Nursing theories provide a system that shapes the extent of nursing practice. They help nurses interpret circumstances, determine patient needs and decide treatment alternatives.
In collaboration with their approved course preceptor, RN-to-BSN students will identify an evidence-based topic for their capstone project change proposal. The NRS 493 Benchmark Capstone Project Change Proposal project will address a clinical site-specific issue, problem, idea or initiative and include a discussion of the nursing theory utilized.
Students in this course work with a preceptor to recognize a clinical nursing problem and develop a capstone project change proposal to address the identified issue. They review the relegated study materials and research articles to formulate a PICOT question (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) for their capstone project. The PICOT question must include a nursing practice intervention that will improve patient outcomes.
Identifying a clinical problem involves carefully considering the evidence-based best practices of nurses. The goal is to find an area that will provide a significant nrs 493 capstone project change proposal presentation in patient outcomes. The project should also be feasible and within the scope of the student’s knowledge and skill set.
It is important to use data and reports when identifying a problem or issue, but direct observation should also be used whenever possible. This will help to avoid cognitive bias and open avenues for discussion and the exploration of multiple options. This will ultimately lead to a more effective solution.
The capstone project is a significant milestone in the student’s graduate program. It requires independent group research to develop an innovative solution for a real-world problem and provides valuable hands-on experience. It is also a great way to hone students’ professional knowledge and skills and prepare them for the workforce.
In collaboration with their approved course preceptor, students will identify a specific evidence-based topic for their capstone project change proposal. This can be a clinical practice problem, an organizational issue, a leadership or quality improvement initiative or an unmet NRS 493 Individual Success Plan need specific to a patient population or community. Students may also choose to work with an interprofessional collaborative team.
Visual mapping tools can be used to organize and structure knowledge for the capstone project. Logic models and concept maps are useful for defining objectives and creating prioritized initiatives for the capstone project. Problem Tree and Root Cause analyses can help uncover causes of an identified problem, issue or need and find appropriate solutions. Finally, a SWOT analysis can be utilized to plot out a future course for the capstone project development by acting on strengths and minimizing risks.
Once students identify a problem or issue with their capstone project change proposal, they work with their preceptor to recognize a nursing practice intervention that will address the identified problem. The nursing practice intervention is based on the evidence-based research steps and processes that students have learned throughout their capstone course.
For example, a student may choose to implement a nurse staffing ratio that decreases patient falls. The measurable outcome would be to reduce nurse burnout by promoting quality patient care. (Mudallal, 2017)
In order to implement the proposed change, the student must prepare a strategic plan. This strategic plan must include all stakeholders and describe how the nrs 493 topic 1 lopes activity tracker kr practice intervention will be implemented, monitored, and evaluated. The student must also assess the culture of the organization for potential barriers to implementing the change. For example, barriers could include higher acuity patients with heavy workloads, limited time, or lack of resources. (DeIuliis & Bednarski, 2019). The CC and AFWC must collaborate effectively to ensure that site-specific requirements are clear and understood.
Identifying your capstone project’s outcome or change is a critical part of the planning process. A logic model is a useful tool for mapping the resources you’ve compiled to conduct your capstone project, the activities planned for implementation and the anticipated changes or results from these activities (Doll, 2010).
The goal of this community-led Capstone was to build capacity within our partners to address health issues. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this meant increasing staffing and changing existing policies.
Each Capstone assignment is designed to ensure a mutually beneficial experience for students and community partners, facilitate critical reflection, yield high-quality NR501 Importance of Theory in Nursing products, assess students’ synthesis of selected competencies and evaluate how well teams manage the relationships, processes, and tasks associated with their projects. Teaching team members and preceptors/faculty advisers participate in grading of Capstone assignments. Qualtrics surveys are administered to students, preceptors and faculty advisers throughout the semester to capture student/team perspectives. This information is used to inform program improvements.