research problem statement for nursing students

Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

What is a nursing research paper.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

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

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

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

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

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

Example Research Project Scenario:

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

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

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

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

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

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

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

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

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

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

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

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

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

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

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

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

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

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

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

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

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Quantitative Research for Nursing Students

Table of Contents

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

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

How to Choose Quantitative Research Topics

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

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

Feasibility

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

Literature Review

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

Consult with Advisors

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

200+ Quantitative Research Topics for Nursing Students

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

Nursing Workforce and Patient Outcomes

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

Telehealth and Remote Monitoring

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

Mental Health Nursing

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

Pediatric Nursing

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

Gerontological Nursing

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

Women’s Health Nursing

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

Community Health Nursing

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

Nursing Education and Training

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

Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety

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

Cultural Competence in Nursing

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

Tips for Conducting Quantitative Nursing Research

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

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

Resources for Nursing Students

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

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

Online Resources

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

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

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

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List of 350 Brilliant Nursing Research Topics to Investigate in 2024

Nursing education is challenging. Writing hundreds of tedious nursing research pieces is the most frustrating part. But we know how to help you! Discover 350 exciting nursing research topics and learn how to choose the best one.

• Primary Care Topics
• Public Health Topics
• Emergency Nursing Topics
• Midwifery Topics
• Neonatal Nursing Topics
• Pediatric Research Topics
• Nutrition Topics
• Mental Health Topics
• Healthcare Management Topics
• Medical Ethics Topics
• Nursing Leadership Topics
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research
• How to Choose a Nursing Topic

Process of Nursing Research

350 interesting nursing research topics.

Nursing research topics for college students can cover various areas of this field. Below you will find a list of 350 exciting ideas, which we have divided into different areas of activity. No matter what nursing research is in your sphere of interest. We’ve got you covered! You can also check research essay samples on the same topic for more inspiration.

Primary Care Research Topics

Primary care is the leading clinical service that sustains the health of an entire nation. The study of this topic is mandatory for the stable development of the healthcare system. Here are primary nursing research titles examples:

• What healthcare problems can be in primary care?
• The role of private health care providers in primary care.
• Peculiarities of vaccination in rural areas.
• Basic methods for assessing the quality of primary care .
• The role of modern technology in primary care .
• Basic techniques of evaluating the patient’s health .
• Private sector activities in primary care .
• The necessity to provide childcare services.
• Primary care and chronic pain problem .
• Vaccination programs : pros and cons.
• The role of social workers in primary care.
• Responsibility of the pharmacist for public health.
• Effective methods of asthma prevention.
• Advantages and disadvantages of home nursing care.
• How can primary care system help fight depression?
• Vaccination of the elderly: challenges and potential benefits.
• Principles of preventive medicine: primary care for the elderly.
• Migraine diagnosis and treatment methods.
• Innovative methods in cardiology .
• Major causes of anxiety disorders in adults.
• The problem of obesity treatment in primary care .
• Effective ways of taking anamnesis.
• Methods for diagnosing stroke in the elderly.
• Basic precautions for Parkinson’s disease .
• Basic requirements for intensive care .
• Connection of primary care and information technology training .
• Sleep disorders in women.
• Standard protocol for the treatment of headache in adults.
• Basic guidelines for primary care for disaster victims.
• The role of government agencies in primary care.

Based on previous papers, you can try to come up with your nursing research topics, for example, on infection control.

Research Topics in Public Health

The public health area has a strong connection with government issues. However, it is doctors who study the basis of all problems. So, let’s check out these special nursing research paper topics!

• The role of governmental organizations in the public health system .
• Effectiveness of government programs to prevent drug addiction .
• What role do parents play in promoting children’s health?
• Features of the school nurses’ work.
• The importance of proper nutrition and exercise .
• Telemedicine : advantages and disadvantages.
• The role of government in providing nursing education.
• The importance of long-term care facilities to the healthcare system .
• Discovering public health’s primary functions .
• Promoting healthy lifestyle in old age.
• Sedentary change programs for adolescents.
• Educational strategies for healthcare organizations in social media.
• Ways to educate young people about a positive body image .
• Formation of public behavior in the problem of cancer prevention.
• Occupational health and safety for workers in hazardous professions.
• Connection of modern technologies and public health system .
• Government AIDS awareness programs.
• State programs to increase awareness of heart disease .
• Government programs aimed at maintaining a healthy work environment .
• Health promotion methods.
• Companies against alcohol: examples from history.
• Public health policies: sugary drink tax .
• Raising awareness of the importance of vaccines .
• How is lung cancer related to air condition?
• Promotion of activity among children with disabilities .
• Disease eradication as a leading public health policy target .
• Government mental health awareness programs.
• Improving individual health as a way to counter epidemics .
• Ways of transmission of infectious diseases .
• Educating children about the importance of sports .

Public health is an excellent topic choice for a nursing dissertation. Try it!

Emergency Nursing Research Topics

New studies are essential for new practical approaches for nurses in emergencies. Try to discover new methods with these critical care nursing research topics!

• What role can stress play in emergency nursing?
• How to deal with anaphylactic shock?
• Effective methods of providing emergency care .
• Features of decision-making by a nurse in critical situations.
• Analysis of the effectiveness of emergency assistance in case of accidents.
• Analysis of the extreme degrees of pain in a patient.
• Diagnosing problems in ER.
• Emergency training methods.
• How to increase chances to save a drowning person?
• Models for reducing violence in emergency departments.
• The problem of rural residents’ access to ambulance services.
• Can family stay close to the patient during resuscitation?
• What effect do tasers have on the development of heart disease ?
• Diagnosing sepsis in emergencies.
• Effective methods of dealing with the effects of using pepper sprays.
• Screening for alcohol and drug addiction in adolescents.
• The role of ambulance crews in the fight against human trafficking .
• Identification and assistance to victims of violence.
• How to deal with unwanted patient behavior?
• Pediatric trauma and shock.
• Psychiatric screening in first aid cars.
• Ways to develop tolerance in first-aid workers.
• Effective ER worker behavior models.
• The role of private clinics in providing emergency services.
• The role of nurses in the ambulance crew.
• Common causes of death in ER patients.
• Correct gender policy towards ER staff.
• How to organize a working emergency care system?
• How to help relatives survive the death of a patient?
• Techniques for teaching nurses to diagnose and respond to life threats quickly.

These nursing research topics for critical care would be an excellent choice for your papers!

Midwifery Research Topics

Midwifery is one of the more challenging medical areas. We picked 30 of the best nursing research topics on pregnancy and prenatal care to help you improve your knowledge! Take a look:

• How can midwifery recognize domestic violence?
• Excess weight problems during pregnancy .
• How to analyze the effectiveness of childbirth ?
• Disease prevention during pregnancy.
• Effective methods of newborn resuscitation.
• Features of adolescent education in gynecology.
• Prenatal nursing care.
• Precautions for preterm labor.
• Rules of conduct for staff in the delivery room.
• Basic rules for saving mother and child.
• Preparing staff and the patient for a caesarean section.
• Preventing depression during pregnancy.
• Features and importance of family planning .
• Childbirth in water: advantages and disadvantages.
• Features of caring for pregnant women with breast cancer .
• The influence of the autonomic nervous system on the course of pregnancy.
• Methods for predicting preeclampsia.
• Diseases of the cervix associated with human papillomavirus .
• Frequency and possible complications of pregnancy and cervical disease.
• Treatment tactics of pregnancy complications in women with disorders of the upper urinary tract.
• Identifying asymptomatic pregnancy complications.
• The use of modern technologies in the treatment of fetal diseases.
• Features of the reproductive system after termination of pregnancy.
• Reasons for using iodine supplementation during pregnancy.
• Prevention of complications after operations on the pelvic organs .
• Impact of epilepsy on reproductive health .
• Features of reproductive behavior in students and ways to correct it.
• The effect of oral contraceptives on the contents of immune complexes in the blood.
• Operative delivery and influence on the child.
• Psychological assistance to patients with infertility .

Remember some of these nursing research topics on midwifery. Profs love them!

Neonatal Nursing Research Topics

Neonatal studies are one of the most innovative medical spheres. Check out this brilliant list of research topics for nursing students in the neonatal area. They will help you better understand the neonatal care importance.

• The importance of hand hygiene in neonatal units .
• Features of neonatal practice in rural areas.
• The leading causes of child mortality .
• How neonatal care has evolved in recent decades.
• Hygiene of newborns and skincare for babies.
• Postpartum infant care basics.
• Principles of breastfeeding infants.
• Predicting feeding problems and treatments.
• The leading causes of seizures in newborns and methods of treatment.
• Eating disorder in infants.
• Methods for predicting diseases in newborn children.
• Effective medical practices for babies.
• Nursing ethics for newborn care.
• Features of modern neonatal practices.
• Features of the development of the pulmonary tract of newborns.
• Studies of the lungs of a newborn: functions and structural features.
• Influence of inflammatory processes on the infant’s brain.
• The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury in infants.
• The importance of neonatal health services.
• Basic strategies for modeling neonatal education.
• Monitoring the quality of neonatal services.
• Influence of neonatal care on the further treatment of a newborn.
• Impact of maternal obesity on infant development.
• Causes of abnormal neurological development in children.
• Use of hormones to regulate fetal lung development.
• Diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in infants.
• Potential lung disease in premature babies.
• Using nitric oxide to treat premature babies.
• Parental drug use and effects on fetal neurological development.
• Use of biomarkers for neonatal sepsis.

A nursing dissertation on neonatal issues is always a wise choice!

Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

Studies in pediatrics are aimed to help students discover children’s health issues to solve. Innovative approaches are mandatory to fight modern challenges. Check out these research topics for nursing students; they’ll help you become more informed:

• The importance of self-care nursing in pediatrics.
• Features of the treatment of children with autism .
• Childhood obesity problem.
• Features of vaccination of minors.
• Therapy for speech disorders .
• Causes of diabetes in young people.
• Music therapy and phlebotomy.
• Suboptimal diabetes: causes and methods of intervention.
• Causes of increased fatigue in adolescents.
• HIV prevention in adolescence.

• Preventing unwanted teenage pregnancies .
• Features of the use of painkillers in children.
• Methods for analyzing adolescent behavior.
• Features of the work of the pediatric department in schools.
• The importance of health promotion in pediatrics .
• Ways to connect with your child.
• Pediatric care basics.
• How can a healthcare professional deal with adolescent aggression ?
• Reducing the risk in children receiving oxygen therapy .
• The role of molecular markers in the diagnosis of childhood leukemia .
• Psychological help for children with cancer .
• Assessment of language models in children with autism.
• The use of stem cells in the treatment of childhood diseases.
• How do environmental problems affect the development of a child’s body?
• Implications of passive smoker syndrome for children.
• Possible complications of measles in children .
• Methods for diagnosing asthma in children .
• Common causes of Tourette’s syndrome in children.
• How does anorexia affect cognitive function in children?
• Diagnosis of ear infections in childhood.

We guess this ultimate list of research topics in pediatric nursing will be helpful for you!

Nutrition Research Topics for College Students

The eating habits of modern people can be harmful to the body. Therefore, doctors are seriously studying the current problems in this area. Here you can find tons of excellent nursing research topics on nutrition and its possible issues.

• What are referral reasons for the dietary assessment?
• Nutrition assistance for the elderly.
• Effects of stress on childhood metabolism .
• Prevention of obesity in adolescents.
• Linking diet to behavioral changes.
• How social media influences teen food choices .
• Patient nutrition problem in healthcare policy .
• Predicting and assessing diabetes .
• The problem of dietary intervention in the elderly.
• Promoting healthy eating as a way to fight obesity.
• Nursing promotion of healthy homemade food.
• Effects of good nutrition on fetal development .
• How does nutrition affect a child’s development ?
• Root causes of weight gain : a clinical study.
• Common diseases caused by poor nutrition .
• Nutrition screening for the elderly.
• The nutritional problem of children with autism .
• The importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy .
• Baby food: preventing eating disorders.
• Diet as a cause of dementia development in adults.
• Osteoporosis: the role of diet in disease prevention.
• The role of diet in healthy aging.
• What is the relationship between cancer and diet ?
• Nursing role in the safety of nutrition.
• The main benefits of a healthy diet : advice to patients.
• The role of parents in maintaining healthy eating habits in children.
• The relationship between healthy eating and cognitive development .
• Modern trends in youth nutrition.
• The nurse’s role in maintaining quality nutrition for pregnant women .
• Innovative nursing nutritional care.

Now let’s move to the next section – research topics in mental health!

Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

Mental health problems are more relevant now than ever. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness , nearly 20% of the US adult population suffers from mental health problems. That’s why psychiatry research topics capture the interest of college students.

• The importance of nursing in mental health safety .
• Features of mental disorder in alcohol dependence .
• How does police work affect mental health?
• The connection between video games and the development of teenage aggression.
• How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

• Main theories in mental health studies .
• Features of bipolar mental disorder .
• Causes and prevention of drug addiction .
• Mental health problems of athletes after physical injuries .
• Conditions for the use of psychotherapy .
• Reasons and methods for tackling health imbalances.
• The influence of phone usage on mental health .
• Brain stimulation techniques.
• Diversity of sexual orientation psychology features.
• Methods for dealing with physical violence.
• The effectiveness of traditional methods of treating mental illness .
• Features of mental support for the patient’s relatives.
• The role of nurses in the management of geriatric patients with mental disorders.
• Combating burnout in the practice of healthcare professionals.
• The problem of war veterans’ mental health .
• The phenomenon of occupational deformation as a type of mental disorder.
• Chest pain as a symptom of mental health problems in adults.
• The relationship between increased risk of cancer and depression.
• Basic treatments for dementia .
• Nursing refugee mental health help .
• The practice of mirror therapy in rehabilitation.
• Methods to help victims of violence.
• Helping patients after a stroke .
• The use of antipsychotics : benefits and harms.
• How belly massage helps fight residual stomach volume.

We believe you’re going to find one of the best psychiatric nursing research topics!

Healthcare Management Research Topics

The effective functioning of the health care system is impossible without competent leadership. Therefore, nursing research study topics on healthcare management are as important as the others!

• The importance of financial management for the healthcare industry .
• Assessment of the economic component of primary health care .
• How does bias affect healthcare funding?
• How to properly organize health care at home?
• The Importance of a Unified Nursing Code.
• How risk management affects healthcare projects?
• Gender policy in health management .
• Features of the initial stages of private medical practice.
• The importance of the apology law.
• Features of selling medical marijuana .
• Features of healthcare contracts.
• The problem of human resources in the healthcare industry .
• The problem of the shortage of men in healthcare.
• Medicare: how to get benefits.
• How to improve the minimum level of nursing training ?
• Modern trends in the healthcare management area .
• Staff uniform rules.
• Legal risks of medical personnel .
• Gender bias in nursing.
• Features of the organization of the first aid service in private sector.
• Risk management in healthcare.
• The connection of healthcare and conflict management .
• Ways to solve staffing problems in healthcare.
• Ensuring the personnel safety from infectious diseases .
• Strategies to improve the emotional health of employees.
• What is the danger of not having enough nursing staff for patients?
• Personnel policy in public medical institutions.
• International nursing training.
• Basic principles of management in healthcare facilities.
• Possible ways to get a nursing promotion.

These nursing research titles on healthcare management will impress your professors!

Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics

Controversial issues in the field of medical ethics are felt more and more acutely every year. That is why they need to be solved, and research topics related to nursing ethics present a good opportunity for highlighting them:

• The role of ethical values in the nursing decision-making process .
• Particular ethics of data collection in primary care.
• The ethical dilemma of abortion.
• Moral choice in opioid addiction .
• Features of ethics in helping the homeless .
• Ethics of care for patients with mental disorders .
• Phantom pain phenomenon.
• Features of cultural perception in the work of nurses.
• How can religious beliefs affect medical ethics?
• The role of relatives in the treatment of geriatric patients .
• Ethics of the need to increase sales in medicine.
• The problem of sexualizing the image of a nurse.
• The importance of solving moral dilemmas in nursing .
• Assisting female patients by male nurses .
• What are the main medical ethics principles?
• Ethics of care for geriatric patients.
• The problem of compulsory vaccination : solutions.
• The dilemma of artificial feeding of patients.
• Ethics of nursing in preventive medicine.
• The importance of a hospital work ethic.
• The U.S. standard of ethics for nursing .
• The dilemma of medical ethics .
• The difference in medical ethics in Asian countries and European countries.
• How can medical ethics conflict with religious beliefs?
• Assisting suicide as a dilemma in medical ethics.
• The ethical problem of marijuana usage for medical purposes .
• The impact of cultural patterns on medical ethics .
• Child maltreatment : a medical ethics dilemma.
• Implementation of international medical ethics standards for healthcare development.
• Methods for monitoring compliance with medical ethics.

Nursing ethics research questions have a tendency to be the most interesting ones!

Nursing Leadership Paper Topics

The principle of developing leadership among nurses is vital for improving the performance of any clinic. This list consists of 30 nursing research topics about leadership in healthcare field:

• What role does leadership play in nursing?
• Which skills are necessary for effective nursing leadership performance?
• The nurse’s role in providing quality health care .
• Why is it important for nurses to attend medical conferences?
• Features of the classification of nurses.
• What is a retention strategy for experienced nurses?
• How does nursing leadership development affect patient outcomes?
• The problem of obtaining a diploma for a nurse.
• Nursing leadership : key challenges and opportunities.
• Ethical issues in nursing leadership .
• Protecting staff interests in nursing management .
• Analyzing college students’ nursing leadership experience .
• Effective nursing leadership styles .
• Ways to develop nursing leadership in private healthcare facilities.
• Nursing manual: Betty Newman theory.
• The importance of intuitiveness in the workplace.
• The importance of conflict resolution in the nursing leadership sphere .
• Patient advocacy opportunities for the lead nurse.
• Nursing manual: theory of intellectual capital.
• Effective models of professional practice in nursing.
• Professional opportunities for nursing graduates in nursing leadership .
• What are modern approaches in nursing leadership?
• Transformational leadership model for nursing.
• Fundamental theories for effective nursing leadership .
• Methods for applying leadership theories to nursing .
• What is the need for effective nursing leadership ?
• Methods for monitoring the effectiveness of nursing leadership .
• Principles of delegation of authority in nursing leadership practice.
• The importance of nursing leadership in strategic hospital planning.
• Nursing leadership as a method to retain experienced staff.

Evidence-based nursing topics on leadership can become a great start to your career!

Easy Topics for Nursing Qualitative and Quantitative Research

The division into qualitative and quantitative research can be confusing. But don’t worry, we’ll help you figure it out! Each type of nursing research topic and other materials may depend on dry numbers or subjective opinions. Keep reading for more detailed information and examples of quantitative and qualitative research topics in nursing!

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Nursing Research

Empirical research methods can be divided into two broad categories: quantitative and qualitative. As their name suggests, each view relies on specific types of data. Therefore, your nursing paper topics can also reveal either qualitative or quantitative aspects of the problem. Let’s take a quick look at the main differences between these two methods.

The quantitative method relies entirely on numbers and statistics. Your task is to find patterns and come to a conclusion by analyzing a large amount of data. This type of nursing research is as structured and objective as possible. These are the quantitative method characteristics:

• Sources of information are polls, reviews, records, documents.
• The deductive methodology involved.
• As objective as possible.
• The main content is numbers and data.
• Validity depends on the selected analysis tools.

The qualitative method , on the contrary, is a reflection of the author’s thoughts and conclusions. It depends entirely on the depth of understanding of the problem and the existing materials on the nursing thesis topics. The task of the researcher is to analyze previous works and create their theory through reflection. Check the qualitative method characteristics:

• Sources of information: focus groups, document reviews, interviews.
• The inductive process is involved.
• The subjective opinion of the author is allowed.
• The main content is text and reflections.
• Validity depends on the skill of the author.

You can check lists of topics for nursing research ideas in these spheres below!

Qualitative Nursing Research Topics

Qualitative analysis is a complex but critical aspect of medical practice. Nursing qualitative research topics are designed for students to develop skills of analyzing challenging issues and make proper conclusions:

• The role of technology in improving the quality of nursing care .
• Empowering nurses to prescribe: advantages and disadvantages.
• The problem of equality between doctors and nurses .
• Nursing stereotypes.
• Issues of accreditation of medical schools.
• The problem of systemic racism in the healthcare system.
• How nursing has changed in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• The importance of nursing staff in primary care .
• Priority of cancer in adults.
• Advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research in nursing .

These qualitative nursing research topics can help you improve your analytical skills significantly!

Quantitative Nursing Research Topics

Quantitative type of scientific work is all about statistics, percentages, and numbers. Prepare yourself to analyze tons of information with these nursing quantitative research topics:

• Evaluation of the effectiveness of primary patient care.
• The leading causes of heart disease .
• Analysis of the efficacy of telemedicine .
• The problem of an overabundance of information noise in the modern world.
• Evaluation of methods of assistance in suicide attempts.
• Statistical analysis of the benefits of diets .
• Causes of mental illness in women.
• Using unconventional methods to treat diabetes .
• Benefits of probiotics for treating diarrhea .
• Methods for assessing pain in critically ill patients.

For a successful paper, it’s importnt to pick a good research topics for nursing students based on quantitative evidence.

How to choose a Nursing Research Topic?

Choosing a quality nursing research topic idea can be a daunting task. This is mainly because the variety of possible options is simply too large. But don’t worry, here are some simple tips to help you choose the theme that’s right for you!

📜 Remove large-scale topics . You should not waste your energy on massive topics. Instead, choose narrow evidence-based ideas that allow you to focus on one issue. 📜 Use personal experience . One cannot be informed in all aspects of medicine. So when you write about a topic you have no experience with, you risk getting bogged down in hours of tedious research. Try to remember what problems you faced yourself. This way, you will already have a basic knowledge of the topic. 📜 Review literature . A large amount of ready-made research a topic will be an excellent help in writing about it. Try to do a systematic nursing topics review to find more examples. This does not mean that you should copy the work of another medic. On the contrary, it will be a good opportunity for you to highlight additional information. Therefore, before choosing from easy nursing research topics, look at how much information is already in the public domain.

What is the process of nursing research? Oh, that’s a tricky question. Let’s look at the main stages you need to go through!

✨ Define the research problem . To solve a problem, you first need to find it. That is why the first thing you should do is choose a nursing research question. If you have any experience with the topic, that will be a big plus! ✨ Develop hypothesis . Now, you need to think and create your theory. It can be of any form. The main thing is to make a connection between the data pieces and find a pattern. Of course, the hypothesis must be consistent with the current nursing research topics. ✨ Literature review . Before you start writing, it’s important to tighten your knowledge of the central thesis of the topic you’ve selected. Try reading other people’s research, finding the statistics you want, and just surfing the internet. ✨ Prepare an outline . It is essential to formulate a plan for your work before you start working on it. The more detailed you describe each paragraph of your article, the less time you will need to write it. Quality work begins with a quality plan! ✨ Conduct research . Now you start the longest and most important part of the whole nursing project. You should delve deeper into the problem and find the information you need. Everything that you write should help you prove your hypothesis in one way or another. ✨ Make a conclusion and develop further recommendations . After you have processed all the material, it is time to write a conclusion. Here, you must indicate whether you have succeeded in proving the hypothesis and recommend the application for your scientific work.

Congratulations, you did it! Writing a good paper is not that difficult. It all depends on a well-chosen research topic in the nursing field; luckily, you have a list of 350 topics to look through in this article! You can find more nursing research ideas on our website!

❓ What Is Translational Research in Nursing?

Translational research is a kind of scientific work, and its task is to transform theory into new practical approaches. In other words, discoveries made in laboratories become the basis for creating a new actionable framework in nursing.

❓ What Is an Example of a Clinical Question?

The clinical question is an integral part of your scientific work. It can relate to categories such as the cause of the problem, the manifestation of the disease in the patient, possible solutions, and potential results. A well-formulated clinical question helps you write a quality article.

❓ How to Determine Level of Evidence in Nursing Research?

Several criteria determine the level of evidence in nursing research. These include quality of design, validity, and applicability of results to patient care. Therefore, you should constantly monitor the reliability of your sources and the correctness of your conclusions.

❓ What Are Some Controversial Issues in Nursing?

In modern nursing, there are some controversial issues, mainly of an ethical nature. Such problems include the issue of vaccination of people who are against it, artificial nutrition, opioid addiction, and others. There is a lively discussion about how to act correctly in some instances and what factors the decision may depend on.

📎 References:

• Evidence-Based Practice: PICO. Duke University .
• Asking the clinical question. Penn State University
• Evidence-Based Practice Toolkit. Darrell W. Krueger Library
• Top 5 Ethical Issues in Nursing. American Mobile
• Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods.
• Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research – What Is the difference? Imotions
• The Seven Steps of the Research Process. Teacherph
• Research Paper Writing Guide. Grammarly
• Choosing a research topic. Florida Gulf Coast University
• Nursing Process. NCBI
• Sample Research Topics. CFAES
• Selecting a Research Topic: Overview. MIT Libraries
• Three Important Nursing Subjects Students Should Know. Distant learning systems
• Evidence-Based Practice Tutorial: Asking Clinical Questions. University of Maryland
• Top 5 Ethical Issues in Nursing. Avant Healthcare
• Ethical Issues in Nursing: Explanations & Solutions. Duquesne University
• Clinical & Translational Research. UNC
• Writing a Thesis for Nursing School | Nursejournal.org
• A practical approach to the process of writing a dissertation. Nursing Times
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14 Research Topics for Nursing Students

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As a nursing student, you will be expected to conduct research as part of your coursework. Choosing a research topic can be challenging, but it's essential to find a topic that is both interesting and relevant to your field. In this post, we'll explore some good research topics for nursing students and provide links to resources where you can learn more.

The effects of shift work on nurses' health and well-being Shift work is a common practice in nursing, but it can have negative effects on nurses' health and well-being. This research topic could explore the impact of shift work on sleep patterns, stress levels, and overall health.

Improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice Nurses play a crucial role in delivering evidence-based care. This research topic could explore the use of evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes in a particular area, such as wound care or medication management.

Examining the role of the nurse in end-of-life care End-of-life care is an important aspect of nursing practice. This research topic could explore the nurse's role in providing end-of-life care, including ethical considerations and communication with patients and families.

Reducing healthcare-associated infections in hospitals Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant problem in hospitals. This research topic could explore strategies for reducing HAIs, such as hand hygiene and infection control measures.

Exploring the impact of cultural diversity on healthcare outcomes Cultural diversity is an essential aspect of nursing practice. This research topic could explore the impact of cultural diversity on healthcare outcomes, including patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and health disparities.

Investigating the use of technology in nursing practice Technology is increasingly being used in nursing practice. This research topic could explore the use of technology in areas such as telehealth, electronic health records, and medication administration.

Addressing healthcare disparities among underserved populations Healthcare disparities are a significant problem in the United States. This research topic could explore the factors contributing to healthcare disparities among underserved populations and strategies for addressing these disparities.

Improving pain management in hospitalized patients Pain management is an essential aspect of nursing practice. This research topic could explore strategies for improving pain management in hospitalized patients, including the use of non-pharmacological interventions.

Examining the effectiveness of nursing interventions in preventing falls in hospitalized patients Falls are a significant problem in hospitals, particularly among older adults. This research topic could explore the effectiveness of nursing interventions in preventing falls in hospitalized patients.

Investigating the use of complementary and alternative therapies in nursing practice Complementary and alternative therapies are becoming increasingly popular among patients. This research topic could explore the use of these therapies in nursing practice, including their efficacy and safety.

The impact of social determinants of health on healthcare outcomes Social determinants of health, such as income and education level, can have a significant impact on healthcare outcomes. This research topic could explore the relationship between social determinants of health and healthcare outcomes.

Investigating the relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes Nurse staffing levels can have a significant impact on patient outcomes. This research topic could explore the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes, including mortality rates and length of stay.

Examining the use of simulation in nursing education Simulation is becoming an increasingly popular teaching tool in nursing education. This research topic could explore the use of simulation in nursing education, including its effectiveness and best practices.

Improving nursing leadership and management in healthcare organizations Nursing leadership and management are essential components of healthcare organizations. This research topic could explore strategies for improving nursing leadership and

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Writing a Thesis for Nursing School

NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

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.
• Provide specific, corrective feedback.
• Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Writing a thesis presents an opportunity for graduate students to conduct scholarly inquiry, with the potential of publishing their finished paper. A thesis requires nursing students to identify a problem in nursing, and review academic literature while developing advanced research skills. Thesis advisors and committees guide students from the proposal phase to the final oral defense, a process that spans about two semesters.

Not every nursing student is required to complete a thesis. Some nursing programs offer a non-thesis option, in which candidates complete a final capstone project or oral examination on topics such as nursing theories and clinical practices.

The thesis process and requirements vary by school. Ohio State University’s master of science in nursing program’s final examination includes oral and written portions.

Want to know what to expect during the thesis process? Read on to learn how you can choose a thesis topic and orally defend your paper.

Choosing Your Nursing Thesis Topic

Nursing students must choose a thesis topic before they begin the research and writing process, typically within the first two terms of nursing school. A solid thesis must present an original argument, manageable research scope, and worthy academic pursuit. A thesis advisor or research professor will help to guide each student through the process of choosing a topic.

In the conceptual phase, candidates research potential thesis topics based on their interests within their nursing specialty. Students may start with a broad topic such as obesity and weight management, depression, or cardiovascular disease. To narrow their thesis argument, graduate students might focus on racial or ethnic groups, socio-economic issues, or current events.

After settling on a topic, students draft and submit a thesis proposal to an advisor or committee chair. Once this proposal has been approved, students can begin the formal work on his or her approved thesis topic.

While graduate students must complete a thesis to fulfill the requirements of a master’s degree in nursing, the thesis process also offers a chance for future nurses to immerse themselves in current academic literature and collaborate with fellow graduate students, faculty, and professors. A thesis can also serve as the foundation for doctoral studies. A thesis at the doctoral (PhD) level is called a dissertation.

Completing Your Nursing Thesis

Brainstorming a thesis topic begins as early as the first semester of a master’s in nursing program. The formal thesis process, which typically spans multiple terms, does not take place until the student’s final year, usually during the last term.

Thesis requirements vary by school, and students must meet specific deadlines and take prerequisite courses beforehand. At the University of Texas-Houston’s School of Nursing , candidates take a public health class before they submit a thesis proposal.

Future nurses work under the guidance of a thesis committee and advisor. The experience of writing a thesis trains students in original investigation, data collection, implementing research design, and public speaking. Candidates also learn to flex their analytical thinking skills and master a specific area of nursing as they develop the ability to analyze and draw conclusions through data.

At a program’s conclusion, students submit their thesis as a bound manuscript or electronic file. In addition to submitting a written report, students orally defend their final thesis in front of the committee. Many graduates also submit their manuscripts for publication.

Presenting Your Nursing Thesis

Graduate students generally orally defend their proposal and present their completed thesis in front of their committee. This committee also includes the thesis mentor, a faculty member specializing in the nursing discipline of their scholarly inquiry. There are generally 3 total committee members on a thesis committee.

Fellow graduate students or consultants outside of the college may attend presentations, if the process is open to the public. Otherwise, the thesis defense remains a private session, with students presenting their findings. The oral examination of the thesis takes up to one hour, but can last longer depending on how many questions the committee has for the student.

During that time, the committee evaluates the thesis based on how the research experience has shaped the student’s graduate education and the findings’ significance to the nursing field. When the exam concludes, the committee either accepts or rejects the thesis defense.

How is a Nursing Thesis Graded?

Nursing schools rely on each committee to formally grade each product in the thesis process. Some graduate nursing students may receive a letter grade, while other nursing schools adhere to a “pass” or “fail” policy.

To determine a grade, the committee assesses the thesis based on set criteria. Committee members look at the project’s key components, including the statement of purpose, literature review, research methodology, analysis, findings, and implications. The process and grading criteria for the thesis process can be found in the school’s graduate handbook. Most of these handbooks are published online for student review.

The thesis must identify significant issues or service gaps in nursing and present them in a concise and coherent fashion. Candidates must support all findings and analysis by research and explain the implications for healthcare.

The oral defense also factors into the grade. The committee grades the defense based on the quality of the student’s presentation, taking into consideration if the student spoke clearly and presented a logical and well-organized argument.

What is the Difference Between a Nursing Thesis and a Capstone?

A nursing thesis and a capstone demonstrate the student’s comprehensive knowledge and educational journey. Graduate students in a non-research track may have the choice of completing a clinical project. Doctoral of Nursing ( DNP ) students complete a capstone project.

Graduate-level nursing students work on an original scholarly inquiry during their thesis, while undergraduates recap their cumulative learning experience. The thesis process, which includes completing nursing courses and writing a proposal, takes place over the entire program.

Learn more about the difference between a thesis and capstone project on this page .

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Nursing students' perception of nursing knowledge: A qualitative study

Kari toverud jensen.

1 Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo Norway

Heidi Jerpseth

Associated data.

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.

To explore nursing students' perception of nursing knowledge.

Qualitative interview study.

Semistructured individual interviews with nine nursing students in their third year were conducted via a cloud‐based video communication app. Transcriptions were analysed based on Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist for qualitative research was used.

The findings show that the participants emphasised that values are the prerequisites of and basis for performing professional nursing. The students found it difficult to define nursing knowledge and to distinguish nursing knowledge from other subjects. The thematic analysis resulted in two themes: values—a prerequisite of nursing knowledge, and nursing knowledge—an umbrella of knowledge.

Nursing knowledge seems to be difficult both to clarify and to demarcate for the students. However, the participants considered values to be important and vital to becoming a professional nurse.

Implications for the profession

This study addresses students' perceptions of values, nursing knowledge and what it consists of, and how this is experienced. An understanding of the nursing students' perceptions of what they consider to be important values and how they understand nursing knowledge is important in making the profession clearer and more distinguishable.

The impact of this study means that nurse education needs to emphasise a more argumentative and visible education where nursing knowledge and values are more prominent than today.

Reporting Method

Public contribution.

No patient or public contribution.

1. INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to explore the nursing students' perceptions of nursing knowledge. It seems necessary to gain knowledge about this theme, since research shows that nurses struggle to define, explain and structured the body of nursing knowledge (Clarke, 2011 ; Decker & Hamilton,  2018 ; Jensen et al.,  2022 ; Mottian et al.,  2022 ). This may be due to the diverse composition of knowledge in nursing, including medicine, social sciences, humanities and ethics. Nursing is also based on a relationship‐centred partnership between the nurse and the patient, as well as the patient's next of kin (Finfgeld‐Connett,  2008 ). This body of knowledge is intertwined with practical skills, and this combination serves as the foundation for nursing practice. A common response is that nursing is a mixture of things, and its uniqueness lies in the mix (Cash,  2009 ; Decker & Hamilton,  2018 ). Based on this, it seems difficult to structure nursing knowledge in a way that makes it useful to nurses.

2. BACKGROUND

Nursing knowledge does not contain a single and well‐ordered knowledge, such as other disciplines (Decker & Hamilton,  2018 ). However, Kim ( 2010 ) claims that knowledge structures are important for nursing practice because structures will shape nursing behaviour. The nurse education embraces different learning arenas; traditional teaching such as lectures, seminars and group work, simulation and training of skills in laboratories and in clinical placements. Practical training, which accounts for one‐half of a nurse's education, requires several complex actions that go beyond technical skills. Practical knowledge requires theoretical knowledge as well as the ability to take a critical approach so that the performance can be tailored to a unique patient and a specific context (Ewertsson et al.,  2017 ).

A variety of definitions of nursing have been arrived at throughout the profession's history. These different interpretations of nursing create opportunities for nurses and nurse educators to develop individual understanding and dissemination (Mottian et al.,  2022 ). Still, it seems difficult to structure nursing knowledge in a way that makes it useful to nurses in practice (Decker & Hamilton,  2018 ). In addition, Risjord ( 2010 ) identify four possible reasons for why nursing knowledge is unclear and difficult to grasp in nursing practice. First, the role of the nurses in the healthcare system. Traditionally, the nurses are marginalised compared with the role of the physicians. Second, the needs of the physicians dominate the relationship between nurses and physicians. Third, the nurses' role, which is necessary for the physicians, is also largely invisible. Finally, the nurses combinate knowledge based on the patients' need both from the perspectives of the physicians and from nursing care, but the nurses' need for knowledge goes beyond the shared knowledge to take care of the patients 24 h. Risjord claims that by taking the position of the physician the nurses might underestimate their own role and importance (pp. 71–72). To our knowledge, it is difficult to find literature that describes and explains nursing students' perceptions of nursing knowledge.

3. THE STUDY

3.1. aim and objective.

The aim is to explore nursing students' perceptions of nursing knowledge. The objective is to gain knowledge about how nursing students express nursing knowledge after almost 3 years of nurse education.

4.1. Study design

A qualitative study design was used to explore the participants' (the nursing students) perceptions of nursing knowledge. Individual interviews were used for data collection and the data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's ( 2019 , 2022 ) reflexive thematic analysis.

4.1.1. Recruitment and participants

Nursing students were recruited from two different campuses at one university in Norway. Students from the third year of their nurse education were invited to participate in the study.

An open invitation on the learning management system Canvas was sent out. All undergraduate nursing students in their third year were invited. Nine students responded positively to participate in this study. Recruitment of participants turned out to be difficult, probably due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. At the time, the study was completed the national guidelines stated that, due to the pandemic, physical meeting points were not possible. We chose to invite third‐year students since they are nearly fully educated nurses and might have some expectations regarding nursing as a profession.

4.2. The data collection

The data collection consisted of individual interviews based on a semistructured interview guide. The interview guide was based on review of literature and authors' experiences (Brinkmann & Kvale,  2015 ; see Table  2 ). Due to the problem with recruitment, the interview guide was not pilot tested. As the situation with the COVID‐19 pandemic developed, all the interviews were collected via a cloud‐based video communication app (Zoom), and the app was connected to Services for Sensitive Data to record the interviews [ Nettskjema —University of Oslo (uio.no)]. We started with asking the students about demographic data (see Table  1 ). The topics in the interview guide were related to the students' perception of nursing knowledge (see Table  2 ). The questions were asked so that participants were encouraged to share their own perspectives and experiences. To ensure the validity of the data collection process, we asked the participants questions like ‘did I understand you right, when you said…’. Both authors conducted the interviews. Each interview lasted about 45 min.

Interview guide.

Example of analysis.

4.3. Data analysis

The interviews were transcribed verbatim, but de‐identified, by the first author. The text analysis was inspired by Braun and Clarke's ( 2019 , 2022 ) reflexive thematic analysis, which includes a reflexive, repetitive involvement with the dataset to produce a solid analysis.

The analysis process started by reading the transcription openly several times to become familiar with the dataset. We then re‐read the transcription with the aim in mind and started the coding process where we focussed on organising data in a meaningful and systematic way, marking the codes that emerged. In this phase, we constructed six initial codes: professional values, personal values, human manners, broad and blurry knowledge, vague demarcation of nursing knowledge, and nursing theory is difficult to see as a part of nursing knowledge. We then examined the initial codes and constructed codes and potential themes through developing and reviewing the code data and the dataset, checking whether the codes fit together and whether they answered the research questions. In this phase, we reduced the codes from six to three. We then developed and modified the themes and ensured that the codes really embraced the content of the interviews. In the final phase, we went through the process again from where we started the coding and ensured that the codes corresponded to the research aim. The coding was ended when no new themes or codes arouse from the data, and data saturation was interpreted as attained (Braun & Clarke, 2022 ). In this phase, we reduced to two of the three codes, because of the overlapping in content and ended up with the following two themes: values—a prerequisite of nursing knowledge, and nursing knowledge—an umbrella of knowledge (see Table  3 ).

Participants in this study.

Note : E = prior graduate qualification (i.e. economy, marketing and literature); V = prior vocational professions.

4.4. Ethical issues

Permission to carry out the study was obtained from the head of department at the university, Department of Nursing. Furthermore, the study was approved by the Norwegian Centre for Research Data (NSD, project nr. REDACTED). Students received written information about the study and gave their informed consent by sending the first author an email, which was stored in a password‐protected file. The students were informed that they were completely free to withdraw at any point in the study. The authors did not know the students. The data were anonymised and stored in a locked cabinet, in accordance with current guidelines at the university and in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation. We used an app [Nettskjema—University of Oslo (uio.no)], which is a secure solution for online data collection. It was done a risk analysis (ROS) at the start of this study, related to data management and the sensitivity of the data. Since this study deals with students who are to some extent in a vulnerable situation, the study was considered having a medium degree of sensitivity.

4.5. Rigour

To strengthen the tentative analysis, the study's aim and transcriptions were presented and discussed with colleagues in a research group at the university. The group gave us valuable comments, such as how to formulate the text more precisely, how to complement the textual content and be more empirical in the paragraph of findings. Both researchers have participated in all phases of the analysis by discussing thoughtfully and systematically questions about the dataset, such as what, how and why (Braun & Clarke,  2019 ). Both researchers are experienced qualitative researchers. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used for reporting the study (Tong et al.,  2007 ).

5. FINDINGS

Although we tried to recruit participants from both sexes, the sample ended up with one man and eight women with a mean age of 27 years (21–35), which reflects the gender distribution in nurse education in Norway. Four participants had degrees from other disciplines, and two had worked in vocational professions before entering their nurse education (see Table  1 ).

In all, the findings showed that the participants regarded values as being important and as a prerequisite for nursing knowledge. However, the students had no common perception of nursing knowledge beyond that they saw values as a part of nursing knowledge. They found it difficult to define nursing knowledge and to distinguish it from other subjects. The thematic analysis resulted in two themes: values—a prerequisite of nursing knowledge, and nursing knowledge—an umbrella of knowledge.

5.1. Values—a prerequisite of nursing knowledge

The findings reveal that the students experienced there to be a gradual transition between what they consider to be values like professional values, personal values and simply generally good human manners.

Most participants emphasised that values are most important in nursing knowledge. They considered values to be even more important than practical skills and theoretical knowledge. There was broad agreement among the participants on which professional values were most important: respect for the patients' autonomy, empathy, humanity, justice and to be able to care for the patients. As students reflect:

… respect for the patient's autonomy. I think that's perhaps the most important thing for me anyway. To care, attempt to preserve the patient's dignity… (5).

… respect for all human beings… that one has different opinions and views on life or… managing to maintain a professional attitude regardless…. or in other words consider the patients… how they experience things and how they want it to be…. I don't know if it is perhaps about respect … (8).

Furthermore, some students were concerned about justice as an important value.

… care and justice. Yes, I think maybe that's what's most important (4).

The participants described values that we interpreted to be in a gradual transition between professional and personal values, such as being considerate, keeping calm in difficult situations, delegating, wanting what's best for the patient and taking the situation and the patient seriously.

One should treat all equally … I mean, not in the same way, but equally, put your own attitudes aside, do your job…(9).

Personal values were identified as to be kind, to listen, be calm, be honest, be secure, to put their own feelings aside, to see the whole patient and to have confidence in patients' experienced reality.

It's important to take the time; time I think is really the most important value you can have as nurses, taking the time that things take, even if that's usually not how things are in the real world (7).

Some of the students seemed to find it difficult to differentiate between values and simply good manners, such as being punctual, to be considerate and to keep your cool.

… be precise and accurate, that is… be punctual, be careful, to the extent that it can be called a value (5).

A clinical view was emphasised as important; but also, to not go beyond your own competence, to take your time, to be precise and exact and to be updated on knowledge.

Of course, it's empathy… Conscious of their professional role, behaving professionally and wanting what's best for the patient. Setting their own feelings aside (1).

The participants claimed that values are both professional and personal, but they also emphasised good manners. Even though the students listed the values described above as most important, they also emphasised knowledge as basic in nursing profession.

5.2. Nursing knowledge—an umbrella of knowledge

The participants sketched a broad and blurry picture of their understanding of nursing knowledge. They characterised nursing knowledge as having ‘knowledge of everything’. However, all the students emphasised the importance of having knowledge of natural science subjects and pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, infection control, knowledge of disease processes and medications were described as the most important subjects.

I think you should have knowledge about different disease processes and extensive knowledge of medications, effects, side effects and how to follow up afterwards…. what has perhaps been most important has been anatomy, and understanding how the body works, because that gives us more of the basics, all these initiatives, they make more sense when you understand the anatomy behind it all (7).

Some of the participants also emphasised that they needed knowledge to observe any side effects of medication and to understand how and why they were performing procedures, but this in a general way, not specific to nursing. One student listed almost everything that they had learned during their nurse education as nursing knowledge.

…a lot of theoretical knowledge, such as anatomy, physiology, and knowledge from everything you have learned from the study with basic nursing, infection control……. (6).

The students described the nursing knowledge as blurry. Some students described nursing knowledge in a more general manner, connected to practical skills and including ethics and care, recognised through documentation and careful treatment. Others expressed nursing knowledge both as individual and different and linked to chores, like cleaning the floor or administering medicine. The participants later struggled to define nursing knowledge and to distinguish it from other professions. As one student stated, it is very hard to put into words.

I really put in everything, from being a chef, to doing wound care, to caring for a seriously, critically ill person. It's a very umbrella‐like term in my eyes, but if I'm going to reflect on what sets me apart from other professional groups, I guess it's that I have a clinical gaze for assessing the situation, that I have a lot of knowledge, and I hope there is also some of this in my fingertips (3).

The definition of nursing knowledge was difficult to give for the students. However, one of the participants meant that the boundaries of nursing knowledge were comprehensive and, therefore, might be misunderstood by others.

The limit is in the holistic patient‐oriented work, and that we are the only professional group in the health care system that always has continuous contact with patients. And it's not because we are “a jack of all trades”, it's because that's exactly what it is, it's the whole that is our profession. People misunderstand that we can be used for everything, and that is not the case, but that we are the link, that we are the foot soldiers for lack of a better expression, and that is such a fundamentally important function. And that it involves technically and professionally strong theoretical knowledge; it is a theoretical and advanced profession (5).

Some students did not see nursing theory as a natural part of nursing knowledge, but rather as outdated knowledge and to a small degree discussed as an important part of nursing. Most of the students meant that nursing theory and nursing theorist were in some ways passé in relation to the students' practical performance. As one student stated:

…my experience and the experience of several fellow students are that they [nursing theorists] are a bit out of date, I am not going to say they are not relevant in today's practice, but it will not be quite right because it is not possible to implement (7).

Others again recognised the need for nursing theory and appreciated that it affected their understanding of nursing, but the emphasis on nursing theory compared with other subjects in nurse education was experienced as out of date by the students. Some of the students saw the potential of studying nursing theories and that this could contribute to form their professional practice.

…it forms our worldview, I feel, at least if we actually bother to get into it, not everyone does. It also forms the glasses through which we see the rest of our professional practice, as it were. That is what is nice about the nursing theorists (5).

The term nursing knowledge, described by nursing students, represented a broad general picture of knowledge. However, the students found it extremely difficult to define nursing knowledge specifically and listed almost everything that goes on in a hospital. They emphasised theoretical knowledge to be linked to the natural sciences, and few saw nursing theory as a relevant part of nursing knowledge.

6. DISCUSSION

The findings showed that the students emphasised values as a prerequisite for nursing knowledge. However, studies show that nurse educators disseminate various definitions of nursing and emphasise values related to nursing differently (Mottian et al.,  2022 ; Poorchangizi et al.,  2019 ). This might be one reason why students find it difficult to grasp the nursing knowledge and values. The findings reveal that the students emphasised the normative aspect in nursing as being the most important. The relationship between nursing knowledge and nursing might be seen as what Abbott ( 1988 ) highlights that academic knowledge, as here nursing knowledge, justifies professional work, as here nursing, by elucidating its foundations and tracing them to cultural values (p. 54).

Grimen ( 2008 ) underlined that the practical dimensions of the health sciences have a normative side, which not only include the use of knowledge but also demands moral, political and juridical assessments (p. 72). The normativity might be seen in what the students refer to, in our interpretation, as personal and professional values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, empathy, responsibility and accountability. The individual and personal approach that many nurses have in relation to nursing values might contribute to the vagueness the students report when considering their theoretical and practical placements study throughout the education progress. The Norwegian National regulation guidelines for nurse education ( 2019 ) do not describe the content of the nursing values. However, the students have lectures and curriculum literature in professional ethics. Professional ethics include healthcare professionals' norms and characterise clinical ethics as interactions between multiple actors with different perspectives on values, knowledge basis and roles. The values that the students in this study revealed as important were autonomy, empathy, humanity and justice. These values are underlined both in the curriculum and in ICN which designates nurses' values as respect, justice, empathy, responsiveness, caring, compassion, trustworthiness and integrity  ( 2021 , p. 3). The students were aware of the values required to become a professional nurse but had difficulties describing the meaning of values related to what are personal and what are professional values. Rassin ( 2008 ) pointed out that no research has been carried out examining the relationship between nursing expertise and personal and professional value systems (p. 616). Personal and professional values might overlap but do not necessarily do so. This might be related to a gradual transition between professional and personal values. This is in line with Schmidt and McArthur ( 2018 ), who pointed out that nurses traditionally find it difficult to define which professional values matter in nursing. If we suppose that nursing knowledge consisting of fundamental patterns (e.g. see Kim,  2010 ), we still need to explain values as a major part in the theoretical reflection on science. To clarify the position of values in nursing knowledge, Zanotti and Chiffi ( 2016 ) argue that nursing values ought to give an orientation to nursing practice. They also state that nursing values are essentials required for identifying the right dimension of nursing knowledge. This knowledge expresses features belonging to both science and art (Zanotti & Chiffi,  2016 ). This is in line with Abbott ( 1988 ) that drew lines between professional knowledge and values by highlighting that knowledge is the currency of competition and that professional knowledge legitimises professional work by elucidating the basis of knowledge and cultural values of the discipline (p. 102).

The findings show that students emphasised both values and factual knowledge. This corresponds to Risjord ( 2011 ), who claims that practical ethical reflection demands details of a case and requires knowledge of both values and facts (p. 498). This brings the discussion further on to consider that nursing students have a broad and blurry picture of what nursing knowledge consists of. The students struggle to define nursing knowledge and found it hard to describe. They used words like an umbrella, a symbol term that covers almost everything from precise knowledge in anatomy and physiology, practical skills, knowledge of everyday life and to be humane. This is in line with other studies that show that the epistemology of nursing knowledge is challenging to define and lacks a unifying framework (Decker & Hamilton,  2018 ; Wallis,  2010 ). Martinsen ( 2006 ) claims that caring is based on the patient's situation and requires a ‘ought to’ for nursing, and our position is that nursing care requires actions based on knowledge. Clinical reasons raise normative questions, more precisely ethical and emphatic issues (Eriksen,  2001 ). To care for a patient, nursing students need to understand the patient's situation and still ask the patient questions like ‘can you explain the pain, and how do you feel’. This requires that students combine theory, normativity and empirical knowledges. The National regulation guidelines for nurse education in Norway ( 2019 ) do not describe in plain words terms like nursing knowledge or nursing theory. It is timely to ask questions about the reasons for omitting these substantial terms in nurse education and the nursing profession.

In what way the different arenas of education influenced students' understanding of nursing knowledge was not a theme in this study but is an interesting question. Educating nursing students is a responsibility between two enterprises, higher education and the health services, which have two different logics. Higher education main goal is to educate students to a profession and health services main goal is to treat and care for patients, which may result in tensions and conflicting interests between higher education and health services (Larsen et al.,  2002 ).

The students' experiences of a blurry body of nursing knowledge might be understood in different ways. The perceived blurriness may be due to an increasingly complicated health service, which requires that the students must have a broad body of knowledge and an ever‐changing focus. This is in line with Jensen et al. ( 2022 ) findings that show that nursing was conveyed as both individualised and unlimited. A question that needs to be asked is whether the individualised and unbounded perspective on nursing is a consequence of a vagueness as to what the content of nursing knowledge is, especially for students. Related to Risjord ( 2010 ) the hierarchy system in health services might be a reason of the blurry nursing knowledge since the nurses' role are largely invisible. Another concern is what happens when we are not able to express our profession in clear and accurate terms outside the inner circle. To gain knowledge in this changing landscape, new types of knowledge will continue to be evident and contextual.

6.1. Strength and limitations of the work

The strength of this study is that, to our knowledge, few studies have investigated the students' perception of nursing knowledge. The participants found the topic quite interesting and were willing to share their experiences. A limitation of this study is that the sample is relatively small. Another potential limitation is related to the authors' perceptions, which may have affected the analysis of the data, as with any study of this kind. However, we found it difficult to observe the participants' nonverbal communication due to the use of the digital platform, Zoom. Both authors work at a university as researchers and educators in nursing at all levels and are interested in epistemological issues in nurse education. Based on these experiences, we developed the idea of pursuing these assumptions through systematic research. This knowledge might have informed both the questions asked and the interpretations. However, we have tried to maintain an awareness about personal experiences that may have influenced the analysis through an ongoing, critical discussion within the research team.

6.2. Recommendation for further research

Based on our findings, we recommend further research to investigate nursing students' perceptions of nursing knowledge in a broader context, by using quantitative methods such as a questionnaire. It may also be of interest to do a longitudinal study and follow these students by interviewing them at 1 and 3 years after their graduation. It might also be valuable to interview experienced nurses about how they perceive nursing knowledge and how they understand values in nursing practice.

7. CONCLUSION

In this study, we wanted to gain more knowledge about nursing students’ experiences of nursing knowledge. The students considered values to be important and vital to becoming a professional nurse. The individual and personal approach that many nurses have in relation to nursing values may yield a vague picture of what nursing is. Few students seemed to find sufficient words to describe the specifics of nursing knowledge, and most of them struggled to define its limits. As the situation in Norway indicates that we will have a serious shortage of nurses in the coming years, there is a need to discuss what nursing knowledge is and what it is not, so that we may define the profession's responsibility.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

The project was conceived by Kari Toverud Jensen. Both authors made significant contributions to the work's design, as well as data acquisition, analysis and interpretation. Both authors were involved in writing the work and critically revising it for important intellectual content. Both parties have agreed on the final version to be published. We have both agreed to hold each other accountable for all aspects of the work, including ensuring that any questions about the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are thoroughly investigated and resolved.

FUNDING INFORMATION

There has been no funding.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

No conflict of interest.

ETHICS STATEMENT

Acknowledgements.

We want to thank the nursing students for their participation in this study and the research group in education research at OsloMet for constructive and important responses.

Jensen, K. T. , & Jerpseth, H. (2023). Nursing students' perception of nursing knowledge: A qualitative study . Nursing Open , 10 , 7058–7065. 10.1002/nop2.1964 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]

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• Open access
• Published: 19 August 2024

Emotions reflected in colours: experiences of nursing students during the COVID-19 period

• Eda Atay   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2592-8254 1 ,
• Ezgi Dirgar   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8214-7441 1 , 2 ,
• Kadiriye Pehlivan   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8596-5837 1 ,
• Betül Tosun   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4505-5887 1 , 3 ,
• Ahmet Ayaz   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4081-2033 1 , 4 ,
• Ayla Yava   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3468-6779 1 &
• Juan M. Leyva-Moral 1 , 5  

BMC Nursing volume  23 , Article number:  575 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Metrics details

The aim of this study was to identify nursing students’ fears and emotions and to concretise the metaphors they used to describe their feelings towards the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study was conducted with nursing students at a foundation university between December 2021 and February 2022 using a sequential mixed methods research design. In the quantitative part of the study, 323 nursing students answered the ‘Positive and Negative Emotion Scale’ and the ‘COVID-19 Fear Scale’. In the qualitative part, students were asked to metaphorise COVID-19 with a colour and 21 in-depth interviews were conducted on the reasons for choosing this colour.

The average age of the students participating in the study was 21.41 ± 1.97 years and 78% of them were female. It was observed that 15.8 of the students had previously tested positive for COVID-19. Most of the participants (98.5%) were vaccinated against COVID-19 and 31.9% had a relative who died due to COVID-19. When the participants were asked which colour they compared COVID-19 to, it was observed that more than half of them chose red (51.4%) among bright colours and 13% chose black among dark colours. In this study, it was determined that students who chose dark colours to describe COVID-19 had higher COVID-19 Fear and Negative Emotion Scale scores. In in-depth interviews, it was observed that students who chose dark colours were more deeply affected by the COVID-19 process, while students who chose light colours associated this period with negative emotions.

In this study, it was observed that nursing students’ feelings and thoughts about the COVID-19 period in line with their experiences affect the choice of colour in metaphorisation.

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Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a social trauma that has deeply affected individuals in many ways, such as in physical, social, economic, and psychological terms [ 1 , 2 ]. The pandemic had devastating effects on society and higher education institutions, nursing education, and clinical learning environments [ 3 ]. Educators have had to move face-to-face online courses, conceptualize, offer alternative clinical experiences, and redefine how student performance is evaluated and graded [ 4 ]. As some students have expressed, the pandemic has deprived them of learning to provide nursing care in this new viral age [ 3 ]. Studies conducted on nursing students have shown that as the duration of social isolation increases, stress and fear increase too; however, psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, and coping behaviors weaken [ 5 , 6 ]. Existing evidence indicates that nursing students felt negatively affected by lockdown during the pandemic, they felt overwhelmed and nervous, and they feared infection and death [ 3 , 7 ]. Examining the emotions of nursing students during the pandemic process is challenging and insufficient when relying solely on standardized measurement tools. In recent years, metaphors have been frequently used to determine individuals’ perceptions of phenomena and events they have encountered [ 8 ]. Therefore, the use of metaphors is a method that can significantly contribute to the in-depth examination of students’ emotions.

Metaphors are defined as tools to explain events and objects using different concepts and representations [ 9 ]. They help associate individuals’ perceptions of events with familiar situational images [ 10 , 11 ]. Metaphors concretize abstract concepts by conveying the events experienced in an emotionally authentic way [ 12 , 13 ]. Thus, they provide an opportunity to reveal how a person interprets experiences and events [ 14 ] and illuminate previously unperceived aspects of phenomena and deepen understanding [ 10 ]. An in-depth examination of nursing students’ feelings towards the pandemic process is crucial in identifying their individual and professional needs and creating strategies to address them. However, there are few studies that deeply examine nursing students’ feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to the pandemic process [ 15 , 16 ].

Emotions such as fear and anxiety experienced by nursing students during the COVID-19 outbreak have mainly been evaluated using quantitative methods [ 5 , 17 ]. Given the complexity of emotions and the inadequacy of standard measurement tools alone, the integration of metaphors can provide richer insights into nursing students’ emotional experiences during the pandemic. Studies have analyzed metaphors to understand the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of various populations working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 2 , 9 , 13 ]. For example, Çakmak et al. (2022) discovered that patients used metaphors like “black hole/dark” for COVID-19 treatment, “steel” for family relationships, and the “sea” for mental health. Fear of death and uncertainty negatively affected family relationships and mental well-being [ 9 ]. Gök & Kara (2022) employed metaphor analysis and identified seven categories: “being restricted,” “restlessness,” “uncertainty/obscurity,” “deadly/dangerous,” “struggling,” “faith/destiny,” and “supernatural.” These categories reflected three themes: “anxiety/concern,” “risk,” and “faith.” In their study aimed at revealing implicit collective emotions related to the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals aged 19 to 79 [ 13 ], Stanley et al. (2021) demonstrated four aligned mental models of the pandemic: (a) uncertainty, (b) danger, (c) grotesque, and (d) misery. According to these mental models, participants’ implicit emotional experiences of COVID-19 converged around several deeply held emotions: (a) grief, (b) disgust, (c) anger, and (d) fear. The study emphasized that these findings have both theoretical and practical implications. It was highlighted that metaphors served to document collective emotions associated with a collective traumatic experience unfolding in real time [ 2 ].

Michel et al. (2021) reported that pandemic stressors harmed students’ well-being and learning, leading to frustration due to limited clinical experiences. Barriers included reduced engagement, poor communication, increased workloads, isolation, learning anxiety, and logistical challenges [ 7 ]. For this reason, it is thought to be important to express the feelings of nursing students, who will serve in the field as health professionals after graduation, about the COVID-19 pandemic through metaphors, including those related to colours, in order to increase the form and quality of nursing education to be provided in a similar pandemic. In addition, it is believed that expressing feelings about the pandemic process will increase both individual and professional resilience and thus the basic step of becoming a qualified healthcare professional will be taken.

Metaphors offer important support for understanding the strong relationships between colour concepts and abstract emotional states [ 18 ]. For instance, it has been published that university students associated the colour red with feelings of energy, love, passion, courage, excitement, danger, and aggression. This association with red can help us understand nursing students’ experiences of intense emotions like passion for their work or the danger and stress they felt during the pandemic. Similarly, the colour blue was associated with feelings of pleasure, comfort, calm, confidence, security, and coldness. This can illustrate moments when nursing students felt calm or secure in their knowledge, as well as times when they might have felt emotionally distant or isolated. The colour yellow, linked with feelings of warmth, joy, hope, optimism, pleasantness, and happiness, can highlight the moments of joy or optimism they experienced, even in challenging times. By using colour metaphors, we can better grasp the nuanced emotional experiences of nursing students during the pandemic, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of their emotional landscape and helping to inform strategies to support them more effectively in future crises [ 16 ].

Based on the existing literature, this study aims to explore the fears and emotions of nursing students and capture the metaphors they employ to express their sentiments with appropriate themes regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on the use of colours in these metaphors.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted using an explanatory sequential mixed method research design with nursing students at a foundation university in Turkey between December 2021 and February 2022. This design involves two distinct phases: an initial quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase to explain and build upon the quantitative results. Specifically, quantitative data was first collected using surveys, and then qualitative data was obtained through focus group interviews to gain deeper insights and explanations related to the survey findings [ 19 ].

Research questions

What are the predominant fears and emotions experienced by nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic?

How do nursing students use colour metaphors to express their psychological, social, and physical experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic?

What are the common themes that emerge from the metaphors nursing students use to describe their sentiments towards the COVID-19 pandemic?

Study sample

For the quantitative part of the study, a total of 387 nursing students from a foundation university in Turkey were invited to participate in the study between December 2021 and February2022. The inclusion criteria for this study were to be an actively enrolled undergraduate student in the nursing department in 2021–2022 and to volunteer to participate in the study. Those who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded from the study. A sample size of 320 participants was calculated for a 50% heterogeneity, 3% margin error, and a 99% of confidence level. By the end of data collection period 323 valid questionnaires were received (83.46% participation rate). In qualitative research, the quality of the sample is important. For this reason, research is usually conducted with a small number of purposively determined samples. As a result of in-depth interviews, individual interviews are terminated when the data reaches saturation [ 20 ]. For the qualitative part of the study, at least 2 participants representing each of the colours selected in the quantitative part were foreseen, but the final sample size was determined according to data saturation and in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 students.

Data collection process and measurement tools

Sociodemographic data collection.

Sociodemographic details were collected, including participants’ gender, academic year, previous COVID-19 positive diagnosis, COVID-19 vaccine status, chronic diseases, living with, previous family COVID-19 positive diagnosis, and any relative who died because of COVID-19.

Quantitative data collection

Next, quantitative data were collected using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale initially created by Watson et al. (1988) and later validated into Turkish by Gençöz (2000) [ 21 , 22 ]. Then, the COVID-19 Fear Scale, initially created by Ahorsu et al. (2020) [ 23 ] and validated into Turkish by Satıcı et al. (2020), was used [ 24 ].

The Positive and Negative Affect Scale consists of 20 items in two sub-dimensions (10 positive and ten negative emotions). The emotion in each item in the scale is scored between “1 = very little” and “5 = very much.” Each sub-dimension varies between 1 and 50 points. The total score obtained from the sub-dimensions of the scale indicates positive or negative emotional loads. In the Turkish adaptation of the scale, the internal consistency coefficient for positive mood is 0.86, and the internal consistency coefficient for negative mood is 0.83. In this study, the internal consistency coefficient of the positive mood of the scale is 0.86, and the internal consistency coefficient of the negative mood is 0.86.

The COVID-19 Fear Scale consists of seven 5-point Likert type items (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) and one dimension. The scale is scored between 7 and 35, indicating that individuals with high scores have a high fear of COVID-19. In the Turkish adaptation of the scale, the Cronbach’s coefficient of the scale is 0.82. In this study, the Cronbach’s coefficient of the scale is 0.86.

In the last step of the quantitative data collection tool, a triggering question was asked: “With which colour does COVID-19 define/remind/represent you?” This is a single question and not a scale. This question was asked to prepare the ground for the qualitative data collection part of the research and to create a group of students who prefer different colours when selecting the students to be interviewed in the focus group. The students were free to choose colours, and all of the students chose colours without separating them into shades. Then, as a result of the in-depth interviews, the colour choices and expressions of the students according to the answers were evaluated by the researchers, and the participants were divided into two groups (dark and light colours). Six participants were purposively selected from 67 students expressing dark colours (black, grey, or purple) and 21 participants were purposively selected from 256 students expressing bright colours (white, orange, blue, or green).

Qualitative data collection

Open-ended questions were used for the qualitative part. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in a safe and quiet room at the university. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim immediately after. To encourage anonymity, students were referred to as Participant 1, Participant 2 instead of using their personal information. Interviews lasted approximately 35 min and were performed by a researcher with proven experience performing qualitative interviews. The script of the interview was created by the researchers in line with the literature [ 5 , 19 ], and it was approved using discussion and consensus techniques with all the research members and two experts from the Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling and the Psychology Department.

The interview included five open-ended questions:

“How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect you psychologically?“

“How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect you socially?“

“How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect you physically?“

“What is the most intense feeling you feel in the COVID-19 pandemic?“

“What is the reason for choosing the colour … for what COVID-19 makes you feel?”

Data analysis

Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the support of the software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Spearman Correlation Analysis Test was used to investigate the relationship with continuous variables. Statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05.

Qualitative data was analyzed using the Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP) with the support of MAXQDA 22 software. Below are the stages suggested by MIP:

Read the entire text to form a general understanding of the meaning.

The words in the text are determined.

a. It determines how the meaning of each word in the text applies to an entity, relationship, or attribute in context. The words that come before and after the determined word are taken into account.

Determine if each word has a more basic meaning out of context.

If the word has a more basic meaning in other contexts than the given context, the contextual meaning is compared with the basic meaning and it is examined whether it contradicts.

If yes, that word is marked as a metaphor [ 20 ]. At the beginning of the form, a written instruction containing explanations was provided to help students understand the concept of metaphor. Students were first asked to generate a colour metaphor to describe COVID-19, and then they were asked to explain in detail the reasons for their selected metaphors. In the initial stage, the metaphors were identified and selected. They were read in detail by a researcher to gain insight into the context in which the participants’ metaphors emerged. A total of 23 metaphors produced by the students were considered for evaluation. Based on the evaluation, metaphors that expressed common meanings and showed similarities were grouped together. After grouping, metaphors consisting of positive and negative colours related to the research topic were obtained. The explanatory texts obtained from the research, the generated metaphors, and the themes created by the researcher through analysis were validated and verified for reliability by obtaining expert opinions from two academics. The expert opinions were compared with the researcher’s analyses until consensus was reached.

The emotions expressed by the colours were grouped using the existing literature [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Dark colours were identified as black, gray, purple colours and bright colours were identified as white, orange, blue, and green. According to AL-Ayash et al. (2016) [ 30 ] and Hemphill (1995) [ 31 ] it was accepted that bright colours elicited mainly positive emotional associations, and dark colours elicited mainly negative emotional associations (Table  1 ).

Ethical considerations

Ethical approval was received from the Hasan Kalyoncu University Faculty of Health Sciences Non-Invasive Research Ethical Board, and permission was received from the universities where the study was conducted (Date:6 December 2021, Decision No:2021/036). All participants were provided with detailed oral and written information about the study. No risks were identified for participating in the study. All participants provided informed consent. All data collected was anonymous and treated confidential. This study was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Quantitative results

The mean age of the students participating in the study ( n  = 323) was 21.41 ± 1.97 years, and 78% were female. Of the students, 6.2% ( n  = 20) had chronic diseases, and 68.7% lived with their families. It was observed that 15.8% had previously tested positive for COVID-19. Most (98.5%) participants were vaccinated against COVID-19, and 31.9% had a relative who died due to COVID-19 (Table  2 ).

When the answers given to the question of which colour the participants represent COVID-19 to were analyzed, it was determined that more than half of them chose red ( n  = 16, 51.4%), while 16.7% selected green, and 5.9% chose blue among the bright colours for COVID-19. Regarding the selected dark colours, 42 of the participants associated black colour (13%), 17 of them related gray (5.3%), and eight of them related purple (2.5%) with COVID-19 (Table  3 ).

There was no statistically significant relationship between the COVID-19 Fear Scale scores and the Positive Affect sub-dimension. However, it was observed that there was a moderate positive relationship between the scores obtained from the COVID-19 Fear Scale and the scores of the Negative Affect sub-dimension. As the fear of COVID-19 increased, so did the negative emotions of the students ( r  = 0.328, p  = 0.015) (Table  4 ).

Scores of the students in the Positive Affect sub-dimension were similar in terms of the colour group they chose (bright and dark colours) (t = 1.022, p  = 0.30). However, when the mean scores of the Negative Affect sub-dimension were examined, a statistically significant difference was found between the bright and dark-coloured student groups (t = 2.802, p  < 0.001). In addition, the COVID-19 Fear Scale mean scores of the students who preferred dark colours were higher than those who preferred bright colours (t = 2.514, p  = 0.01) (Table  5 ).

Qualitative results

Twenty-one students with age ranged 18–22 were interviewed (14 female). Eight students were in their 4th year, six were in the 3rd year, four were in their 2nd year, and three were in the 1st year. Nursing degree in turkey lasts four years.

Regarding the colours, six students identified COVID-19 with a dark colour (black, gray, and purple), and 15 did so using bright colours (white, orange, blue, and green) group. Nursing students’ perceptions about the COVID-19 process were examined in-depth using the colour metaphor and focusing on physical, psychological, and social factors. These themes were then classified into two positive effects and adverse effects within themselves (Fig.  1 ).

Nursing students’ perceptions of the Covid-19 process, concept map model

Physical factors

Nursing students participating in the study were physically affected at different levels by the COVID-19 pandemic process. The adverse effects of physical factors included changes in existing routines in meeting basic needs, such as excessive nutrition, sleep disturbance, and immobility, as well as new habits like increased digital exposure, disease development, and acquiring COVID-19. The sub-themes of sleep disturbance, immobility, and digital exposure were prominent among the adverse effects. According to the results, these adverse effects were mainly expressed by students who chose dark colours like black, gray, and purple.

“Of course , it caused many sleep irregularities; you play with the phone until 1–2 a.m. , and you get up around 11-noon” (P2 , chose black colour.)

“During the COVID period , we stayed at home during the curfew time. We worked at home , and I also had to study , and I spent the whole time sitting at a desk. My movements were languid. It was difficult to walk; a need to sleep was present all the time” (P17 , chose gray colour).

Nursing students who chose bright colours such as blue, yellow, orange, and white also mentioned the positive effects despite the negative ones related to their experiences in this process. Among the physical factors, the sub-themes of fresh air, nutrition, and sports were evaluated positively. P4, account illustrates the efforts made to adapt to the conditions “ I tried different sports that I could do at home”. “Exercises like Pilates and yoga were activities I could do in calm and quiet environments without going outside.”

Psychological factors

Nursing students were most affected psychologically by the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported negative emotions such as loss/death experiences, uncertainty and pessimism, sadness, and anxiety/fear. These adverse effects were more frequent in students who chose dark colours like black, gray, and purple.

“COVID-19 came down on us like a black cloud; that is , the whole world was affected by it. Black expressed fear for me , a pitch-black dark environment. It is something like death. When you close your eyes , everything is dark” (P1 , chose black colour) .

“I had a panic attack when the first death occurred.” (P12 , chose red colour) .

Another sub-theme was uncertainty about the future. Students expressed the uncertainty created by the pandemic as a negative feeling, particularly concerning the education process, gaining professional knowledge and experience, and its effects on their family and social lives.

“It was our exam week; that is , when I was studying for the exams , the schools being closed suddenly created a feeling of uncertainty in me. Moreover , I did not know what to do. Should I sit down and study? Were the schools going to re-open? Was this going to continue? I had a feeling of uncertainty a lot” (P18 , chose gray colour) .

“…Nursing is an applied profession and due to the pandemic , we couldn’t get clinical practice. Right now I am feeling a lot of uncertainty about my profession. For example , will I be able to get full satisfaction in my profession with the education I have received? For example , since I am currently in the 3rd grade , how much can I learn until the next year? How much can I improve myself? How much can I put into practice? I honestly don’t know” (P7 , chose red colour) .

In addition, P1, who stated that his family had difficult times after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and chose the black colour, referred to the concept of hopelessness accompanying uncertainty, saying:

“I felt like I was in such a vacuum. I felt this period would never end as if we would be constantly exposed to it , and I would continue to live this life continuously.”

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had many adverse psychological effects on the lives of nursing students, it has also been observed that this process has given them a positive perspective and strengthened their spirituality, awareness of social support systems, and expressions of hope. Notably, these sub-themes are expressed mainly by students who chose bright colours such as white, blue, and orange.

“There was much negativity in us , but I always tried to look at it from the bright side. For example , my father is a workaholic and has a heart condition. Since COVID-19 prevented him from going to work , he had the opportunity to rest” (P5 , chose white colour).

Social factors

The data showed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a comprehensive social impact on nursing students, their families, and friends. The sub-themes of the factors that negatively affected nursing students socially included interpersonal relationships, isolation/constraints, and obstacles encountered in individual activities. Interpersonal relations were discussed broadly, including relations with family, relatives, and friends. Nursing students emphasized a decrease in interaction and sharing with their immediate environment due to measures to maintain physical and social distance and conflicts related to spending extended periods with family during isolation.

“Frankly , tension can be experienced for any reason. In other words , even if there was an event that would not be misunderstood , there was a problem arising from seeing each other all the time” (P16 , chose red colour.)

“I am a person who loves school very much. I loved the school environment , the friendly environment. Unfortunately , the school closed and constantly opened because of the virus. Being away from teachers and friends , being away from school affected me badly because I could not go to school” (P19 , chose purple colour).

Nursing students who chose dark colours like black, purple, and gray, as well as red, were more negatively affected in social aspects during the COVID-19 process. Individual activities were included in the negative factors because the constraints and isolation measures limited students’ ability to engage in social and academic activities, leading to feelings of frustration and loneliness. However, students also mentioned the benefits of academic studies, individual activities, family/friend relationships, and online personal and professional development trainings in the digital environment, which made this period instructive in many ways.

“I am 22 years old , but I spent more time with my family during this period. I think we had our first breakfast at that time. After the prohibitions , I became happier because I spent more time with my parents” (P3 , chose green).

Similarly, participant P16, who thought they had more opportunities for individual activities during the pandemic process and chose the red colour, said, “I took the time to read books. In addition , I watched many foreign series”.

This study showed that COVID-19 had significant physical, psychological, and social effects on nursing students. The results revealed that the negative emotions of nursing students increased as their COVID-19 fears increased, and the negative emotions and fears of COVID-19 were higher in students who described COVID-19 in dark colours. In studies examining colour-emotion associations, negative emotions and experiences are expressed by individuals in dark colours such as black and gray, while positive emotions are expressed in bright colours such as white, pink, and green [ 29 , 31 ]. Black has been associated with fear, sadness, and hatred [ 29 ], while gray has been related to depression, boredom, and disappointment [ 32 ]. During the pandemic, the most intense emotions experienced by the nursing students were fear, sadness, and anxiety [ 5 , 17 ]. In accordance with previous evidence [ 5 , 6 ], this study shows that nursing students’ negative emotions and fears related to COVID-19 were more present in students who defined COVID-19 in dark colours compared to those who chose bright colours.

The study identified fear, sadness, and anxiety as the predominant emotions experienced by nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. These emotions were particularly intense for those who associated the pandemic with dark colours. The findings align with previous studies that link dark colours with negative emotions, providing insight into the emotional state of nursing students during this period [ 5 , 17 ].

Those choosing dark colours were more deeply affected physically, socially, and psychologically in the in-depth interviews. This is an expected result considering the prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the detailed knowledge nursing students have due to their vocational training, and the fact that the majority of them are young adults [ 7 , 33 , 34 ]. Clarke et al. (2008) stated that bright colours such as blue, green, and white induced low anxiety levels and had relaxing effects on individuals [ 27 ]. In this study, it is observed that nursing students who chose bright colours also had positive experiences despite the negativities faced during this process. Students who chose the colours white, blue, and green reported positive gains during the pandemic.

The study showed that nursing students used colour metaphors to vividly express their psychological, social, and physical experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dark colours were linked to negative feelings and experiences, whereas bright colours were associated with more positive experiences and outcomes. This use of colour metaphors provided a unique and expressive way for students to communicate their inner states and coping mechanisms.

Some nursing students described COVID-19 in dark colours due to its adverse effects on physical factors, such as nutrition, inactivity, and changes in sleep patterns during the pandemic. Similarly, studies indicate that nutrition and inactivity problems occur due to changes in the habits of university students, such as sleeping and waking up late and the deterioration of sleep quality [ 7 , 35 , 36 ]. The deterioration in meeting basic life needs means that individuals face the risk of degeneration in their health, which is a state of complete well-being in biopsychosocial terms.

The study also determined that the COVID-19 pandemic had adverse social effects, particularly affecting interpersonal relationships and restrictions, on nursing students who chose dark colours. Restrictions experienced during the pandemic made individuals feel at risk and vulnerable [ 13 ], reduced social activities with individuals and social groups, moved communication to the digital environment, and negatively affected interpersonal relationships [ 36 ]. However, WHO (2020) maintained that people are inherently social beings and need each other during such crises. They reported that alternative solutions, such as regular phone calls with family and friends and video conferences, would help bridge the gap created by social distance and restrictions [ 37 ]. Notably, students who stated that their family relations had strengthened and that they efficiently used this period for activities carried out individually and within the family environment associated COVID-19 with bright colours (green, white, orange).

The common themes that emerged from the metaphors used by nursing students included loss/death experiences, uncertainty, pessimism, sadness, and fear. These themes were particularly prevalent among students who described COVID-19 in dark colours. The lack of clear protocols regarding infection control and treatment procedures heightened feelings of fear and alarm caused by uncertainty. Social isolation and restrictions further intensified feelings of panic and anxiety, contributing to the negative emotions associated with dark colours [ 8 , 13 ].

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing students frequently expressed themes such as loss/death experiences, uncertainty, pessimism, sadness, and fear. The lack of a clear protocol regarding infection control and treatment procedures increased feelings of fear and alarm caused by uncertainty in individuals. Social isolation and restrictions also led individuals to experience panic by increasing their feelings of intolerance and anxiety towards the process [ 9 ]. As COVID-19 is a global health crisis threatening the entire world, this process is considered the most challenging form of psychological struggle [ 13 ]. This may have contributed to the negative emotions experienced by nursing students who associated COVID-19 mainly with the colours black, gray, and purple. Additionally, nursing students paired COVID-19 with red and associated this period with a sense of alarm. While some studies associate red with positive emotions [ 27 , 28 ], others relate red with anger, hatred, and alarm [ 29 ]. Jonauskaite et al. (2020) stated that individuals’ colour choices are related to universal associations and may differ according to language, culture, geography, and physical environmental conditions [ 29 ]. Therefore, although the pandemic process has positive and negative effects globally, it is considered that nursing students may have associated negative emotions such as danger, alarm status, and fear with the colour red.

The discussion highlights the complex and multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students, emphasizing the need for supportive measures to address their physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Limitations

This study has some limitations that must be considered. First, this study was conducted only with students in the nursing department of a foundation university, and it is possible to obtain different results when a multicenter study is conducted. Since the researchers are faculty members/staff of the university, the students may have felt under pressure in their answers and interviews. Finally, this study was conducted when the pandemic subsided, cases decreased, and students started face-to-face education. Therefore, findings are limited to students’ recollections and expressions.

Conclusions

Nursing students expressed their fears, feelings, and experiences about the COVID-19 pandemic. Metaphors obtained through in-depth interviews have yielded crucial insights into nursing students’ implicit feelings regarding their pandemic experiences. It has been observed that nursing students associating COVID-19 with dark colours are more adversely affected physically, socially, and psychologically, whereas students associating it with bright colours may experience both positive and negative effects. Developing emotional support programs is essential to better understand nursing students’ pandemic experiences and enhance their emotional well-being. These programs should be tailored to meet the unique needs of students during such challenging times and foster a supportive environment.

Comprehensive research based on various colour metaphors should be undertaken to thoroughly investigate and understand different emotional responses and experiences among nursing students. This research will provide valuable insights into how colour associations may impact their coping mechanisms and emotional states. Encouraging interdisciplinary studies is necessary to gain a more holistic understanding of the pandemic’s effects on health sciences students. Collaborative research efforts can help identify commonalities and differences in experiences across disciplines, facilitating the development of targeted support strategies.

It is crucial to prepare emergency action plans for similar crisis periods post-pandemic. These plans should encompass various potential challenges and uncertainties that may arise, ensuring that institutions and individuals are better equipped to handle future crises. Continuous updates to these plans are imperative to adapt to changing circumstances and improve preparedness. By addressing these areas, we can better support nursing students and enhance their ability to cope with current and future challenges, ultimately fostering a more resilient and well-prepared healthcare workforce.

Availability of data and materials

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the authors, but access to these data is restricted to protect the personal information of the participants.

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Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey

Eda Atay, Ezgi Dirgar, Kadiriye Pehlivan, Betül Tosun, Ahmet Ayaz, Ayla Yava & Juan M. Leyva-Moral

Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey

Ezgi Dirgar

Faculty of Nursing, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey

Betül Tosun

Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Education, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey

Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Coordinator of the Vulnerability and Health Nursing Research Group (GRIVIS-UAB), Barcelona, Spain

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EA: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Visualization. ED: Conceptualization, Data curation, Writing- Original draft preparation. KP: Writing - Original Draft, Visualization, Investigation. BT: Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Visualization Supervision.AY: Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Visualization. AY: Reviewing and Editing, Visualization, Supervision.JML: Reviewing and Editing, Visualization, Supervision.

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Correspondence to Betül Tosun , Ahmet Ayaz , Ayla Yava or Juan M. Leyva-Moral .

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This study was in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by Hasan Kalyoncu University Health Sciences Non-Invasive Research Ethics Committee. Written informed consent was obtained after all participants understood the content of the tool and were informed about the research objectives. In addition, the participants explained the procedures on how to keep their records confidential, such as not revealing the identity of the participants, deleting the records and destroying the transcripts six months after the analysis, and ensuring the security of the devices containing the recording files through passwords and encryption. There is no conflict of interest with any person or organization in the study. This research has not received any specific grants from any funding organizations, commercial or non-profit sectors.

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Atay, E., Dirgar, E., Pehlivan, K. et al. Emotions reflected in colours: experiences of nursing students during the COVID-19 period. BMC Nurs 23 , 575 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02256-6

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Top Nursing Research Topics for Students and Professionals

This article was written in collaboration with Christine T. and ChatGPT, our little helper developed by OpenAI.

Nursing research is an essential component of the nursing profession. Its primary purpose is to enhance patient outcomes, elevate the quality of care, and advance nursing as a whole. For nursing students and practitioners, selecting an appropriate research topic is crucial for academic and professional success. This article highlights some current and interesting topics in nursing research that students and professionals can explore.

Nursing Workforce

One of the major topics in nursing research is the challenges that nurses face in their workplace, and how to address them. This is particularly relevant in light of the current shortage of nurses and the healthcare industry’s growing demands.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Nursing Workforce

• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in acute care settings
• The effectiveness of nurse retention strategies on improving nurse job satisfaction
• The role of nursing leadership in creating a positive work environment
• The relationship between nurse staffing ratios and nurse burnout
• The impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on nursing care quality in long-term care settings
• The effectiveness of nurse residency programs in improving new nurse retention rates
• The impact of nursing unit culture on nurse job satisfaction and retention
• The impact of nurse-patient ratios on patient outcomes
• Strategies for retaining experienced nurses in the workforce
• Analyzing the role of advanced practice nurses in healthcare teams
• The challenges and benefits of international nursing recruitment
• Addressing generational differences in the nursing workforce
• The relationship between nurse work schedules and nurse burnout
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on medication errors in hospital settings
• The role of interprofessional collaboration in reducing nursing workload and improving patient outcomes
• The impact of nursing education level on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient falls in acute care settings
• The impact of nurse workload on patient satisfaction with nursing care
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting staff well-being and reducing burnout
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient mortality rates in critical care settings
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care models in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient readmission rates in acute care settings
• The role of nursing autonomy in improving nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The relationship between nurse job satisfaction and patient outcomes in long-term care settings
• The impact of nursing staff turnover on patient safety and quality of care
• Healthcare management: career paths and requirements
• The role of technology in improving nursing efficiency and reducing workload
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient satisfaction with nursing care
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on nurse job stress and burnout in pediatric settings
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving patient outcomes for chronic conditions
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting a culture of safety and reducing patient harm
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in psychiatric settings
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on nurse job satisfaction and burnout in emergency departments
• The effectiveness of nursing education programs in improving nurse practice and patient outcomes
• The role of nurse practitioners in improving access to healthcare in underserved communities
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on nurse retention rates in rural healthcare facilities
• The effectiveness of nurse-led discharge planning in reducing hospital readmissions
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting interprofessional collaboration and teamwork
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in outpatient care settings
• The impact of nursing workloads on patient safety in intensive care units
• The role of nursing research in improving nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and nurse job satisfaction in surgical settings
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient satisfaction with pain management in acute care settings
• The effectiveness of nursing education programs in improving nursing knowledge and skills
• The role of nursing advocacy in promoting patient-centered care and improving healthcare outcomes

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Patient Safety

Another crucial area of nursing research is patient safety. Studying ways to enhance patient safety, reduce adverse events, and improve the quality of care in hospitals and other healthcare settings can help prevent patient harm and improve patient outcomes.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Patient Safety

• Exploring the impact of workplace stress on nurses’ job satisfaction and performance
• Investigating the factors that influence nurse turnover and retention rates
• Assessing the role of nurse staffing levels in patient outcomes and quality of care
• Examining the relationship between nurse burnout and patient safety incidents
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing leadership in creating a positive work environment
• The influence of nursing handovers on patient safety
• Strategies to reduce medication errors in hospital settings
• The role of electronic health records in enhancing patient safety
• Impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient safety outcomes
• Evaluating the effectiveness of patient safety training programs for nurses
• Exploring the experiences of nurses from diverse backgrounds in the workplace
• Assessing the impact of shift work on nurses’ physical and mental health
• Investigating the relationship between nurse-patient ratios and patient outcomes
• Examining the role of interprofessional collaboration in improving the nursing work environment
• Exploring the use of technology to improve nursing workflow and productivity
• Mitigating the economic and social costs of heart diseases among the aging population in the US
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing mentorship programs in retaining new nurses
• Assessing the role of organizational culture in promoting nurse well-being and job satisfaction
• Examining the impact of nursing education on nursing workforce preparedness
• Exploring the factors that contribute to job satisfaction among nurses
• Combating health care-associated infections: a community-based approach
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led care on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Assessing the effectiveness of nursing support programs for nurses with mental health issues
• Examining the role of nursing unions in advocating for the nursing workforce
• Exploring the experiences of male nurses in the nursing workforce
• Investigating the effectiveness of nurse-led clinics in reducing emergency department visits
• Assessing the impact of nursing teamwork on patient outcomes and quality of care
• Examining the role of nursing informatics in improving nursing workflow and patient care
• Exploring the impact of nursing shortages on patient outcomes and quality of care
• Investigating the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for reducing hospital readmissions
• Assessing the impact of nursing certification on nursing workforce competence and confidence
• Examining the role of nursing education in promoting cultural competence in the nursing workforce
• Exploring the experiences of nurses working in rural healthcare settings
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing delegation in improving patient outcomes and quality of care
• Assessing the impact of nursing shortages on nurse job satisfaction and burnout
• Examining the role of nursing research in informing nursing workforce policies and practices
• Exploring the impact of nurse-led quality improvement initiatives on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Investigating the role of nursing leaders in promoting nursing workforce diversity and inclusion
• Assessing the impact of nursing autonomy on nurse job satisfaction and performance
• Examining the effectiveness of nursing residency programs in preparing new nurses for the workforce
• Exploring the experiences of nurses working in correctional healthcare settings
• Investigating the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient falls and injuries
• Assessing the role of nursing education in promoting evidence-based practice in the nursing workforce
• Examining the effectiveness of nursing preceptorship programs in improving nurse job satisfaction and retention
• Exploring the role of nursing education in preparing nurses for leadership roles in the nursing workforce
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing empowerment interventions in improving nursing job satisfaction and performance
• Assessing the impact of nursing shortages on the quality of nursing care provided to older adults in long-term care facilities.

Chronic Illness Management

Managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, is a significant challenge for healthcare providers. Exploring different strategies for chronic disease management can help improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Chronic Illness Management

• The Role of Nurses in Managing Chronic Heart Disease
• Impact of Nurse-led Interventions in Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• The Effectiveness of Self-management Education in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
• Nursing Strategies for Chronic Pain Management
• Chronic Kidney Disease Management: A Nursing Perspective
• Palliative Care in Chronic Illness Management
• Community Nursing and Chronic Illness: A Study on Patient Outcomes
• The Role of Nurses in Managing Chronic Pediatric Asthma
• Telehealth and Chronic Disease Management: The Future of Nursing Practice?
• Evaluating the role of nursing in diabetes self-management
• Strategies for improving patient adherence to chronic illness treatment plans
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management
• Exploring the role of telehealth in chronic illness follow-up and monitoring
• The effectiveness of nurse-led educational programs for patients with cardiovascular diseases
• The Importance of Nurse-led Clinics in Chronic Illness Management
• The Role of Nursing in Depression Management among Chronically Ill Patients
• Empowering the vulnerable: enhancing health and social care for individuals with specific needs
• Advanced Practice Nurses and Chronic Illness Management: A Systematic Review
• The Impact of Holistic Nursing Care on Chronic Disease Management
• The Effect of Nurse-led Health Education on Compliance in Chronic Disease Patients
• The Role of Family Nurses in the Management of Chronic Illness in Home Settings
• Nursing and the Management of Chronic Illness in Geriatric Populations
• The Influence of Nursing Interventions on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Illness
• Challenges Faced by Nurses in Managing Chronic Illness in Low-resource Settings
• Cancer Pain: Assessment, Management, and Patient Empowerment
• Evaluating the Role of School Nurses in Managing Chronic Illnesses in Children
• Developing a Chronic Disease Management Model: The Crucial Role of Nursing
• Nursing Intervention in Lifestyle Modification for Chronic Illness Patients
• The Impact of Patient-Nurse Communication in Chronic Illness Management
• The Role of Nursing in Medication Management for Chronic Illness Patients
• The Effects of Nursing Care Coordination on Chronic Illness Outcomes
• Mental Health and Chronic Illness: The Importance of Psychiatric Nursing
• The Role of Nursing in the Self-Management of Chronic Illness: A Meta-Analysis
• Nursing Interventions for Chronic Illness Management in Rural Areas
• Nurses’ Role in Reducing Hospital Readmissions for Chronic Illness Patients
• Digital healthcare and organizational learning: enhancing patient care through technology and knowledge management
• The Impact of Nursing on Patient Empowerment in Chronic Illness Management
• Cultural Competence in Nursing and Its Effect on Chronic Disease Management
• The Role of Nursing Informatics in Chronic Illness Management
• Evaluating the Role of Community Health Nurses in Chronic Illness Prevention
• The Impact of Home Nursing on Chronic Illness Management in Aging Populations
• The ongoing risk of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men
• The Role of Oncology Nurses in the Management of Chronic Cancer Pain
• The Effects of Nursing-led Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Chronic Illness Management
• The Impact of Advanced Nursing Practice on Health Outcomes in Chronic Disease Management
• The Use of Digital Health Technologies in Chronic Disease Management: A Nursing Perspective

Mental Health

Promoting mental health and well-being in vulnerable patient populations is another important area of nursing research. Nurses can investigate various interventions and programs that can help prevent mental health problems and improve patients’ overall well-being.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Mental Health

• The impact of COVID-19 on mental health in healthcare workers
• The effectiveness of telehealth for delivering mental health services
• The role of social support in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• Investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for mental health
• Examining the use of virtual reality in treating mental health disorders
• The impact of sleep on mental health outcomes
• The role of exercise in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating depression
• Exploring the relationship between mental health and chronic pain
• Investigating the impact of workplace stress on mental health in nurses
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for patients with depression
• Exploring the impact of nurse-patient relationships on mental health outcomes
• Strategies for improving mental health literacy among nursing professionals
• Evaluating the role of nurses in suicide prevention and intervention
• The challenges and strategies in nursing care for patients with dual diagnoses (co-existing mental health and substance use disorders)
• Examining the use of music therapy for mental health promotion
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders
• The relationship between mental health and nutrition
• The impact of trauma on mental health outcomes
• Investigating the use of art therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The role of spirituality in mental health and coping
• The effectiveness of group therapy for mental health disorders
• The impact of stigma on mental health outcomes
• Examining the effectiveness of psychopharmacology in treating mental health disorders
• The role of family support in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• Investigating the relationship between mental health and substance abuse
• The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The impact of social media on mental health outcomes
• Examining the use of humor in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of cognitive training for improving mental health outcomes
• Investigating the impact of gender and cultural factors on mental health outcomes
• The role of occupational therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• Examining the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for mental health disorders
• The relationship between mental health and physical activity
• Investigating the use of peer support for mental health promotion
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction for mental health
• The impact of technology on mental health outcomes
• The role of nutrition in treating mental health disorders
• Examining the use of hypnotherapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy for PTSD
• Investigating the relationship between mental health and social determinants of health
• The impact of social isolation on mental health outcomes
• Examining the use of dance therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for mental health disorders
• The role of self-care in promoting mental health and wellbeing in nurses

Health Promotion

Research into health promotion strategies using technology, social media, and other digital tools is a rapidly growing area of nursing research. Such research can help identify innovative and effective ways to promote health and well-being in communities and patient populations.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Health Promotion

• The effectiveness of community-based interventions in promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits
• Investigating the impact of social media on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Identifying effective strategies for improving health literacy among underserved populations
• Exploring the use of wearable technology in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles
• Evaluating the effectiveness of nurse-led health promotion campaigns on community health outcomes
• The role of nurses in promoting vaccinations in various populations
• Strategies for nurses to address health literacy and its impact on patient outcomes
• The influence of cultural competence in health promotion and disease prevention
• Assessing the role of nurses in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles in at-risk populations
• Investigating the role of family support in promoting healthy behaviors among children and adolescents
• Examining the effectiveness of peer-led interventions in promoting healthy lifestyles
• Investigating the impact of workplace wellness programs on employee health and productivity
• The impact of milk consumption on children’s growth
• The role of nursing in promoting smoking cessation and reducing tobacco use
• Exploring the use of motivational interviewing in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in promoting mental and physical health
• The role of social support in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Examining the effectiveness of school-based interventions in promoting healthy behaviors among children and adolescents
• Exploring the use of technology in promoting health education and behavior change
• Investigating the role of culture and ethnicity in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Nursing: a beautiful blend of art and science
• Examining the effectiveness of community health worker programs in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases
• Investigating the impact of environmental factors on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of incentives in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Investigating the effectiveness of group-based interventions in promoting healthy lifestyles
• Examining the impact of policy interventions on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• The effects of sleep deprivation on students’ cognitive functions and emotional state
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy sleep habits and reducing sleep disorders
• Investigating the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Exploring the use of positive psychology interventions in promoting mental and physical health
• Investigating the role of healthcare providers in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Examining the effectiveness of workplace policies in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy sexual behaviors and preventing sexually transmitted infections
• Investigating the impact of stress on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of community-based participatory research in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• The delicate dance: balancing art and science in the nursing profession
• Investigating the role of nutrition in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Examining the effectiveness of self-management interventions in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy pregnancy and preventing maternal and child health problems
• Investigating the impact of socioeconomic status on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of health coaching in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Investigating the role of spirituality in promoting mental and physical health
• Examining the effectiveness of school-based policies in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy relationships and preventing intimate partner violence
• Investigating the impact of social determinants of health on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of mobile applications in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Investigating the role of health literacy in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases

Palliative Care

Improving the quality of life of seriously ill patients and their families during end-of-life care is another critical area of nursing research. Nurses can explore different interventions and support programs that can enhance the palliative care experience.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Palliative Care

• The effectiveness of palliative care on improving quality of life for cancer patients
• Understanding the needs and experiences of family caregivers in palliative care
• Palliative care and end-of-life decision-making: exploring patient and family preferences
• Optimizing the clarifying diagnosis of stomach cancer
• Improving access to palliative care for patients in rural areas
• The role of spirituality in palliative care for terminally ill patients
• Investigating the impact of music therapy on patients receiving palliative care
• Developing effective communication strategies for discussing end-of-life care with patients and families
• Exploring the experiences and needs of patients with non-cancer diagnoses in palliative care
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in improving the quality of life for patients in palliative care
• Evaluating the training needs of nurses in delivering end-of-life care
• The role of nursing in managing symptoms and side effects in palliative care patients
• Strategies for improving communication between nurses and families during end-of-life care
• Assessing the ethical considerations and challenges faced by nurses in palliative care settings
• Evaluating the effectiveness of home-based palliative care programs
• Palliative care for pediatric patients: understanding unique challenges and opportunities
• The impact of cultural and ethnic differences on palliative care provision
• Investigating the role of social support in palliative care for older adults
• The effectiveness of advance care planning in improving end-of-life care
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with neurological diseases in palliative care
• Exploring the impact of palliative care on reducing healthcare costs
• Investigating the role of complementary therapies in palliative care
• Improving symptom management in palliative care through medication optimization
• Palliative care and spiritual care: exploring the intersection of these two domains
• The impact of palliative care on reducing hospital readmissions
• Investigating the role of occupational therapy in palliative care
• Developing effective pain management strategies for patients receiving palliative care
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with heart failure in palliative care
• The role of pet therapy in improving quality of life for patients in palliative care
• Investigating the impact of palliative care on reducing caregiver burden
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with lung disease in palliative care
• Exploring the impact of palliative care on reducing healthcare utilization
• Investigating the role of nutrition in palliative care for patients with cancer
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with kidney disease in palliative care
• Improving palliative care for patients with dementia: exploring unique challenges and opportunities
• The role of art therapy in improving quality of life for patients in palliative care
• Investigating the impact of palliative care on reducing emergency department visits
• Developing effective communication strategies for discussing end-of-life care with patients with cognitive impairment
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with liver disease in palliative care
• Palliative care for patients with substance use disorders: unique challenges and opportunities
• Investigating the role of physiotherapy in palliative care
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy in improving mental health outcomes for patients in palliative care
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with multiple chronic conditions in palliative care
• Improving symptom management in palliative care through non-pharmacological interventions
• Investigating the impact of palliative care on reducing healthcare disparities
• Palliative care and medical aid in dying: exploring ethical and legal considerations

Healthcare Disparities

Studying the factors that contribute to healthcare disparities between different populations and identifying strategies to address these disparities is an important area of nursing research. Nurses can examine the role of social determinants of health in healthcare disparities and propose solutions to improve access and equity in healthcare.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Healthcare Disparities

• Examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and healthcare disparities
• Investigating the impact of implicit bias on healthcare disparities
• Analyzing the impact of racial and ethnic disparities on health outcomes
• Identifying disparities in access to preventative care among different populations
• Exploring the impact of language barriers on healthcare disparities
• Investigating the impact of discrimination on healthcare outcomes
• Identifying disparities in health insurance coverage and access to healthcare services
• Exploring the importance of national health insurance for socioeconomic growth
• Analyzing the impact of geographic location on healthcare disparities
• Evaluating the role of nursing in addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities
• The impact of socioeconomic factors on patient outcomes and nursing interventions
• Strategies for nurses to promote health equity in diverse patient populations
• Assessing the influence of cultural competence on reducing healthcare disparities
• The role of nursing advocacy in shaping policies to reduce health inequities
• Examining disparities in mental health care access and utilization
• Investigating disparities in maternal and child health outcomes
• Exploring the relationship between healthcare disparities and chronic disease outcomes
• Identifying disparities in end-of-life care and hospice utilization
• Analyzing the impact of cultural differences on healthcare outcomes
• Investigating disparities in healthcare provider communication and patient engagement
• Examining the impact of healthcare policy on healthcare disparities
• Global health learning in nursing and health care disparities
• Identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among the LGBTQ+ community
• Exploring the impact of environmental factors on healthcare disparities
• Analyzing the impact of social determinants of health on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among rural populations
• Examining disparities in healthcare access and utilization among urban populations
• Identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among immigrants and refugees
• Analyzing the impact of education level on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among older adults
• Examining disparities in dental health access and utilization
• Identifying disparities in mental health treatment and access to services
• Analyzing the impact of stigma on healthcare outcomes for marginalized populations
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among incarcerated populations
• Exploring disparities in healthcare access and utilization among individuals with disabilities
• Analyzing the impact of institutional racism on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among low-income populations
• Examining disparities in cancer screening and early detection
• Identifying disparities in access to clinical trials and experimental treatments
• Analyzing the impact of the digital divide on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among veterans
• Exploring the impact of healthcare worker bias on healthcare disparities
• Examining the relationship between healthcare disparities and infant mortality rates
• Identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among people with limited English proficiency
• Analyzing the impact of gender on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among individuals experiencing homelessness
• Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities among different populations

Patient-Centered Care

Enhancing patient-centered care, including patient feedback, patient-centered communication, and patient education, is another vital area of nursing research. Nurses can investigate the impact of patient-centered care on patient outcomes and identify ways to incorporate patient preferences and values in the care process.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Patient-Centered Care

• The importance of patient-centered care in improving health outcomes
• Exploring the effectiveness of patient-centered communication in clinical practice
• Assessing patient satisfaction with patient-centered care
• The impact of nursing staffing on patient-centered care
• The role of family and caregiver involvement in patient-centered care
• The use of technology to enhance patient-centered care
• Patient education and empowerment in promoting patient-centered care
• The role of nurses in facilitating shared decision-making in patient care
• Evaluating the impact of personalized care plans on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Strategies for nurses to engage patients in their care across diverse cultural backgrounds
• The influence of effective communication strategies on the delivery of patient-centered care
• Assessing the barriers and facilitators to implementing patient-centered care in various healthcare settings
• The impact of culture on patient-centered care
• Measuring the quality of patient-centered care in healthcare settings
• The benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in patient-centered care
• Understanding home dialysis: benefits, barriers, and impacts on elderly patients and the healthcare system
• Addressing language barriers in patient-centered care
• Exploring the challenges of implementing patient-centered care in healthcare organizations
• The role of patient-centered care in reducing healthcare costs
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient safety
• The importance of patient-centered care for vulnerable populations
• The role of leadership in promoting patient-centered care
• Evaluating the impact of patient-centered care on healthcare outcomes
• Examining the effectiveness of patient-centered care in chronic disease management
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient adherence to treatment
• The importance of patient-centered care in pediatric healthcare settings
• The use of patient feedback to improve patient-centered care
• Pediatric oncology: working towards better treatment through evidence-based research
• The role of patient-centered care in addressing health disparities
• Patient-centered care in end-of-life and palliative care settings
• The role of healthcare professionals in promoting patient-centered care
• The impact of patient-centered care on healthcare provider job satisfaction
• The importance of patient-centered care in emergency and critical care settings
• The use of simulation-based training to enhance patient-centered care
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient experience and engagement
• The role of healthcare policy in promoting patient-centered care
• Addressing the needs of patients with complex medical needs in patient-centered care
• The role of the nursing profession in promoting patient-centered care
• Patient-centered care in mental health and psychiatric settings
• The impact of patient-centered care on healthcare provider burnout
• The role of patient-centered care in promoting shared decision-making
• Examining the effectiveness of patient-centered care in rural healthcare settings
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient quality of life
• The use of patient-centered care in managing acute and chronic pain
• Addressing the needs of elderly patients in patient-centered care
• The impact of patient-centered care on healthcare system performance
• Promoting patient-centered care through the use of standardized patient education materials

Nursing Education

Exploring innovative approaches to nursing education and training, such as simulation-based learning and online learning, is a growing area of nursing research. Such research can help identify effective ways to prepare nursing students for their future roles in the healthcare system.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Nursing Education

• The impact of simulation-based training on nursing education outcomes
• The effectiveness of online learning in nursing education
• Innovative approaches to clinical teaching in nursing education
• The role of technology in nursing education
• Student perceptions of nursing education and their impact on learning outcomes
• The impact of cultural competence training on nursing students’ attitudes and behaviors
• The effectiveness of peer-led teaching in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating interprofessional education into nursing curricula
• The role of reflective practice in nursing education
• The effectiveness of flipped classroom models in nursing education
• The impact of virtual reality and augmented reality tools in nursing education
• Evaluating the effectiveness of online vs. traditional classroom nursing education
• Strategies for enhancing interprofessional education in nursing curricula
• The role of continuous professional development in enhancing nursing competencies
• Assessing the influence of mentorship programs on nursing student success and retention
• Transforming advanced nursing practice: embracing IOM recommendations and higher education
• The impact of mentorship on nursing students’ learning and professional development
• The use of team-based learning in nursing education
• The effectiveness of hands-on skills training in nursing education
• Student perceptions of clinical experiences in nursing education
• The impact of service learning on nursing students’ attitudes and behaviors
• The role of cultural humility in nursing education
• The effectiveness of blended learning in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating patient-centered care into nursing curricula
• The impact of standardized patient encounters on nursing education outcomes
• Importance and application of patient education technology in healthcare
• The use of case-based learning in nursing education
• The role of faculty development in improving nursing education outcomes
• The effectiveness of clinical reasoning strategies in nursing education
• The impact of nursing education on patient outcomes
• The role of simulation in teaching critical thinking in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating evidence-based practice into nursing curricula
• The use of gamification in nursing education
• The effectiveness of problem-based learning in nursing education
• The impact of nursing education on student stress and burnout
• The role of intercultural competence in nursing education
• The effectiveness of collaborative learning in nursing education
• The impact of teaching communication skills in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating patient safety into nursing curricula
• The role of interprofessional collaboration in nursing education
• The effectiveness of clinical coaching in nursing education
• The impact of teaching teamwork skills in nursing education
• The use of high-fidelity simulation in nursing education
• The role of experiential learning in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating leadership development into nursing curricula
• The impact of nursing education on student retention and graduation rates
• The effectiveness of self-directed learning in nursing education

Healthcare Policy

Studying the impact of healthcare policy on the nursing profession and patient outcomes, including the role of nursing in healthcare reform efforts, is a crucial area of nursing research. Nurses can examine the policy’s effect on healthcare access, quality, and affordability and propose solutions to address policy gaps and challenges.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Healthcare Policy

• The impact of the affordable care act on the nursing profession
• Exploring healthcare informatics: evolution, challenges, and solutions
• The role of nursing in healthcare reform efforts
• The impact of medicare and Medicaid on nursing practice
• The impact of private insurance on nursing practice
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing workforce development
• Combating workplace violence in nursing: the impact of policies, legislation, and organizational culture
• The role of nursing in healthcare policy decision-making
• The impact of healthcare policies on patient outcomes
• The role of nurses in implementing healthcare policies
• The implications of universal healthcare policies on nursing roles and responsibilities
• Evaluating the impact of health insurance reforms on nursing care delivery
• Strategies for nurses to influence healthcare policy decisions at the national and state levels
• The role of nursing in shaping policies related to patient rights and autonomy
• Assessing the influence of healthcare policy on nursing education and licensure requirements
• Evaluating the impact of nurse advocacy on shaping health policies at local and national levels
• Strategies for nurses to stay updated on changing healthcare policies and their implications
• The role of nursing in shaping policies related to electronic health records and patient privacy
• Assessing the implications of global health policies on nursing practices and education
• The influence of healthcare policies on the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing education and training
• The impact of healthcare policies on nurse staffing ratios
• The impact of healthcare policies on patient satisfaction
• Understanding the impact of the American Healthcare System Regulatory Acts
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare costs
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare disparities
• The role of nursing in advocating for healthcare policy changes
• The impact of healthcare policies on patient safety
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing job satisfaction
• Understanding the US. Health Care Reform: necessity, challenges, and implementation
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing burnout
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing retention rates
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing leadership
• The role of nursing in shaping healthcare policies
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare quality
• Workplace violence in healthcare: causes, regulations, and prevention strategies
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing productivity
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare access
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing workload
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing autonomy
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing scope of practice
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing professional development
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing research
• The role of nursing in developing healthcare policies
• Massachusetts Health Reform Act: striving for universal coverage and controlled costs
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing career advancement
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing licensure and certification
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing accreditation
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing ethics
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing professionalism
• The role of nursing in healthcare policy implementation and evaluation
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing informatics
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing diversity and inclusion
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in rural areas
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in underserved communities
• The impact of healthcare policies on international nursing practice

The Importance of Research in Nursing

Research is the bedrock of nursing practice. It provides evidence-based knowledge that informs clinical decision-making, enhances patient outcomes, and advances the nursing profession. For nursing students, engaging in research activities offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Clinical Practice

Evidence-based research provides nurses with the latest knowledge and techniques to deliver optimal patient care. It bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, ensuring that patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

• Professional Development

Engaging in research sharpens critical thinking and analytical skills. It fosters a culture of continuous learning, allowing nurses to stay updated with the ever-evolving medical field.

• Contribution to the Field

By conducting research, nurses contribute to the larger body of knowledge in healthcare. Their findings can lead to improvements in patient care, the development of new interventions, or changes in healthcare policies.

• Enhanced Patient Outcomes

Research equips nurses with the knowledge to educate patients, advocate for their needs, and make informed decisions. This ensures better health outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.

• Career Advancement

For those looking to advance in their careers, research can open doors to academic positions, leadership roles, or specialized fields within nursing.

Tips for Selecting a Suitable Research Topic

• Align with Interests

Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. This will keep you motivated throughout the research process.

• Relevance to Current Trends

Consider current trends and challenges in healthcare. Addressing contemporary issues can make your research more impactful.

• Feasibility

Ensure that you have access to the necessary resources and tools to conduct your research. This includes access to participants, equipment, and relevant literature.

It’s essential to choose a topic that’s neither too broad nor too narrow. A well-defined research question will guide your study and ensure it’s manageable.

• Seek Guidance

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors, professors, or professionals in the field. Their insights can help refine your topic and provide valuable direction.

In conclusion, research is a vital component of the nursing profession, driving innovation and ensuring the best patient outcomes. For nursing students and professionals, engaging in research is not only a pathway to academic and career success but also a means to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of patient care.

📎 Related Articles

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Research Topics & Ideas: Nursing

50+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a nursing-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of nursing-related research ideas and topic thought-starters, including general nursing, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrics and gynaecological nursing, ICU and mental health nursing.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the nursing domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Nursing Research Topics

• General nursing-related topics
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Pediatric nursing
• Obstetrics and gynaecological nursing
• ICU nursing
• Mental health nursing

General Nursing Research Topics & Ideas

• The impact of cultural competence on patient care in the UK
• The importance of evidence-based practice in nursing for patients with HIV/AIDS
• The effects of workplace stress on nurse well-being and performance
• The role of nurse-patient communication for patients transitioning from adolescent to adult care
• The impact of technology on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare for the rehabilitation of patients post-surgery
• The effects of fatigue on nurse performance in the emergency room
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in rural areas
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in managing chronic conditions: a case study of diabetes
• The impact of patient-centred care on health outcomes for the elderly
• The importance of patient safety in nursing: bedside nurse vigilance
• The effects of empathy and compassion in critical care nursing
• The role of nursing in disaster preparedness and response: a case study of the Haiti earthquake of 2021
• The impact of the level of nursing education on patient outcomes
• The importance of ethical considerations in frail care nursing practice

Topics & Ideas: Medical-Surgical Nursing

• The impact of bedside care on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• The role of the nurse in managing post-operative patient pain
• The effects of nurse-patient ratios on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• A systematic review of different approaches to patient education in medical-surgical units
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction in medical-surgical units: perspectives and recommendations to improving patient satisfaction

Topics & Ideas: Pediatrics Nursing

• The impact of family-centered care on pediatric patient outcomes with sickle cell anemia
• The role of nursing interventions in promoting developmental and behavioral health in pediatric patients
• The effects of play therapy on anxiety and pain in pediatric patients during hospitilisation
• A systematic review of different approaches to pain management in pediatric cancer patients
• The relationship between parent involvement and post-operative patient outcomes in pediatric units

Ideas: Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led prenatal care on maternal and fetal outcomes in African American communities
• The role of the nurse in promoting sexual and reproductive health for women in the UK
• The effects of midwifery care on maternal satisfaction of primiparous women and birth outcomes
• A comparative study of different approaches to childbirth education for expectant mothers and partners: perceptions of control
• The relationship between lactation support and breastfeeding success of primiparous women

Topics & Ideas: ICU Nursing

• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in intensive care units in a developing country
• The role of the nurse in managing palliative and end-of-life care in the ICU
• The effects of family presence on patient outcomes and satisfaction in the ICU: A systematic review of the literature
• A comparative study of different approaches to pain management for trauma patients in the ICU
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and geriatric patient outcomes in ICU

Topics & Ideas: Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led therapy on adolescent patient outcomes in mental health settings
• The role of the nurse in promoting recovery and resiliency in mental health patients through group interventions
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on stress and anxiety in mental health patients: A systematic literature review
• A comparative study of the role of nurses in applying different approaches to patient education in mental health settings
• The association between nurse-patient therapeutic alliance and patient outcomes in mental health settings

Nursing Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a nursing-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various nursing-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Nursing Workload and Interventions of Licensed Nurses in Nursing Homes: An Observational Time and Motion Study (Kang, 2021)
• Missed Nursing Care: Accounting for Education, Experience, and Job Satisfaction in Registered Nurses (Bechard, 2021)
• Examining Predictors of Attitudes and Knowledge of Registered Nurses and Nursing Students in Tennessee toward Pregnant and Perinatal Women with a Substance Use Disorder (Patrylo, 2021)
• A Program Evaluation of the Organizational Readiness for Pathway to Excellence at Two Community Hospitals  (Behling, 2021)
• The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic Policy Decisions on the Wellbeing of Nursing Home Residents in Missouri (White, 2022)
• Battling A Parallel Pandemic: An Evaluation of Sustainable System-Level Nursing Support in Response To COVID-19 (Gifford, 2022)
• Holistic Nursing Process Maps: a Tool for Student Nurses to Operationalize the Nursing Process to Increase Clinical Reasoning (Reyes, 2022)
• Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance in Undergraduate Nursing Faculty: A Mixed-Methods Study (Crawford, 2021)
• The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on the Stress, Anxiety, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion Levels of Nursing Students (Heinrich, 2022)
• Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Case Studies in Undergraduate Nursing Students (Becnel, 2022)
• A Telehealth Simulation Experiment: Exploring Prebriefing (Owen, 2022)
• Perceptions of Lateral Violence Among Vocational Nursing Students, Associate Degree Nursing Students, and Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Students (Martha, 2022)
• Nurse Educators’ Description of Ethics from a Disciplinary Perspective: A Qualitative Descriptive Research Study (Cuchetti, 2022)
• A Literature Review of the Relationship Between Oral Health and Pneumonia Risk in the Geriatric Nursing Home Population (Swift, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

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If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your nursing dissertation, thesis or research project, check out our private coaching services below.

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• Open access
• Published: 19 August 2024

The relationship between moral reasoning and nurses’ professional values in undergraduate nursing students: a descriptive-correlational study

• Amir Mohamad Nazari 1 ,
• Fariba Borhani   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8937-2649 1 ,
• Akbar Zare-Kaseb   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0014-7104 1 ,
• Vahid Yousofvand 2 &
• Abbas Abbaszadeh 1  

BMC Medical Education volume  24 , Article number:  889 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

184 Accesses

Metrics details

Moral reasoning in nursing is crucial in delivering high-quality patient care and fostering increased job satisfaction among nurses. Adhering to professional values is vital to this profession, and nurses must modify their actions to align with these values.

This study aimed to examine the correlation between moral reasoning and professional values among undergraduate nursing students.

Research design

A descriptive correlational design was recruited.

Participants and research context

The research was conducted at three nursing schools located in Tehran, Iran. The sample was recruited through random stratified sampling, specifically targeting undergraduate nursing students. The data collection tool comprised a three-part questionnaire, including a demographic information form, the Nursing Dilemma Test, and the Nurses Professional Values Scale Revised Questionnaire. The distribution of questionnaires encompassed both face-to-face and electronic methods. The analysis of data was conducted using SPSS 16 software. The data was analyzed using the independent samples t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis. The P value of 0.05 was considered significant.

Ethical considerations

The Ethics Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences approved the study.

Data analysis showed that moral reasoning was directly correlated to professional values ( r  = 0.528, p  < 0.001). The mean scores of Principled Thinking (P.T.), Practical Consideration (P.C.), and Familiarity with similar moral dilemmas of the NDT scale were 42.55 (SD = 12.95), 15.72 (SD = 6.85), 16.08 (SD = 6.67), respectively. Also, the total score of professional values of students was 90.63 (SD = 28.80).

The findings indicated that moral reasoning and interest in nursing predict students’ professional identity. Thus, any effort to enhance interest in the profession can contribute to developing students’ professional identity. This can involve incentivizing, enhancing the professional reputation at the community and university levels, and valuing student preferences and necessities.

Peer Review reports

The medical environment of nursing practice has been constantly evolving and becoming more complex. The continuous renewal of science and technology, the change in the disease spectrum, and the aging population have specifically impacted traditional nursing work [ 1 ]. On the other hand, the shortage of nursing human resources and the different disease cognition between nurses and patients have often led nurses into an ethical dilemma due to the confusion of roles, moral conflicts, and value conflicts [ 2 , 3 , 4 ].

Research findings in various nursing schools suggest a growing disregard among nursing students for ethical considerations in their everyday nursing practices. The nursing curriculum has recently been exposed to its lack of emphasis on ethics. Nursing schools do not explicitly cover the concept of professional ethics in any of their theoretical or clinical courses [ 5 ]. So, it seems that compared to professional nurses, nursing students are inexperienced and possess inadequate aptitude and the courage to confront and manage ethical dilemmas in clinical settings [ 6 ].

Nursing students face ethical problems in clinical settings, ranging from violating patient’s rights and dignity to insecure care delivery [ 7 ]. Despite learning about different moral theories and principles during their education, nursing students may find it daunting to apply those principles due to minimal support and guidance in clinical settings [ 8 , 9 ]. Encountering dilemmas in clinical settings can lead to student emotional distress, affecting their clinical learning and professional development [ 6 , 10 ]. Thus, strategies are needed to improve nurses’ and nursing students’ moral reasoning abilities to minimize the likelihood of these problems [ 7 ].

Moral reasoning refers to the cognitive process of recognizing an ethical dilemma and selecting the suitable course of action, enabling nurses to make informed decisions [ 11 ]. Moral reasoning in nursing necessitates nurses to evaluate and make appropriate decisions to tackle the daily challenges they face in the clinical environment [ 12 ].

Kohlberg’s research serves as the foundation for most studies on moral reasoning [ 13 ]. A classification of ethical development into six stages was suggested to assess advancement in attaining absolute universal justice. Some suggest that individuals’ moral reasoning aligns with their advancement in each stage [ 14 ].

Kohlberg’s model classifies moral reasoning into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, each comprising two stages. During the pre-conventional phase, individuals prioritize their interests and engage in actions focused on self-gratification or avoiding unfavorable outcomes. Within the conventional stage, individuals frequently use accepted social rules and principles to make decisions. At the post-conventional stage, individuals consciously align their actions with established ethical principles and prioritize ethical and compassionate decision-making [ 15 ].

Professional values are the performance standards accepted by the professional and specialist groups [ 16 ]. These values are the basis of nursing performance, the director of the nurses’ interaction with the patients, colleagues, other professionals, and the public, and as a guideline for ethical behavior to provide secure and humanitarian care [ 17 , 18 ]. Values are goals and beliefs that create behaviors and are a basis for decision-making and practice [ 19 , 20 ]. The acquisition and internalization of professional values are necessary in care settings for professional development, and they provide a common framework for meeting professional expectations and standards [ 21 , 22 ].

Considering that nursing involves scientific knowledge in addition to human and professional values, students must thoroughly understand these values to provide ethical care and engage in moral reasoning across various scenarios [ 23 ]. Professional nursing values play an essential role in shaping nursing professionals’ competence. They encompass human dignity, integrity, altruism, and justice and guide nursing standards, practice, and evaluation [ 24 , 25 ]. Therefore, developing nursing professional values can promote care quality, increase patient understanding, and increase job satisfaction and retention of nursing staff; it also helps the professional socialization process [ 21 , 26 ].

Prior research has been conducted in this specific domain, and it is worth noting that these studies possess certain limitations. The investigation conducted by Hajilo et al. [ 27 ] explored the association between ethical reasoning and professional values in nursing students. The results of their study revealed no significant correlation between the two factors. The researchers highlighted certain limitations in their research conducted amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Hence, they propose that the study be replicated in clinical settings with a larger sample size and random sampling to ensure better generalizability. Our study seeks to fill the gaps in this research by utilizing a larger sample size and examining and comparing these variables in nursing students from various semesters.

Moral reasoning and professional identity have been the subjects of only a limited number of Iranian studies, which have not fully addressed this topic’s various dimensions. Considering the importance placed on moral reasoning and the professional values of nursing students, building upon the hypothesis, if there is a relationship between these variables, promoting moral reasoning can be considered a significant factor in cultivating nursing students’ professional values. Thus, this study examined the relationship between moral reasoning and professional identity among nursing students.

Study design

The present study employed a descriptive-correlational design.

Sample and setting

The research was conducted at three nursing schools located in Tehran, Iran. The sample was recruited through random stratified sampling, specifically targeting undergraduate nursing students. The G*power software was utilized to determine the minimum sample size. The criteria for determining sample size were alpha = 0.05, power = 0.80, and a correlation coefficient of 0.2 with a 10% drop-out rate. The number of samples allocated to each faculty was computed based on the student population at the time of data collection [ 28 , 29 ].

C = 0.5*ln[(1 + r)/(1-r)]

N=[(z α +z β )/C] 2 +3.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The inclusion criteria were: (1) undergraduate nursing students who were studying in all semesters and (2) willingness and consent to participate in the study, and the exclusion criteria were: (1) returning incomplete questionnaires and (2) being students of other universities which was not in our inclusion criteria for setting and was transferred to this school.

Measurements

The research methodology involved the utilization of a demographic questionnaire, the Nursing Dilemma Test (NDT) [ 30 ], and the Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R) [ 31 ] as assessment tools. The demographic factors under investigation were determined through a comprehensive review of related studies and by consulting experts in the field.

Nursing dilemma test (NDT)

The NDT was established in 1981 at the University of Minnesota by Patricia Crisham [ 14 ]. NDT further examines nurses’ moral reasoning, decision-making capabilities, practical considerations, and familiarity with moral dilemmas. The NDT comprises six scenarios that specifically address ethical dilemmas in healthcare. These scenarios cover a range of situations, including (1) dealing with a newborn who has anomalies, (2) the issue of administering medication forcefully, (3) handling an adult’s request for assisted death, (4) orienting new nurses, (5) addressing medication errors, and (6) managing the treatment of an uninformed terminally ill adult [ 32 ].

Part A of the NDT focuses on the assessment of moral decision-making. In each of the six scenarios, participants are tasked with envisioning themselves as the nurse, and it is recommended that they respond to the question: “What actions should the nurse undertake? The choices for the participants include “Should act,” “Cannot decide,” or “Should not act.” The nurse who acts has made a moral decision. The ethical decision-making of the nurses is shown by the percentage of their chosen actions in each scenario.

The second section provides six statements for consideration when approaching the scenarios, encompassing the ethical dilemma. The participants must select the most significant statement from these six and arrange them according to personal importance. The aim of the responses given in this section of the test is to evaluate the levels of “Principled Thinking” (P.T.) and “Practical Consideration” (P.C.). The possible minimum P.T. score on the test is 18, while the maximum P.T. score is 66. The minimum possible P.C. score achievable on the test is 6, while the maximum P.C. score is 36. The P.T. demonstrates the significance of including moral principles in making ethical decisions within the nursing field. When making ethical decisions, the P.C. considers environmental factors like patient load, resource availability, institutional policies, nurses’ perception of administrative support, and doctors’ decision-making authority [ 33 ].

The assessment tool NDT - Part C measures nurses’ Familiarity (F) level with comparable moral dilemmas in each scenario, employing a 5-point scale. Items include: “I have decided in a similar dilemma” (score = 1), “I know someone else in a similar dilemma” (score = 2), “I do not know anyone in a similar dilemma, but the dilemma is conceivable” (score = 3), “It is difficult to imagine the dilemma as it seems remote” (score = 4), and “It is difficult to take the dilemma seriously as it seems unreal” (score = 5). The scoring system for moral dilemmas in NDT categorizes familiarity as a total score between 6 and 17 and unfamiliarity as a score between 18 and 30 (Table  1 ).

The reliability and validity of the questionnaire have been verified by its author, and it has been widely used by researchers [ 14 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Borhani et al. [ 37 ] and Mogadasian et al. [ 38 ] reported Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.82 and 0.95, respectively, for the Persian version of the NDT.

Nurses professional values scale-revised (NPVS-R)

Weiss and Shank formulated the questionnaire utilized in this study in 2009 [ 39 ]. It comprises 26 elements from established nursing professional ethics codes, encompassing caring, trust, professionalism, justice, and activism.

The dimension of caring consists of 9 items, specifically items 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. In the context of trust, there are five items to consider: 1, 2, 9, 14, and 15. The dimension of professionalism comprises four items, namely 5, 6, 7, and 8. The dimension of justice consists of three items, specifically items 3, 12, and 13. Finally, the dimension of activism encompasses items 4, 10, 11, 19, and 26.

The scoring is established on a five-point Likert scale, encompassing the spectrum from “unimportant” to “most important.” The scoring system assigns a score of 1 to the option “unimportant,” a score of 2 to “slightly important,” a score of 3 to “moderately important,” a score of 4 to “important,” and a score of 5 to “most important.” The range of scores for this questionnaire spans from 26 to 130, and a higher score signifies a higher level of familiarity among nurses with professional values. When scoring, a score below 43 signifies low-level professional values, between 43 and 86 indicates medium-level professional values, and above 86 represents high-level professional values.

By employing Cronbach’s alpha method, Weiss and Shank evaluated the tool’s total reliability, revealing a favorable coefficient of 0.92 for the tool [ 40 ]. In a study conducted by Parvan et al. 2012, the Persian version of the questionnaire was evaluated for its validity. The validity of the Persian version of the questionnaire was examined by Parvan et al. after its translation, with the results indicating good face and content validity. Moreover, the Persian adaptation of the questionnaire displayed a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.91 [ 41 ].

Data gathering

Data gathering lasted from June 1 to November 30, 2023. After securing ethical approval, the researchers presented in three nursing faculties of medical sciences universities. Participants were briefed about the research objectives face-to-face and online and filled out an informed written consent form. Then, participants were asked to complete the paper-based questionnaires. Once filled, researchers collected the questionnaires. Also, to increase the students’ participation, an electronic link to the questionnaires was provided to them. Students did not feel coerced into completing the questionnaires because the researchers were not among their teachers.

Statistical analysis

Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 16.0. We used descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation) and analytical statistics, including the analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis. After screening the data for the assumptions of various parametric tests, correlations between moral reasoning and professional values were explored. Also, Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the best explanatory variables of professional values. The maximum alpha bias level for testing the hypotheses was fixed at 0.05.

Participants

Two hundred (83.3%) of the 240 distributed questionnaires were returned from study subjects. The Tehran University of Medical Sciences accounted for 40% of the total sample size, while Shahid Beheshti and Iran universities each held a 30% share.

Sample profile

The mean age of participants in this study was 21.34 (SD = 2.01). Most of the participants (55.5%) were male, were single (93.0%), and were interested in nursing (71.5%). Regarding the academic semester, the fourth semester had the highest percentage of participants, at 18.5%, whereas the seventh semester had the lowest rate, at 8% (Table  2 ).

Moral reasoning and professional values

The study’s findings showed that the mean scores of Principled Thinking (P.T.), Practical Consideration (P.C.), and Familiarity with similar moral dilemmas of the NDT scale were 42.55 (SD = 12.95), 15.72 (SD = 6.85), 16.08 (SD = 6.67), respectively. Also, the total score of professional values of students was 90.63 (SD = 28.80). The scores of professional values dimensions are presented in detail in Table  3 .

According to nursing students’ answers to the ethical scenarios of the NDT test, difficulty in decision-making regarding the resuscitation of a child with an anomaly was observed in 18.5% of cases among nursing students. In terms of mandatory drug prescription and providing honest answers to people’s questions at the end of life, the corresponding figures were 18% and 19%. The issue with the least amount of uncertainty pertains to the request of an adult to end their life, a situation which students overwhelmingly oppose, with a rate of 86%. In this particular scenario, a mere 9.5% of individuals remained undecided. The details are presented in Table  4 .

Correlation between major study variables

Principled thinking (P.C.) was directly correlated to professional value’s total ( r  = 0.528), caring ( r  = 0.504), activism ( r  = 0.531), trust ( r  = 0.515), professionalism ( r  = 0.496), and justice ( r  = 0.452), scores. This correlation was all significant ( p  < 0.01) and moderate (0.4 <  r  < 0.59).

Practical consideration (P.C.) had significant, negative, and moderate correlation with professional value’s total ( r  = − 0.539), caring ( r  = − 0.521), activism ( r  = − 0.527), trust ( r  = − 0.546), professionalism ( r  = − 0.490), and justice ( r  = − 0.450) scores.

Familiarity (F) with moral dilemmas didn’t correlate with the total score of professional value or any other subscales of NPVS-R (Table  5 ).

Factors influencing professional identity

Multivariate regression (enter method) determined that the practical consideration (P.C.) of the NDT scale is the most effective dimension in predicting the level of professional value of nursing students (β = -0.356, p  < 0.001). The overall predictive value of the P.T., P.C., and F scales to professional identity was 33.9% (R2 = 0.339, Adjusted R2 = 0.329) (Table  6 ).

Among the socio-demographic variables, multivariate regression showed that being interested in nursing (β = -0.120, p  = 0.045), marital Status (β = 0.090, p  = 0.139), and sex (β = 0.035, p  = 0.564) respectively, have had the most significant effect on the professional value of nursing students. Of the abovementioned factors, only being interested in nursing significantly impacted professional values. This relationship was indirect, as higher interest was associated with weaker professional values. Together, these factors (P.T., P.C., F, marital Status, interest in nursing, and sex) explained about 36.2% of the variance in the professional value of nursing students (Table  7 ).

Moral decision-making

The initial component of each scenario in the NDT questionnaire assesses students’ moral decision-making capacity. Based on our study, it is evident that students demonstrated indecisiveness in fewer than 20% of cases for all six scenarios. The greatest challenge arose in determining the appropriate and truthful approach towards end-of-life patients, with the least complexity encountered when addressing the request for euthanasia by an adult patient. This implies that student nurses can readily decide about euthanasia. As per our results, nursing students rejected the patient’s request in 86% of cases. This may pertain to the cultural aspects of euthanasia within the society under examination.

The primary factors linked to positivity and supportiveness stemmed from (a) the patient’s experience of extreme and uncontrollable pain, unbearable suffering, or other distressing situations, (b) the legal aspects of euthanasia, and (c) the patient’s right to choose their death. The negative and unsupportive attitude of nurses was influenced by various factors, such as religion, moral dilemmas, the role of gender in healthcare, and poor palliative care [ 42 ]. The findings of our study in this field have been validated by a recent study conducted in Iran. Additionally, the researchers discovered that nurses with elevated ethical reasoning exhibit a more unfavorable stance on euthanasia [ 43 ].

• Moral reasoning

Moreover, the outcomes of our study demonstrated that the students possess a remarkable level of moral reasoning, enabling them to effectively navigate and resolve moral difficulties frequently encountered in clinical settings. These findings align with the results of a comparable study in this particular domain. The study revealed that the students’ moral reasoning skills exceeded the average level [ 44 ]. Similar results were observed in another study on nurses [ 45 ].

Our study indicates a significant connection between students’ moral reasoning and professional values. Higher professional values were linked to a more favorable level of professional reasoning. This is entirely consistent with the outcomes of comparable research [ 46 , 47 ]. Nursing students who possess elevated professional values exhibit higher confidence when faced with ethical decision-making [ 48 ]. Considering the positive relationship between these two constructs, nursing education can help improve the other by strengthening each. The study’s findings prove that moral reasoning can be a significant stimulus for enhancing professional values. Ethical reasoning exercises, such as simulating scenarios in a simulated environment, can help improve professional values. Conversely, there was a study that did not observe any substantial link between moral reasoning and the professional values ​​of students [ 27 ].

The average score of practical considerations was at the average level, which indicates the importance of environmental factors and organizational climate for students’ ethical decision-making and clinical activities. One of the factors that can contribute to the influence of the work environment on the ethical decision-making and clinical performance of students is their limited exposure and incomplete familiarity with the work environment’s rules. This aligns with the findings of the study conducted by Sari et al. According to their statement, students exhibit less susceptibility to environmental regulations when making ethical decisions than nurses or students of higher semesters [ 44 ]. However, it is worth noting that in two separate studies, students’ practical considerations were higher than average, presenting a slight disparity with the results obtained in the present study [ 27 , 49 ].

The current study revealed a significant inverse correlation between practical considerations and students’ professional values. Thus, students who can decide and engage in moral thinking independently of the influence of environmental rules and organizational atmosphere uphold higher professional values. This is consistent with the results of a similar study [ 27 ].

Familiarity with moral dilemmas

The mean score of students’ familiarity with situations shows that students are slightly familiar with different moral challenges. Students’ lack of clinical experience and inadequate preparation for ethical dilemmas contribute to this issue. Findings from related research in this field yielded similar outcomes [ 27 ]. The findings indicated that students require extensive work experience to comprehensively understand ethical issues in clinical settings, which were inadequately addressed during academic semesters [ 44 ].

• Professional values

The results obtained from the present study show that the average score of students’ professional values was significantly high. Students show a heightened focus on the dimension of patient care and assign considerable importance to it, as per the reported priorities of professional values. This issue highlights the significance of cautiousness in nursing education programs within college and clinical settings. The results of similar studies have been the same [ 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Concerning the dimensions, the research conducted by Poorchangizi et al. emphasized the significance of the caring dimension, aligning with our study. However, their study also highlighted the importance of the justice dimension, which contradicts our findings [ 51 ]. Moreover, this study also revealed that students exhibited a notably more positive perception of the significance of professional values than nurses [ 51 ].

Predictors of professional values

The main variables, P.C. and P.T., demonstrated acceptable predictive efficacy in predicting the professional value. However, demographic variables make a modest contribution to the prediction. When considering the demographic variables, it is evident that only interest in nursing plays a significant role in predicting professional values. The order of effect is as follows: P.C., P.T., interest in nursing, F, marital status, and sex. This means that the professional values ​​of students are more influenced by the rules of the environment and organizational climate than by their decision-making and moral thinking. One of the notable points in this study is the negative relationship between interest in nursing and professional values. This could be because students who entered this field with interest had more expectations from this field. They wavered about professional values while entering the clinical environment and distancing themselves from the ideals. The findings of previous studies exploring the correlation between main variables and demographics have aligned with the findings of our research [ 51 , 53 , 54 ]. Among all the studies conducted, only Pourchengizi et al.‘s research shows a notable association between age and the professional values of students [ 51 ].

A limitation in correlational studies like this is the inability to demonstrate causation. Future research should be conducted with a larger sample size of nursing students from various faculties and a design that investigates cause-and-effect relationships.

A further restriction of this study concerns the scenarios posed in the NDT questionnaire. The responses and associated interpretations can be subjected to the impact of the cultural context. Generalizing the results of these scenarios to other communities can be challenging. A blended approach was adopted to collect students’ data to optimize time and minimize time wastage. This can contribute to the potential response differences between these modes and impact the results.

Despite an in-depth examination of the current literature and consultation with experts in the field, no specific confounding factors could be determined due to the limited number of relevant studies. Consequently, we analyzed the correlation between demographic characteristics and the main variables of the study. In the regression model, we included only those cases that demonstrated a substantial relationship with the primary variable below the level of 0.02. It is recommended that future researchers strive to identify confounding factors and mitigate their impact on the relationship between the main variables, thereby enhancing the generalizability of the results.

Implications for nursing education

Limited research has been conducted on the influence of educational factors, particularly curriculum, on students’ professional identity and moral reasoning. It appears that, given the unique circumstances of the nursing profession, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, modifying the student curriculum would enhance their circumstances. Nursing educators must be qualified to successfully guide students in cultivating a suitable professional identity.

The findings from our study suggest that nurses showed a high level of moral reasoning and uphold professional values. Also, results revealed a noteworthy correlation between students’ moral reasoning and professional values. The predictive value of moral reasoning in determining professional value was satisfactory. When considering socio-demographic variables, an interest in nursing was found to have a significant effect on professional values. Our research findings indicate that enhancing professional identity and moral reasoning can improve students’ circumstances. Furthermore, generating interest in the nursing profession can impact the professional identity of these students.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Amir Mohamad Nazari, Fariba Borhani, Akbar Zare-Kaseb & Abbas Abbaszadeh

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A.N. and A.Z. wrote the main manuscript text and A.Z. prepared Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Statistical analysis was done by V.Y. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Fariba Borhani or Akbar Zare-Kaseb .

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Nazari, A.M., Borhani, F., Zare-Kaseb, A. et al. The relationship between moral reasoning and nurses’ professional values in undergraduate nursing students: a descriptive-correlational study. BMC Med Educ 24 , 889 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05888-z

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• 🏊 Health Promotion Topics
• 💡 Topics for Discussion
• 🔝 10 Research Questions
• 🔢 Quantitative Research
• 🔬 Qualitative Research

👋 Conclusion

🔝 top 10 nursing research topics 2024.

• The social effect of the opioid crisis.
• Cancel culture and women’s health.
• Economic aspects of euthanasia.
• Nursing adaptation for a digital era.
• The gender pay gap in nursing.
• Health issues of immigrant women.
• Should futile medical care be provided?
• Ways to improve diversity in nursing.
• Ethics of artificial hydration and nutrition.
• Overcoming vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy.

☑️ Research Topics in Nursing: How to Choose?

BSc students and interns often find it challenging to come up with a nursing research paper topic. Healthcare covers a lot of very diverse topics. It’s easy to get confused while trying to choose the most interesting one.

First of all, t is very important to narrow your focus. If the problem you’ve chosen is too large, it can be impossible to examine it properly. Remember: you don’t have to solve world problems in order to contribute to medical science. Choose a current topic which already has plenty of literature studies , and add something new to it. There are interesting nursing research questions in any area, be it social work, psychology, obstetrics, or clinical nursing.

You can choose a topic based on your personal experience. It can be something you observe in your family or an issue that made you interested in the nursing profession in the first place. You can look at the situation in your hometown or city to help you come up with an idea for evidence-based practice nursing research topics.

📜 Nursing Research Topics

Once you’ve chosen your area of interest, you are ready to formulate your thesis and write a research proposal. Below is a list of research questions examples for you to choose from.

🐥 Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

Ways of enhancing language development for children with developmental disabilities

• Evaluation of pragmatic language patterns in autistic children
• Taking care of children with congenital heart disease: psychological issues
• Childhood cancer treatment optimization: new ways
• Children with cancer and their families: psychological issues
• Cancer: health service delivery efficiency
• Childhood obesity: a population health issue
• Radiation therapy: the response of the hematopoietic system in oncology patients
• Leukemia cells and the immune system: mechanisms of interaction
• Childhood acute leukemia : the use of molecular markers in diagnosis
• Blindness in children receiving oxygen therapy: risk-reducing strategies
• Early life exposures that promote heart disease later in life
• Role of early-life exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in childhood obesity
• Obesity in children and adolescents : prevention strategies
• Childhood obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors: epidemiologic research
• Childhood obesity: identification, screening, prevention, and management
• Stem cells and their usage in the treatment of pediatric diseases
• Early-life exposure to air pollution: health effects
• Prenatal exposure to nicotine: health effects
• Effects of early life stress on metabolic and cognitive development of children
• Asthma in children: diagnosis and management
• Asthma in children: monitoring techniques
• Opportunistic fungal infections: pathogenesis and treatment
• HHV6: pathogenesis, immunology, and treatment
• Meningitis in children: prevention and vaccination
• Vaccination against influenza in children: reactions and complications
• Common measles complications in children
• Surfactant replacement therapy for premature infants: beneficial effects
• Animal models for respiratory diseases: the investigation of pathogenesis
• Cells and molecules in lung health and disease: understanding the function
• Neurotrophin and neurotransmitter receptors: a molecular study
• New therapeutic approaches to developmental diseases of the nervous system
• Movement disorders in children: understanding and treatment
• Tourette syndrome in children: causes and treatment
• Neuroblastoma in children: understanding racial differences
• Understanding Metabolic Syndrome: symptoms and causes
• Anorexia and related changes in brain function and behavior
• Eating disorders in children: effects on growth and health
• Infant nutrition: prevention of obesity and eating disorders
• ADHD medication for children: long-term effects
• ADHD in children: efficacy of dance and music therapy
• Efficacy of mind-body therapy in children with ADHD
• Autism in children: benefits of meditation techniques
• Ear infections in children: diagnosis and treatment
• Acute renal insufficiency: nursing care and treatment
• Childhood nephrotic syndrome : nursing care and management
• Kidney stones in children: preventive strategies
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: development and symptoms
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: management strategies
• Type 1 diabetes in children: genetic and environmental factors
• Children with type 1 diabetes from ethnic minorities: risk factors

👴 Geriatric Nursing Research Topics

• Age-Related Changes in Health: cardiovascular system
• Age-Related Changes in Nervous System and Cognition abilities in older adults
• Physiologic changes in the musculoskeletal system in older adults
• The effects of aging on the immune system
• Vaccination for older adults: benefits and challenges
• Urinary tract infections in older adults: risk factors and diagnosis
• Malnutrition in older adults: consequences and effects on organ systems
• Gastrointestinal tract disorders in older age: nursing care strategies
• Nursing: long-term care facilities
• Sensory system changes and impairments in older adults: nursing care strategies
• Assessment of physical function in older adults: effects of regular physical activity
• Oral health conditions in older adults: effects and treatment
• Ways of improving oral care for older people
• Oral hydration in older adults: ways of maintaining
• Dehydration in older adults: prevention, recognition, and treatment
• Diet as a risk factor for dementia

• Personalized diets for older adults and their role in healthy aging
• The role of diet in reducing the risk of osteoporosis
• Family caregiving of older cancer patients: psychological issues
• Taking care for seniors with chronic illness: psychological issues
• Risk factors for functional decline in older patients: ways of optimization
• Physical environment as a risk factor for functional decline in older patients
• Later-life depression: cause and risk factors
• Ophthalmic care for older patients: nursing strategies
• Medication adherence in patients with dementia: development and implementation of interventions
• Use of machine learning in predicting dementia in older adults: effectiveness and accuracy assessment
• Alzheimer’s disease : biological mechanisms and preventive measures
• Cognitive therapy for older patients with Alzheimer’s disease: effectiveness and strategies
• Delirium in elderly patients: prevention strategies
• Massage Therapy vs. Simple Touch to Improve Pain and Mood in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial
• Improving pain management in older patients: care strategies
• Falls and injury risk in older adults: prevention and management
• Adverse drug effects in elderly patients: interventions and care strategies
• Use of physical restraints: ethics of the issue
• Ethnicity as a risk factor for pressure ulcer development
• Excessive sleepiness as a risk factor of cognitive decline in elderly patients
• Alcohol use disorders in elderly patients: care strategies
• Substance use disorders in older adults: treatment and care options
• Management of sepsis in critically ill elderly patients
• Complications in critically ill patients due to prolonged hospital stay
• Heart failure in older adults: current therapeutic options
• Care of elderly surgical patients: ways of optimization
• The concept of geriatric dehydration
• Perioperative care of older adults: nursing strategies
• Medical emergencies associated with cancer treatment of elderly patients
• Cancer surgery in elderly patients: risk assessment
• Pancreatic cancer surgery in older adults: balancing risks and benefits
• Bladder cancer in older adults: risk factors and challenges
• Older patients with fragility hip fracture: care strategies
• Handling pressure ulcers in hip fracture patients
• Care of the older patients in the ED: nursing intervention
• Transitional care for elderly patients with chronic disease: care strategies
• Advanced care planning: nurse’s roles and strategies

🍼 Midwifery Nursing Research Topics

• Women with a disability: pregnancy and childbirth
• The effect of midwifery care in pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postnatal period
• Maternal and infant outcomes of caseload care
• Caseload midwifery care in ethnic minorities
• Ways of improving health outcomes for women and babies from ethnic minorities
• Depression and anxiety in new mothers: effects on the health of mothers and infants
• Postnatal depression: risk factors
• Complication of pregnancy: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)
• Effectiveness of peer support in preventing postnatal depression
• Telephone support as a means of reducing postnatal depression: a cost-effectiveness analysis
• Diabetes in pregnancy: risk factors and management
• Hypoglycemia in newborns: preventive measures
• Women’s experience of motherhood: attachment and mother-infant bonding
• Stress in midwives and nurses: causes and prevalence
• Group antenatal care: feasibility and acceptability
• The positive impact of early parenting education

• Midwifery continuity of care and its effectiveness.
• The role of community support in maintaining emotional health during pregnancy
• Birth plan and its effects on the birth experience
• Effects of prenatal yoga on women and infants
• Prolonged labor and its effect on birth experience in women
• Childbirth experience for autistic women
• Pain management in labor: relaxation techniques and therapies
• Cesarean section: risks and long-term effects
• Fear of childbirth: symptoms and treatments
• Parental experiences with premature and low birth weight infants
• Sleep disorders in new mothers: effects on mothers and infants
• Perinatal palliative care : the role of midwives in providing care and support to families
• Childbirth expectations and experience: effect on new mother’s mental health
• Advanced maternal age: risk factors
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes: causes and risk factors
• Periodontitis: effect on preterm birth and low birth weight in babies
• Spirituality in midwifery: effects on labor and delivery
• Obesity and pregnancy: labor intervention and outcomes
• Teamwork in midwifery: key concepts
• Power dynamics in midwifery care: initiating, building, and maintaining relationships
• Domestic violence against women: raising awareness among midwives
• Midwifery care for women of low socioeconomic status: benefits of understanding social context
• Psychological traumatic childbirth: contributing factors
• The role of midwives in the monitoring process of emergency care
• Fetal monitoring, screening, and other tests during pregnancy
• Weight management and physical activity in pregnancy
• Handling physical and emotional changes during pregnancy
• Facilitating and maintaining normal childbirth: strategies and practices
• Decision-making during birth: the role of midwives
• Midwifery care during the immediate postnatal period
• Engaging fathers in perinatal services: ways and strategies
• Skincare and hygiene for newborns and infants
• Immediate care of the newborns
• Infant feeding: methods and techniques
• Common feeding problems: identification and management

💆 Mental Health Research Topics in Nursing

• The connection between air pollution and Alzheimer’s disease
• Vitamin D Deficiency and long-term cognitive impairment among older patients
• Effects of meditation on patients with cognitive impairment
• The connection between social phobia and selective mutism
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: new prevention techniques
• Social media : effects on mental health among teenagers
• Stimulant treatments of ADHD
• Bipolar disorder: early detection and risk factors
• Bipolar disorder in families: genetic factors
• Effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in patients with depression

• Reconstruction of the sense of self in schizophrenia patients
• Understanding personal experience and phenomenology in patients with schizophrenia
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for panic attack treatment
• The connection between panic disorder and maladaptive behavior
• The connection between brain inflammation and OCD
• White matter abnormalities in patients with OCD
• The combined effects of TMS and therapy on patients with depression
• Changes in task performance under stress in patients with anxiety disorders
• Biological processes of generalized anxiety
• Depression in perimenopausal women
• Schizophrenia: genetic factors
• Schizophrenia: environmental factors
• Ways of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in adults
• Ways of detecting early-stage dementia
• The connection between dopamine levels and autism spectrum disorders
• The connection between serotonin levels and autism spectrum disorders
• The connection between screen time and inattention problems in children with ADHD
• ADHD: prevention strategies
• The efficacy of mindfulness techniques in patients with social phobia
• The efficacy of paroxetine in treating patients with anxiety
• Etiology of anorexia nervosa
• The role of socio-cultural factors in the development of eating disorders
• Treatment of agoraphobia : new ways
• Phobias and the ways to deal with them
• Seasonal affective disorder: summer and winter patterns
• Brain differences in patients with insomnia
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: brain mechanisms and risk factors
• The physical response to a traumatic experience in patients with PTSD
• Borderline personality disorder: brain factors
• Effects of music therapy for adolescents with autism
• The connection between traumatic events during childhood and the development of borderline personality disorder
• Dialectical behavior therapy in the treatment of patients with a borderline personality disorder
• Ways of diagnosing of psychogenic movement disorders
• Conduct disorder in children: ways of increasing awareness
• Adverse childhood experiences: the long-term effects
• Body dysmorphic disorder: diagnosis and treatment
• The mechanisms of body dysmorphic disorder: the use of brain imaging studies
• Adjustment disorder : diagnosis and treatment
• Schizotypal personality disorder: neurobiology and symptoms
• The efficacy of exposure therapy in the treatment of PTSD
• Codependency : ways of raising awareness
• Mood disorders in children: treatment options

🏊 Health Promotion Research Topics in Nursing

• Preventative medicine practices for seniors
• New ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in older age
• Communication and sharing of preventative medicine techniques: new ways
• Community-based exercise programs for older adults
• Late-life depression management programs for the elderly
• Planning meaningful activities with older adults as a means of reducing depressive symptoms
• Smoking cessation: the study of obstacles
• Ideas for quitting smoking: new techniques
• Youth inactivity : ways of raising awareness
• Health promotion strategies for obesity
• Motivation to change inactive behavior in young people
• Involvement of children in various physical activities: promotion strategies
• New ways of educating young people about the importance of having a positive body image
• The relationship between a healthy lifestyle promotion and social media: new educational strategies
• Improving diabetes lifestyle
• New ways of increasing cancer screening rates
• New strategies in fostering cancer-preventive behaviors
• Workplace wellness programs as ways of supporting healthy behavior
• Occupational health and safety programs for people working in dangerous conditions
• Maintenance of healthy work environments : new ways
• Workplace programs for raising awareness of AIDS
• Workplace programs for raising awareness of heart disease
• Workplace health promotion among low-paid workers: new strategies
• New ways of increasing workers’ participation in shaping the working environment
• Non-occupational factors in the general environment: ways of raising awareness
• Award-system as means of promotion of participation in workplace initiatives
• New ways of reducing exposure to cancer risk factors
• The effects of second-hand smoking: ways of raising awareness
• Healthy eating habits as a means of preventing the development of diet-associated cancers
• The connection between obesity and cancer: ways of raising awareness
• Alcohol use as a risk factor for cancer: ways of raising awareness
• The importance of vaccines for the hepatitis B virus in cancer prevention
• Cancer-causing air pollution: ways of raising awareness
• The connection between air pollution and lung cancer
• UV radiation and skin cancer: ways of raising awareness
• Physical inactivity as a major cause of death in developed countries
• Physical activity promotion among people of low socioeconomic background: challenges and opportunities
• Physical activity promotion among people with disabilities: challenges and opportunities
• Eating habits and behaviors in children: ways of influencing
• The efficacy of school-based sex education programs
• Cyberbullying: ways of raising awareness and prevention
• Workplace policies: depression management promotion
• The efficacy of school health promotion
• The role of school-based interventions in preventing childhood mental health problems
• Brain health programs: creating new strategies on a small budget
• Brain exercise: understanding key principles
• Communication of useful health information to lay community: new ways
• Managing the global epidemic: ways of raising health awareness
• Disease outbreaks : the role of health promotion
• HIV prevention: new ways of health promotion
• Ways of raising awareness on the routes of transmitting infectious diseases
• Healthy childhood development: health education for children

💡 Nursing Topics for Discussion

• Concept comparison and analysis across nursing theories
• New technologies in nursing
• Undergraduate nursing program and resnick’s theory
• Contemporary nursing knowledge components
• Nurse-patient interactions and outcomes in clinical practice
• Continuing nursing education: a 3-5 year plan
• Evidence-based practice & applied nursing research
• Nursing communication process
• Certified nurse assistant preparatory school: business plan
• Nurse roles in practice
• Self-employed nurses as agents of change in Canada
• Joint Commission: national patient safety goals

🔝 Top 10 Nursing Research Questions

• What’s the connection between psychiatric ward design and aggressive behavior?
• How can computerized nursing records improve the outcomes for patients?
• Do changes that occur in the brain due to dementia cause pain?
• How can tweet reminders help teenagers with type 1 diabetes maintain lower blood sugars?
• What’s the efficacy of yoga as a treatment in reducing lymphedema in cancer patients?
• How can peer support intervention help to prevent suicides among female high school students?
• Is it possible to link veterans’ suicide rates to the timing and location of suicide prevention appointments?
• What can be done to improve the sustainability of operating rooms?
• What are the roles of nurse managers in turnover intervention among nursing staff?
• What are the ways of preventing cachexia in cancer patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy?

📑 Types of Nursing Research

When writing nursing research, you need to use a particular research design. Typically, the choice of design depends on your research question. There can be qualitative and quantitative nursing research topics.

🔢 Quantitative Research In Nursing

Quantitative research is aimed at gaining empirical evidence using deduction and generalization. This means gathering evidence to support or refute a particular theory and deciding to what extent the results can be generalized to a larger population.

Quantitative research can be non-experimental and experimental in design.

Non-experimental designs imply a description of what happens naturally, without intervention. They are usually not used to detect causes and effects and are not effective for making predictions. Non-experimental designs are classified as follows:

• Descriptive. Descriptive studies are centered on under-researched subjects and phenomena. You describe it, see how often it occurs, and categorize the information you’ve gained.
• Correlational. Correlational studies are aimed at the examination of relationships between the variables. You must measure the variables, analyze the results, and present statistics.

Experimental designs imply strict control from the researcher. They can be used for establishing cause-and-effect relationships, as well as predictions. The experiments are usually blind, which helps to avoid bias. Experimental designs are classified in the following way:

• True-experimental designs , in which cause-and-effect relationships are examined in a controlled environment. It includes studying two groups of people who receive different treatments, assigned randomly.
• Quasi-experimental designs , which differ from true experiments by the absence of random assignments.

🔬 Qualitative Research In Nursing

Qualitative research studies are focused on one’s personal experience. It is conducted through observation and interaction with patients via interviews, notes, and diaries. Induction is often used, by which you gain evidence to support a theory without generalizing the results.

Qualitative research study designs include four types:

• Phenomenology. Phenomenological research is aimed at describing the phenomena as it is experienced by an individual. In this study, you need to select people who are familiar with the particular phenomenon. You gain information from each participant and make a conclusion.
• Grounded theory. This type of study includes the influence of social processes on individuals. You would need to interview the subjects themselves, as well as their relatives, spouses, etc. Then you synthesize the data into one theory.
• Ethnography. This type of research design is associated with the influence of a particular culture on individuals. It involves describing unique attributes of a culture from the insider’s perspective.
• Narrative inquiry. Narrative inquiry is a research study design that is based on an interpretation of personal accounts of the participants. You ask your subjects to talk about their experiences, and then you analyze their narratives. Contents, as well as the structure of the narratives, must be taken into account.

As you can see, there are great many research topics for nursing students to choose from! See what suits you best and formulate the idea for your own project. You can then publish your results in a nursing research journal article and start a discussion with other nurses around the world.

If you’ve chosen an evidence-based practice nursing research topic, make sure that you find suitable human subjects for your experiment. You can ask your friends or make online questionnaires to help you conduct your research. Always take care of your subjects and protect their rights.

Once you’ve chosen your topic, study the available literature. See if there’s anything you can critique or question. This type of research is just as useful as applied research, as it helps to keep medical science relevant by constantly checking for obsolete information.

Find the topic, choose the design for your research, set yourself clear goals – and write your best nursing research paper or reflective essay ! Good luck!

🤔 Nursing Research FAQs

Nursing research is a type of study conducted by nurses during their practice. It helps them to gain evidence on the effectiveness of different treatments. Nursing research can be used to demonstrate the trustworthiness of new methods in medicine, as well as to predict outcomes for patients with illnesses or injuries.

The scientific activity of nurses is essential for the medical community. Nurses help to move medicine forward by challenging traditional practices with fresh ideas. Their research is usually aimed at enhancing professional practice and improving nursing activities. The topics include both physical and mental health.

The primary sources of nursing research are experience and scientific knowledge. Your personal experience as a nurse is especially important because it allows you to observe and gather first-hand information about various medical conditions. Scientific knowledge is then used for the evaluation and analysis of the collected data.

Sampling theory in medical science is a study of gathering information about a population by investigating only a part of it. To do that, you need to collect samples from a group of individuals who all share a common trait. A statistic is then estimated and applied to the whole population. Sampling is often conducted as part of nursing research because it allows making conclusions without testing it with all people.

Qualitative research in nursing is aimed at gathering information about patients’ subjective experiences. It is usually conducted in the form of interviews, notes, and diaries. It helps in understanding complex phenomena and is often used in psychology. Sometimes nurses themselves are interviewed about their working conditions. This type of research allows nurses to make their practice better by continually learning from experience.

Extraneous variables may affect the results of your research and even threaten its validity. They are hard to control, but their influence can be reduced in the following ways:

• Assign the subjects to treatment and control groups as randomly as possible.
• Match your samples by distributing people with different variables, such as age and gender, as evenly as possible.
• Maintain objectivity by avoiding bias.
• Adjust the results for the effects of extraneous variables through statistical analysis.

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🔎 References

• Find a Topic Idea: Questia
• Nursing: Choosing a Research Topic (FGCU Library)
• Examples of Research Questions: Vanderbilt School of Nursing
• Current Issue: Nursing Research
• Nursing Research: Definitions and Directions (NCBI)
• Table of Contents (Nursing Research and Practice – Volume 2023)
• Nursing, research, and the evidence: Evidence-Based Nursing
• Psychiatry & Mental Health Topics: Medscape
• Geriatric Topics: ConsultGeri
• Major Research Areas: Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester
• An overview of research designs relevant to nursing: Part 1: Quantitative research designs: SciELO
• An overview of research designs relevant to nursing: part 2: qualitative research designs: SciELO
• Clinical Nursing Research: Academia
• Innovation and scientific discovery: School of Nursing, University of Washington
• Center for Nursing Research: Duke University
• Research: Penn Nursing
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Do you have to write a research proposal and can’t choose one from the professor’s list? This article may be exactly what you need. We will provide you with the most up-to-date undergraduate and postgraduate topic ideas. Moreover, we will share the secrets of the winning research proposal writing. Here,...

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thanks for the presentation, now I know who to turn to for help

Hello dear Thank you for your kind presentation like this hot topics . Am nursing master student and I need topic for my thesis.if you can help me

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• Association between eco-anxiety and mental health difficulties among student nurses has implications for nurse education during a climate emergency
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• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1112-4389 Ben Parkinson 1 ,
• Madeleine Johnston 2
• 1 Nursing and Community Health , Glasgow Caledonian University , Glasgow , UK
• 2 School of Health and Life Sciences , Glasgow Caledonian University , Glasgow , UK
• Correspondence to Dr Ben Parkinson; ben.parkinson{at}gcu.ac.uk

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebnurs-2024-104096

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Commentary on : Er S, Murat M, Ata EE, Kose S, Buzlu S. Nursing student’s mental health: How does eco-anxiety effect? Int J Mental Health Nurs. 2024;00:1-12.

Implications for practice and research

Nurse educators should be aware of eco-anxiety and think about the impact of climate change on nursing students.

Nurse researchers should investigate ways of supporting nursing students affected by eco-anxiety and develop strategies to promote student learning during a climate emergency.

Climate change is causing a global climate emergency, which is increasingly seen as a major problem for global health concern. 1 Climate change has far-reaching consequences for society and can impact our mental health. 2 Eco-anxiety is the fear of an environmental catastrophe and is associated with symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and trauma. 3 Nurses are exposed to the negative impact of climate change through dealing directly with the …

X @ParkinsonBen1

Competing interests Ben Parkinson is the Deputy Editor with EBN.

Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.

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Steps to write a good nursing research problem statement

Nursing assignments involve a lot of meticulous research and writing. Moreover, a problem statement helps you simplify things to a large extent. However, formatting a good research problem statement is no child’s play.

Statement of purpose and problem statement are vital aspects of your paper. They give the reader a brief idea about the scope and nature of your topic. You can refer to this guide by Nova South-eastern University for more details. 

Here is a step by step approach to developing a problem statement for you to follow:

1} Problem statement VS statement of purpose

Statement of purpose state the intent of the paper. The problem statement highlights the core issues you discuss in your research. The problem statement deals with the who, what, where, why, when of your research (but more on that later)

Write the problem statement after the abstract, but before the introduction. The statement of purpose soon follows the problem statement. Your paper then expands on the research methodology and central themes of the subject.  

Step 1: Understand your topic

Firstly, you need to understand the nursing topic before you begin the problem. What is your paper about? What are your key points of discussion? What do you plan to achieve from this research? These are some core questions you need clear answers for. 

The problem statement is different from a hypothesis , which is a logical construct to prove or disprove your research. In nursing assignments, the problem statement states the crux of the issue.

Note that you can only use third-person pronouns in the problem statement. Also, this section must be in the past tense. Discuss the nature, purpose, and other details of the paper in a nutshell. 

Step 2: Listing the details

Collect all the details you want to include in the problem statement. This is a short section that shouldn’t extend more than 7-10 lines max. You can start with an introductory line. 

The problem statement is both informative and persuasive . It effectively sets the background for your introduction. It also gives you the space to reinstate the main points of your paper. 

Step 3: In-depth analysis

The problem statement though short is very comprehensive. Include some details about your paper. The main purpose of any research is to shed more light in their area of study. State the sector, organization, and core issues of your paper. 

For instance, you can add details about your department and compare it to the other factions of the hospital. Begin with a statement like “this paper examines….” It sets the context of your research. 

To write a good nursing research problem statement

Step 4: summarize your points..

The problem statement and purpose of research pitches the research subject. It is one of the first things the reader comes across. Keep the language professional, academic, but intriguing. 

With a problem statement, you highlight the research topic, methodology and how to accomplish it. Ensure that your problem statement is readable and relevant.

Step 5: Clarity and conciseness

The problem statement educates the reader about the research. At the same time, it also discusses the practical application of the research in everyday life . The problem statement furthers the argument in your nursing paper. 

The trick is to get straight to the point. Don’t beat around the bush, begin straightway with the core issues of your research. If your paper talks about the shortage of nursing equipment, then start with a stat or report on the same.

2} The three elements of a problem statement

Every problem statement has three main elements – the vision, the issue, and the research methodology. These three parts together constitute the foundation of your research. Your main paper further discusses these factors by using charts and stats. 

Every paper must have a unique vision, purpose, and approach. It gives the reader an insight into your understanding of the topic. Plus, you also get the space to elaborate on your arguments and express them.

A research paper is incomplete without a holistic vision. A nursing assignment is not just a collection of references and findings of other people. You must also add your two cents to the subject. 

With the vision, you briefly explain the things you want to accomplish with your research. Students have the choice to either take a localized approach or write a paper that deals with a universal issue.

This is where you discuss the details of your research. What are the main areas you plan to focus on? You can talk about the books, journals and scholars cited in the paper. Students can even discuss how the research would benefit a certain aspect of the nursing industry. 

Consider the issue as the main body of your problem statement. It is a section where you get to set the premise and points of your research. Structure your arguments in a way that gives the reader an idea about your paper. 

Professors also look into the research methodology used for completing the paper. Nursing research papers can either be descriptive, critical, or statistical. The problem statement must be instead of this format.  

You can also add extra footnotes and annotations towards the end of your statement. Also, don’t forget to add a citation for all the quotes and figures included. For nursing papers, I recommend APA or Harvard style referencing . Check out the university guide or citation generators for quick and accurate citations. 

3} How to write a nursing research problem statement?

Writing a nursing research problem statement is easier said than done. There are five main questions or focus areas every problem statement covers. These questions define the content, research tools and essential accomplishment of the paper. 

So, without further ado, let us discuss these five elements and what to include in them. 

This is the section that determines your reader base. Who are you writing this paper for? Frequently, your nursing research contributes to a specific department, group, or organization. You might have to tweak your language a bit according to your audience base. Academic writing is quite different from a professional one.

This section covers the boundaries of your research. It gives you a general format to your paper. What would your paper include? What is the significant impact of the issue? Here, you talk about the contribution of your research. 

The problem statement lays down the problem areas of your topic and how to resolve it. Towards the conclusion, you can also discuss the scope of your research and its effect on the healthcare industry.

The “when” part of the problem statement sets your research in a specific time frame. It determines the relevance and credibility of your study. You can also discuss the short-term and long -term impacts of your proposal throughout your paper.

Addressing the “when” part of the question gives your paper more credibility. Which medical practice do you refer to? What is the context and background of your research? These are a few aspects you must cover here.

 Every nation has a set of medical standards, techniques, and practices. And most students prefer keeping their study restricted to their country or state.  

The nursing regulations and eligibility also vary from place to place. You can discuss theories which are universal to all healthcare sectors. But that’s a very exhaustive process which requires in-depth study and analysis. 

Saving the best for last, the “why” is vital to your research. Here, you talk about the reason why your paper is essential for the nursing community. This section also considers the impact your research has on the treatment and diagnosis of an ailment. 

I suggest my students devote maximum space and time to this section. This is the crux of your problem statement that you expand upon in the main body of your paper.

4} What is the problem statement?

A problem statement comes at the very beginning of your paper, right after the abstract. It is a section that outlines the critical aspects of your research. It is a clear-cut description of the issue and the methods used to resolve it. Read through some samples and templates online for a better idea.

With the problem statement, you clarify a lot of aspects of your research to the reader. It also simplifies your paper. A cursory reading of the report would tell the reader everything about your assignment.

Students who are not familiar with academic writing might find this a bit complicated. Don’t worry, though, this is where I come to help. You can consult your professors and peers for more. 

5} The bottom line

The problem statement presents the main questions discussed in the paper. Anyone can understand the central themes and nature of the research after reading the problem statement. I hope this guide was useful and would help you ace your assignment. Good luck!

Enhancing Nursing Education through Mobile Health Clinics: Aligning AACN Core Competencies with Pediatric Clinical Experiences in Rural and Indigenous Communities

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Aim: This study provides insights into student perceptions of a hands-on, interprofessional pediatric clinical experience within Montanas tribal communities through the Mobile Health Training Program (MHTP). Specifically, it explores how the MHTP aligns with AACN core competencies and evaluates the impact of these practical experiences on nursing students competencies and readiness. Background: A well-prepared nursing workforce is crucial for addressing the healthcare needs of rural, underserved, and Indigenous communities in the United States. Montana's Indigenous communities face significant systemic economic and social challenges that limit access to healthcare services and contribute to a disproportionate disease burden. Over the past two years, the MHTP at a land grant university in the western U.S. conducted preschool health screening clinics for children aged 0-5 at four partner Tribal nations in Montana. Design: This qualitative study captures and analyzes the experiences and perceptions of undergraduate nursing students participating in the MHTP at a land grant university in the western U.S. Data were collected through post-MHTP clinic surveys administered through Qualtrics, after the completion of each 2-3 day MHTP clinic. Methods: A total of 160 nursing undergraduate nursing students completed post-clinical surveys between September 2022 and May 2024. Using inductive and deductive coding approaches, survey responses were analyzed qualitatively to identify themes related to rural healthcare, culturally responsive care, exposure to diverse communities, and professional growth. Results: The MHTP experience was found to be valuable by 95% of students. Four main themes emerged: insight into rural healthcare, practicing culturally responsive care, exposure to diverse communities, and professional growth. American Indian/Alaska Native student perspectives highlighted the need for culturally reflective opportunities for all students. The MHTP effectively aligned with AACN competencies, enhancing skills in patient-centered care, cultural competence and humility, interprofessional collaboration, and systems-based practice. Conclusion: The MHTP represents a contemporary and practical model in nursing education by integrating mobile, immersive, and patient-focused clinical experiences, while also providing students an opportunity to engage with high priority communities. Students valued working with rural and Indigenous populations, recognizing the critical need for culturally responsive care and professional development. This study contributes to the limited literature on rural and Tribal clinical placements, highlighting the importance of balancing simulation with direct clinical practice. The MHTP effectively equips nursing students to navigate the complexities of healthcare systems in rural and underserved settings and advancing nursing education to address workforce needs in these areas.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

The study was supported by a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention (NEPQR) grant, Montana Department of Health and Human Services Grants to States to Support Oral Health Workforce Activities the Otto Bremer Trust, AstraZeneca, and the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation. The funders did not contribute to the design or implementation of this research.

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

All survey data collection and storage procedures received approval from the Montana State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) before initiation (IRB 2019-759-LL061419).

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Data Availability

All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors

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120 Hot Research Topics for Nursing Students

Team Desklib

Published: 2023-01-20

A nursing research paper is a document created by a student who is currently enrolled in nursing school to offer proof of a certain subject. Nurses working in the fields of clinical practice, nursing education, nursing methodology, and evaluation may also carry out this task. A methodical approach is taken in the Research Topics for Nursing Students with the goal of testing particular hypotheses and drawing conclusions about a particular subject.

A career in nursing is quite demanding and involves a variety of tasks and responsibilities. You must invest a lot of time and energy if you want to earn a degree in nursing. You will be required to submit a sizable number of projects and tasks for your curriculum, such as essays, reports, and theses. For each of your classes, you will also need to produce a nursing research paper.

Learning how to organize information, document research, manage your time, and write professionally all come from writing research papers. As they must record a patient's medical history, nurses must learn how to communicate clearly in writing.

Like any other research paper, a nursing paper is used to evaluate your knowledge, ability to conduct research, and analytical skills. It comprises an introduction, the paper's body, and a conclusion and can be argumentative, explanatory, or analytical.

How to Choose a Good Topic for Nursing Research? 

Consider the topic carefully because your research paper is so crucial. Choose one that is as interesting, relevant, explorative, specific, original, and meaningful. Research Topics for Nursing Students can be a tricky task but asking your lecturers or mentors for advice on how to narrow down your topic or how to proceed with your study could help you be more effective.

Because the authors of many research papers weren't engaged in the nursing study issues they looked into, many of them weren't written as well as they could be. Consider the approach you'll take in the future when writing your next research paper—your own work. This can help you feel more proud of your job and save you a tonne of time later on when you require the information you've already obtained for this research.

120 Research Topics for Nursing Students

Nurses should have some concept of their field of interest by this point. One can look at some of the most recent news on the chosen health issue in addition to the aforementioned resources while choosing themes. Even better would be for them to focus the search on their town or city. They can then look through some e-Journals or check some textbooks from different courses to find ideas for topics. Here are a few topics and subtopics that one can consider -

Child Nursing Research Topics

Writing research papers about child nursing can be done in a variety of methods to investigate a wide range of themes. Here are a few of the most intriguing ideas we have for child nursing -

• Has neonatal care evolved over the past 50 years?
• How has the management of pediatric cancer changed?
• Over the past 50 years, how has the treatment of newborns changed?
• How a child's health might affect their health as adults
• How well do pediatric malnutrition treatments work?
• How to handle children's psychological problems when they have physical ailments
• How to identify and treat respiratory conditions in children
• How to improve the treatment of children in inpatient hospitals
• How to stop babies from suffering birth injuries
• How to stop kid malnourishment

Adult Nursing Research Topics

Young practitioners should be aware of the unique characteristics of this field in order to avoid unfavourable outcomes:

• Considering the cost-effectiveness of health care
• Examining the advantages of teamwork in nursing and examining the root causes of sadness
• Comparing the way men and women are treated for cardiovascular problems
• Examining the variations in diet
• Examining the development of nursing and its place in health care
• Comparing how different cultures affect nursing in various nations
• Effective ways to keep nurses' emotional well-being
• Adult healthcare data collecting ethics
• Changes in nursing at a certain time period

Midwifery Nursing Research Topics

The medical specialists who receive the least attention are midwives. Being a midwife is a terrific career choice, and midwives will always be required as long as babies are being born. There are many things you may learn as a midwife or aspiring midwife to raise the caliber of care you offer -

• Analysis of women with autism's labour and delivery experiences
• Analysis of typical infant and neonatal feeding issues
• An examination of mother-child relationships during postpartum care
• Examination of remedies for postpartum depression
• Analysis of shifts in midwifery practise
• An examination of spirituality in nursing a study of collaboration in midwifery
• Analysis of hazards for advanced maternal age
• Analyzing the results of care offered over the phone during postnatal care
• Case studies of satisfying birth experiences

Elderly Care Nursing Research Topics

Being a midwife and caring for newborns is one thing; caring for the elderly is quite another. The elderly require difficult to care. Geriatric patients are quite diverse from one another and will require a unique approach with each patient, unlike pregnant women, who are typically all thrilled about their pregnancy or fall into some group.

• Analysis of issues brought on by extended hospital stays
• Studying the role of nutrition in dementia
• Analysis of the immune system's ageing impacts
• Analysis of the physical environment as a contributor to functional decline
• Analysis of nutritional symptoms in older people
• Examining the function of the nurse in advanced care planning
• Care methods to better control pain in elderly persons
• Case studies on immunizations for senior citizens
• Study of a Parkinson's patient's case
• Using physical restrictions on older adults in an ethical manner

Women's Health Nursing Research Topics

There are many variables that affect the success of women's care, and it is the responsibility of a new professional to be aware of them.

• Analysis of premenstrual syndrome's emotional symptoms
• Analysis of sexually transmitted infection prevention strategies
• Analyses of women's sleep disorders
• Analysis of menopausal treatment
• An examination of immigrant women's health care
• Health disparities for women across cultures
• Technique for breast cancer diagnosis
• Issues with women's sexual health
• The success rate of breast cancer screening programmes
• High infertility rates are caused by environmental factors.

Mental Health Nursing Research Topics 

Assisting those who are suffering from a mental illness is a very responsible mission. You must therefore study about its idiosyncrasies in your medical school. You can also need the aid of a nursing paper writing service in order to succeed -

• Investigation of mirror treatment for brain rehabilitation
• Analysis of anorexia risk factors
• Investigation of the relationship between dopamine levels and autism
• Examination of the relationship between screen time and ADHD
• An examination of the connection between cancer and weariness or depression
• Analysis of dementia patient therapies
• Advantages of taking antipsychotics to avoid delirium
• Treatments for ADHD with chemical stimulants
• Identification of bipolar disorder and its risk factors
• Social media's impact on mental health

Nursing Research Topics about Pain Management 

Let's face it, the level of care offered in OB/GYN clinics largely decides whether or not our species will survive.

• Analyzing the efficiency of non-pharmacological pain relief in adolescents
• Examining the nurse's function in pain management
• Post-operative pain management strategies for patients using chemicals and other methods
• Pain treatment techniques' effectiveness in cancer patients
• Historically, cognitive hypnotherapy has been used to manage pain.
• Current pain management drug trends for nurses
• Managing pain in haemophilia
• Remedies for chronic pain
• Looking over patient records
• Assisting medical professionals with more aggressive pain management methods

Primary Healthcare Nursing Research Topics 

The majority of people's health issues fall under primary healthcare. It is by far the most important aspect of nursing and calls for the broadest strategy. Research Topics for Nursing Students can be chosen from a sea of topics. If you choose primary healthcare as a larger topic, you have countless alternatives as someone studying nursing or writing a research paper on the subject.

• Evaluating the effectiveness of medical care provided in outpatient settings
• Health care for the homeless and ethical issues
• Health care diversity assessment
• Assessing the morality of the nursing uniform code rules
• Examining nursing's gender roles
• Assessing the lack of guys in the medical field
• Examining the future of nursing and the impact of digital
• Hospital human resource management
• Leading practises in emergency room management
• Taking the initiative in rural practises

Nursing Research Topics on Obstetrics Nursing Careers Research Topics

Let's face it, the level of care offered in OB/GYN clinics largely decides whether or not our species will survive. It is crucial that every nurse be as qualified and competent as possible because of this -

• Help in the Senior Care Unit
• How to Improve Aid Care Quality in Rural Environments
• Emergency Assistance Methods
• Acute stroke treatment: The nurse's responsibilities for end-of-life care
• PTSD and occupational therapy for nurses
• Computational math and pharmacology skills
• Case Study: Obstetric Nursing in Rural and Urban Areas
• Practices for Depressive Symptoms in Women and the Role of the Obstetrics Nurse in managing them
• Cabinets Worldwide with Obstetric Support

Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

When dealing with a child, one should be knowledgeable about the techniques, ideas, and practises because paediatric aid encompasses all-around care given to children.

• Children's Expectations of Pediatric Nurse
• Nurses' Pain Management for Children
• A Pediatric Nurse's Case Study on Burnout and Job Satisfaction
• Children in Hospitals: Best Practices in Pain Management
• Verbal Abuse at Children's Clinics
• Essential Pediatric First Aid
• Pediatric Assistance Heroes Center for Children at the Middle School
• An overview of US Nursing Research

Nursing Leadership Paper Topics

Nursing intervention (NI) practises are essential lessons in any medical school curriculum. You can use this list of issues to conduct your own study if you don't want to pay for a medical research paper on the subject.

• Nursing pain management
• Ways to improve staff relations in the healthcare industry
• Education in nursing for nurse leadership
• Routes from nursing to medicine
• Nursing in the future: Remote care

Here are some example free nursing study resources for nursing students;

• NURSING 3004 - Reflective Essay On Mental Health
• Nursing Assignment: Critical Appraisal Essay
• Therapeutic Nursing Care - PDF
• Nursing Assignment Gibbs Reflective Cycle
• Nursing Care Plan Assignment PDF
• Nursing Assignment for Personal Statement
• Mental Health Nursing Paper Case Study of Major Depression
• Nursing Reflection: Episode of Patient Care
• Nursing Assignment Sample PDF
• Comprehensive Nursing - PDF
• Intraoperative Nursing Care - PDF
• Essay on the Nursing Process
• Nursing process Assignment PDF
• Nursing Care Plan Assignment
• Nursing Assignment on Breastfeeding
• Nursing Assignment on Sociology
• Case Study of Nursing and Midwifery Practice
• Nursing Care Plan (NCP) Assignment
• Essay On Health Education to Delay Type 2 Diabetes Complication In Adults
• Nursing Case Studies
• Essay on Cultural Awareness in Nursing
• Reflective Essay in Nursing Practice
• Assignment Communicable Diseases Nursing
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing PDF
• Nursing Care Plan Assignment (NCP)
• Case Study on Nursing (pdf)
• Nursing Assignment: Person-centred Care
• Assignment on Master of Nursing
• NSB334 Integrated Nursing Practice Assignment
• PDF Nursing - Assignment Sample
• Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Essay
• Nursing Assignment SBAR Communication
• Nursing Care Plan Post Laparoscopic Surgery
• Nursing Assignment Career Plan
• Advocating for the Nursing Role in Program Design and Implementation
• Legal and Ethical Parameters to Nursing Practice
• Essay on Mental Health Nursing
• Assignment on Advance Nursing Practice
• NUR 4029 - Nursing Assignment for Patient Safety
• HLT54115 Assignment on Diploma of Nursing
• HLTENN004 Implement, Monitor and Evaluate Nursing Care Plans

Conclusion  You may feel under a lot of strain while choosing a nursing research paper topic for an exam, midterm, or evaluation. You could feel stressed by practical assignments because they regularly demand too much time and effort.

These days, it can be challenging to get Research Topics for Nursing Students inspiration in this particular field especially. We hope that our list of nursing research topics will be helpful to you and that you'll be able to choose one that speaks to you.

Some Interesting Related Resources - 

• Top 50+ Research Topics for High School Students in 2022
• A Thorough Analysis of Market Research
• Research for Psychology and Personality Disorder
• Mental Health Research Topics for Students in 2022
• 4 Tips on How to Find Homework Answers Quickly
• How to Write Different Types of Research Paper?

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