Nursing Capstone project template

Title of the Capstone
Student Name
Program Name or Degree Name (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Psychology), Walden University
COURSE XXX: Title of Course
Instructor Name
Month XX, 202X

Abstract

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Title of the Capstone

Do not add any extra spaces between your heading and your text (check Spacing under Format, Paragraph in your word processor, and make sure that it’s set to 0”); just use a standard double space, and indent the first line of each paragraph a full ½ inch (preferably using the tab button). Your introduction should receive no specific heading because it is assumed that your first section is your introduction section.

After considering these formatting issues, you will need to construct a thesis statement, which lets readers know the argument you will be supporting and developing in your paper. This statement provides readers with a lens for understanding the evidence you will present in the body of your essay (each paragraph and thus evidence within those paragraphs you include should support and apply to this thesis statement).

Once you have established your thesis, begin constructing the introduction. Introductions are usually organized from broad to narrow, with the broadest, general information around your topic going first, then narrowing to provide more specific details until you end with your thesis statement. An easy template for writing an introduction follows:

1. Start with what’s been said/done regarding your topic of interest.
2. Explain the problem with what’s been said or done.
3. Offer your solution, your thesis statement (one that can be supported by the evidence).

Level 1 Heading

This text will be the beginning of the body of the essay. Even though this section has a new heading, make sure to connect this section to the previous one so readers follow your ideas and evidence. The first sentence in each paragraph should start with a topic sentence, which summarizes the main point in the current paragraph. Make sure each paragraph contains only one topic, which helps establish a clear scope for your paragraph. When you see yourself drifting to another idea, make sure you break into a new paragraph. You can use the MEAL plan as a way to conceptualize and organize your paragraphs. In short, think about our paragraphs in this way: new idea, new paragraph Nursing Capstone project template .

Level 2 Heading

The Level 2 heading designates a subsection of the previous section. Using headings is a great way to organize a paper and increase its readability, so see section 2.27 of APA 7 and the Writing Center’s Heading Levels webpage for details on heading formatting (APA 7 also has a chart detailing heading formatting in the inside front cover). For shorter papers, using one or two levels is all that is needed. You would use Level 1 (centered, bold font with title case) and Level 2 (left aligned, bold, title case).

Level 3 Heading

The number of headings you need in a particular paper is not set, but for longer papers, you may need another heading level. You would then use Level 3 (left-aligned, bold, italicized, title case).

One crucial area in APA is learning how to cite. Make sure to cite source information throughout your paper to avoid plagiarism. This practice is critical: you need to give credit to your sources and avoid copying others’ work. Look at Chapter 8 of APA 7 and the Writing Center’s Plagiarism Prevention Resource Kit for guidelines on citing source information in your writing.

Level 1 Heading

The conclusion section should recap the major points of your paper. A conclusion can be one paragraph, but it can also be a few paragraphs, depending on the length of your paper. However, perhaps more importantly, the conclusion should also interpret what you have written and what it means in the bigger picture. To help write your conclusion, consider asking yourself these questions: What do you want to happen with the information you have provided? What do you want to change? What is your ultimate goal in using this information? What would it mean if the reader of your paper took and used the suggestions in your paper? Nursing Capstone project template.

References

(Note that the following references are intended as examples only. These entries illustrate different types of references but are not cited in the body of this template. In your paper, be sure every reference entry matches a citation, and every citation refers to an item in the reference list.

For additional information, examples, and help with reference entries, see Chapter 9 of APA 7 and the Writing Center’s References section of the website, particularly the Common Reference List Examples page.)

American Counseling Association. (n.d.). About us. https://www.counseling.org/about-us/about-aca

Anderson, M. (2018). Getting consistent with consequences. Educational Leadership, 76(1), 26-33.

Bach, D., & Blake, D. J. (2016). Frame or get framed: The critical role of issue framing in nonmarket management. California Management Review, 58(3), 66-87. https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2016.58.3.66

Burgess, R. (2019). Rethinking global health: Frameworks of Power. Routledge Nursing Capstone project template .​

Herbst-Damm, K. L., & Kulik, J. A. (2005). Volunteer support, marital status, and the survival times of terminally ill patients. Health Psychology, 24(2), 225–229. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.24.2.225

Johnson, P. (2003). Art: A new history. HarperCollins. https://doi.org/10.1037.0000136-000​

Lindley, L. C., & Slayter, E. M. (2018). Prior trauma exposure and serious illness at end of life: A national study of children in the U.S. foster care system from 2005 to 2015. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 56(3), 309–317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.06.001

Osman, M. A. (2016, December 15). 5 do’s and don’ts for staying motivated. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/5-dos-and-donts-for-staying-motivated/art-20270835

Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Wiley.

Walden University Library. (n.d.). Anatomy of a research article [Video]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/instructionalmedia/tutorials#s-lg-box-7955524

Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Writing literature reviews in your graduate coursework [Webinar]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/webinars/graduate#s-lg-box-18447417

World Health Organization. (2018, March). Questions and answers on immunization and vaccine safety. https://www.who.int/features/qa/84/en/  Nursing Capstone project template

Nursing Capstone Project Template

Title of the Capstone

Student Name
Program Name or Degree Name (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Nursing), [University Name]
COURSE XXX: Title of Course
Instructor Name
Month XX, 202X

Abstract

The abstract is a concise summary of the nursing capstone project. It should be no longer than 250 words, highlighting the purpose, research methods, findings, and conclusions of the paper. This section serves as an overview for your nursing research, demonstrating how your work contributes to nursing practice or healthcare delivery systems. Ensure that your abstract clearly reflects the relationship between your research and its potential impact on patient care improvement or clinical practice in nursing.

Be sure to summarize your nursing research methods, whether you employed quantitative or qualitative approaches. The abstract should also briefly touch on how your project is grounded in evidence-based practice in nursing and its broader implications for nursing leadership and nursing education. For further guidance on abstract writing, refer to Section 2.9 of the APA 7 guidelines and the Writing Center’s Abstracts webpage.

Introduction to the Capstone Project

In this section, introduce the purpose and importance of your nursing capstone project in the context of nursing education. Start with a clear definition of what a nursing capstone project is and why it is a significant component of nursing education. This is a great place to discuss how your project fits into the broader picture of nursing leadership and healthcare policies.

• What is a Nursing Capstone Project?
  A nursing capstone project is a final project where nursing students demonstrate their ability to integrate the knowledge gained during their studies into real-world applications. This project often involves nursing research, exploring a nursing theory, or addressing challenges in clinical practice in nursing.
• Importance of Capstone Projects in Nursing Education
  Capstone projects play a vital role in the development of nursing students by allowing them to address a nursing research topic, refine their nursing academic writing skills, and demonstrate the ability to apply evidence-based practice in nursing. These projects prepare students for leadership roles by helping them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for healthcare research and nursing outcomes measurement.
• Thesis Statement for Nursing Capstone
  Your thesis statement is crucial as it outlines the primary focus of your capstone. For example, if you are researching the impact of nursing informatics on patient care or exploring the application of nursing theories and models in clinical settings, your thesis should reflect your argument or proposed solution to the issue at hand.

Formatting Guidelines for Nursing Capstone Projects

Proper formatting ensures your nursing capstone project meets academic standards and adheres to APA 7 nursing formatting guidelines. Pay special attention to these critical formatting aspects:

• APA 7 Format for Nursing Capstone Papers
  Follow the APA 7 format for consistency. Your paper should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides. Each paragraph should have a ½ inch indentation, and the text should be aligned to the left (not justified).
• Formatting the Title Page in Nursing Capstone Projects
  The title page should contain:
  • The title of your capstone project
  • Your name
  • Degree program (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
  • Course title and number
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date of submission

Ensure that the title page adheres to APA 7 guidelines, with the title centered on the page and presented in title case.

• Spacing, Margins, and Indentation
  Verify the correct settings in your word processor. Set the margins to 1 inch and indentation to ½ inch for each paragraph. Double-check that your document uses standard double-spacing throughout.
• Using Headings Effectively in Nursing Research
  Using headings to organize your content enhances readability. Follow APA 7’s heading styles:
  • Level 1 Headings: Centered, bold, and title case (for main sections like Introduction, Literature Review, etc.)
  • Level 2 Headings: Left-aligned, bold, and title case (for subsections within each major section)
  • Level 3 Headings: Left-aligned, bold, italicized, and title case (for further divisions within subsections).

Writing the Capstone Project

The writing process for your nursing capstone project involves several key steps: developing a clear thesis statement, structuring your paper, and incorporating the relevant research. Here’s how to approach each stage:

• Developing Your Thesis Statement for a Nursing Capstone
  A strong thesis statement should be specific, concise, and assertive, outlining the primary argument of your project. For instance, if your capstone focuses on improving patient care through the implementation of nursing informatics, your thesis might propose how data-driven technologies can enhance healthcare delivery systems.
• How to Structure a Nursing Capstone Project
  The structure of your capstone paper should follow the typical academic format, with sections for the introduction, literature review, methods, findings, discussion, and conclusion. Make sure each section transitions smoothly into the next to maintain clarity.
• Building the Introduction Section for Nursing Papers
  In your introduction, briefly introduce the nursing research topic and its significance in the context of nursing education or clinical practice. Narrow down the focus to present the research problem and end with your thesis statement.
• Creating a Literature Review for Nursing Research
  The literature review is a crucial part of your capstone, where you discuss existing research related to your nursing research topics. Summarize previous studies, findings, and gaps in the literature, especially concerning nursing theories and models or healthcare research. This section provides the foundation for your research methodology.
• Integrating Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Research
  Incorporate evidence-based practice throughout your paper, discussing how your findings can influence clinical practice in nursing or improve patient care. Reference key studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of certain nursing interventions or methodologies.

Body of the Capstone Project

The body of the nursing capstone project will be your longest section, presenting your research methods, results, and analysis. Use headings and subheadings to keep this section organized and easy to follow.

• Nursing Research Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
  Depending on your research focus, you might employ quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, statistical analysis) or qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups). Clearly describe the methodology and justify your choice of approach based on the research question.
• How to Organize the Body of Your Nursing Capstone Paper
  Each section of the body should be dedicated to a specific aspect of your research, such as the literature review, research methods, and analysis. Use Level 1 headings for major sections, and Level 2 or Level 3 headings to divide the content into smaller, more specific topics (e.g., nursing ethics in practice).
• Using MEAL (Main Idea, Evidence, Analysis, Link) for Nursing Papers
  The MEAL method is a helpful strategy for organizing paragraphs. Begin each paragraph with the main idea, followed by evidence supporting that idea, your analysis of the evidence, and a link back to your thesis.

Citations and Referencing

Proper citation and referencing are critical in academic writing to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors.

• How to Cite Sources in Nursing Capstone Projects
  Throughout your capstone, ensure that you cite all sources used in your research. Use APA 7 citation style for books, journal articles, websites, and other references. Ensure that both in-text citations and the reference list are properly formatted according to APA guidelines.
• Preventing Plagiarism in Nursing Research Papers
  Plagiarism can severely impact your academic integrity. Always paraphrase information from sources, and provide proper attribution using APA citations. Additionally, make use of plagiarism detection tools to ensure originality.

Conclusion Section of the Capstone Project

The conclusion is where you wrap up your capstone project by summarizing key findings and discussing their implications.

• Writing the Conclusion for Your Nursing Capstone Paper
  In this section, recapture the major points discussed in the body of your paper. Reflect on how the findings can influence nursing practice or healthcare policies. Discuss any nursing leadership challenges or clinical practice changes that may arise from your conclusions.
• Linking the Conclusion to Nursing Practice and Research
  Conclude by emphasizing how your research impacts real-world nursing outcomes measurement and patient care improvement. You might suggest areas for future research or propose practical recommendations for improving healthcare delivery.

Common Mistakes in Nursing Capstone Projects

Avoiding common pitfalls will help ensure the success of your nursing capstone project.

• Avoiding Common Mistakes in Nursing Research
  Ensure clarity and focus throughout your paper. Avoid overly broad or vague statements that do not directly relate to your research topic or thesis.
• How to Stay on Track with Your Nursing Capstone Project
  Create a detailed timeline and stick to it. Regularly review your work to ensure you are progressing according to your schedule. Seek feedback from instructors or peers to stay aligned with your goals.

Capstone Project Tips for Nursing Students

• Time Management Tips for Nursing Capstone Projects
  Manage your time wisely by breaking the project into smaller tasks and setting deadlines for each section. This will help reduce stress and improve the quality of your writing.
• Effective Research Strategies for Nursing Capstone Papers
  Use academic databases to gather credible nursing research articles. Focus on peer-reviewed journals and other authoritative sources to support your research.
• Overcoming Challenges in Writing a Nursing Thesis
  Writing a nursing thesis can be challenging, but remember to focus on your main research question and stay organized. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your instructors or classmates.

Final Review and Submission

Before submitting your nursing capstone project, thoroughly review your work.

• How to Review Your Nursing Capstone Project Before Submission
  Check for clarity, consistency, and formatting errors. Review each section to ensure your arguments are well-supported by nursing research findings.
• Checklist for Submitting a Nursing Capstone Project
  Ensure that your capstone meets all requirements for formatting, citations, and structure. Double-check your nursing thesis statement to ensure that it aligns with the content of your paper.

References

(Note that the following references are intended as examples only. These entries illustrate different types of references but are not cited in the body of this template. In your paper, be sure every reference entry matches a citation, and every citation refers to an item in the reference list.

For additional information, examples, and help with reference entries, see Chapter 9 of APA 7 and the Writing Center’s References section of the website, particularly the Common Reference List Examples page.)

American Counseling Association. (n.d.). About us. https://www.counseling.org/about-us/about-aca

Anderson, M. (2018). Getting consistent with consequences. Educational Leadership, 76(1), 26-33.

Bach, D., & Blake, D. J. (2016). Frame or get framed: The critical role of issue framing in nonmarket management. California Management Review, 58(3), 66-87. https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2016.58.3.66

Burgess, R. (2019). Rethinking global health: Frameworks of Power. Routledge Nursing Capstone project template.​

Herbst-Damm, K. L., & Kulik, J. A. (2005). Volunteer support, marital status, and the survival times of terminally ill patients. Health Psychology, 24(2), 225–229. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.24.2.225

Johnson, P. (2003). Art: A new history. HarperCollins. https://doi.org/10.1037.0000136-000​

Lindley, L. C., & Slayter, E. M. (2018). Prior trauma exposure and serious illness at end of life: A national study of children in the U.S. foster care system from 2005 to 2015. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 56(3), 309–317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.06.001

Osman, M. A. (2016, December 15). 5 do’s and don’ts for staying motivated. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/5-dos-and-donts-for-staying-motivated/art-20270835

Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Wiley.

Walden University Library. (n.d.). Anatomy of a research article [Video]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/instructionalmedia/tutorials#s-lg-box-7955524

Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Writing literature reviews in your graduate coursework [Webinar]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/webinars/graduate#s-lg-box-18447417

World Health Organization. (2018, March). Questions and answers on immunization and vaccine safety. https://www.who.int/features/qa/84/en/ Nursing Capstone project template