Nursing capstone projects have helped advance the nursing profession in many ways by giving nursing students the opportunity to conduct original research or propose evidence-based practice changes through rigorous independent work at the culmination of their academic programs. While all capstones provide value in helping students demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills, many also directly contribute new insights and innovations that have benefited patient care. Here are some examples:
One significant area nursing capstones have impacted is quality improvement initiatives. Many final projects focus on identifying issues with current practices and developing plans to enhance care delivery methods. One notable project proposed a new admission screening tool for patients at high risk of delirium. Testing proved the tool more accurately identified at-risk individuals, allowing earlier interventions shown to reduce delirium rates. The hospital implemented the screening tool organization-wide. Other projects have led to revised protocols for postoperative pain management, reducing readmission rates or improving patient satisfaction scores. Such evidence-based practice changes directly improve outcomes.
Capstones have also uncovered new knowledge and perspectives through original research. One explored nurses’ job satisfaction and its link to perceived supervisor support. The findings supported investing in leadership development programs to boost retention, a high-cost issue. Another studied providers’ compliance with central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention practices and determined targeted just-in-time education raised adherence rates. As a result, the institution adopted mandatory education modules shown by the research to curb these expensive and life-threatening infections. Insights like these add to the empirical understanding of important issues in nursing.
Other projects have illuminated under-discussed areas and populations. One assessed barriers to hospice care among Chinese Americans, an underserved group. It revealed cultural beliefs hindering acceptance and lack of in-language materials. As a result, the hospice developed new Chinese-language resources and outreach strategies shown through subsequent research to greatly increase enrollment among Chinese patients. Another researched the impact of childhood trauma on homeless young adults’ health, illuminating risks and needs often overlooked. Such studies draw attention to inadequately addressed issues, furthering equity in healthcare.
Some graduates have instituted entirely new programs found to effectively meet needs. One developed and pilot tested an early postoperative physical therapy protocol to prevent functional decline in elderly surgical patients. Data supported its ability to get patients mobilizing sooner with fewer complications versus standard care. The medical center adopted the program hospital-wide. Another proposed and implemented a chronic disease self-management workshop series. Long-term tracking showed reduced healthcare utilization and costs among participants versus non-participants, prompting the local health department to provide ongoing funding. Innovations like these establish new standards of effective care.
Some students have created useful resources applied beyond their institutions. One developed a decision-making guide for home health nurses assessing pressure injury risk and treatment strategies. The guide was endorsed by a national wound care organization for wide distribution. Others have published care protocols or educational materials on precepting students, cancer symptom management, diabetes care and more. These contributions disseminate evidence-based solutions increasing quality and accessibility of care.
Through examples like these, nursing capstones are directly bettering patient outcomes, advancing professional understanding, innovating care delivery and addressing inequities—substantively contributing to improvements in every aspect of the nursing profession and healthcare system. Their potential continues growing as new challenges arise. By providing a platform for applying knowledge toward original scholarship and practice change, capstones cultivate leaders driving the field forward in impactful ways. They represent a vital means of supporting the profession’s evolution and enhancing its service to individuals and populations.