msc nursing research proposal sample

How to Write a Nursing Research Proposal Topics | Guide & Examples [Updated]

• Dr. Rachel Andel
• July 24, 2023
• Nursing Writing Guides

Nursing research proposal topics can vary greatly, depending on the type of research you’re looking to conduct.

Whether you are interested in studying public health issues or improving patient care through innovative research methods, something on this list likely appeals to you.

Here’s a guide on writing a nursing research proposal and nursing research proposal topics , DNP research proposal topics, current nursing research proposal topics, and nursing research examples.

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How to Write a Nursing Research Proposal

A nursing research proposal serves as a blueprint for conducting studies that address important clinical questions, explore innovative interventions, and contribute to the overall body of nursing knowledge. 

To create a strong nursing research proposal, there are several key considerations that nursing students must take into account, which include;

• Defining a clear and concise research question addresses an important nursing knowledge gap.
• Selecting an appropriate research design and methodology that aligns with the research question and objectives.
• Ensuring ethical considerations are addressed and appropriate measures are in place to protect the rights and welfare of participants.
• Determining an appropriate sample size and recruitment strategy to ensure adequate statistical power and generalizability of findings.
• Developing a detailed data analysis plan that aligns with the research design and objectives.
• Consider dissemination and knowledge translation strategies to ensure research findings reach the intended audience and positively impact nursing practice.

Key components of a Nursing Research Proposa l

When creating a nursing research proposal, including all the components contributing to a comprehensive and well-structured document is crucial.

Understanding these components will ensure that your proposal is clear and organized and addresses the necessary aspects of your research endeavor. 

Problem Statement

• It should provide a clear description of a problem that will be solved.
• It shows the gap between the current situation and the future goal to improve it.

Research Question

• The research question forms the foundation of your nursing research proposal. It is a concise and focused statement that outlines the main objective of your research.
• Your research question should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), enabling you to address a particular problem or gap in the existing literature.

Study Design

• The study design section outlines the methodology and approach you will employ to conduct your research.
• It includes details on the type of study, such as quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, and explains how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted.
• The study design should align with your research question and ensure the validity and reliability of your findings.

Methodology

• The methodology component of your nursing research proposal describes the specific techniques and procedures you will use to gather data.
• This may include surveys, interviews, observations, or systematic reviews.
• Clearly outlining your methodology ensures transparency and allows others to reproduce your study if needed.

Sample Size Determination

• Determining an appropriate sample size is crucial in nursing research to ensure your findings’ statistical power and representativeness.
• This section will explain how you calculated the required sample size based on the research question, study design, and expected effect size.
• It is essential to consider factors such as the population size, confidence level, and desired margin of error.

Ethical Considerations

• Ethical considerations play a vital role in nursing research.
• This component addresses the protection and well-being of participants, safeguarding their privacy and confidentiality, and the potential risks and benefits associated with the study.
• Ethical considerations also involve obtaining informed consent from participants and ensuring compliance with institutional review boards or ethical committees.

Nursing Research Proposal Outline

List of nursing research proposal topics.

• Racial and ethnic disparities in nursing care
• The impact of technology on nursing care
• Prevalence and determinants of burnout in nurses
• Quality of life for people with chronic illnesses served by nurses
• Effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for short-term weight loss in adults
• Nursing home adjusted Living Experience Surveys: measuring resident satisfaction and quality of life
• Identification and characterization of health disparities among LGBT elders in long-term care facilities
• Role of nurses in the early detection and management of cancer diagnosis
• Effects of delegation on nurse burnout, patient safety, and coordination of care
• The use of technology in home health care: a study of patient and nurse perspectives11. The impact of nurse staffing on patient safety
• Effectiveness of Nurse-led interventions for promoting healthy physical Activity in hospitalized patients.
• The role of nurses in the development and implementation of evidence-based pain management guidelines
• Effectiveness of patient-centred communication interventions to reduce bed sores in nursing home residents
• Identification and characterization of best practices for providing hospice care
• Nurse-led stress reduction interventions for long-term care staff
• Nurses’ perceptions of work-life balance: a qualitative study
• Development and  evaluation of a web-based tool to support caregiver adherence to oral health care  guidelines among long-term care residents
• Effects of sleep deprivation on nurses’ cognitive performance, satisfaction with work, and daytime sleepiness
• A study exploring the  association between nurse  staffing levels and rates of infection in a university hospital setting
• A qualitative study exploring how  nurses manage  transitions from inpatient to outpatient settings
• The use of  social media by nurses in an acute hospital  setting
• Nurses’ experiences with burnout: a cross-sectional study
• Nurse preparedness for pandemic influenza: an examination of the role of  professional development
• The use of telehealth in long-term  care settings:  a study of nurses’ experiences
• Nurses’ experiences with  chronic pain:  a qualitative study
• The impact of the Affordable Care Act on the workforce and nursing
• Nursing care plans  for patients with dementia: a systematic review
• Implementation of evidence-based interventions for preventing  falls in older adults  living in long-term care facilities
• Nurse staffing and  quality of patient care:  a cross-sectional study
• Use of  social media  by nurses during preoperative assessment
• Nurses’ perceptions of resident safety in an acute hospital setting: a qualitative study
• The effects of nurse staffing on patient satisfaction and outcomes in an acute hospital setting
• A comparative study investigating the use of videoconferencing  among nurses  in different specialties
• A qualitative study exploring how  nurse educators use technology to engage students in online learning  environments
• Examining the effect on patient safety when using electronic health records to order medications on off-hours
• Nurse staffing, work demands, and burnout in neonatal intensive care units 38. Factors that predict nurses’ decision to leave their jobs
• Effects of nurse-led interventions to improve care for  veterans with chronic pain
• The use of wearable technology in hospitals: a systematic review
• Review and assessment of technologies used to support nurses during surgery
• Nursing care plans  for patients with cancer: a systematic review
• Nurse-led interventions to prevent falls in older adults living in  long-term care facilities:  a systematic review
• The use of electronic health records to  inform clinical  decision making: a systematic review
• Implementation of evidence-based interventions to  improve patient  safety in hospitals
• A qualitative study exploring how nurses use technology in the workplace
• Factors influencing  nurse satisfaction  with their work and workplace culture
• Identification and assessment of best practices for preoperative  patient communication in the surgical setting
• Effectiveness of nurse-led stress reduction interventions on nurses’ burnout
• Nurse staffing, workload, and burnout in intensive care units: a cross-sectional study
• There are many other nursing research proposal  topics that can be explored in order to improve patient care .

Some additional potential nursing research proposal topics include:

• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for reducing readmissions among hospitalized patients
• Evaluating the impact of nurse call patterns on patient safety
• Analyzing the influence of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes
• Determining the best methods for measuring patient satisfaction with nurse care
• Studying the  factors influencing  nurse decision making
• Investigating the feasibility and  effectiveness of using remote patient monitoring technology to improve patient care

DNP Research proposal topics

There are countless  nursing research  proposal topics that could be explored in a doctoral or post-doctoral program. Below is a list of some DNP Research proposal topics consider:

• Investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of using remote patient monitoring technology to improve patient care
• The effect of sleep deprivation on nurses
• The use of technology in nursing care
• Investigating the relationship between patient satisfaction and nurse retention
• Studying nutrition-related issues in the context of nursing
• Assessing the impact  of patient satisfaction on nurse recruitment and retention
• The relationship between patient satisfaction and nurse retention
• Investigating the feasibility of using remote patient monitoring technology in healthcare settings
• Evaluating the impact of patient satisfaction on nurse retention
• Research the best methods for measuring patient satisfaction with nurse care
• Studying the feasibility of using remote patient monitoring technology in healthcare settings

Check out the additional DNP Research proposal topics as suggested by a Nursing Instructor

• Nursing research  on dementia care
• Nursing research on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) management
• Nursing research on palliative care
• Nursing research on wound healing and reconstruction 5.  Nursing research on pediatric health  nursing
• Nursing research on geriatric care
• Nursing research on pharmacology for nursing
• Nursing research on infection control in the acute care setting
• Nursing research on nutrition for nursing
• The  Effect of Health Education on Patient Outcomes
• Development and Evaluation of Nursing Intervention  Programs
• Assessment of Patient Satisfaction with  Nursing Services
• Advocating for  Improved Patient-Nurse Communication
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Interventions to Address Nurses’ Burnout
• Investigating the Relationship between Nurse workload and Patient outcomes7. Evaluating the Impact of Technology on Nursing Care
• Investigating the Relationship between Professionalism and Patient Outcomes
• Studying Nutrition-Related Issues in the Context of Nursing
• Evaluating Patient-Nurse Interactions in the Context of Home Health Services

The list of DNP Research proposal topics above should guide you in creating a Research proposal.

Current Nursing research proposal topics

Nursing research proposal topics  can vary greatly, depending on the type of research you’re looking to conduct. Some common topics include:

• The effects of sleep deprivation on nurses
• The effect of patient communication skills on nurses’ outcomes
• How to improve patient safety in nursing care
• How to reduce readmissions among hospitalized patients
• Study the feasibility of using remote patient monitoring technology in healthcare settings
• Evaluate the impact of patient satisfaction on nurse recruitment and retention
• Evaluate the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes
• Research the feasibility of using remote patient monitoring technology in healthcare  settings
• Research the impact of patient satisfaction on nurse recruitment and retention
• Opioid use in the elderly
• Preterm birth and neonatal care
• Mobile health technology in nursing
• Nursing home  quality improvement
• The impact of social media on nursing

Nursing research proposal topics can vary greatly, so it’s important to select a  topic that is of interest to you and that will help you to improve patient care .

Nursing research proposal writing tips

When  preparing your nursing  research proposal, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Be organized

Planning and organizing your data will make your research proposal more concise and easier to read. Start by identifying the specific question you want to answer, and then list all the relevant sources that you consulted in order to reach your conclusions. Use headings and subheadings to help organize your information , and be sure to include detailed citations for all sources used.

• Use effective writing techniques

To produce a well-written research proposal, use effective writing techniques such as strong thesis statements , clear language, and well-organized data. You should also make use of persuasive arguments, vivid descriptions, and concrete  examples in order to make your case for the proposed study .

• Include references

In order for your nursing research proposal to be accepted, it  must include references  from reliable sources that support your findings. Always cite the source where you obtained the data presented in your proposal, as well as any other sourcesthat you used in order to support your arguments.

• Make sure your proposal is properly formatted

Your nursing research proposal should be properly formatted and error-free in order to be accepted for review. Always use the correct style and grammar when writing, and make sure all data is properly referenced. avoid using excessive jargon or acronyms, and try to keep your presentation as concise as possible.

• Submit your proposal well in advance of the deadline

The sooner you submit your proposal, the better chance you have of being accepted for review. Make sure to follow the submission guidelines outlined by the journal you are submitting to, as well as the submission system specific to that journal .

Nursing Research Proposal Examples

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In this article, we will provide you with some  ideas for nursing research proposal topics  that can be used in any discipline. Whether you are interested in studying public  health issues or improving patient care  through innovative research methods, there is likely something on this list that appeals to you. So get started on your Nursing Research Proposal now by  placing an order  with us.

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Research Proposal Example/Sample

Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template

If you’re getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals , you’ve come to the right place.

In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals , one for a Master’s-level project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.

• Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
• Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
• Proposal template (Fully editable) 

If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:

• Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
• 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal

PS – If you’re working on a dissertation, be sure to also check out our collection of dissertation and thesis examples here .

FAQ: Research Proposal Example

Research proposal example: frequently asked questions, are the sample proposals real.

Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.

Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?

As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .

How do I get the research proposal template?

You can access our free proposal template here .

Is the proposal template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.

Where can I learn more about proposal writing?

For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.

For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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How to write a nursing research proposal.

Nursing research proposals are an essential part of the nursing profession. They enable nurses to develop and implement evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes. However, crafting a well-written proposal can be daunting for many nurses, especially those with little or no experience in research writing.

This article will guide you through writing a nursing research proposal – from understanding its purpose and components to developing your research question and methodology. Whether you are a novice researcher or an experienced nurse seeking to enhance your research skills, our step-by-step approach will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a compelling proposal that meets scholarly standards.

What is a nursing research proposal?

A nursing research proposal is a document that outlines a plan for a study or research project in the field of nursing. It outlines the purpose, methodology, and expected outcomes of the study. The proposal provides an overview of what will be studied and how it will be conducted.

The purpose of a nursing research proposal is to guide the feasibility and potential impact of a particular study. It helps researchers determine whether their proposed study can be completed within a specific timeframe, with available resources, and if it has enough significance to warrant funding.

Nursing research proposal format

The format for a nursing research proposal should be clear, concise, and well-organized to enable the target audience to comprehend the study’s purpose easily. The first section of the nursing research proposal should include the following;

• Introduction/background of the proposed topic
• The literature review
• The methodology section
• Data collection and analysis
• Ethical considerations (if any)
• Conclusion/implications

Tips on how to write a Nursing research proposal

• Start by identifying a topic that interests you and aligns with your career goals
• Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps in existing knowledge and establish the rationale for your study
• Clearly state your research question or hypothesis and explain why it is important to address this issue in the field of nursing
• Clearly define your objectives and research questions
• Outline your methodology, including data collection methods, sampling strategy, and statistical analysis plan
• Include information on how to analyze data once it is collected
• Finally, don’t forget about formatting!

How to write a Nursing research proposal

The proposal should clearly and concisely summarize your research goals, objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. Writing a successful nursing research proposal requires careful planning, attention to detail, and an understanding of the essential elements necessary for a strong proposal.

The abstract of a nursing research proposal

The abstract of a nursing research proposal is the first glimpse into the study being conducted. It summarizes the research question, methodology, and expected outcomes. The abstract should be clear and concise to grab readers’ attention and encourage them to read further.

In the abstract, it is essential to include information about the population being studied and any inclusion or exclusion criteria. This helps readers understand to whom the study will apply and whether they fit within those parameters. Additionally, it is crucial to provide information about any interventions or treatments being tested and how data will be collected and analyzed.

Overall, the abstract serves as a roadmap for readers to understand what they can expect from reading further into the research proposal. By providing a detailed summary of key elements of the study, you can help ensure that your work is accessible and understood by all interested parties.

Research proposal introduction

An effective introduction should provide a clear and concise overview of what the study aims to achieve, including its purpose, objectives, and significance. In crafting an introduction section for a nursing research proposal, identify a gap in existing knowledge on your subject matter. The introduction should address this gap by providing background information contextualizing their research question.

This may involve citing relevant literature or previous studies and highlighting how their proposed research will build on these existing works. Furthermore, in writing an introduction section for a nursing research proposal, it is important to provide readers with an understanding of why your study matters.

Literature view

The literature review thoroughly examines existing scholarly works related to the proposed research topic. The literature review aims to identify gaps in knowledge, highlight areas where further investigation is needed, and provide context for the proposed study.

In conducting a literature review for a nursing research proposal, systematically searching relevant databases such as PubMed or CINAHL is crucial. The selection of articles should be based on their relevance to the research question and inclusion criteria established by the researcher.

It is also essential to evaluate each article critically using tools such as CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) or GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) to ensure high-quality evidence.

The methodology section of a nursing research proposal

The methodology section of a nursing research proposal outlines the procedures and techniques used in conducting the study. The methodology section helps researchers design their study and effectively answer their research questions or hypothesis.

The methodology section should describe the type of study design used in the research proposal. Common types of designs include experimental, descriptive, and correlational studies, among others. You should explain how they will recruit participants for their research and provide information on sample size calculation.

 Describe the data collection methods used in their proposed study. This could be through questionnaires, interviews, or focus group discussions, depending on the nature of the research question under investigation.

The Conclusion of a nursing research proposal

In this section, you can demonstrate how your study will contribute to nursing practices and make significant changes in healthcare. In crafting a conclusion section, it is essential to begin by restating the purpose and objectives of your study.

This helps readers who may have skipped some parts of your proposal understand what you intend to achieve with your research. Subsequently, outline key findings from each part of your study, such as literature review, methodology, or data analysis. Finally, highlight how these findings answer or contribute towards addressing your research questions or hypothesis.

Nursing research proposal APA

If you’re writing a nursing research proposal in APA format, there are several essential elements you’ll need to include. First and foremost, your proposal should clearly state the problem or issue you intend to investigate. This should be followed by a thorough review of relevant literature, demonstrating your understanding of the current knowledge on the topic.

Next, you’ll need to describe your proposed methods for collecting and analyzing data. This section should be detailed enough that someone else could replicate your study based on your description alone.

It should also demonstrate that you’ve carefully considered potential ethical issues and have plans to address them. Finally, you’ll need to outline any expected results or conclusions from the study and their implications for future research or practice.

Nursing research proposal topics

Nursing research proposal topics can be challenging to come up with, but they are essential for anyone who wants to make a difference in the healthcare industry. Many areas of nursing need further exploration, and a well-crafted research proposal can help identify gaps in knowledge and lead to better patient outcomes. Whether starting your academic career or looking to advance your current position, here are some ideas for nursing research proposal topics.

• Pain management
• Mental health
• Ways to improve patient care in Long-term care Facilities
• The Impact of online education on nursing students’ learning outcomes
• The relationship between nursing burnout and medical errors
• The effects of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes
• Alternative therapies
• The Impact of nurse-led interventions on improving patient outcomes
• How technology can enhance communication between nurses and patients during hospital stays
• Telehealth consultations
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital readmissions rates for elderly patients
• The Impact of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes
• Patient Safety in healthcare delivery settings
• The Effect of stress management techniques on healthcare workers’ job satisfaction
• Chronic illness management
• The impact of patient education on medication adherence among elderly patients
• The experiences of nurses working in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The effects of stress on nurses in different healthcare settings
• The effectiveness of different pain management strategies in post-operative patients
• The effectiveness of telehealth technology in improving patient outcomes

Nursing research proposal example

One example of a nursing research proposal could be examining the effects of mindfulness meditation on reducing nurse burnout rates. This study would explore whether regular mindfulness practice can help nurses manage stress levels and prevent burnout.

The study’s methodology would likely involve recruiting participants from several hospitals and providing them with training on mindfulness techniques over a certain period. Data analysis would then examine any changes in stress levels or overall well-being among participants before and after the intervention.

Bottom line

Writing a nursing research proposal can be daunting, but with the right approach and resources, it can become an achievable goal. The key is to identify a relevant and exciting topic, conduct thorough research, develop an outline that clearly outlines your objectives and methodology, and present your findings clearly and concisely.  With these tips in mind, you are on your way to creating a compelling nursing research proposal that will meaningfully contribute to healthcare. So go ahead and start working on your proposal today!

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Nursing Research Proposals

What is a Research Proposal? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

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

Carrie Forbes, MLS

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• Last Updated: Jan 12, 2024 10:05 AM
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How to Write a Research Proposal

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

Examples of Research Proposals

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

Writing a Research Proposal

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NUR 401: Introduction to Nursing Research

Creating a research plan.

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

Sample Research Plan

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

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

How a Research Plan Helps You Search for Sources

Why use a research plan.

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

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

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

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

Creating a Research Plan can help you avoid these problems

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

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

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

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

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

Directions:

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

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

• Next: Nursing Article Databases/Other Information Resources >>
• Last Updated: Feb 9, 2024 11:35 AM
• URL: https://barton.libguides.com/nursing_research

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Research/Clinical/Student Project Proposal Guidelines

Download the 2016 application.  All materials must be formatted using APA format.

I. Quantitative Research Proposal

1. Title and Abstract A 200-word abstract are to accompany the proposal. The abstract should include the study aim, significance, the population and sample description and a statement of the design and analysis.

2. Proposal Outline (1,500 word limit) The following areas are to be included in the proposal, as appropriate.

A. The Problem a) Statement of the problem or research question. b) Hypotheses. c) Definitions of variables. Theoretical and operational definitions (instruments). d) Theoretical framework and population. e) Critique of the most salient elements of the pertinent literature. f) Significance to nursing science.

B. Methodology a) Design b) Instrument reliability and validity. c) Data collection procedure. Include official human subjects reviews if conducted and a consent form. d) Sample, size and sampling procedure. e) Method of analysis.

C. References and Appendices a) Reference list

II. Qualitative Research Proposal

A. Title and 200-word Abstract

B. Proposal (1,500 word limit)     a) A clear statement that specifies the phenomenon to be studied;     b) Documentation of a need for study and significance of the study for nursing;     c) Identification of the qualitative approach with a rationale for its selection;     d) Specification of the design with attention to:         - what data are sought         - how and when those data will be solicited         - how relationships with research participants will be initiated, maintained and terminated         - how data will be managed         - how data will be analyzed and related to pre-existing knowledge         - how findings will be reported     e) References and Appendices

III. Clinical Project – 1500 word limit A clinical project is defined as a professional nursing project that addresses a common or significant health concern in a creative and evidence-based manner.  The project should go beyond the applicant’s usual academic or employment requirements. 

A. Aims - State clearly the clinical significance of the project including how it will identify/test/demonstrate nursing interventions and/or care delivery models that provide the most beneficial outcomes for patients. State concisely and realistically the expected clinical impact of this project, i.e., what the clinical project is intended to accomplish and/or demonstrate. 

B. Significance & Background - Briefly describe the clinical significance of the project. Be clear what is being demonstrated. Provide a synthesis of the literature in the field(s) that is pertinent to the proposed project. Summarize the rationale or theoretical/conceptual underpinnings for the work. State clearly the relationship of this project to an overall program of clinical scholarship.

C. Method - Discuss in detail the methods to be used to accomplish the aims. Describe the potential limitations of the methods and approaches you will use to minimize these limitations. Delineate measures to be used to assess the effect of the project.

D. Dissemination & Translation – Describe the audiences that would benefit from knowing and adopting the findings of this work. Outline a dissemination plan.

E. Time Frame - Provide a timeline for the main steps of the project, including anticipated start and completion dates. 

IV. Student Project – 1500 word limit A student project is defined as project that addresses a common or significant health concern in a creative and evidence-based manner. It may include activities associated with Masters, PhD or DNP work.

A. Aims - State clearly the clinical or research significance of the project including how it will identify/test/demonstrate nursing interventions and/or care delivery models that provide the most beneficial outcomes for patients. State concisely and realistically the expected clinical impact of this project, i.e., what the clinical project is intended to accomplish and/or demonstrate. 

B. Significance & Background - Briefly describe the clinical or research significance of the project. Be clear what is being demonstrated. Provide a synthesis of the literature in the field(s) that is pertinent to the proposed project. Summarize the rationale or theoretical/conceptual underpinnings for the work. State clearly the relationship of this project to an overall program of scholarship. 

C. Method - Discuss in detail the methods to be used to accomplish the aims. Describe the potential limitations of the methods and approaches you will use to minimize these limitations. Delineate measures to be used to assess the effect of the project. 

E. Time Frame - Provide a timeline for the main steps of the project, including anticipated start and completion dates.

• Schools & departments

Writing your MScR research proposal

Find guidance on how to write your MScR research proposal and a template form for you to use to submit your research proposal.

How to write your research proposal

As part of the application process, all candidates must submit a research proposal. This should be no longer than two A4 pages and should give a brief but clear description of:

• The proposed research topic and its aims  

The relevance of the proposed research to current work  

The proposed methodology  

The probable resource requirements of the project (indication only)  

Why this topic is of interest to you in terms of your experience to date

We welcome proposals on a topic you have devised yourself or on research relating to one of our specialist research themes.

Specialist research themes

You may wish to discuss the topic with a prospective supervisor. You can find more information on staff and their research interests on our Supervisors and Topics pages.

Supervisors and topics

Template form for your research proposal

All applicants for a PhD or MSc by Research are required to submit a research proposal as part of their application. Applicants  must   use the template form below for their research proposal. This research proposal should then be submitted online as part of your application. Please use Calibri size 11 font size and do not change the paragraph spacing (single, with 6pt after each paragraph) or the page margins.

You may also find the follow resources useful:

How to Write a Good Resea r ch Proposal PDF

Writing a Personal Statement

Once you are ready to apply, do so via the University of Edinburgh Degree Finder pages:

Education (MScR) - degree finder page 

Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences (MScR) - degree finder page

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Research degrees

• Examples of Research proposals
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Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

• Highlight how it is original or significant
• Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
• Identify the importance of your research
• Show why you are the right person to do this research
• Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
• Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
• Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
• Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

Subject specific guidance

• Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
• Writing a Creative Writing PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
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How to write a research proposal for a Master's dissertation

Unsure how to start your research proposal as part of your dissertation read below our top tips from banking and finance student, nelly, on how to structure your proposal and make sure it's a strong, formative foundation to build your dissertation..

It's understandable if the proposal part of your dissertation feels like a waste of time. Why not just get started on the dissertation itself? Isn't 'proposal' a just fancy word for a plan?

It's important to see your Master's research proposal not only as a requirement but as a way of formalising your ideas and mapping out the direction and purpose of your dissertation. A strong, carefully prepared proposal is instrumental in writing a good dissertation.

How to structure a research proposal for a Master's dissertation

First things first: what do you need to include in a research proposal? The recommended structure of your proposal is:

• Motivation: introduce your research question and give an overview of the topic, explain the importance of your research
• Theory:  draw on existing pieces of research that are relevant to your topic of choice, leading up to your question and identifying how your dissertation will explore new territory
• Data and methodology: how do you plan to answer the research question? Explain your data sources and methodology
• Expected results: finally, what will the outcome be? What do you think your data and methodology will find?

Top Tips for Writing a Dissertation Research Proposal

Choose a dissertation topic well in advance of starting to write it

Allow existing research to guide you

Make your research questions as specific as possible

When you choose a topic, it will naturally be very broad and general. For example, Market Efficiency . Under this umbrella term, there are so many questions you could explore and challenge. But, it's so important that you hone in on one very specific question, such as ' How do presidential elections affect market efficiency?'  When it comes to your Master's, the more specific and clear-cut the better.

Collate your bibliography as you go

Everyone knows it's best practice to update your bibliography as you go, but that doesn't just apply to the main bibliography document you submit with your dissertation. Get in the habit of writing down the title, author and date of the relevant article next to every note you make - you'll be grateful you did it later down the line!

Colour code your notes based on which part of the proposal they apply to

Use highlighters and sticky notes to keep track of why you thought a certain research piece was useful, and what you intended to use it for. For example, if you've underlined lots of sections of a research article when it comes to pulling your research proposal together it will take you longer to remember what piece of research applies to where.

Instead, you may want to highlight anything that could inform your methodology in blue, any quotations that will form your theory in yellow etc. This will save you time and stress later down the line.

Write your Motivation after your Theory

Your Motivation section will be that much more coherent and specific if you write it after you've done all your research. All the reading you have done for your Theory will better cement the importance of your research, as well as provide plenty of context for you to write in detail your motivation. Think about the difference between ' I'm doing this because I'm interested in it ' vs. ' I'm doing this because I'm passionate, and I've noticed a clear gap in this area of study which is detailed below in example A, B and C .'

Make sure your Data and Methodology section is to the point and succinct

Link your Expectations to existing research

Your expectations should be based on research and data, not conjecture and assumptions. It doesn't matter if the end results match up to what you expected, as long as both of these sections are informed by research and data. 

Published By Nelly on 01/09/2020 | Last Updated 23/01/2024

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Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

What is a nursing research paper.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

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

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

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

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

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

Example Research Project Scenario:

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

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

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

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

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

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

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

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

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

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

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

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

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

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

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

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

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

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

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

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

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

By clicking “Join Now”, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party, and you may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

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Nursing Dissertation Topics Ideas & Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at January 10th, 2023 , Revised On May 8, 2024

Choosing an appropriate nursing dissertation topic is an extremely important step toward producing an exciting and manageable research study. This post aims to help medicine and nursing students select the most appropriate dissertation title according to their research interests.

It should be noted that the subject of nursing encompasses various areas of knowledge, including but not limited to general nursing, community nursing, public health , environmental health, mental health, clinical management, health organization, and occupational health and safety.

So there is plenty to whet your appetite here. Nursing dissertations can be based on either primary research or secondary research. Primary data nursing dissertations incorporate the collection and analysis of data obtained through questionnaires and surveys. Secondary data nursing dissertations, on the other hand, make use of existing literature to test the  research hypothesis .

To help you get started with brainstorming for medicine and nursing topic ideas, we have developed a list of the latest nursing dissertation topics that can be used for writing your dissertation.

These topics have been developed by PhD-qualified writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the problem,  research questions , aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  example dissertations  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

You can review step by step guide on how to write your dissertation  here.

View our free dissertation topics database.

• Evidence-based Practice Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Child Health Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Adult Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Critical Care Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Dementia Nursing Dissertation Topics

Midwifery Dissertation Topics

• Palliative Care Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Mental Health Nursing Dissertation Topics
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Nursing Dissertation Topics

2024 Nursing Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: assessing the parental perceptions and attitude towards the adoption of healthy behaviour patterns to control obesity and overweight concerns in young children..

Research Aim: This study aims to analyse the parent’s perceptions and attitudes in relation to healthy behaviours practises to control obesity and overweight disorders in young children. It will also focus on the obstacles parents or caregivers experience when it comes to obesity control in young children.

Topic 2: Investigating the importance of community nursing for the care of Old People suffering from Dementia- A case study of the UK.

Research Aim: This study aims to find the usefulness of nursing practise for the care of people suffering from dementia. This will also focus on how trained nurses are very professional in providing information and support to the people suffering from dementia so that they can prepare themselves to live their life well with dementia. This study will conduct a systematic review of published literature to find the potential roles of nurses in taking care of people living with dementia. Furthermore, it will also look at various characteristics and effectiveness of nurse interventions.

Topic 3: Assessing the role of midwives in providing medical services to pregnant women in low-income countries.

Research Aim: Midwives are health professionals who are specialised in taking care of pregnant women and newborn health. Women living In low-income countries are far less to get midwifery care, and it is very challenging for them to face this situation. The aim of this study is to find the role of midwives in providing medical services to pregnant women in low-income countries. Furthermore, this study will also look at the challenges and factors in getting midwifery care for women faced with low income.

Topic 4: Examining the mental health of nurses working in ICU.

Research Aim: Nurses working in critical care had significantly higher rates of emotional discomfort and poor health than other nurses, which has a negative impact on their mental health. However, it is unknown how intensive care nurses’ physical health impacts the frequency of medical mistakes. This study will examine the mental health of nurses working in ICU and how it affects their work and causes medical errors. Furthermore, it will also analyse the perception of nurses working in ICU.

Topic 5: Examing nursing practices during the stages of newborn development – A comparative study between the UK and US.

Research Aim: This study’s primary goal is to compare nursing staff practises during the stages of newborn development in the US and UK. This study will compare the effects of nurses’ care practises and will look at the challenges that occur during this process and how they handle these challenges.

Covid-19 Medicine and Nursing Research Topics

Topic 1: research to identify the training resources of nurses to combat the covid-19 pandemic.

Research Aim: Nursing staff plays a vital role in treating and recovering patients from illness. This study will identify the training programs and resources designed for nursing staff to combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

Topic 2: Research to find whether robotic nurses will be a long-lasting solution to treat the patients of Coronavirus.

Research Aim: Medical teams across the globe have been on their toes to combat coronavirus, and substantial human resources have also been invested in overcoming this crisis. This study will focus on collecting information about the idea of using robotic nurses to treat patients of Covid-19. It will reveal the advantages and disadvantages of using robotic nurses.

Topic 3: Research to analyse the risk of nurses getting affected while treating Covid-19 patients

Research Aim: This study will focus on analysing the risks faced by nurses and the medical team. It will discuss the safety measures adopted to protect the medical staff, the challenges they face, and appropriate solutions to minimise them.

Topic 4: Research to identify the impacts of Coronavirus on pharmaceutical industries

Research Aim: This study will focus on identifying the impacts of coronavirus on pharmaceutical industries, production, and supply of medicines. It will discuss the possible ways to combat COVID-19.

Topic 5: Research to know the contributions of pharmaceutical industries to combat Covid-19

Research Aim: This study will focus on identifying the contributions of pharmaceutical industries to combat Covid-19. Did COVID-19 increase the business of pharmaceutical sectors?

More Coronavirus and Nursing Dissertation Topics

• Coronavirus research: Keys to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SARS.
• Investigating the nurses in Australia issue plea to stop violence, theft of sanitizer and masks.
• To study and analyse the emergency Coronavirus guidelines for nurses and medical staff across the globe with a particular focus on the USA and the UK.
• Coronavirus in nursing homes: ‘We are going to see deaths’ – A case study of the UK nursing homes
• Why are nursing homes at risk during the Coronavirus pandemic? – Case study of any European state
• How nurses and medical staff can help parents and children cope with the mental issues and uncertainly in the midst of coronavirus crisis
• To devise strategies to combat testing and prevention kits in hard-hit nursing homes.
• How coronavirus has the potential to lead shortage of nurses and doctors across the globe?

Nursing and Medicine Dissertation Topics for 2023

Topic 1: impact of coronavirus on the pharmaceutical industry.

Research Aim: This research aims to identify the impact of Coronavirus on the pharmaceutical industry.

Topic 2: The role and impact of occupational safety and health in medical clinics

Research Aim: This research aims to measure the impact of occupational safety and health in medical clinics.

Topic 3: Increasing work pressure and occupational health concerns

Research Aim: This research aims to address increasing work pressure and occupational health concerns during a pandemic.

Topic 4: How researchers’ nurses may enhance the operation of clinical research?

Research Aim: The quality improvement of the performance of health care includes scientific study. The research team from the place where there was a shortage of research has established a steadily growing spectrum of testing within the Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust. In this research, the main emphasis would be on the key role of research nurses.

Topic 15: Developing effective nursing strategies for dealing with patients possessing acute and chronic pain: A case study of NHS

Research Aim: The concept of nursing has evolved since recent times. Many health care institutions have developed effective strategies to increase nursing efficiency. Therefore, the main purpose of the research is to develop effective nursing strategies for dealing with patients possessing acute and chronic pain by analysing the case study of the NHS.

Topic 6: Critical analysis of community nursing and health care needs: A comparative analysis of UK and USA

Research Aim: Nursing and health care needs have a direct and positive relationship. The main purpose of this research is to conduct a critical analysis of community and health care needs. This research will compare the UK and USA nursing practices and provide recommendations to improve the existing strategy.

Topic 7: Analysing the societal acceptance of Marijuana: The case of developing countries

Research Aim: The purpose of this study is to contemplate upon the key benefits that the use of Marijuana, within a medicinal capacity, has. Ideally, in developing countries, the use of marijuana is considered “Taboo” or unacceptable by the members of the community/society. Hence, the study intends to analyze the societal acceptance of Marijuana within developing countries.

Topic 8: Developing effective nursing strategies for dealing with patients suffering Coronavirus disease: A case study of NHS

Research Aim: The coronavirus has taken the world by storm, infecting millions in nearly 200 countries. Many health care institutions have developed strategies to increase nursing efficiency. Therefore, the main purpose of the research is to identify effective nursing strategies for dealing with patients possessing coronavirus by analysing the case study of NHS.

Topic 9: Coronavirus research: Keys to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SARS

Research Aim: This research will discuss the basic life cycle and replication of the well-studied coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), identifying the unique characteristics of coronavirus biology and highlighting critical points where research has made significant advances, and which might represent targets for antivirals or vaccines. Areas where rapid progress has been made in SCV research, will be described. Finally, areas of need for research in coronavirus replication, genetics, and pathogenesis will be summarised.

Mental Health Dissertation Topics

• Investigating the effectiveness of psychiatric treatment and medicine for patients suffering schizophrenia – A qualitative study based on UK mental health nurses and patients
• Exploring the legal aspects of mental health research in the UK
• To study and determine the causes to increasing number of suicides in the urban youth population in the developing world
• The role of socioeconomic backgrounds on the mental health of individuals
• Investigating the impact of early maternal mental illness on children
• Parents with serious mental health problems from the perspective of professionals who offer support
• Treatment of mental health difficulties by combining psychological and complementary therapies
• To perform an interpretative phenomenological analysis to treat older people with long term mental health difficulties
• To identify the barriers and risks associated with personalization within the context of mental illness
• To explore mental illness by conducting a biographical narrative study
• Deconstructing mental health difficulties: A critical enquiry into the views and opinions of professionals dealing with families, parents, and children

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Occupational Health and Safety Nursing Dissertation Topics

• To investigate occupational health and safety risks in the UK health care sector: Preventive techniques and recommended practices
• A quantitative study to evaluate the understanding and knowledge nurses have of occupational risks in an operating theatre environment
• To investigate the impact of occupational safety and health on the job performance of nurses
• To identify and discuss factors affecting the practice of occupational health nursing in London
• The role and impact of occupational safety and health in medical clinics
• To identify and discuss key occupational safety and health risks, challenges, and concerns in China
• Workplace health management and the role of occupational health nurses
• Increasing work pressure and occupational health concerns
• Occupational safety and health risks and practices among Filipino nurses
• Adopting a multi-climate approach to address patient safety issues in the nursing work environment
• To assess and understand occupational risks and nursing duties from an ergo logical perspective
• The need to realise the increasing importance of occupational safety and health issues in industrialised societies

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Environmental Health Dissertation Topics

• Improving awareness on environmental health issues by encouraging community participation
• To identify and analyse various environmental health concerns in the health care sector
• To determine the possibility of food poisoning and foot-related illness in urban regions from the perspective of environmental health
• Constrained ordinal models with application in occupational and environmental health
• To examine the impact of secondhand smoke on public health with particular focus on the relevant control strategies
• An investigation into the attitudes of bar staff workers to environmental tobacco smoke and the varying provision of smoke-free areas within public houses
• To study and understand the impact of traffic calming procedures on local air quality
• Investigating how reusable cleaning cloths can help to reduce cross-contamination within the food industry
• Analysing older driver behaviour and road safety
• To review public health nurses’ opinions on environmental hazards and health effects
• Disposing toxic wastes from the perspective of environmental health
• Recommended sanitary hygiene practices for developing countries – A quantitative study
• A qualitative study to address arsenic and lead poisoning issues

Related:  Environmental Engineering Dissertation Topics

Also Read This:   Occupational And Environmental Health Thesis And Dissertations

Evidence-Based Practice Dissertation Topics

• To identify and discuss evidence-based practices that enable nurses to provide high-quality care
• Use of evidence and knowledge management in clinical practice
• How the health care needs of elderly cancer patients can be satisfied with evidence-based nursing programme
• Investigating the use of evidence-based medicine for disease management
• To study the effectiveness of evidence-based practice in the health care industry
• To investigate the relationship between evidence-based practice and the research process
• To study the basic principles of evidence-based practice in the UK health care industry
• Why is it critical for nurses to base the foundation of their practices on reliable evidence?
• Barriers to implementing evidence-based practice and the strategies/organisations used to avoid these barriers
• The role of ethics and leadership in evidence-based nursing practice

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Health Organisations Dissertation Topics

• The Highest Attainable Standard: The World Health Organisation, Contentious Politics of Human Rights and the global health governance
• Factors contributing to efficient service delivery – A qualitative study on the implementation of health policies in Argentina
• Integrating technology, process and the people in lean healthcare
• Should World Health Organisation do more to satisfy the health care needs of people in the developing world? – The current programmes and future ambitions
• An investigation in the health care plans and associated costs of countries across the globe
• To study strategic management policies and strategies of World Health Organisation
• Investigating the power, culture, and dynamics of National Health Service in the UK
• Factors influencing the healthcare policies of new health organisations
• The extent of NHS focus on providing services to elderly
• Research trends and directions within the World Health Organisation
• Exploring practices and experiences of midwives in regards to the evaluation of maternal postnatal genital tract health
• Investigating midwifery practice in the third stage of labour
• To study the professional care in midwifery practice with a focus on woman centered-care
• To determine the factors contributing to midwives decision to stay in midwifery
• How do midwives perceive normal birth and how their ability to practice and support normality might be influenced by the professional and organisational culture of a maternity unit?
• A feminist technoscience perspective of the midwife’s role
• To investigate the challenges associated with carrying out a water-birth randomised controlled trial
• To what extend do midwives can facilitate informed choices among pregnant women?
• To identify and discuss the factors influencing the competence of midwives in a clinical setting
• The role of midwifery in relation to health risks to women due to postpartum depression

Community Nursing Dissertation Topics

• The impact of community participation on social inclusion, self-perception, and everyday lives of participants
• Quality of life, good practices, and senior citizens in residential care homes
• To investigate the impact of existing welfare ideologies and policies on the elderly in Leicestershire
• To what extent the community care has met the needs of the elderly with mental health difficulties after being discharged from long-stay psychiatric clinics? – A review of literature from the past 10 years
• Exploring the relationship between ethnicity and community nursing facilities in London
• Obesity awareness and prevention: Can food labelling help to deal with obesity problems in the USA?
• The role of community nursing practice in relation to health promotion
• Recommended practices and policies to ensure high-quality community nursing services to pregnant women
• Health care needs of children and the community nursing service in Leicestershire
• Factors affecting the quality of life of older people – A review of community nursing practices and challenges

Children Health Nursing Dissertation Topics

• Improving, recording, and perceiving school children’s health from the perspective of school health nursing
• Critical evaluation of child health nursing through education and practice
• Identifying challenges and support processes of child health nursing in developing countries
• To investigate the skills and abilities required to promote and sustain the emerging practice of child health nursing
• Leadership and intellectual skills are needed to be successful in positions of leadership and caring for children
• Caring for young people and children with complicated health needs
• To explore the effects of child patient death on nursing staff in a clinical setting: A literature review
• To understand children’s perspectives on community nursing
• To identify factors that can help to improve breastfeeding initiation practices among community nurses in the UK
• Children with congenital heart diseases and the role of parents – A literature review

Related:  Top QA on Children Health Nursing

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Clinical Management Dissertation Topics

• Clinical governance strategies and practices at National Health Services
• Hospitalised patients with diabetes and clinical decision support systems
• Developing optimum strategies for management of patients in adult intensive care units
• Clinical management of patients with prostate cancer – The risks and challenges
• Effectively managing elderly patients in a clinical setting
• Optimal management plan for patients with post-traumatic stress issues
• Use of advanced technology tools to improve clinical management efficiency
• To study various management strategies in surgical cases

Important Notes

As a student of medicine and nursing looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing medicine and nursing theories – i.e., to add value and interest in the topic of your research.

The field of medicine and nursing is vast and interrelated to so many other academic disciplines like civil engineering ,  construction ,  law ,  healthcare , mental health , artificial intelligence , tourism , physiotherapy , sociology , management , marketing, cryptocurrencies and architecture . That is why it is imperative to create a project management dissertation topic that is articular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is the basis of your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in  writing your dissertation  as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the very initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best medicine and nursing dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Take a look at some of our sample medicine and nursing dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Dissertation on Medicine and Nursing

A well-structured   dissertation can help students   to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems to be addressed. An outline of the structure of a dissertation  can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review :  This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic, in light of  research questions  to be addressed. The purpose is to highlight and discuss the relative weaknesses and strengths of the selected research area whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down of the topic, and key terms can have a positive impact on your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology:  The  data collection  and  analysis  methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter which usually includes  research design,  research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods and  data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis:  Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include  graphs ,  charts and  tables  to this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion  and  Conclusion: The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter, and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to draw a linkage between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References:  This should be completed in accordance with your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices:  Any additional information, diagrams, graphs that were used to  complete the  dissertation  but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to find nursing dissertation topics.

To find nursing dissertation topics:

• Explore healthcare challenges.
• Investigate recent research gaps.
• Consider patient outcomes or safety.
• Analyze policy or technology impacts.
• Consult peers and professors.
• Select a topic that aligns with your passion and career aspirations.

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