1-2 semesters to keep students on track.

Finally, capstone topics evaluate current issues and theories; thesis students incorporate existing case studies and literature while exploring and arguing for their original research. Some schools require students to publish their thesis papers in a healthcare journal.

Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

Asking for guidance from faculty, supervisors, preceptors, and fellow students helps narrow capstone ideas and topics. Advisors assist in choosing an appropriate capstone site. Nursing students often create capstone project ideas around need areas in health or healthcare, particularly in their city or region.

A few examples of capstone project ideas include:

• Easing the nursing shortage crisis
• Developing a telehealth system for rural communities
• Reducing hospital admissions through education and chronic disease management
• Creating an app that helps nursing students improve study habits
• Developing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions as learning tools or at the bedside
• Building a program to improve mental health in rural communities
• Improving pain management in children with cancer
• Increasing health literacy, particularly among specific patient populations
• Improving technology skills for patients, including in older age segments

Nursing students might also choose emergency or intensive care topics, such as creating a more effective triage system to get higher-risk patients seen quicker.

Some students prefer outpatient topics, like developing programs for clinical services, long-term care, or public health. Readers should remember that each school sets its policies and recommendations.

Students develop and learn the skills needed to complete their capstones throughout their training. These include:

• Organization and time management
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice
• Critical thinking

They also learn to conduct literature searches, identify research designs, and evaluate evidence.

Completing Your Nursing Capstone Project

Capstone formats and completion times widely vary between programs. Capstone projects can be completed in a few weeks or last till the end of the semester.

Most students follow a PICO format to complete their nursing capstone project regardless of the academic program. The PICO format is used in research to create a well-structured clinical question helping students direct their search on a particular topic. PICO stands for:

P – population, people, or problem

I – Interventions

C – comparison or condition

O – outcome

Some universities allow capstone projects to be completed in teams where students develop and implement the project. Capstone components may include defining the project and the team leader’s role, selecting team members, and formulating the project plan.

Capstone projects are meant to hone leadership and management abilities. Some examples include:

• Mastering therapeutic communication
• Applying leadership and management concepts
• Developing collaborative relationships
• Working on multidisciplinary teams

Presenting Your Nursing Capstone Project

The capstone process culminates in a paper or presentation that measures students’ skills in communication, information dissemination, and application of evidence-based practice skills. Members of the public may attend.

Utilizing the poster format, students commonly use three panels to illustrate:

• The background, problem, and purpose
• The methodology
• 2-3 key findings and implications

Students who present using PowerPoint on a laptop or other device should pay attention to time limits, plan for one slide per minute, and verify that equipment and internet connectivity are available.

Visuals like graphs, figures, and bullet points are more effective than large blocks of text.

Students should practice presenting in front of others to ensure they thoroughly know their content and can answer questions. Backing up a copy of a PowerPoint presentation and printing out copies or transparencies guards against last-minute glitches.

How Is a Nursing Capstone Project Graded?

Capstone grading methods differ between programs. Some issue letter grades and others use a pass/no pass system. Grades typically hinge on a percentage basis of the project’s written sections, the final proposal, and the presentation.

Faculty evaluate how students execute the capstone course objectives, which may include the following criteria:

• Exhibiting thorough preparation and knowledge of the subject matter
• Clear and concise communication
• Adherence to any time limits
• Ability to answer questions and cite references
• Persuasiveness

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Capstone Projects

What is a nursing capstone project.

A nursing capstone project in nursing typically consist of hands-on, one-on-one experience with a nurse at a hospital or facility and an evidence-based practice formal paper or presentation presented towards the end of the nursing program.

What happens if you fail a nursing capstone project?

If you fail your capstone project, your options vary based on the rules set by your school, program, and/or faculty. In some cases, you may be able to resubmit your project. Unfortunately, in other cases it could mean you must repeat the course or even delay graduation. Students may be able to appeal their grade depending on the polices of the program.

Are nursing capstone projects hard?

Nursing capstone projects should be challenging, but they shouldn’t be overwhelming. Asking for guidance from faculty, supervisors, preceptors, and fellow students helps narrow capstone ideas, and they can also help you while completing your capstone project.

What are some examples of a nursing capstone project?

A few examples of capstone project ideas include ideas on the nursing shortage crisis, developing a telehealth system for rural communities, reducing hospital admissions, or implementing artificial intelligence (AI) into the nursing curriculum or at the bed side. There are many possibilities for nursing capstone projects: essentially any research project designed to improve health or healthcare could be a potential capstone project.

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