Tips To Help You Write Your Nursing Capstone Project Successfully

Preparing to complete your nursing degree and, in particular, your capstone project requires you to demonstrate an extensive understanding of your chosen profession. According to the Department of Labor, the median salary for registered nurses in 2019 was $73,300. However, job prospects are expected to increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028.

The median salary in 2019 for qualified nurse practitioners is $115,800 - positive news for anyone training and preparing for their nursing capstone project.  With such rewards looming at the end of the tunnel, it goes without saying; you'll want to achieve the highest possible result. So, it’s vital you have a strong understanding of how to complete your nursing capstone expertly. If that's something you want to learn more about, here’s our guide on how to do that...

Capstone Definition

Although there are similarities between a capstone and a thesis, they are not the same thing, with crucial differences. A capstone comes at the final phase of your nursing degree/post-graduate degree program that tests your critical thinking and research skills. Depending on where you are studying, you may be able to choose your own topic or have it selected for you. It could include any of the following:

• A real-life simulation where you have to find a strategic and practical solution to an ongoing situation.
• A submission in which you address an issue or difficulty in your chosen profession
• A research paper on a topic or topics covered in your nursing degree

Your capstone is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your learning, analytical and critical skills, ability to assess data, and how you can apply all these to real-life situations. 

Starting your capstone journey may feel like you have to climb a very high mountain at the end of an already really long trek. Here are a few simple steps you can follow to make that climb a little easier:

Step 1: Choose Your Topic

Your topic needs to be original, relevant to the present day, and supported by evidence and data. Your subject may be chosen for you, of course, but if you’re struggling for ideas, there's plenty of help to get you started. You mustn’t make a hasty ill-thought-out decision about your topic, so allow yourself time to research and think before committing. Ask yourself if you can find evidence for your topic with qualitative and quantitative research. Try to choose a topic you connect with, are interested in, and are inspired by.

Step 2: Develop a Structure and Timeline

Ideally, you should allow yourself four semesters in which to start and complete your nursing capstone and complete specific tasks within each semester. Most institutions require students to submit a capstone proposal first. Following a plan such as the one we have outlined will help you focus and meet your deadlines:

Semester One

Gather some ideas for your capstone project and research their feasibility, including consulting with any relevant faculty advisors that can help you make the right decision. Then, choose your nursing capstone topic.

Semester Two and Three

During your second semester, you'll need to outline your capstone project proposal and submit it for approval. Then, you'll have to obtain IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval for your research. Fast forward to semester three, and you'll collect and analyze your nursing capstone data.

Semester Four

Continue as per semester three if you intend to research over a more extended period and start writing your first draft. Once completed, you'll then:

• Submit your first draft for comments
• Write and edit final drafts

Step 3: Write a Summary/Statement

Before launching in, summarize what the purpose of your capstone is and what you intend to demonstrate or prove. Doing this makes it easier to build persuasive arguments and keep you focused when writing. Your summary should focus specifically only on your capstone topic and demonstrate how you will present and support your arguments throughout.

Step 4: Writing Style and Time

Here’s an area you may need some help with. However, when writing, try to imagine who your audience is and write with that in mind. Remember, they need to feel engaged and interested, not bored to tears.

Make your sentences clear and concise so that your writing and arguments are easy to follow and that you follow the correct and recommended formatting structure. 

Allow yourself enough time to write your nursing capstone so that you can achieve your ambitions of presenting a project that truly reflects your efforts and learning.

Step 5: Support and Reference Your Statements

The main body of your capstone paper must provide sources for your writing and be able to verify your arguments with accurate and robust information that can be authenticated with ease by your readers. Attention to detail is essential, and without it, you potentially face having to correct errors at the last minute. 

Follow the correct guidelines issued by your college for referencing all your sources and citations and ensure they are done so in the correct format. You must also demonstrate all your research, where you obtained your data, and how. Remember to outline how you chose your research methods, including describing them and making an argument for why they are the best and most suitable methods for your capstone topic.

Step 6: Your Conclusion

Your conclusion must demonstrate and summarize your research findings and which elements best support your theory or problem that you are addressing in your capstone paper. You must demonstrate your own insight and understanding and make recommendations and real-life applications.

Step 7: Before Submission

Proofread your capstone and ask a trusted friend to look at it too. Your nursing capstone should be free of grammar and spelling errors. Allow ample time for this step to avoid simple mistakes.

Ready to Complete Your Nursing Capstone?

Achieving and exceeding expectations when completing your nursing capstone isn’t easy. However, it is possible. It requires long-term dedication, commitment, and excellent organization skills.

If, after reading this, you feel like you need a helping hand, our talented writers are here to assist you plan, write, and edit your capstone.