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Nursing Research Proposal Template: A Comprehensive Guide + Free Template Download + How to Write it

Creating a strong foundation: the importance of a nursing research proposal template.

As a nursing professional, I understand the critical importance of thorough research in the healthcare field. Developing a nursing research proposal is a crucial step in the research process , as it provides a roadmap for conducting and evaluating the study. However, creating a research proposal from scratch can be a time-consuming task. That’s why having a nursing research proposal template can be incredibly valuable. It not only streamlines the proposal writing process, but also ensures that all essential components are included. In this article, we will explore why a nursing research proposal template is important, and how it differs from a standard research proposal .

Nursing Research Proposal Template

Example: The Impact of Music Therapy on Pain Management in Pediatric Patients

Background and Statement of the Problem: Example: Pain management in pediatric patients is a critical aspect of their care, and traditional methods have limitations and side effects. Music therapy has shown promise in reducing pain perception and anxiety in various patient populations. However, its efficacy in pediatric patients needs further exploration to inform evidence-based practice.

My advice on : In this section, clearly outline the background of your research topic and the specific problem you aim to address. Use evidence-based information to support the significance of your study.

Purpose of the Study: Example: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of music therapy on pain perception and anxiety levels in pediatric patients receiving treatment in a hospital setting. The findings will contribute to the development of non-pharmacological pain management interventions for this population.

My advice on : Clearly state the goal of your study and its potential impact on nursing practice. Highlight the contribution your research will make to the field of nursing.

Literature Review : Example: Previous research has shown that music therapy can have a positive impact on pain management in adult patients undergoing various medical procedures. Studies by Bradt et al. (2016) and Good et al. (2018) reported significant reductions in pain scores and anxiety levels among adult patients receiving music therapy. However, there is limited evidence on the efficacy of music therapy in pediatric patients, particularly in a hospital setting.

My advice on : Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps in existing research and support the need for your study. Critically analyze the findings of previous studies and their implications for your research.

Research Design and Methods: Example: This study will employ a randomized controlled trial design, with pediatric patients aged 6-12 years randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving music therapy, or the control group, receiving standard care. Pain scores and anxiety levels will be assessed before and after the intervention using validated pediatric assessment tools. Data analysis will be performed using statistical software to compare the outcomes between the two groups.

My advice on: Clearly outline the research design and methods you will use, ensuring they are appropriate for addressing your research question . Describe the statistical methods you will employ to analyze the data and justify their suitability for your study.

Timeline and Budget: Example: The study is anticipated to span over 12 months, including participant recruitment , intervention implementation, and data collection . The estimated budget for this study includes the cost of hiring a certified music therapist, purchasing musical instruments, and securing ethical approval for conducting research with pediatric patients.

My advice on: Provide a realistic timeline for each phase of your study, taking into account potential challenges and delays. Create a detailed budget that justifies the resources required for your research and aligns with the scope of your study.

Conclusion:

The proposed study on the impact of music therapy on pain management in pediatric patients addresses a significant gap in the current literature and has the potential to contribute valuable evidence to nursing practice. By following the structure and examples provided in the nursing research proposal template, researchers can effectively communicate the rationale, purpose, and methods of their study, ultimately enhancing the quality and impact of their research endeavors.

Download free Nursing Research Proposal Template in Word DocX, Powerpoint PPTX, and PDF. We included Nursing Research Proposal Template examples as well.

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Nursing Research Proposal Template FAQs

1. what is a nursing research proposal.

A nursing research proposal is a document that outlines a proposed research study in the field of nursing. It includes a research question, background information , methodology, and potential implications for nursing practice.

2. What should be included in a nursing research proposal?

A nursing research proposal should include a clear research question, a review of relevant literature, a detailed methodology, potential implications for nursing practice, and a list of references.

3. What is the purpose of a nursing research proposal?

The purpose of a nursing research proposal is to outline a potential research study and gain approval from relevant stakeholders, such as academic institutions or funding organizations . It also helps researchers clarify their ideas and ensure that their study is feasible and ethical.

4. How should the methodology section of a nursing research proposal be structured?

The methodology section of a nursing research proposal should include details on the research design , data collection methods, data analysis procedures, and any potential limitations or ethical considerations . It should be structured in a clear and precise manner to ensure that the study can be accurately replicated by others.

5. What are the potential implications for nursing practice in a research proposal?

The potential implications for nursing practice in a research proposal are the potential ways in which the study’s findings could impact nursing care, policies, or education. This could include improved patient outcomes, changes to nursing interventions, or new approaches to nursing education.

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Your dissertation template

A template is provided to use for your dissertation. We recommend you use this as soon as you start any writing  rather than trying to apply it afterwards. As well as showing you the structure for your dissertation, it has built in styles than can help you format it as required for a long academic document.

Scroll down the page to find videos to help you with using the template.

Downloading the template

The template for your dissertation is provided here:

Nursing Dissertation Template

This includes a pre-created PRISMA flow diagram (just add the numbers) and the NMC template for Part B. If you are not using this format for Part B then you will of course need to delete/amend this.

Just click on either the link above or the image on the right to download the template. It will usually be automatically saved into your 'downloads' folder. We recommend moving it from there to a dedicated folder where you keep everything for your dissertation.

Important note:

You do not need to alter any of the fonts in the template, they have been approved by your faculty. Please ignore any advice that you see elsewhere about using alternative fonts.

Videos showing you how to use the template

The Skills Team have provided three videos which show you how to use the template. These are:

• An introduction to the template - including filling the title page
• Using the built-in styles and updating the table of contents
• Adding labels to your tables and figures and updating the lists of these

There are also some other videos that support using the generic university template (rather than the Nursing one specifically) that may be useful to some of you. These include using the cross-referencing tool and inserting landscape documents. You can find these videos on the Skills Team's  Undergraduate Dissertation Video Workshop page. Not all of you will find these useful however, so they are not included here.

An introduction to the template

Using styles and updating table of contents

Labelling your figures and tables

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Dissertation

Candidacy examination, degree credentials, dissertation committee, dissertation status.

The Dissertation Proposal Defense serves as the Candidacy Examination. The purpose of the Candidacy Examination is to demonstrate an understanding of knowledge in the concentration area that supports the student’s dissertation research. Upon successful completion of required coursework and this examination, the student advances to degree candidacy status.

Students are expected to pass the Candidacy Examination no later than the end of the 3rd semester following Dissertation Seminar unless the student obtains written permission of the Graduate Group in Nursing Chair. Students who do not abide by these policies will no longer be in good academic standing (see “Academic Standing”) which will be reported to funding agencies and the Associate Dean for Academic Programs.  

Degree credentials (e.g., AD, BS, BSN, MS, MSN, PhD, EdD, DNP) are commonly used and indicate completion of a particular educational program. The highest degree attained is usually placed immediately after the last name. All or some of degrees can be used.

Terms used to indicate partial completion of a degree or student status such as “SNP” (student nurse practitioner), “PhDc” (PhD candidate) or “ABD” (all but dissertation) are fabricated terms and are not to be used.

The Dissertation Committee oversees and approves the research proposal, and ultimately, the dissertation.

Following Dissertation Seminar, the student will be registered for dissertation status.  Registration is done by the Office of Student Information and is required in each succeeding semester until all degree requirements are met. A student on Dissertation Status who wishes to take additional coursework may do so with approval of the academic advisor and Graduate Group in Nursing Chair depending on available funding for tuition. While supported by School of Nursing or federal funding, students may only take coursework that is directly related to their dissertation question.

The preparation of the dissertation constitutes the final phase of the PhD program. The dissertation should demonstrate a high-level of analytical and research competence and represent an original contribution to the field of nursing science. It is expected that the formation of a topic will begin in the early phases of study in the program and grow out of experience and work in the focused area of science and scholarship. It is also expected that the dissertation topic will build on the research and expertise of two or more members of the Graduate Group in Nursing. 

Dissertation Format

Generally, three dissertation formats are appropriate. The best option depends on the type of research planned. Each format is described in the table below, with an explanation of the nature and scope of work for the dissertation proposal. Note that all three formats are potentially suitable for qualitative and mixed-methods research; students pursuing a qualitative or mixed-methods project should consult with the Chair and the Dissertation Committee to determine the most appropriate format for the student’s specific study. The dissertation format must be approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee. Additional formats may be suggested as nursing science continues to evolve; formats of dissertations (and proposals) that are not addressed below will be considered. In this case, the Dissertation Chair and student will review their recommended format with the Graduate Group in Nursing Chair.

University of Pennsylvania policy permits dissertations based on joint work with other researchers, provided that, in such cases, a unique and separate dissertation is presented by each degree candidate. The candidate must include a concise account of his or her contribution to the whole work. Authorship of a dissertation by more than one degree candidate is not allowed.

Dissertation Formats

* NOTE: The proposal for a five-chapter or three-article dissertation may use the NIH PHS398 subheadings (Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Innovation, and Approach) provided that the background and significance are presented in sufficient depth to demonstrate thorough mastery of the relevant literature. PHS398 page limits do not apply; proposals using the PHS398 subheadings will likely be longer than 10-15 single-spaced pages. An NRSA proposal is not an acceptable dissertation proposal. If using the PHS398 subheadings for the dissertation proposal, the student should negotiate the appropriate scope of the Background and Significance section in advance with the Chair and Committee. An underdeveloped background and significance section may be grounds for failing the Candidacy Exam.   

The three manuscripts option may include manuscripts that are published during the course of the doctoral program; see the “Use of Copyrighted, Previously Published, or Coauthored Material” section of the University’s Doctoral Dissertation Manual  for details.

Requirements and Format of the Three Article Dissertation

The Graduate Group allows students who publish papers during their doctoral program to use these papers as part of their dissertation.  Following are the requirements and format for the Three Article dissertation option:

Dissertation Defense

When the written dissertation is completed to the satisfaction of the dissertation committee, an oral defense with public and closed components will be scheduled for two hours. The examining committee for the dissertation consists of the dissertation committee and two readers from the Graduate Group in Nursing who are appointed by the Graduate Group in Nursing Chair. All members of the Graduate Group and doctoral students as well as other individuals whose presence is desired by the student are invited to the public component. The public component consists of a brief presentation of the findings and their implications by the student followed by a brief question and answer by individuals who are not members of the examining committee. The following component may be either open or closed depending on the preference of the Dissertation Chair. In this portion, guests may be excused while questioning and discussion by the readers, the dissertation committee members, and the student occur. The dissertation defense is graded on a Pass/Fail basis with the majority of the five examiners necessary for a decision.

At least three members of the dissertation committee must participate in the defense. Defense may take place in person or remotely. 

Source: PennBook Academic Rules for PhDs and Research Masters Degrees

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How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Proposal

Published on September 21, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

When starting your thesis or dissertation process, one of the first requirements is a research proposal or a prospectus. It describes what or who you want to examine, delving into why, when, where, and how you will do so, stemming from your research question and a relevant topic .

The proposal or prospectus stage is crucial for the development of your research. It helps you choose a type of research to pursue, as well as whether to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

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Table of contents

What should your proposal contain, dissertation question examples, what should your proposal look like, dissertation prospectus examples, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about proposals.

Prior to jumping into the research for your thesis or dissertation, you first need to develop your research proposal and have it approved by your supervisor. It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives .

Depending on your department’s requirements, there may be a defense component involved, where you present your research plan in prospectus format to your committee for their approval.

Your proposal should answer the following questions:

• Why is your research necessary?
• What is already known about your topic?
• Where and when will your research be conducted?
• Who should be studied?
• How can the research best be done?

Ultimately, your proposal should persuade your supervisor or committee that your proposed project is worth pursuing.

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Strong research kicks off with a solid research question , and dissertations are no exception to this.

Dissertation research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly
• What are the main factors enticing people under 30 in suburban areas to engage in the gig economy?
• Which techniques prove most effective for 1st-grade teachers at local elementary schools in engaging students with special needs?
• Which communication streams are the most effective for getting those aged 18-30 to the polls on Election Day?

An easy rule of thumb is that your proposal will usually resemble a (much) shorter version of your thesis or dissertation. While of course it won’t include the results section , discussion section , or conclusion , it serves as a “mini” version or roadmap for what you eventually seek to write.

Be sure to include:

• A succinct introduction to your topic and problem statement
• A brief literature review situating your topic within existing research
• A basic outline of the research methods you think will best answer your research question
• The perceived implications for future research
• A reference list in the citation style of your choice

The length of your proposal varies quite a bit depending on your discipline and type of work you’re conducting. While a thesis proposal is often only 3-7 pages long, a prospectus for your dissertation is usually much longer, with more detailed analysis. Dissertation proposals can be up to 25-30 pages in length.

Writing a proposal or prospectus can be a challenge, but we’ve compiled some examples for you to get your started.

• Example #1: “Geographic Representations of the Planet Mars, 1867-1907” by Maria Lane
• Example #2: “Individuals and the State in Late Bronze Age Greece: Messenian Perspectives on Mycenaean Society” by Dimitri Nakassis
• Example #3: “Manhood Up in the Air: A Study of Male Flight Attendants, Queerness, and Corporate Capitalism during the Cold War Era” by Phil Tiemeyer

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The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .

• If you want to measure something or test a hypothesis , use quantitative methods . If you want to explore ideas, thoughts and meanings, use qualitative methods .
• If you want to analyze a large amount of readily-available data, use secondary data. If you want data specific to your purposes with control over how it is generated, collect primary data.
• If you want to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables , use experimental methods. If you want to understand the characteristics of a research subject, use descriptive methods.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

A well-planned research design helps ensure that your methods match your research aims, that you collect high-quality data, and that you use the right kind of analysis to answer your questions, utilizing credible sources . This allows you to draw valid , trustworthy conclusions.

The priorities of a research design can vary depending on the field, but you usually have to specify:

• Your research questions and/or hypotheses
• Your overall approach (e.g., qualitative or quantitative )
• The type of design you’re using (e.g., a survey , experiment , or case study )
• Your sampling methods or criteria for selecting subjects
• Your data collection methods (e.g., questionnaires , observations)
• Your data collection procedures (e.g., operationalization , timing and data management)
• Your data analysis methods (e.g., statistical tests  or thematic analysis )

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

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NURS 3750 - Nursing Honors Project: Research Proposals

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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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Writing a Thesis for Nursing School

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

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

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

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

Choosing Your Nursing Thesis Topic

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

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

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

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

Completing Your Nursing Thesis

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

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

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

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

Presenting Your Nursing Thesis

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

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

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

How is a Nursing Thesis Graded?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Nursing Research Proposal Free Example [Tips and Sample PDF]

Carla logan msn, aprn-cnp, rn.

• February 21, 2024
• blog , Nursing Topics and Ideas

Here’s a nursing research proposal free example to help you prepare for your nursing project proposal.

Nursing Research Proposal Free Example

Exploring school nurses’ experiences in caring for children with prader-willi syndrome (pws).

Introduction

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder affecting approximately one in every ten thousand to thirty thousand births in the USA (Bohonowych et al., 2019). While various studies have explored interventions and management strategies for PWS, there is a notable gap in understanding the experiences of school nurses in caring for children diagnosed with this syndrome. This research aims to bridge that gap by investigating the perceptions and challenges faced by school nurses in academic settings.

Research Objective

To evaluate school nurses’ experiences in caring for children diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Here’s a comprehesive guide on how to write a nursing research proposal , plus nursing research proposal topics and ideas .

PWS presents a range of symptoms impacting physical health, cognitive development , and behavioral patterns. Existing studies have primarily focused on medical interventions, but little is known about the experiences of school nurses who play a vital role in the daily lives of affected children. This research seeks to fill this void and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of PWS management.

Statement of the Problem

Despite the known challenges associated with PWS, there is a lack of research on the experiences and perspectives of school nurses caring for children with this syndrome. Understanding the daily life, resources, and needs of children with PWS in academic settings is crucial for developing evidence-based practices and improving outcomes.

School nurses’ experiences caring for children with PWS provide valuable insights into the existential aspects of PWS management, including understanding daily life, resources, and specific needs of both children with PWS and the school nurses.

Literature Review

Existing literature has primarily focused on medical interventions for PWS. However, this research will explore the distinctive needs and challenges faced by school nurses in educational settings, shedding light on the daily experiences and unique perspectives they bring to the care of children with PWS.

Experimental Design:

This study will employ a descriptive qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with registered nurses working in academic facilities. The qualitative approach allows for a deeper understanding of social processes, individual perceptions, and the contextual nuances of caring for children with PWS.

Population and Sample Size:

The study will involve ten registered nurses with experience in caring for children diagnosed with PWS in academic settings. Purposive sampling will be employed to select participants based on their knowledge and expertise in the research topic.

Data Collection:

Semi-structured interviews will be conducted face-to-face to gather comprehensive information on school nurses’ experiences in caring for children with PWS. The interviews will be guided by open-ended questions , allowing participants to express themselves freely. Verbal and written consent will be obtained, and interviews will be recorded with participants’ consent.

Methods of Data Analysis:

Thematic analysis, following Braun & Clarke’s approach, will be used to analyze interview recordings and forms. Themes will be identified based on patterns in the data, and comparisons will be made with existing literature to reveal new findings and recommendations.

Pilot Study:

A pilot study with one participant will be conducted to assess the feasibility, identify required resources, and address potential limitations before the main study.

Ethical Considerations:

The study will uphold ethical principles , seeking approval from the university’s research ethics review committee, ensuring voluntary participation, maintaining confidentiality, and obtaining informed consent from participants.

Proposed Outcomes:

The study aims to report on school nurses’ experiences in caring for children with PWS, highlighting challenges, existing guidelines, institutional interventions, and potential biases. The findings will contribute to the existing literature on PWS management and provide recommendations for effective care strategies.

Conclusion:

This research will contribute valuable insights into the experiences of school nurses caring for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome, filling a crucial gap in the current literature and informing evidence-based practices for the care of these children in academic settings.

Tips for Crafting a compelling nursing research proposal

When creating your nursing research proposal, there are several tips and strategies you can employ to ensure its success.

By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling nursing research proposal that stands out.

Literature Review –

• Incorporate a thorough and comprehensive literature review into your research proposal.
• This will demonstrate your understanding of the existing body of knowledge and help you identify any gaps that your research aims to address.
• Make sure to cite relevant and reputable sources to support your arguments and establish the significance of your study.

Research Design –

• Choose an appropriate research design that aligns with your research objectives and methodology.
• Whether it’s quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods, ensure that your research design is well-suited to answer your research question.
• Clearly outline your research methods and procedures, including data collection and analysis techniques, to provide a clear roadmap for your study.

Data Analysis – how to analyze data for the research proposal

• Develop a robust data analysis plan that matches your research design and objectives.
• Choose appropriate statistical methods or qualitative analysis techniques to analyze your data effectively.
• Present your findings in a clear and concise manner, using tables, charts, or graphs if necessary, to support your arguments and enhance the understanding of your research outcomes.

Presentation Techniques – how to present your nursing research proposal

• Pay attention to the overall presentation of your nursing research proposal.
• Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, and organize your proposal in a structured manner with appropriate headings and subheadings.
• Ensure that your proposal is visually appealing, with consistent formatting, and includes relevant visuals such as diagrams or illustrations to enhance the comprehension of your research design and outcomes.

What is a nursing research proposal?

A nursing research proposal is a document that outlines the planned research project in the field of nursing. It provides details about the research question, study design, methodology, sample size determination, and ethical considerations.

Why is a nursing research proposal important?

A nursing research proposal is important because it serves as a blueprint for conducting the research project. It helps researchers communicate their ideas and intentions, gain approval from relevant stakeholders, and ensure the study is conducted ethically and rigorously.

What are the components of a nursing research proposal?

The components of a nursing research proposal include the research question, study design, methodology, sample size determination, ethical considerations, and data analysis plan. Each component plays a critical role in shaping the overall research project.

What tips can help me craft a successful nursing research proposal?

To craft a successful nursing research proposal, you should consider conducting a thorough literature review, carefully designing your research study, utilizing appropriate data analysis techniques, and effectively presenting your findings. More tips and strategies can be found in the “Tips for Crafting a Successful Nursing Research Proposal” section of this article.

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Sample Undergraduate Nursing Dissertation Proposal

Here is a sample that showcases why we are one of the world’s leading academic writing firms. This assignment was created by one of our expert academic writers and demonstrated the highest academic quality. Place your order today to achieve academic greatness.

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Investigating the Impact of Tube Feeding

This study seeks to explore patients’ living experience with tube feeding and how poorly they do after this intervention from their caregivers’ view as the patient may exhibit changes in cognitive or language function that affect their ability to understand or express their feelings and experiences.

The proposal opens with an introductory chapter that gives a brief overview of patients’ problems suffering from dementia. It further highlights the research objectives and the resulting research questions regarding this study.

The introduction is followed by a brief literature review that discusses previous research about dysphagia quoted in this research. The methodology section gives a compact description of how the research will collect the primary data.

It is proposed that the paper follows the structure stated below: ● Introduction o Research Objectives o Research Questions ● Literature Review ● Research Methodology & Approach ● Research Analysis ● Ethical Issues ● Limitations ● Conclusion

Introduction

Dementia cannot be classified as a specific disease. Rather it encompasses a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and communication abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life functioning. Dementia can be caused by either a progressive brain cell death or neurodegenerative diseases such as head injury, a stroke, or a brain tumour.

There are various types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Mixed dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Dementia symptoms include memory loss, disorientation, mood changes, eating and communication difficulties (MacGill,2016).

The impact of cognitive status on the swallowing mechanism is unclear (Riquelme et al., 2016). However, Riquelme& Tristani (2014) verified a relationship between mental and physiologic changes in the swallowing mechanism for persons with cognitive decline due to dementia. Individuals with dementia experience sensory loss that disrupts bolus organization, mastication, and oral transit affecting their ability to eat and swallow.

They also experience a motor loss that disrupts airway closure and pharyngeal movement affecting their ability to initiate the swallowing process. Sensory and motor damage eventually leads to difficulty in aspiration, silent aspiration, bronchiectasis, dehydration, weight loss, and starvation (Easterling & Robbins, 2008).

Dysphagia is very common among individuals with dementia and is defined as difficulty moving food from mouth to stomach (Easterling & Robbins, 2008). Intellectual impairment is the primary cause of dysphagia in people who have dementia (Tristani, 2015).

Dysphagia impairments during the dementia stages of the disease manifested in the following manner, Initially, the individual experienced delayed pharyngeal swallow and reduced lingual movement, at the mid-stage, they experienced reduced oral preparation, pharyngeal clearance, UES opening, and aspiration, and at the advanced stage, they experienced increased aspiration pneumonia which is a common cause of death (Easterling & Robbins, 2008; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

Dysphagia treatment options include diet modifications, positioning, feeding techniques, feeding tubes, and oral care (Easterling & Robbins, 2008).

However, the decision regarding the course of treatment depends on the symptoms of eating and drinking difficulties. The speech and language therapist is responsible for evaluating swallowing challenges and recommendations regarding diet safety; recommends the best and suitable treatment option for each case (Vitale et al., 2011; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013).

Individuals with dementia cannot take care of their daily needs, which renders them incapable of taking adequate nutrition and hydration and leads to minimal to non-existent social interaction that accompanies mealtime. They also fail to recognize food and lose the normal physiological drivers of appetite.

They may experience apraxia that is difficult in coordinating movements, which will affect their ability to use cutlery. Furthermore, they develop physical difficulties with the act of swallowing, such as failing to manage the food bolus once it’s in the mouth (oral phase dysphagia) or aspirates when swallowing (pharyngeal phase dysphagia).

An enteral feeding tube, which uses tubes to deliver artificial nutrition and hydration, is often recommended to individuals with dementia who have significant dysphagia or have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs by mouth (Easterling & Robbins ,2008; Candy et al., 2009; Vitale et al., 2011).

This research aims to study the impact of enteral tube feeding on an individual’s quality of life suffering from dementia. To this end, a phenomenological research design will be collected to collect the primary data.

In addition to this, previously conducted studies will also be used in the form of secondary data. This proposal’s methodology section will discuss further details about the collection of data and the research design.

Research Objectives

Hence, this study’s primary aim is to explore the impact of tube feeding on the quality of life of individuals with dementia and eating problems from their caregivers’ views. Based on this main aim, the research objectives are:

● To determine how the patient fares in terms of health after the tube feeding.

● To determine whether the patient’s quality of life (QOL) improves or not.

Research Questions

Based on the aforementioned aims, the following research questions are derived which will help achieve the primary objective of this study:

1. How does tube feeding impact the quality of life of individuals with dementia and eating problems?

2. How can these impacts be categorized from the caregivers’ view?

By exploring their challenges and difficulties with the feeding tube, this study will help increase the caregivers’ knowledge and awareness and understanding regarding tube feeding usage outcomes among individuals with dementia to ultimately provide better end-of-life care for a patient with dementia.

More evidence on how this intervention impacts QOL would give context to this population’s ethical decision-making and consider if life in advanced dementia should be prolonged artificially.

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Literature Review

Tubes feeding is often used to deliver artificial nutrition and hydration to patients with significant dysphagia or difficulties meeting their nutritional needs by mouth, such as individuals with stroke, head injuries, neurological diseases, and individuals with dementia.

Dysphagia among the dementia population leads to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, functional decline, and decreased quality of life. The primary rationale of using it is to improve their nutritional status and QOL and prevent aspiration pneumonia (Candy, 2009; Vitale et al., 2011; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

The common types of feeding tubes often used with dementia include nasogastric tube (NGT) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. The NGT is a tube that passes through the nose and oesophagus until it reaches the stomach.

It is usually used in temporary and short-term feeding needs. In contrast, the PEG tube is a feeding tube passed through an endoscopic into the stomach and guided out through a permanent incision in the abdominal wall and considered for long-term use (Easterling & Robbins, 2008; Candy et al., 2009).

The risks of tube feeding among individuals with dementia have been well documented in the literature, including aspiration pneumonia, oesophagal perforation, haemorrhage, death, pressure sores, infections, fluid overload, and loss of social aspects of feeding. Some studies argue that it may increase gastric secretions (Candy et al., 2009; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

The prevalence of dementia is predicted to rise worldwide, with an estimated 81 million people diagnosed with dementia by 2040 (Brooke & Ojo, 2015). The pervasiveness of swallowing difficulties in individuals with dementia ranges from 13 to 57% in different types of dementia.

The prevalence of tube feeding in individuals with dementia is common in nursing home residents with advanced dementia. The majority of tubes are inserted during an acute setting, with the most common cause being aspiration pneumonia and dysphagia (Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013).

A recent systematic review conducted by Brooke & Ojo (2015) revealed that the prevalence of tube feeding among individuals with dementia in Japan might be higher than in Western populations due to current guidelines.

In Japan, guidelines compiled under the Japan Gastroenterology Endoscopy Society’s supervision recommend PEG insertion for patients who cannot maintain their nutrition due to cerebrovascular disease or dementia.

The impact of these guidelines may contribute to earlier insertion of PEG tubes and the commencement of enteral nutrition in patients with dementia, ultimately leading to longer survival rates.

Multiple studies outline the outcomes of tube feeding among the dementia population. Several studies report that aspiration pneumonia may be caused by reflux of tube feeding fluid and aspiration of oral secretions.

In a systematic review conducted in 2009, two studies reported that at 6 months, 58% of enteral fed patients had aspiration pneumonia, 54% of those with NG feeding, and 67% with PEG, compared with 17% of those fed orally. However, in a recent review conducted in 2015, one observational study reported aspiration pneumonia at 5%, comparable for patients with and without dementia.

Moreover, it illustrated that enteral nutrition delivered through a PEG tube does not increase the risk of aspiration for patients with dementia than rates of aspiration pneumonia of other disease cohorts (Candy et al.,2009; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

Alagiakrishnan et al. (2013) highlight that an observational study conducted in nursing homes with severe dementia found no difference in survival with feeding tube placement.

Another recent systematic review conducted by Brooke & Oji (2015) came out with consistent results, indicating six studies evaluating mortality that found that there is no evidence of prolonged life as a result of feeding tube use for individuals with dementia and no significant association between decreased mortality and enteral tube feeding. Some studies also argue that there may be a slightly higher death rate when tube feeding for this population and reduced QOL.

Furthermore, no study indicates that QOL was measured. However, one reported that over 6 months, 71% of 52 patients needed to be physically restrained to prevent extubation, compared with 55% of those who were not enterally fed (Vitale et al., 2011; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

The decision to start enteral tube feeding in someone with dementia is argumentative, emotive, and ethically challenging for all involved. The decision is influenced by various complex issues such as clinical needs, local practices, physician and caregiver preferences, and whether an advanced care plan is in place.

The previously conducted studies point out that to date, the decision making regarding enteral nutrition in individuals with dementia remains ethically challenging and concerns whether informal caregivers who give consent are fully informed, both of the benefits and potential harms of this intervention, and of alternatives that might optimize QOL of the patient (Candy et al., 2009; Vitale et al., 2011; Brook & Ojo, 2015). The patient’s caregivers must be informed of all implications of tube feeding to help them decide.

Despite the issues regarding the utility of enteral tube feeding among dementia populations, it remains a common intervention regardless of the evidence suggesting that intervention is ineffective in preventing aspiration, prolonging life, improving nutrition and quality of life (QOL). According to Brook & Ojo (2015), with the expected increase in patients with dementia, enteral tube feeding is likely to become common.

Among the studies and reviews that evaluated the role of enteral feeding in individuals with dementia, no data was found about the patient’s quality of life. Some studies report that the QOL is difficult to analyze in this population as patients with advanced dementia lose their capacity to express their feelings, and family members often report conflicting opinions.

Also, some studies emphasize that further research on how this intervention impact QOL among the dementia population would give more context to the ethical consideration, and Alzheimer’s Society supports the importance of QOL rather the longevity (Candy et al., 2009; Vitale et al., 2011; Alagiakrishnan et al., 2013; Brooke & Ojo, 2015).

Research Methodology & Approach

The study will explore a patient’s living experience with tube feeding from their caregivers’ view generating a range of insightful knowledge about the impact of complications regarding tube feeding on the patient’s QOL. Since these experiences are very personal, discovering their small details would be best investigated by a phenomenological research design (Grbich, 2013). The phenomenology approach is designed to explore individuals’ experiences in depth.

As the intention is to gather detailed information about patients’ experiences during their journey while receiving artificial nutrition via tube feeding, a depth semi-structured interview method is a suitable tool to utilize.

Since it is a flexible and adaptable method, it will provide the researcher with an opportunity to listen to the participants’ views and experiences and allow probing questions to explore further ideas (Harding, 2013). Face-to-face interviews are suitable methods to facilitate honest, open responses, gain new insights, and maintain patient privacy (Creswell, 2014).

As the research intends to explore the essence of patients’ experiences in-depth through their thoughts, opinions, and experiences about the impact of tube feeding on their life, the interview will take time; hence, a smaller size of participants is appropriate. The few participants will provide access to an exciting hypothesis from a high level of information power, critical to achieving the research aim.

Research Strategies

Purposive sampling in recruiting the study’s participants will be chosen. This will facilitate obtaining an in-depth understanding of the impact of tube feeding on a patient’s QOL. Participants will be selected purposively to provide the researcher’s most information elaborated in detail (Patton, 2015).

The study will attempt to collect data from the patient’s caregiver who has dementia in a particular hospital and nursing home in the UK, specifically those diagnosed with dementia and who have received artificial nutrition via NGT or PEG.

An internet search and telephonic inquiry to the dementia care services at hospitals and nursing homes in the UK will be carried out to identify suitable participants for the study. In addition to this, approval from the registry of the dementia department from a specific hospital in the UK will be requested to recruit participants.

The sample population for this study will have the attributes listed below:

● Male and female ● Caregiver for the patient diagnosed with dementia ● The caregiver should have spent a long time with the patient.nt ● Acute hospital settings and nursing homes ● Patients ranged from 60+ years ● At any stage of the disease ● Experience eating difficulties and have been recommended eternal tube feeding

If you need assistance with writing your dissertation proposal, our professional dissertation proposal writers are here to help!

Research analysis.

This section analyses the primary and secondary data collected from the literature sources and the interviews conducted, respectively. An effort will be made to ensure coherence between the sections of the paper.

Thematic analysis, the “process of segmentation, categorization, and relinking of aspects of the data before final interpretation” (Matthews and Ross 2010:373), will be utilized in analyzing the collected data.

This analysis facilitates working with the collected raw data, such as the raw verbal or visual data. The thematic analysis is flexible, which helps divide the data into chunks before working with it and returning to raw data throughout the analytical process (Matthews & Ross, 2010). Also, the thematic analysis will help explore and better understand the comments made by the participants.

To ensure the credibility of the study, numerous steps will be taken. These steps include:

● A verbatim transcript of the interviews ● Read the transcripts and then read back to immerse yourself in the data and accurately reflect what was said by the participant. ● Use member checking to ensure the truth value of the data. ● Provide the participants with a copy of the transcript to validate that it reflected their perspective. ● Considering reflexivity, that is, being aware of the researcher’s effect on the research process and outcomes.

Ethical Issues

The moral and ethical code conducts the paper. However, there is always a possibility that ethical issues may arise. The ethical issues that might occur in conducting this research are:

● Gaining the agreement of individuals in authority (e.g., gatekeeper) allows study participants at research sites.

● Participation will be voluntary, and it will be stressed that the consent could be withdrawn during the study.

● Anonymity and confidentiality issues anticipate that some patients may want to have their identity remain confidential. By permitting this, the researcher allows the participants to retain ownership of their voices. The consequence of this would mean that the data regarding the particular patient will be excluded in the final report.

● Since a face-to-face interview method is used while conducting this study, the interaction may be stressful due to the topic’s sensitivity.

● Emotional reactions in the interview.

● Psychological risk such as distress.

● The researcher–participant relationship can raise a range of ethical concerns such as respect for privacy, establishing honest and open interactions, and avoiding misrepresentations.

Limitations

Every study conducted encounters some limitations. Researching within a time frame often proves to be the most complex challenge. Even though using literature resources can be helpful, it may be classified as a hindrance since the studies have been conducted over different periods.

This study section will summarize and comprehensively interpret the analyzed data’s findings and answer the research questions satisfactorily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write an undergraduate dissertation proposal.

To write an undergraduate dissertation proposal:

• Choose a research topic.
• Outline objectives and research questions.
• Describe methodology and data sources.
• Provide a brief literature review.
• State significance and potential outcomes.
• Include a timeline and list of references.

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Digital Commons @ USF > USF Health > College of Nursing > Theses and Dissertations

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Psychological Distress, Resilience, and the Impact on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors With Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy , Lauren Schwab

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Medication-Assisted Treatment Versus 12-Step Group Therapy: A Comparative Analysis of Adherence and Abstinence In Patients With Opioid Use Disorder , Derrick C. Glymph

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Quality of Life of Older Adults with Complicated Grief Receiving Accelerated Resolution Therapy: A Mixed Methods Study , Tina M. Mason

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

In Post-Extubated Patients What are the Preferred Methods of Communication During Their Experience of Endotracheal Intubation with Mechanical Ventilation , Lanette Dumas

The Effect of Hope on the Relationship between Personal and Disease Characteristics and Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer , Sharon B. McNeil

Predictors of Nonadherence to Radiation Therapy Schedules Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients , Jennifer Lynn Miller

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Perceived Discrimination and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Blacks: A Secondary Data Analysis of the Heart SCORE Study , Marilyn Aluoch

Exploration of Gratitude in Cardiovascular Health: Mediators, Medication Adherence and Psychometrics , Lakeshia A. Cousin

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Fatigue-related Symptom Clusters and their Relationship with Depression, and Functional Status in Older Adults Hospice Patients with Cancer. , Suzan Fouad Abduljawad

Genetic Moderation of Pain and Fatigue Symptoms Resulting from the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer Program , Carissa Bea Alinat

The Moderating Effect of Religion on Death Distress and Quality of Life between Christian Cancer patients in the United States with Muslim cancer patients in Saudi Arabia , Doaa Almostadi

Prevention of Post Intensive Care Syndrome-Family with Sensation Awareness Focused Training Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Study , Paula L. Cairns

Assessing Abstinence in Infants Greater Than 28 Days Old , Genieveve J. Cline

The Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Motor Function in Hospitalized Older Adult Survivors of Critical Illness , Maya N. Elías

The Role of Migration-Related Stress in Depression Among Haitian Immigrants in Florida: A Mixed Method Sequential Explanatory Approach , Dany Amanda C. Fanfan

The Effect of Depression, Inflammation and Sleep Quality on Risk for Cardiovascular Disease , Catherine L. O'Neil

Adapting SafeMedicate (Medication Dosage Calculation Skills software) For Use In Brazil , Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Relationship Between Total Neuropathy Score-reduced, Neuropathy Symptoms and Function. , Ashraf Abulhaija

Validation of the Electronic Kids Dietary Index (E-KINDEX) Screening Tool for Early Identification of Risk for Overweight/Obesity (OW/OB) in a Pediatric Population: Associations with Quality of Life Perceptions , Patricia A. Hall

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Effectiveness of an Intervention Designed to Improve Chlorhexidine (CHG) Bathing Technique in Adults Hospitalized in Medical Surgical Units , Janette Echemendia Denny

Levels of Distress Among Women Veterans Attending a Women’s Health Specialty Clinic in the VA Healthcare System , Debbie T. Devine

Examination of the Use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in the Treatment of Symptoms of PTSD and Sleep Dysfunction in Veterans and Civilians , Marian Jevone Hardwick

Investigating the Mutual Effects of Depression and Spiritual Well-being on Quality of Life in Hospice Patients with Cancer and Family Caregivers Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model , Li-Ting Huang

The Change in Nutritional Status in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Retrospective Descriptive A Retrospective Descriptive Study , Dina A. Masha'al

Exploring the Relationship Between Severity of Illness and Human Milk Volume in Very Low Birth Weight and Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Over Six Weeks , Shannon Leigh Morse

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Scores and Novel Risk Factors in Relation to Race and Gender , Johanna Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

A Comparative Evaluation of the Learner Centered Grading Debriefing Method in Nursing Education , Marisa J. Belote

Sleep, Depressive Symptoms and Cognition in Older Adults and Caregivers of Persons with Dementia , Glenna Shemida Brewster

The Relationship between Hearing Status and Cognitive Performance and the Influence of Depressive Symptoms in the Older Adult , Julie A. Daugherty

Basal Salivary Oxytocin and Skin to Skin Contact among Lactating Mothers of Premature Infants , Jessica Marie Gordon

The Relationship Between Nurses' Emotional Intelligence and Patient Outcomes , Mary Kutash

Sexual Functioning and Body Image in Younger Breast Cancer Survivors , Carly Lynn Paterson

Cognitive Load of Registered Nurses During Medication Administration , Sarah Faith Perron

A Comparison of Quality of Life between Intense and Non-Intense Treatment for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome , Sara Marie Tinsley

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Acculturation, Self-Efficacy and Breastfeeding Behavior in a Sample of Hispanic Women , Ivonne F. Hernandez

Knowledge and Acceptance of HPV and the HPV Vaccine in Young Men and Their Intention to be Vaccinated , Brenda Renee Jasper

The Relationships Between Sleep Disturbances, Depression, Inflammatory Markers, and Sexual Trauma in Female Veterans , Ellen Marcolongo

Examination of Possible Protective Effect of Rhesus D Positive Blood Factor on Toxoplasma-related Depressive Symptoms in Pregnancy , Lisa Lynn Parnell

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners Regarding Skin Cancer Assessmnets: Validity and Reliability of a New Instrument , Debra Michelle Shelby

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Knowledge and Practice of Reproductive Health among Mothers and their Impact on Fetal Birth Outcomes: A Case of Eritrea , Winta Negusse Araya

Race/Ethnicity, Subjective and Objective Sleep Quality, Physical and Psychological Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors , Pinky H. Budhrani

Factors Predicting Pap Smear Adherence in HIV-infected Women: Using the Health Belief Model , Crystal L. Chapman Lambert

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Body Mass Index on Vitamin D Levels in African American Women with and without Diabetes Living in Areas with Abundant Sunshine , Shani Vann Davis

Predictors of Quality of Life in Patients with Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma , Darcie Marie Deaver

Relationship between dysphoric moods, risk-taking behaviors, and Toxoplasma gondii antibody titers in female veterans , Allyson Radford Duffy

Prenatal Stress, Depression, and Herpes Viral Titers , Pao-Chu Hsu

Factors Associated with Fear of Breast Cancer Recurrence Among Survivors , Jean Marie Lucas

Sickle Cell Disease: The Role of Self-Care Management , Nadine Matthie

Factors Influencing Vaccination Decisions in African American Mothers of Preschool Age Children , Chauntel Mckenzie Mcnair

The Strong Black Woman, Depression, and Emotional Eating , Michelle Renee Offutt

Development of an Investigator-designed Questionnaire Concerning Childbirth Delivery Options based on the Theory of Planned Behavior , Chun-Yi Tai

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

The Mediating Effect of Distress Caused by Constipation on Predictors of Quality of Life of Hospice Patients with Cancer. , Abdel Alkhalouf

Testing a Model of Bacterial Vaginosis among Black Women , Jessica Brumley

The Effect of Tight Glycemic Control on Surgical Site Infection Rates in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery , Sierra Gower

Development of a Tool for Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment and Preventive Interventions in Ancillary Services Patients , Monica Shutts Messer

Hospice Nurses- Attitudes and Knowledge about Pain Management , Amie Jacqueline Miller

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Literacy and Hazard Communication Comprehension of Employees Presenting to an Occupational Health Clinic , Christine Bouchard

A Meta-Analysis of Cultural Competence Education in Professional Nurses and Nursing Students , Ruth Wilmer Gallagher

Relationship Between Cancer-Related Fatigue and Depression: A Pilot Study , Gloria Michelle Guess

A Comparison of Oncology and Non-Oncology Nurses in Their Knowledge of Cancer Pain Management , Nicole Houle

Evaluating Knowledge and Attitudes of Graduate Nursing Students Regarding Pain , Eric Bartholomew Jackson

Bone Marrow Transplant Nurses' Attitudes about Caring for Patients Who are Near the End of Life: A Quality Improvement Project , Leslie Lauersdorf

Translation and Adaptation of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale Into Tigrigna Language for Tigrigna Speaking Eritrean Immigrants in the United States , Mulubrhan Fisseha Mogos

Nurse Manager Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor to Registered Nurse Job Satisfaction and RN Perceptions of the Practice Environment and the Relationship to Patient, Nursing and Hospital Outcomes , Jacqueline Cecilia Munro

The Relationship of Mid-Pregnancy Levels of Cytokines, Stress, and Depression with Gestational Age at Delivery , Melissa Molinari Shelton

Prophylactic, Risk-Reducing Surgery in Unaffected BRCA-Positive Women: Quality Of Life, Sexual Functioning and Psychological Well-Being , Sharon Tollin

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The Relationship Between FAM5C SNP (rs10920501) Variability, Metabolic Syndrome, and Inflammation, in Women with Coronary Heart Disease , Jennifer L. Cline

Women’s Perceptions of Postpartum Stress: A Narrative Analysis , Nancy Gilbert Crist

Lived Experience: Near-Fatal Adolescent Suicide Attempt , Phyllis Ann Dougherty

Exploring the Relationships among Work-Related Stress, Quality of Life, Job Satisfaction, and Anticipated Turnover on Nursing Units with Clinical Nurse Leaders , Mary Kohler

A Comparative Study of Knowledge of Pain Management in Certified and Non-Certified Oncology Nurses , Sherrie A. LaLande

Evaluating Knowledge and Attitudes of Undergraduate Nursing Students Regarding Pain Management , Jessica Latchman

Evaluation of Oncology Nurses' Knowledge, Practice Behaviors, and Confidence Specific to Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy , Rebecca Denise McAllister

Moderating the Effectiveness of Messages to Promote Physical Activity in Type 2 Diabetes , Rachel E. Myers

Factors Affecting the Process of Clinical Decision-Making in Pediatric Pain Management by Emergency Department Nurses , Teresa A. Russo

The Correlation Between Neuropathy Limitations and Depression in Chemotherapy Patients , Melissa Thebeau

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Fatigue Symptom Distress and Its Relationship with Quality Of Life in Adult Stem Cell Transplant Survivors , Suzan Fouad Abduljawad R.N., B.S.N.

Nursing Advocacy and the Accuracy of Intravenous to Oral Opioid Conversion at Discharge in the Cancer Patient , Maria L. Gallo R.N., O.C.N.

Transitional Care for Adolescents with HIV: Characteristics and Current Practices of the Adolescent Trials Network Systems of Care , Patricia Gilliam

The Effect of Ethical Ideology and Professional Values on Registered Nurses’ Intentions to Act Accountably , Susan R. Hartranft

Falls in Bone Marrow Transplant Patients: A Retrospective Study , Lura Henderson R.N., B.S.N.

Predictors of cancer caregiver depression symptomatology , Henry R. Rivera

Psychosocial outcomes of weight stigma among college students , Sabrina Joann Robinson

The Experience of Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer , Andrea Shaffer

The Relationship Between Uncertainty in Illness and Anxiety in Patients With Cancer , Naima Vera

Shifting Paradigms: The Development of Nursing Identity in Foreign-Educated Physicians Retrained as Nurses Practicing in the United States , Liwliwa Reyes Villagomeza

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Prostate Cancer Screening Intention Among African American Men: An Instrument Development Study , Susan Anita Baker

The Geriatric Cancer Experience in End of Life: Model Adaptation and Testing , Harleah G. Buck

Communication Systems and HIV/AIDS Sexual Decision Making in Older Adolescent and Young Adult Females , Rasheeta D. Chandler MS, ARNP, FNP-BC

Relationship of Anger Trait and Anger Expression to C-Reactive Protein in Post-Menopausal Women , Rosalyn Gross

Identifying Patients with Cancer at Risk of Experiencing a Fall While Hospitalized , Joann M. Heaton

Modulation of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cell Maturation and Function by Cigarette Smoke Condensate in a Bronchial Epithelial Cell Co-Culture Model , Alison J. Montpetit

Cancer Patients with Pain: Examination of the Role of the Spouse/Partner Relationship In Mediating Quality of Life Outcomes for the Couple , Mary Ann Morgan

Development of an Ecological Model to Predict Risk for Acquisition of Clostridium difficile -Associated Diarrhea During Acute Care Hospitalization , Susan Elaine Steele

Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool , Cindy S. Tofthagen

Health Decision Behaviors: Appropriateness of Dietary Choice , Daryle Hermelin Wane

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

The Relationship Between Sleep-Wake Disturbance and Pain in Cancer Patients Admitted to Hospice Home Care , Marjorie Acierno

Wheelchair Positioning and Pulmonary Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy , Lee Barks

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Dissertations on Nursing

Nursing involves providing care for people and families, whether that be during bad physical or mental health, illness or injury. Nurses are compassionate and empathetic, supporting people during their time of need.

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Latest Nursing Dissertations

Including full dissertations, proposals, individual dissertation chapters, and study guides for students working on their undergraduate or masters dissertation.

Effect of Informative Electronic Discharge Summaries on Patient Safety and Satisfaction

Dissertation Proposals

Proposal to explore if informative electronic discharge summaries contribute to patient safety and satisfaction following day case cholecystectomy....

Last modified: 23rd Feb 2022

Is There Truly an Employee Engagement and Patient Satisfaction Link?

Dissertation Examples

The purpose of this paper will be to explore whether employee engagement in the healthcare industry has an impact on patient experience....

Homeless Lifestyle: The Impact on Healthcare for Homeless Patients in Primary Care

This study will explore the homeless lifestyle and how it impacts on nurses and other healthcare professionals care for the homeless in Primary Care....

Educational Intervention to Improve Nurses Knowledge of Pressure Injury

Improving knowledge of assistant nurses regarding pressure injury through an educational intervention to prevent pressure injury in an aged care facility....

The Impact of Cultural Diversity on the Workforce Performance in a London-based NHS Hospital

This study aimed to identify whether the recruitment of more culturally diverse employees to a central London based NHS Trust has had an impact on workforce performance....

Perceptions and Attitudes of Mental Health Nurses to Clinical Supervision

The main objective of this study was to identify and describe the perceptions and attitudes of mental health nurses to clinical supervision....

Last modified: 22nd Feb 2022

Nursing Labour Force in the United States Health Care System

This research paper will provide a brief description and statistics of the nurse labor force in the USA, the educational requirement needed to be a nurse, the challenges face by the nurses in the healthcare system....

Midwife Experiences of Maternity Care for Asylum Seekers

The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate midwives’ experiences of providing maternity care to women seeking asylum....

Evidence-based Changes in Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Evidence-based practice is the result when clinical practice and scholarship are integrated into clinical decision-making....

What Causes Fear of Childbirth and How Can Midwives Support Women?

Fear of childbirth may lie behind a woman’s request for elective caesarean section and may lead to unnecessary caesarean section without medical indication if FOC is untreated....

Utilisation, Expectations, Experiences and Perspectives of Birth Plans

The utilisation of birth plans in childbirth and the expectations, experiences and perspectives of both women and healthcare professionals....

Physical and Mental Health Outcomes Among HIV Patients Receiving Integrated Care Treatment

The purpose of this archival study was to further contribute to the existing literature evaluating integrated care approaches to HIV treatment in community based settings....

Detecting Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy by Screening Programmes

The aims of this overview was to determine if hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be detected accurately, reliably and effectively by screening programmes, and if screening programmes are effective in reducing the rate of mortality of sudden cardiac death....

Changes for Implementation of a Closed Loop Infusion Therapy System into an Existing Working Paediatric Hospital

The aim of this study is to ascertain what are the changes needed to work practices in order to effectively integrate a complete closed loop medication system into an existing paediatric intensive care....

Simulation for acute gynaecological emergencies - a training needs analysis

The aim of the survey was to assess the impact of a gynaecological simulation exercise in gynaecological emergencies....

Community-Based NHS Health Check Outreach Programme Reduces Health Inequalities

The study’s overall aim was to investigate the effectiveness of providing community-based health checks, how these results compare to national statistics and if the service is being marketed effectively....

Integrated treatment And The Co-occurring Disorder Patient

The goal of this paper is to examine if a substance abuse patient diagnosed as having a co-occurring mental illness benefit from the integrated care approach....

Care Planning for Ostomates: What Should Nurses Consider?

Example Literature Reviews

This literature review seeks to inform nursing care planning for ostomates from a divergent patient perspective....

Young Adult’s Perception of Life with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and a Stoma

The purpose of this study was to achieve an understanding of the lived experience as depicted by young adults with IBD and a stoma....

Barriers to Cancer Screening Among Immigrant Women in Miami

This paper will discuss the different angles of utilization of cancer screening among the immigrant women in Miami including the role played by the legislature, healthcare providers like nurses and the immigrant women in Miami....

Last modified: 3rd Feb 2022

Oral Assessments for Medically Ventilated Person

The aim of this project is to introduce an oral assessment tool and a mouth hygiene cleaning protocol for ICU. It will be specifically used with patients who are mechanically ventilated and will be supplemented with an educational package....

Last modified: 1st Feb 2022

Causes and Management of Emotions by Doctors

The objective of this research proposal is outlining a plan for a research on doctors of a Cardio Department of a hospital with an objective of understanding how these doctors manage emotions and respond to various emotions needs at work....

The Effects of Implementing a Nurse-driven Sepsis Protocol in the Emergency Department

The purpose of this study is to determine if nursing intervention can decrease the time to antibiotic and length of emergency department stay in the sepsis patient....

Last modified: 31st Jan 2022

Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Assessment and Management

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of diabetic foot ulcers....

Last modified: 28th Jan 2022

Interdisciplinary Teamwork in Diabetes Care: A Review of the Literature

This paper aims to use a literature review format in order to review available evidence regarding the subject of interdisciplinary teamworking (IDT) in diabetes care....

Last modified: 21st Jan 2022

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Dissertation Proposal

The Dissertation Proposal format and defense are College of Nursing procedures not overseen by the Graduate School. The dissertation proposal defense occurs after successful completion of the Candidacy Examination.

• The student, in collaboration with the advisor, selects committee members following guidelines found in the PhD Handbook. The dissertation committee membership must be approved by the PhD Subcommittee (faculty members) prior to the student moving forward with the proposal defense. The Dissertation Committee Approval Form can be found on the StudentWeb .
• The dissertation proposal defense cannot be scheduled until after completion of candidacy.
• The proposal defense includes a public presentation followed by a meeting of the committee with the student. The dissertation proposal defense should be scheduled during standard work hours (9-5, Monday- Friday), in Newton Hall.
• Student’s name/email/phone number
• Title for the Dissertation Proposal
• Names and Ohio State email addresses of Committee Chair and all committee members
• Three preferred dates and times for the defense
• In addition to the public presentation classroom space, please indicate if a secondary location is needed for the closed portion OR if an office space has already been designated for the closed portion of the Proposal Defense
• If the closed portion of the Proposal Defense will be held in an office space, please list the Newton Hall office number
• Please indicate your AV needs
• Academic Program Coordinator Responsibility: The results of the PhD Proposal Defense Scheduling survey will be routed to the Graduate Academic Program Coordinator. The Graduate Academic Program Coordinator will reserve the appropriate classroom space and reserve a Zoom link for the public portion of the Proposal Defense. The PhD proposal defense must be completed in person but a Zoom link will be created for those who would like to observe the presentation portion remotely. If rooms are not available during the three preferred dates, the Graduate Academic Program Coordinator will contact the student for three new potential meeting dates.
• The Graduate Data Manager
• The PhD Program Director
• The student
• [email protected]
• All-students
• If the defense must be rescheduled, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Graduate Academic Program Coordinator. The Graduate Academic Program Coordinator will cancel the Outlook invitation and the student will be required to resubmit the PhD Proposal Defense Scheduling survey with three new potential times for the rescheduled proposal defense.
• Prior to the presentation and defense, the student must obtain a copy of the Dissertation Proposal Approval Form from the Student Affairs area of the StudentWeb . NOTE: This is not the same as the Graduate School’s “Application for Final Oral Examination” form or any other paperwork available at gradforms.osu.edu .
• The dissertation proposal must be provided in written form to all members of the dissertation committee at least 2 weeks prior to the proposal defense. Members should have reviewed prior drafts and given substantive feedback to the student prior to the final (defense) proposal being distributed.
• After discussion, a satisfactory/unsatisfactory decision is reached by means of a vote. Each member of the committee indicates judgment by signing (electronically or otherwise) the Dissertation Proposal Approval Form. The completed form is sent to the Student Data Manager to be archived. An electronic copy of the dissertation proposal with any corrections or updates must also be sent to the Student Data Manager within 2 weeks of the dissertation proposal defense.
• Acceptance of the proposal by the student’s dissertation committee indicates agreement that it meets the standards and requirements for dissertation research that will be a scholarly contribution to nursing science.