nursing dissertation how long

Writing Nursing Dissertations, Theses, & Scholarly Projects (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you a doctoral, master's, or undergraduate nursing student? If yes, this guide has been made with love for you! As long as you will be handling a nursing scholarly project or dissertation, you have all the reasons to fall in love with this well-thought-guide.

The dissertation writing process is complicated to follow for most DNP nursing students. So, we made this guide to simplify it; we created this guide to make life a bit easier for you.

Although this step-by-step guide will not help you design and execute clinical research or implement quality improvement processes, it will help you successfully plan, organize, and write your nursing dissertation or scholarly project.

Let's begin.

What Is a Nursing Dissertation?

A nursing dissertation is a comprehensive research project a doctoral nursing student must complete to graduate. The centerpiece of the research project is the paper documenting the entire thing, and this paper is what is known as a dissertation.

Some nursing programs allow master's and undergraduate students to write dissertation-style scholarly projects.

Generally, nursing dissertations are between 5,000 to 15,000 words long. The length of your dissertation will largely be determined by the dissertation requirements set by your nursing school, and it will take you between three to twelve months to write your dissertation, depending on its length and complexity.

A typical nursing dissertation comprises several chapters, a references section, and an appendices section. And it is formatted following the APA manual. Therefore, when writing your paper, strictly adhere to the APA stylebook or Harvard formatting style (if you study in Australia or UK).

Before you commence your dissertation project, you will be assigned a supervisor. The supervisor is supposed to provide you with the guidance (mentorship) you need to make your dissertation a robust academic paper.

Therefore, you and them will have to meet regularly to discuss your dissertation from start to finish. So if you were very worried about the dissertation writing process thinking you may fail, you now know there will be someone to hold your hand and get you back on track in case you deviate.

As you may have noticed from the information shared above, a nursing dissertation is a complex paper requiring plenty of work and effort, and you must be at the top of your game to write a solid dissertation paper.

Get professional dissertation assistance from us if you need it at any point.

Structure of Nursing Dissertation

The typical nursing dissertation has the following chapters.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Your nursing dissertation paper has to start with an introduction chapter. In the chapter, you have to provide the reader with background information on the topic of your paper.

The chapter introduces your topic and makes a case for its significance. Any reader reading your nursing dissertation should tell the topic by reading the first two sentences.

Therefore, if you are handling a topic related to CAUTIs, make the first sentence about CAUTIs. A good way is to give statistics or statements about the CAUTIs issue in healthcare settings. You can describe the affected population, the depth of the issue, mortality and morbidity rates, and whether the problem is increasing or its impact is becoming greater.

Beginning the introduction with general to specific ideas help you settle in your readers. Therefore, the first paragraph of the introduction chapter should state the problem and its prevalence while making a general statement on its impact. In your succeeding paragraphs, you will have finer details through your problem statement, purpose statement, research or PICOT question, rationale, and aims/objectives. Giving appropriate background information is critical.

When writing the introduction, you should answer four fundamental questions:

What is happening?
Why should we care?
What do we know currently?
What do we need to find out and why?

Answering these questions should lead to a statement otherwise referred to as the purpose statement. A clear and concise purpose statement is vital to your dissertation introduction. Below is an example of a nursing dissertation purpose statement.

This quality improvement project aims to reduce the number of adverse events resulting from medical errors within 90 days.

This study aims to determine whether educating mothers about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding at a local maternity facility will increase adherence and acceptance to exclusive breastfeeding of newborns rather than relying on alternatives such as supplements.

Sometimes, you might be required to write a PICOT-based problem statement, especially if you are doing quantitative research or a quality improvement project.

PICOT stands for:

Population: Who is the focus of the project or study?
Intervention: What activity/behavior is being tested?
Comparison: What group are you comparing your population to?
Outcome: What are the outcomes you are examining?
Time: What is the duration of the intervention or study?

Related Reading: Formulating PICOT questions plus examples.

Since patients with heart failure have high readmission rates, I propose implementing a discharge follow-up program that encompasses a bi-weekly post-discharge home visit by nurse practitioners within two weeks after hospital discharge. I will compare 40-day readmission rates for the patients during the six months before and after the introduction of the program.

Note that not all the purpose statements for nursing dissertations can be formulated as PICOT problem statement the same way; not all nursing research questions can be PICOT questions. If you are doing a qualitative study, you might sometimes not have time for the comparison, outcome, and intervention.

The purpose statement is followed immediately with a brief description of how you plan to accomplish it. If you are researching, detail your methodological approach, including the design, population, data collection and analysis methods, and your research timeline.

You can also state your hypotheses in the last section of your paragraph. It is also wise to include measurable objectives. Below is an example:

In the six months following the implementation of nurse practitioner-led post-discharge home visits, the average 40-day heart failure readmission rate will be lower than 15%.

You can then reformulate the purpose statement into a specific research question or question. For example:

Will biweekly home visits by nursing practitioners for two weeks post-hospital discharge reduce the readmission rates of heart failure patients?

You also have to provide the reader with an explanation of what is known and what is not known. Lastly, it would be best to clarify what you are investigating, why it is important, and how you will do it.

A good dissertation introduction convinces the reader of the importance of the study or project, includes clear and concise background information and a purpose statement, and identifies the research gap. It also has research questions, hypotheses, and aims/objectives as needed.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

In this chapter, you have to provide definitions for concepts and variables, and you also have to provide the theoretical framework for your dissertation. Your chapter two or the literature review should help the readers understand everything you are researching, the issue you are addressing, and why. It offers the context of the study or project and establishes the significance of the topic and the rationale for your study. A comprehensive literature review helps you critically analyze or synthesize all the available information on your topic. Focusing on peer-reviewed scholarly articles published in the last five years is important. You can also include seminal and classic articles. If you have gray literature, identify it as such in your literature review. The gray literature includes non-peer-reviewed articles,

technical reports, conference reports, reports from recognized organizations working in the topic area (such as NGOs), committee reports, white papers, or unpublished research report

Note that chapters one and two of the dissertation are the same as your proposal (if you were initially asked to write one). It should explain your chosen theoretical model or conceptual framework in depth. You can include your search strategy in the literature review, especially for doctoral programs.

Wrap up the literature review by stating the research gaps you identified that your current study would address.

As the literature review is the longest chapter in a dissertation, you can use subheadings to organize information and guide the readers through complex concepts.

Of course, your lit review must have a review of the literature, and you must provide a comprehensive and analytical review of the literature in this chapter, followed by a summary and an identification of the research gaps.

Chapter 3: Methodology

The methodology chapter is one of the most important chapters of a nursing dissertation because it is the chapter where the design of the study is revealed. So you have to discuss the design of your project in this chapter.

The discussion should include your planning activities, the setting, the people, the sample, the ethical considerations, the data collection, the instruments, the data analysis, the anticipated and actual barriers, the strategic plan, the budget, and the project timeline.

As you can see, many important project elements are to be covered in this chapter. Do not forget any of them if you want to ensure your dissertation is not rejected.

Chapter 4: Results/Findings

This chapter is just as crucial as the chapter above, and it is where you discuss the results of your project. The must-have elements of this chapter include the response rate, the sample size, the demographics, the preliminary statistical tests, the final statistical tests/analyses, the qualitative tests, and the project implementation outcomes.

This chapter is written at a sweet time when you have already collected and analyzed your data or fully implemented your science project. Writing it is all about detailing what you did and the outcomes.

Chapter 6: Discussion, Conclusion, and Recommendation

After detailing what you found out in your project, you must discuss it. This is where the rubber meets the road - you show the world you are a worthy doctoral nursing student. The essential elements you should have in this chapter include a summary of the problem, your key findings, what the findings mean, the implications of the findings, recommendations for future studies, the limitations of the study, and your conclusion.

Unlike the previous chapters, this chapter needs a lot of thinking and a lot of interpretation. Therefore, many students consider it challenging to write. Nevertheless, it is just a chapter like the others, so it can be written. It may take some time, but it can be written.

References Section

The references section of your dissertation is where you make clear the sources you used. Here, you must correctly include the citations for all the sources you have used in your dissertation.

You do this to credit other researchers who have worked hard like you to do their research. You also do it to avoid plagiarism, and your dissertation can be dismissed if you are found to have used sources without referencing.

Appendices Section

The appendices section of your dissertation provides your reader with all the images, tables, and other raw data you used in your dissertation.

You do this to enable the reader to find out more without distracting them from the main objective of your paper.

Steps for Writing the Perfect Nursing Dissertation

Follow the steps below to write a brilliant nursing dissertation.

1. Choose A Topic

This may sound easy, but it is not because your chosen topic will determine whether your dissertation is successful. To choose the perfect topic for your dissertation, you need to do a lot of brainstorming.

Do this by thinking about your areas of interest in nursing. What would you like to improve or to know more about? Note down everything significant that comes to mind. Then proceed to look at recently published journal articles in nursing and note down interesting gaps in the research.

All the things you have noted are potential topics for your dissertation. Identify the three most interesting ones and present them to your dissertation supervisor for a discussion. They will help to settle on the perfect topic for your nursing dissertation.

2. Conduct Pre-Research

After settling on the perfect topic for your dissertation, you should research your topic. This research aims to help you refine your topic and your potential research question.

The most efficient way to conduct pilot research into your chosen topic is to find and review relevant scholarly literature. Find the literature by searching your topic or its keywords in broad scholarly databases such as Google Scholar and CINAHL.

Take plenty of notes as you review the literature to understand the topic better.

3. Conduct Deep Research

A nursing dissertation is an opportunity to show your readers (professors) your nursing knowledge, research, and writing skills. And the only way you can confidently do this is by reading a lot of literature on the topic you want to write about.

So conduct deep research into your chosen topic to find relevant literature for your dissertation. Use the notes you took in the step above to conduct the research. And conduct the research into as many nursing databases as you have access to � Google Scholar, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalKey, PubMed, etc.

As you conduct deep research into the topic, take plenty of notes. Your goal during this step should be to know your topic inside-out, which will help you think clearly about it and know what exactly you need to do.

4. Write A Research Proposal

Before writing your dissertation, you will need to write a research proposal. Your supervisor will assess the proposal, and the format and all the other requirements will be made clear by your supervisor.

The proposal aims to show you understand what you want to investigate and discuss in your dissertation. Therefore, make sure it discusses your dissertation research topic, proposed methodology, and the key literature reviewed. In this step, you will have to think of the best methodology to use for your research.

Upon assessing your proposal, your supervisor will give you feedback on whether you are on the right track. They will tell you what to do to ensure your dissertation is perfect.

5. Research A Lot

After getting feedback from your supervisor, you should incorporate their feedback and then embark on research. Research differentiates an ordinary dissertation from an extraordinary one, so ensure your research is thorough.

What are you researching in this step? You are researching similar dissertations to the one you have proposed, and you should use resources like ProQuest Dissertations to find them.

The purpose of researching similar dissertations to what you have is to understand what it takes to develop an outstanding dissertation. You most likely have never read a published dissertation before. So read several and look at the language, the formatting, the methodology, the discussion, and so on to find out what you need to do.

6. Start Writing

This is where you start pulling everything together. Start writing your introduction chapter, the next chapter, and the next until you conclude. Writing the thousands of words you need to complete your dissertation will take time and effort. Have this in mind when you start writing to avoid getting frustrated.

As you are writing, make sure you properly organize your chapters. If you are unsure what chapter to write next or what to write in a chapter, refer to the outline/structure provided in this post.

One more thing to remember is that each chapter is a building block to your entire research. Therefore, it must agree with the rest of the chapters; nothing in it must sound off or out of place.

7. Present Your Paper to Your Supervisor

After you write your dissertation or thesis paper, present it to your supervisor for discussion. You now have something to show and something concrete for them to assess. Send it to them and await their feedback.

They will assess your dissertation and give you feedback. Upon receiving the feedback, you need to incorporate the feedback into your dissertation. This will ensure your final paper/dissertation is perfect or near perfect.

8. Proofread and Polish Your Dissertation

After incorporating the feedback given by your professor, proceed to proofread and polish your dissertation. Since your dissertation is thousands of words long, you should proofread and polish it chapter by chapter.

Remember, it usually takes days to proofread and polish a dissertation. Therefore, do not feel pressured or frustrated if you feel as if you are moving slowly. Just push forward, and you will get to the end.

9. Make Sure Your Dissertation Is Well-Formatted

After polishing your paper, ensure your dissertation is well-formatted. You need to be very careful when formatting. Do not forget to apply any APA rule to your dissertation.

Move methodically and apply every relevant formatting rule to your paper. Do not forget to correctly add all the references and appendices to your dissertation.

10. Present Your Dissertation to Your Supervisor

After you complete the step above, you will be all but done with writing your dissertation. What you need to do now is to present your dissertation to your supervisor one more time.

They will give you their feedback and help you prepare to defend your dissertation. Of course, you must incorporate their feedback into your academic writing before starting any dissertation defense preparations.

Once you are done with this step, you are done writing your dissertation.

Tips for Writing an Excellent Dissertation for Nursing

Follow the 20 tips below to write a brilliant nursing dissertation paper.

1. Start Immediately

When you know your school's guidelines for writing a nursing dissertation, you should start working toward choosing a dissertation topic. After choosing a topic, you should begin taking steps to prepare your dissertation writing, and then you should go ahead and start writing it.

Students often assume they have much time to write their dissertations, which is frequently untrue. Time flies when you are a DNP student; before you know it, you will have only a few short months to start and complete your dissertation.

2. Cite All the Sources You Use

When writing your dissertation, cite all the sources you use. A dissertation is an opportunity for you to show not only your academic knowledge but also your academic integrity. And academic integrity is all about honesty.

You need to cite all the sources you use. Never present someone else's work as your own. Always cite the source where you've taken information. Failure to cite correctly can result in your dissertation being rejected. Most professors are rigorous on this.

3. Make Sure Your Topic Is Specific

When choosing a topic for your dissertation, ensure it is very specific. Making sure your topic is particular will make your research easier, and it will also make your dissertation much easier to write and better to read.

In contrast, if your topic is too big or ambitious, you will end up with a situation where your dissertation sounds too broad. You will find it somewhat difficult to cover your topic as in-depth as you like. So be realistic and make your topic specific.

4. Don't Use Big Words When Simple Words Can Do

Some students think a dissertation is an opportunity to show how clever or sophisticated they are. Therefore, they use big words, jargon, and complicated sentences to try and prove this. This is unnecessary because it usually doesn't make their work any better.

Using big words, jargon, and complicated sentences will most likely make your work difficult to read and affect the flow of your work. So use simple words instead of big words whenever you can.

5. Save Your Progress Often and in Multiple Places

Starting and completing a dissertation is a massive undertaking. This is because a typical dissertation research project takes months to complete. The number of words to be typed to complete a dissertation is in the thousands, and the formatting is usually a pain in the *ss.

Because starting and completing a dissertation is difficult, you should save your work often and in multiple places. Send it to yourself in your email, WhatsApp, etc. These backup copies will ensure all your hard work is NOT lost in case you lose your laptop to a virus or a thief.

6. Plan Your Dissertation Writing Process

There is a common saying about planning that is almost cliche; failure to plan is planning to fail. If you don't plan for something, you unknowingly plan to fail. In other words, planning is essential for success.

So once you have been given the departmental guidelines for writing your dissertation, you should create a comprehensive plan with deadlines to help you complete your dissertation project. If you create a good plan, you will find the dissertation writing process easier to manage.

7. Make Sure Your Major Decisions Are Research-Informed

Every big decision you make in your paper is informed by research. For example, before you decide on your dissertation's focus, research more about what you want to write about. Before you decide on the methodology, you will use research to discover the most appropriate methods.

Making sure your significant decisions are backed up by research, as shown in the two examples above, will make it very easy for you to explain why you made the decisions to your reader. It will also make your paper more scientific, accurate, and academically sound.

8. Don't Panic If Your Results Are Not What You Expected

If, after the careful planning and execution of your research project, you get unexpected results, do not panic. Unexpected results are as valuable as expected results. The key is to ensure you do more research to explain why you think you got the results in your discussion section.

By carefully explaining your unexpected results, you will show your professors you researched and understood the topic you decided to investigate. This will make your dissertation more likely to get an excellent mark/grade.

9. Show Awareness of Your Research Limits

No matter how good your research skills are, it would help if you showed awareness of your research limits. In other words, you should indicate the limitations of your research. Of course, the limitations you note should be backed by research.

It is essential to show the limitations of your project to let the reader know that you fully understood what you were doing. It will also help the reader better contextualize your results and findings.

10. Take It Easy

Dissertation writing is hard work full of pressure and frustrations. However, it would help if you didn't let all that get to you. Remember, calm heads always prevail in one way or another. So keep your cool no matter how difficult and frustrating things get.

Keeping your cool no matter what will help you to push forward with your dissertation and to complete it successfully. On the other hand, getting frustrated will make you get stuck, which could result in you being among the many students that do not complete their dissertations.

11. First Draft Isn't Perfect

When writing your dissertation, please do not feel too much pressure to perfect it. Your goal should be simple; to complete your first draft, and your goal should be to complete your first draft to get a psychological boost and not make the first draft perfect.

The first draft isn't perfect and doesn't need to be. If you make peace with this, writing and completing your first draft will be easier. The right time to perfect your dissertation is when you proofread and edit it. You will likely need to rewrite huge parts of your first draft to make it brilliant.

12. Be Flexible

You don't need to write the chapters in a perfect sequence when writing your essay. Some students think they must do this to create a good dissertation flow. However, this is unnecessary. You create flow by making sure your sentences and paragraphs are easy to understand and by using transition words and sentences generously.

Write your chapters in any way you like. Write the easiest chapters first to gain momentum in your dissertation. This momentum will make it easier for you to write the trickier chapters.

13. Talk to Your Supervisor Regularly

Your dissertation supervisor/advisor is there to help you. You should plan to meet them biweekly or more frequently to discuss your dissertation and the progress you have made.

Do not be afraid or shy to ask your supervisor questions or clarifications. Your supervisor is there to help you and guide you through your work, and they are there to ensure you stay on track. So meet them regularly and show them your work to get all the tips and advice you need to remain on the proper path.

14. Don't Forget Your Health and Wellbeing

Just because you are writing your dissertation doesn't mean you have to let your health deteriorate. Ensure you eat well, exercise, sleep well, and stay healthy. Maintaining your physical health will ensure you are always in the right physical condition to continue putting in the hard work you need to complete your project.

Also, take care of your mental health. Your mind is the biggest tool you need for your project. Protect it by taking breaks, relaxing, hanging out with friends, and doing the things you love regularly. The more protected your mind is, the easier it will be for you to write your dissertation.

15. Don't Give Up

Dissertating is extremely difficult, and it takes a lot of physical and mental effort to complete a nursing dissertation successfully. Therefore, you will feel like throwing in the towel in many instances. If you ever feel like this, do not do it.

Don't give up. Choosing not to give up and persevering will give you a sweet psychological victory and make you feel stronger and more capable. It will also ensure you graduate with the master's degree you have sacrificed so much to get.

16. Get Professional Assistance

If you ever need assistance to complete your entire dissertation or a part of it, do not be afraid to get professional assistance. Many dissertation writing services can provide you with the help you need at a small fee, and we are one such service.

We can help you write your entire dissertation paper or any part. We can also help with specific parts of the dissertation writing process, e.g., the research, the introduction, the methodology section, the proofreading/editing, and the incorporation of feedback.

As you Ponder the Steps and Tips ...

We hope we have provided all the information you need to write your nursing dissertation paper. Now it is up to you to step up and start dissertating.

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If you need any assistance in any part of the dissertation writing process, please visit our home page to get the assistance you need.

Our writers are experts with multiple years of experience in dissertation writing, formatting, and editing. You can never go wrong with us.

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is a comprehensive research paper written to fulfill a graduate degree. A dissertation can be required to graduate with a master's degree in the UK or a doctorate in the US.

How long does it take to write a nursing dissertation?

It usually takes between three to twelve months to write a nursing dissertation. Two things largely determine how short or long a dissertation will be - the departmental requirements and the methodology chosen.

Can you write a nursing dissertation in three months?

Yes, you can. It is certainly not impossible, but it will take you every single day and night to write a good dissertation in such a short time. If you don't have enough time to write a dissertation, work with a dissertation writing service to get the desired results quickly.

Related: Is the WGU RN-BSN worth your time and money?

How long is a nursing dissertation?

Most nursing dissertations are between 6000 to 16000 words long. Of course, some are shorter than 6,000 words, and others are longer than 16000 words.

What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation?

Masters nursing students need to write a thesis to complete their degree, while doctoral nursing students need to write a dissertation to complete their degree.

Is getting help with a nursing dissertation online illegal?

No, it is not. No law prohibits you or anybody else from getting a nursing dissertation online. So if you need dissertation assistance from a dissertation writing business online, feel free to get it.

Can a nursing dissertation be done as a group?

No. Dissertations are individual research projects, and you can get guidance and assistance from anywhere you want, but your dissertation is your project and will only have a single author - you.

Does a nursing dissertation require an abstract poster?

Yes, if it is going to be presented at a conference. The poster should include a title, a summary, an intro, the methodology used, the results, the discussion, and the conclusions. All these things should be less than 300 words.

Do nursing students defend their nursing theses and dissertations?

Yes, they do. In most colleges, nursing students must defend their theses and dissertations before a committee that usually includes faculty members.

Who writes a nursing dissertation?

In the US, a doctoral student writes a nursing dissertation, while a master's student writes a nursing thesis. In the UK, it is the opposite - a master's student writes a nursing dissertation and a doctoral student writes a nursing thesis.

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A practical approach to the process of writing a dissertation

09 October, 2017

Writing a dissertation does not have to be stressful and should be a vehicle for learning, not a chore. This article offers practical advice for student nurses embarking on the task

While many student nurses find the task daunting, writing a dissertation is essentially a powerful vehicle for learning; it is an opportunity to work on methodology and organisational skills, develop an appreciation of research, and demonstrate critical thinking. With the help of a good supervisor, a carefully planned dissertation will develop almost naturally, as long as students follow a few basic rules. This article considers the essentials of writing a dissertation and offers practical guidance to students.

Citation: Lowry M (2017) A practical approach to the process of writing a dissertation. Nursing Times [online]; 113: 11, 36-39.

Author: Mike Lowry is a freelance writer and former nursing academic.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed
Scroll down to read the article or download a print-friendly PDF here
Also read our article Making the most of the relationship with your dissertation supervisor

Introduction

Many student nurses feel overwhelmed by the task of writing a dissertation, uncertain how to approach it and doubtful about their chances of success. Few are fully confident that they know how to go about writing the dissertation, manage the supervisory relationship and highlight the essentials of the topic they wish to examine. However, writing a dissertation is a learning process, and need not be such an onerous task if it is carefully planned.

A dissertation can be defined as the report of a process; it may also be seen as a long essay (Biggam, 2015). By comparison, a thesis is more sophisticated and adds to the knowledge in a field, or challenges accepted norms to bring about changes in established understanding. Undergradu-ates and taught master’s degree students are more likely to produce a dissertation, as do many master’s students, whereas students at doctoral level are more likely to write a thesis.

Writing a dissertation equates to developing an understanding of research or systematic enquiry rather than generating new evidence; that is the purpose of a doctoral thesis. While there are various methods according to the nature of the project, the main purpose of a dissertation is to enable students to demonstrate organisational skills, beginning insights into research, and deeper, more critical understanding of their chosen focal topic. However, there are commonalities be-tween a dissertation and thesis, especially around the importance of good supervisory relationships. This article focuses on dissertations, offering a framework for students embarking on – or stuck in the middle of – the process of writing one.

Purpose of a dissertation

Students are asked to write a dissertation to demonstrate their ability to focus on a subject, examine it in detail through systematic enquiry and identify relevant theories. They need to show they are capable of presenting work in an orderly, academic form, clearly demonstrating a working knowledge of their chosen subject. Equally important is the development of various levels of critical insight, depending on the level of degree for which the dissertation is to be submitted – undergraduate or master’s. Box 1 summarises what is expected from you in a dissertation.

Box 1. What your dissertation must demonstrate

Ability to delve into a subject through systematic enquiry
Capacity to present written work in an orderly, academic form
Working knowledge of a subject
Clarity of purpose, clarity of thought and sophistication of argument
Ability to focus, plan, organise and work methodically
Ability to think critically

Getting started

Acording to Wisker (2013) a dissertation is a large piece of work requiring careful planning, good time management, critical thinking, conceptual understanding and adherence to practices for completion. The time taken initially to decide on the topic, approaches and resources will be time well spent.

Many students consider identifying and refining the topic of their dissertation to be one of the most difficult elements in the process. It is fair to say that once the topic has been defined, the rest unrolls like a carpet – as long as you follow a few basic rules (Box 2).

Box 2. Basic rules for writing a dissertation

Refine the topic, spending time with your supervisor at this stage
Choose question(s), where relevant, that will likely produce interesting answers
Consider resources
Do not hesitate to write in the first person if appropriate
Put effort and care into every stage of the process
Justify your choices rather than simply stating them
Produce a lively and informed discussion
Follow the format requirements of your institution/supervisor

It is important to avoid chaos and to put effort and care into every stage of the process; the SCARY checklist contains useful advice on what a dissertation should and should not be (Box 3).

Box 3. The SCARY checklist

Your dissertation should be SCARY , in other words:

S traightforward: avoid waffling or overcomplicating ideas; you should, however, demonstrate complexity when discussing findings and literature

C lear and unambiguous: whatever you set out to do must be easily defined and may be trailed for audit

A chievable: within the time frame, limits of the remit, available resources and size limitations

R ecency, ensure that the material you are using to inform the work is current; it might be wise to ensure that all literature dates from the last 10 years or so, depending on the subject matter. Unless older work is seminal, avoid citing it and seek newer material; never use literature just because it is convenient or to hand

Y ours: do not be tempted to claim anyone else’s work as your own

One key piece of advice is that it must be the student’s own work, which means plagiarism must be avoided (Box 4).

Box 4. Plagiarism: do not go there

As Singh and Remenyi (2016) explain, plagiarism is using, in an essay or dissertation, ideas that have been sourced from work published by other authors without acknowledging them. It is academic misconduct to fail to acknowledge the original source, a point echoed by Biggam (2015). In the worst case scenario, plagiarism can lead to the candidate’s work being disallowed.

If you are tempted to use the work of others and claim it for yourself, the advice is simple: do not go there.

The qualities that distinguish an outstanding dissertation from an average one include clarity of purpose, clarity of thought and sophistication of the argument. A first-class submission will be highly organised and focused, clearly demonstrating critical insight, as opposed to a simple, unquestioned description.

Refining the topic

A topic that may seem obvious at the outset can prove to be too vague or too complex. It can be helpful to distil your ideas using a framework such as Lowry’s reflective triangle (Lowry, 2016). Start by making notes on what interests you and why (the ‘case’), then put these into the ‘context’ and consider all the ‘variables’ (Fig 1). For example, you might have an interest in educating patients and want to explore this case in more depth. The context might be your recent experience of a patient being unclear about information on treatment options. Given the importance of patients understanding treatment options so they can make informed decisions, the scenario might appear more complex than it first seemed. You might want to consider the impact on you as a practitioner, who else was involved, what was particularly important and why (the variables). Your reflections will eventually crystallise into a clearer topic and will help you justify your choice.

This part of a dissertation is often seen as the most challenging. Without a clear focus, the rest of the process is likely to stall, so spending time with your supervisor at this stage is invaluable. Go it alone if you will, but it is far better to nurture the supervisory relationship (Kimani, 2014).

Determining the research question

Not all dissertations need a question or questions; some can be purely observational – for example if they use grounded theory. When questions are involved, however, these must be relevant and have a reasonable chance of producing answers.

Unless the subject matter makes it impossible, you should never use a closed question (questions starting with “is”, “are”, “does” or “can”), as the answer will inevitably be yes or no. For example, the answer to the question “Is the process of completing a dissertation arduous?” is almost certainly yes, to an extent, so the question has no real value. A more interesting alternative would be to ask “To what extent is completing a dissertation arduous?”. This offers something to explore and play with to produce a discussion. If you study human society in any shape or form, you will quickly discover that it is seldom binary and rarely fits an ‘either/or’ format.

Considering resources

While refining your topic and research question, you also need to identify and justify the resources you may need, such as help from a statistician, support with transcribing data or advice from experts. Consider whether these resources will be available within the time frame and budget. It would be unwise to seek answers to questions that require disproportionate resources.

Using discursive writing

Students tend to avoid discursive writing, preferring to report rather than to argue, but Kamler and Thomson (2006) emphasise the importance of producing lively and informed discussions. There are opportunities for discussion in various sections of a dissertation, including in the literature review, and it can be used throughout your work, starting with the justification of your choice of topic and methods.

Choosing the right pronoun

It has long been debated whether to use the personal pronoun in academic work; the upshot is that, where justified, there is no reason to avoid writing in the first person. As Kamler and Thomson (2006) put it, “‘I’ is not just a matter of personal choice. There are epistemological/methodological and rhetorical reasons for choosing to use the first person pronoun”. Conversely, trying to shoehorn the personal pronoun (or third person) into your writing when it is unnecessary detracts from the intrinsic quality of the dissertation.

Discuss your preference with your supervisor and be ready to argue your case; the reason for your choice must be clear from the outset. Whatever choice you make – first or third person – must be adhered to throughout, so never alternate between pronouns.

Format and elements of a dissertation

Once you have a general feel for what your dissertation is going to look like, you can get started. The requirements for format and what elements the dissertation should include vary according to institutions and supervisors, so be guided by them. More information on the practicalities of pre-paring a research-based dissertation can be found in Bowen (2005). Generally, all the elements described below are needed in one form or another. At each step, remember to justify your choices as opposed to alternatives, rather than simply stating them and moving on. In terms of style, avoid colloquialisms and discipline your thinking to search for relevant illustrative expressions.

Although the introduction to the dissertation comes first it should be written last, after everything else is complete. Only then will you know exactly what is in your dissertation and how to introduce it.

The background section tells the story of what led you to undertake this work – for example, a recent placement, clinical experience or a presentation in an academic forum. It brings the reader to the table, so to speak.

Aims and objectives

Aims and objectives must be determined at the outset. Have at least one (main) aim and four (contributory) objectives: fewer than four objectives might appear superficial, especially considering that the aim has been deemed interesting enough to merit a study. Objectives must be relevant to the aim(s), and aims and objectives must be clearly stated and explained.

The aim is the overall destination and the objectives are what you need to do to get there; for example, if your aim was to help women to decide what method of contraception to choose, your objectives would include establishing what methods are available, examining the risks and benefits of each, and evaluating different forms of patient information.

Literature review

The literature review – sometimes called literature search or literature enquiry – is crucial. What you have read must be current and relevant, and you need to show that you have examined it critically. If one author’s assertion is contradicted by another, your role is to unravel the arguments and extract meaning from them. The fact that authors have had their work published does not mean they are necessarily right.

Synthesise what you have read, bring the information together and demonstrate how it has contributed to your thinking. From your reading you will develop ideas on how to investigate your topic – including what design best fits your purpose.

Journal articles are generally more focused and detailed than books. Ensure the journals you cite are peer-reviewed: this means its articles have been scrutinised by people with the relevant spe-cialist expertise before being accepted for publication. How many articles or books you include depends on the nature of your work. You are likely to need at least 20 current articles or books to make sense of your topic. Fewer sources may betray an unwillingness to delve into the subject, whereas featuring a huge amount of literature may indicate you have skimmed through it. Be selective and be prepared to justify your choice of included work.

The design – also referred to as approach or method – is the way in which you explore your topic. This section can adopt various presentations but should be clear and succinct, and you should avoid becoming mired in uncertainties. It may feature:

The epistemological approach – for example qualitative or quantitative, or perhaps eclectic – and why you made that choice;
The method – for example, if you have chosen a quantitative approach your method could be a survey, while a qualitative approach could be the observation of informants and interpretation of their behaviour with the help of follow-up interviews. These methods are by no means exhaustive and relevant texts on research principles, such as Parahoo (2014); Moule and Aveyard (2016); Ellis (2016) will help you select your method.
Resources needed for your project;
Any perceived limitations, such as availability of informants, response rates or equipment, and how these were dealt with.

Ethical approval

Research is awash with ethical challenges; you need to identify them early and show what steps you have taken to address them. Do refer to the theories on ethics that you have used to guide your thinking. As a general rule, undergraduates should not be encouraged to involve patients in their research projects, but they will still need to secure ethical approval if they intend to involve peers, staff or any other informants who could potentially be harmed. Obtaining ethical approval is a long and sometimes complex process that should not be taken lightly.

This section states what sources you derive information from; for example, this could be literature only, different types of literature, individual informants or observations.

Describe what you have done, what worked and what did not. Do not avoid exploring errors in your work, but when doing so, demonstrate how they have contributed to your understanding.

This is the section where you describe what has emerged from your study and what you think needs to be examined further (and why). Do not merely end with a series of superficial comments about what else could be done, but explain what brought you to these views.

The discussion is your chance to shine. It is likely to be longer than most other sections – if not there may be a problem. Start by stating what resulted from your enquiry, and every time you make a statement, ask yourself: so what? It may seem odd, but this self-enquiry will result in deeper insights, which will impress examiners.

If you want to excel, incorporate the findings from the literature review into your discussion and explore whether the findings from your work concur with or differ from the literature. You can further enhance the discussion by integrating fieldwork, findings and ethical challenges. The more fully you engage with the dissertation at this stage, the more sophisticated the end product will be.

Conclusions

The conclusions (or recommendations) need to be brief, draw everything together and suggest what needs to happen next and why.

Your work must include a carefully compiled list of literature cited in your dissertation. Bear in mind that examiners do check references – especially if they are themselves among the authors cited. They may find incomplete reference lists – or, even worse, their published work misquoted or wrongly interpreted – extremely irritating. Refer to your institution’s guidelines for reference protocols.

A dissertation is a means for students to demonstrate they can work methodically and think critically. It is also a powerful vehicle for learning, and one that may well stimulate students to become further involved with systematic enquiry. At the very least, it will engender an appreciation of the process of research.

Many students feel overwhelmed by the task of writing a dissertation
A dissertation that has been carefully thought through should develop naturally
Time taken initially to decide on the topic, questions and methods will be time well spent
Dissertations must be clear, organised and focused, and demonstrate critical insight
Plagiarism is academic misconduct and must be avoided

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I am a 3rd year student nurse embarking on my dissertation so found this article interesting. It is true, most students do feel nervous and overwhelmed at the thought of writing a dissertation especially on top of other assignments and being in practice.

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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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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

Key Takeaways

Writing a nursing dissertation requires research, planning, and strict adherence to guidelines and requirements.
Choosing the right topic and advisor, as well as narrowing the research scope and drafting a proposal, are crucial steps in the process.
Developing a comprehensive research plan that includes research goals, literature analysis, research questions, methods, ethical considerations, and a timeline is essential.
Additionally, gathering necessary data and resources, composing an effective outline, and revising and proofreading thoroughly are critical components of successfully completing a nursing dissertation.

Select a Topic

Choosing a topic for a nursing dissertation requires careful consideration of the available research and the potential to make an original contribution to the field. Identifying an appropriate advisor to guide the research process is an important first step. It is important to select an advisor who has a strong knowledge of the topic and the resources available to aid in the research process.

After finding an advisor, the next step is to narrow the scope of the research. This can be done by utilizing online databases to identify relevant research topics and resources available. Additionally, it is important to consider the practicality of the research and whether the topic can be completed within a reasonable timeframe.

Once the scope of the research has been narrowed, the next step is to draft a proposal that outlines the research objectives and methods.

Develop a Research Plan

Developing a comprehensive research plan is essential for ensuring successful completion of a nursing dissertation.

A research plan should include:

An outline of research goals
An analysis of the current literature on the topic
A list of research questions
An explanation of the research methods to be used
An identification of potential ethical considerations
A timeline for generating evidence

It is important to be aware of the ethical issues that may arise and consider how to best address them.

The research plan should also include a detailed strategy for collecting and analyzing data and generating evidence.

This should include:

A description of the data collection techniques
A timeline for completing the research

Careful consideration should be given to the data collection process and the methods for analyzing the data to ensure accurate results.

Following a well-conceived research plan can help to ensure the successful completion of a nursing dissertation.

Outline Your Dissertation

Creating an outline of a dissertation is an important step in the research process. An effective outline for a nursing dissertation should include the following components:

An introduction that includes a research question and overview of the research methodology.

A literature review that examines existing research and concepts relevant to the topic.

A description of the research methods used to address the research question.

A discussion of the research results and their analysis.

A conclusion that summarizes the research findings and implications of the dissertation.

Developing an appropriate research question and using appropriate methodology are essential for creating an effective outline for a nursing dissertation. The outline should also be clearly structured and organized, and should contain all the necessary components to support the research question.

An effective outline should also help the researcher stay organized and on track throughout the process of writing the dissertation.

Gather Data and Resources

Gathering the necessary data and resources for a nursing dissertation is a critical step in the research process. It is important to evaluate the sources of the data and assess their impact in order to ensure that the dissertation is well-structured and provides accurate information. To begin, it is important to review existing literature related to the topic of the dissertation. This will provide an overview of the current state of knowledge related to the topic and can serve as a basis for further research.

In addition to reviewing existing literature, it is also important to evaluate any data sources that will be used in the dissertation. This includes assessing the credibility of the data sources and determining whether the data is reliable and accurate. It is also important to assess the impact of the data sources on the overall dissertation and determine how they may affect the results of the research.

Write the Dissertation

Composing a nursing dissertation requires a rigorous and methodical approach to ensure the research is comprehensive and relevant.

The process of writing a nursing dissertation begins with finding time to sit down and work on the project. To create an effective and engaging dissertation, it is important to access the necessary resources such as books, journals, and research papers. Additionally, it is important to establish a timeline and timeline goals for completing the dissertation.

As the dissertation progresses, it is important to maintain an organized structure and to ensure the content is accurate, thorough, and detailed. Furthermore, the writing should be engaging for an audience that has a subconscious desire for serving others.

By following these guidelines, the writing process of a nursing dissertation can be successful.

Revise and Proofread

Revising and proofreading a research paper is a critical step in presenting an engaging and accurate dissertation to the reader. Editing and proofreading are essential steps in the writing process, as they allow the author to ensure that their work is both grammatically correct and free of factual errors. Employing a few key strategies can make the process more efficient and effective. One strategy is to read the dissertation aloud, as this can help to identify awkward phrasing or typos that may not be noticed when reading silently. Additionally, it is recommended to put the dissertation aside for a few days before revisiting it, as this can help to provide a fresh perspective and allow for more objective editing. It is also important to review the dissertation carefully for accuracy in facts, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Lastly, a helpful tool to use when revising and proofreading a dissertation is to use the services of a professional editor. Professional editors can review the dissertation for any errors that may have been missed and provide feedback on any areas that could be improved. Furthermore, having an outside perspective can help to ensure that the dissertation is free of any bias and provides a clear and concise representation of the author’s research.

Seek Feedback from Supervisors and Peers

After revising and proofreading the nursing dissertation, it is important to seek feedback from supervisors and peers. Getting input from others can be invaluable for a student who is writing a dissertation.

By seeking input from supervisors and peers, the student is able to receive feedback that can help improve the quality of the dissertation. This input can provide the student with insights and ideas for further research and development. It can also help the student to identify any gaps in their knowledge, resulting in a more comprehensive and well-rounded dissertation.

The process of getting feedback should begin early in the dissertation process. It is important to be open to constructive criticism and to take into consideration the feedback that is given. This can help the student to refine their research and analysis, leading to a more polished dissertation.

Additionally, the student should be sure to thank those who provide feedback and seek to incorporate their suggestions whenever possible. Ultimately, seeking feedback from supervisors and peers can help the student to create a dissertation that is of the highest quality.

Prepare the Final Copy

Once all revisions have been made, it is time to prepare the final copy of the nursing dissertation.

This is the time when the author should go through the document one more time to ensure that all formatting standards are met. Common formatting standards for nursing dissertations include font size, spacing, margins, and page numbering.

In addition, the author should review the content of the dissertation to ensure that all editing techniques have been applied correctly. These include grammar and punctuation, as well as proper use of citations and references.

It is important to ensure that the final copy of the dissertation is accurate and free of errors before submission.

Submit the Dissertation

Submitting the dissertation is the culmination of all the hard work that has gone into writing it. The submission process should be carefully planned and managed in order to ensure that it is completed on time.

Time management is essential when it comes to submitting a dissertation, as it is important to submit it within the allocated timeframe. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all necessary data analysis is complete and accurate, as this will be part of the review process.

It is also essential to ensure that all relevant forms and documents are completed and submitted along with the dissertation. Once all the necessary steps have been taken, the dissertation can be submitted in accordance with the guidelines set by the nursing school.

Present the Dissertation

The submission of a nursing dissertation is the last step in the long process of researching, writing, and editing. Just a few more steps remain before the completion of the dissertation, including presenting the dissertation. Presenting the dissertation can sometimes be a daunting task, as it requires a level of confidence and skill in public speaking. In order to present the dissertation effectively, there are some important guidelines to consider.

The main challenge in presenting a nursing dissertation is the amount of data that needs to be analyzed and presented. It is important to ensure that all the data is accurate and presented in a logical order. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that all relevant information is included, while also making sure that the audience understands the data and the conclusions that are being drawn from it. To ensure that the presentation is successful, it is important to create a balanced presentation, including the following components:

By following these guidelines for presenting a nursing dissertation, one can ensure that the audience is engaged and that the dissertation is effectively communicated.

Follow-Up and Reflection

After presenting the dissertation, it is important to reflect on the success of the presentation and to consider any follow-up actions that should be taken.

This follow-up should include integrating evidence and exploring alternatives that were presented during the dissertation. It is important to make sure that the evidence presented is reliable and relevant to the topic of the dissertation and that the alternatives explored are feasible and viable.

It is also important to consider any feedback received from the audience during the presentation and to assess the effectiveness of the communication style and the quality of the evidence used.

Taking the time to reflect on the success of the dissertation and to consider any follow-up actions can help ensure the overall success of the project.

Consider Publishing Your Work

Publishing the results of a dissertation can provide a great opportunity to share knowledge and insights gained from the research project.

It is important to consider the various publication strategies available for sharing the results of a dissertation. This includes exploring different types of journals and media outlets that are most appropriate for the topic and research methods used.

It is also important to consider the ethical implications of publishing the results of a dissertation. This includes being mindful of any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the research, as well as the potential for miscommunication of the results to the public.

It is important to ensure that the results of a dissertation are presented in an accurate and unbiased manner, and that any potential risks are considered and addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a nursing dissertation be.

A nursing dissertation should be planned and written with careful consideration of literature review, time management, and accuracy. An engaging style should be used to satisfy the audience’s desire to serve others. The length of the dissertation is dependent on the individual’s research objectives.

Are there any guidelines for formatting a nursing dissertation?

Time management and data collection are important components of formatting a nursing dissertation. Accurately and thoroughly discussing these topics can help ensure that the document is engaging and serves the needs of those in the healthcare field.

What is the best way to choose a topic for a nursing dissertation?

When choosing a topic for a nursing dissertation, explore resources and review literature to ensure accuracy and thoroughness. Appeal to the audience’s subconscious desire to serve others in an engaging style. Consider all relevant information without any preconceived notions.

What kind of feedback should I expect from my supervisors and peers?

When writing a nursing dissertation, supervisors and peers will provide critical analysis and feedback on research methods used to address the topic. They will also evaluate the accuracy, thoroughness and detail of the work, encouraging an engaging style that serves to help others.

How long should I expect the dissertation writing process to take?

The dissertation writing process typically takes several months to complete, depending on a student’s time management and research techniques. It is important to plan accordingly and set realistic goals for oneself to ensure the best quality of work is produced in a timely manner.

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How to Write a Nursing Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide for Nursing Students

Carla Johnson
September 18, 2023
Academic Writing Guides

As a nursing student, you’ve likely encountered various academic challenges throughout your educational journey. However, one of the most daunting tasks you may face is writing a nursing dissertation . A dissertation is a significant and complex research project that requires careful planning, research, and organization. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of writing a nursing dissertation step by step, providing you with valuable insights and tips to help you succeed in this academic endeavor.(nursing dissertation writing process)

A nursing dissertation is a culmination of your academic journey, demonstrating your expertise in a specific area of nursing and your ability to conduct in-depth research. It’s a substantial piece of work that requires dedication, time management, and a structured approach. Whether you’re just beginning your nursing dissertation or have already started, this guide will assist you in navigating the challenges and ensuring your dissertation stands out.

1. How to Write a Nursing Dissertation

Selecting the right topic for your nursing dissertation is the first and crucial step in the process. Your topic should be both interesting to you and relevant to the field of nursing . Here are some tips for choosing a suitable topic:(nursing dissertation writing process)

a. Personal Interest

Consider what aspects of nursing intrigue you the most. Your passion for the topic will keep you motivated throughout the research and writing process.

b. Research Gap

Identify areas within nursing where there is a gap in research or a need for further exploration. Addressing these gaps can make your dissertation more valuable to the nursing community.(nursing dissertation writing process)

c. Feasibility

Ensure that your chosen topic is manageable within the scope of your dissertation. Complex or overly broad topics can lead to difficulties in research and analysis.

2. Crafting a Strong Nursing Dissertation Proposal

Before you start writing your dissertation, you will typically need to submit a dissertation proposal for approval by your academic institution. The proposal outlines your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Here’s how to craft a compelling proposal:(nursing dissertation writing process)

Provide a clear and concise title that reflects the essence of your research.

b. Introduction

Introduce your topic, explain its significance in the nursing field, and present your research questions or hypotheses.

c. Literature Review

Summarize existing research related to your topic. Identify gaps or areas that your dissertation will address.

d. Methodology

Describe the research methods you will use, including data collection and analysis techniques.

e. Expected Outcomes

Outline the expected outcomes and contributions of your research.

f. References

Include a list of references that you have consulted for your proposal.

3. Conducting a Thorough Literature Review

A literature review is a critical component of your nursing dissertation. It provides the foundation for your research by summarizing and analyzing existing studies related to your topic. Here’s how to conduct an effective literature review :(nursing dissertation writing process)

a. Identify Key Sources

Find relevant scholarly articles, books, and research papers related to your topic. Use academic databases like PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to search for literature.(nursing dissertation writing process)

b. Organize Your Sources

Create an organized system for storing and referencing your sources. Consider using reference management software like EndNote or Zotero.

c. Analyze and Synthesize

Critically analyze the findings of the studies you’ve reviewed. Identify common themes, gaps in research, and areas where your dissertation can contribute.

d. Cite Properly

Ensure that you properly cite all the sources you use in your literature review. Follow a citation style such as APA, MLA, or Chicago as per your institution’s guidelines.(nursing dissertation writing process)

4. Developing a Nursing Dissertation Structure

A well-structured dissertation is easier for both you and your readers to navigate. Here’s a typical structure for a nursing dissertation:(nursing dissertation writing process)

a. Introduction

Introduce your topic and research questions .
Provide context for your study.
State the significance of your research.

b. Literature Review

Summarize existing research on your topic.
Identify gaps in the literature.(nursing dissertation writing process)
Justify the need for your research.

c. Methodology

Describe your research methods and procedures.
Explain how you will collect and analyze data.
Discuss any ethical considerations .
Present the findings of your research.(nursing dissertation writing process)
Use tables, charts, and graphs to illustrate your results.
Interpret the data and relate it to your research questions.

e. Discussion

Analyze your results in the context of existing literature.
Discuss the implications of your findings.
Suggest recommendations for further research.

f. Conclusion

Summarize the key points of your dissertation.
Restate the significance of your research .(nursing dissertation writing process)
Provide a concise answer to your research questions.

g. References

List all the sources you’ve cited in your dissertation.
Follow the citation style recommended by your institution.

5. Writing and Editing Your Nursing Dissertation

Writing your dissertation can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but with proper planning and organization, you can make it more manageable:(nursing dissertation writing process)

a. Start Early

Give yourself plenty of time to research, write, and edit your dissertation. Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress.

b. Set Goals

Break down your dissertation into smaller, manageable tasks. Set daily or weekly goals to track your progress.

c. Seek Feedback

Share your work with your advisor or mentor regularly to receive constructive feedback . They can help you refine your ideas and improve your writing.(nursing dissertation writing process)

d. Edit Carefully

Proofread and edit your dissertation for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Consider using editing software like Grammarly to assist you.

6. Ethical Considerations in Nursing Dissertations

As a nursing student, it’s essential to be aware of ethical considerations when conducting research involving human subjects. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

a. Informed Consent

Obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring they understand the purpose of the study and their rights.

b. Privacy and Confidentiality

Protect the privacy and confidentiality of research participants. Use pseudonyms or codes to anonymize data.

c. Institutional Review Board (IRB)

If required, obtain approval from your institution’s IRB before conducting any research involving human subjects.

Writing a nursing dissertation is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that demonstrates your expertise and dedication to the field of nursing. Remember to choose a relevant and interesting topic, craft a strong proposal, conduct a thorough literature review, and follow a well-structured format. Additionally, maintain ethical standards in your research and seek feedback from advisors or mentors.(nursing dissertation writing process)

Writing a nursing dissertation is undoubtedly a demanding task, but it’s also an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the field of nursing. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the complexity of the process or facing time constraints, consider seeking professional assistance from our dissertation writing services . Our experienced team of writers specializes in nursing dissertations and can provide you with the support you need to excel in your academic journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your academic goals.

In conclusion, writing a nursing dissertation is a challenging but achievable task with careful planning, dedication, and adherence to ethical guidelines. We wish you the best of luck in your dissertation journey and look forward to assisting you if you ever need our expertise.(nursing dissertation writing process)

FAQs: Writing a Nursing Dissertation

1. how do i start writing my dissertation.

To begin writing your nursing dissertation, start by selecting a well-defined topic, creating a proposal, conducting a thorough literature review, and outlining your research methodology. Establish a timeline and set clear goals to guide your progress.

2. How long is a nursing dissertation?

The length of a nursing dissertation can vary, but it typically ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 words, excluding references and appendices. Be sure to follow your institution’s specific guidelines for dissertation length.(nursing dissertation writing process)

3. Do nurses write a dissertation?

Yes, nursing students, particularly those pursuing advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), often write dissertations as part of their academic requirements. Dissertations allow nurses to contribute to the field’s knowledge and practice.

4. How do I choose a nursing dissertation topic?

When selecting a nursing dissertation topic, consider your personal interests, research gaps in the field, and the feasibility of the topic within the scope of your dissertation. Ensure that the chosen topic aligns with your academic and career goals in nursing.

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Nursing student dissertation: why do it and how to manage it

Lynne pearce posted 17 december 2021 - 01:00.

Adult Nursing BSc: L6 Dissertation

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Welcome to your L6 Dissertation Reading list. Here you will find all the resources you need to support you through this module.

Reading for this module will be dependent on the topic area that the student selects.

Below is an indication of books which may be of value to the student in the process of producing an evidence based practice project.

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What is a dissertation.

Final year students are required to complete a large piece of work for their degree or professional qualification. For undergraduates this is known as a dissertation, final year project or major independent study. Postgraduates will normally complete a thesis.

These pages will tell you how the Library can support you in writing your dissertation, as well as finding past dissertations.

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The Skills for Learning  Dissertations and Literature Reviews webpage explains their structure and content as well as providing guidance on dissertation proposals. There are worksheets and interactive tasks available.
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The future of MSc nursing dissertations – a victim of its own success?

In our blog this week, Dr Nicola Roberts (@DrNRoberts) and Mr Ben Parkinson (@ParkinsonBen1) from Glasgow Caledonian University discuss the current changes affecting student research in the NHS and the future for MSc dissertations in nursing.

The Masters of Sciences degree (MSc) is becoming increasingly popular with nurses and provides a useful stepping stone into advanced nursing roles and/or Doctoral level study (e.g. PhD or Professional Doctorate). For nursing students, the most daunting and time consuming part of their MSc is often the dissertation component. Students usually do a structured literature review or undertake a small piece of research. However, the rules around student research in the NHS are changing and may affect some nursing students completing MSc dissertations.

What is a nursing dissertation? The nursing dissertation usually involves a large written piece of coursework (6-16,000 words) based on an independent study at the end of a University MSc programme. Students are supported during their dissertation by an academic supervisor to undertake research or a review. For nursing students, the MSc dissertation is an opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest and to study the topic in great detail. The MSc dissertation is a demanding assessment and can involve many months of effort and a high level of independent study. Some of the challenges faced by students include working independently, effectively working with their supervisor, having to meet deadlines, and producing high quality academic material. In addition, many students also have other commitments (e.g. employment, child care) and/or have additional support needs (e.g. dyslexia). These factors can make the MSc dissertation both demanding, but also extremely rewarding.

Student research in the NHS Nursing students often want to undertake a research study in their place of work, but all research needs to have ethical approval and students working in the NHS will have to make sure they are eligible to complete their research in the NHS. The guidance on student research in the NHS changed and the new guidance is available online via the Health Research Authority (HRA) . The HRA changes came into effect in September 2021 and affect those completing research for the main purpose of achieving an educational qualification (e.g. Degree, Masters, or Doctorate). The main changes include new eligibility criteria, which changes the type of students who can complete research in the NHS. The new guidance states undergraduate students, for example, will no longer be able to complete research involving the NHS and that Doctoral students studying Health and Social Care related topics will be able to complete research in the NHS ( full guidance ).

The guidance is slightly more confusing for MSc nursing students. Not all MSc students will be able to apply for NHS ethical approval and some types of student MSc students will not be allowed to do research in the NHS. Fortunately, nurses will be one group of students who can conduct research in the NHS, but certain rules apply, nurses need to be studying a Health and Social Care course and the University department supporting the student also needs to be active in Health and Social Care research. The HRA have produced a helpful toolkit for students or supervisors , to help them determine whether their research will be eligible to apply for NHS Research Ethics approval under the new guidance.

Alternatives to student research in the NHS Given the complexity of nursing dissertations and the challenges faced by many nursing students, it is prudent to consider the different options available when completing an MSc dissertation. Being flexible and creative will give nursing students the greatest chance of success when completing their MSc dissertation.

Dissertation options. • Research involving the NHS (check eligibility using student research toolkit ) • Non-research activity in the NHS (e.g. service evaluation, audit, a discussion with R&D may still be needed). • Research activity not involving NHS patient, staff, or resources – student participant study or using organisations or charities, social media. • Literature review (e.g. systematic review). • Write research protocol for future study. • Produce anonymous case report (consent/approval needed).

Other challenges for nursing dissertations Another challenge is the increasing numbers of students completing MSc qualifications. Each year more nurses are seeking MSc qualification, which is excellent for patient care and the nursing profession. However, increasing student numbers and the needs to complete a dissertation can create pressure on the NHS and make it difficult to provide the necessary support for growing numbers of students. With increasing numbers, nursing students can find themselves struggling to come up with an original idea and some popular topics can become over-researched. For example, recently the number of students wanting to study COVID-19 has grown rapidly.

It is also common for nursing students to focus on particular groups of people and/or recruitment pathways. For example, the growth of MSc dissertations has led to an increase in the amount of research being conducting on students, which raises concerns about whether students are being overly burdened by invitations to participate in research. The growth in the numbers of nursing students studying MSc qualifications has also put pressure on finding appropriate academic supervisors, who can support students during their studies. It is important Universities balance the increased demand for MSc study, whilst also maintaining quality for students. Innovative strategies used by Universities include flexible academic supervision, using online methods, incorporating group supervision, and also changing the format of dissertations to better reflect journal publications. It is clear that traditional dissertations may need to adapt in the near future to be fit for purpose and to support the large number of students and the changes to research ethics in the NHS.

Dr Nicola Roberts is a Senior Lecturer and Mr Ben Parkinson is a Lecturer in the Department of Nursing and Community Health (@GCUNursing) at Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom (@GCUSHLS, @GCUReach).

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Nursing Dissertation Topics Ideas & Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at January 10th, 2023 , Revised On April 16, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View our free dissertation topics database.

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

Midwifery Dissertation Topics

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

2024 Nursing Dissertation Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Covid-19 Medicine and Nursing Research Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nursing and Medicine Dissertation Topics for 2023

Topic 1: impact of coronavirus on the pharmaceutical industry.

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

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

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

Topic 3: Increasing work pressure and occupational health concerns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mental Health Dissertation Topics

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

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service!

Occupational Health and Safety Nursing Dissertation Topics

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

“ Complete this short online form and provide as much information as possible to receive instant quotes from our writers specialising in your area of research . “

Environmental Health Dissertation Topics

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

Related: Environmental Engineering Dissertation Topics

Also Read This: Occupational And Environmental Health Thesis And Dissertations

Evidence-Based Practice Dissertation Topics

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

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Health Organisations Dissertation Topics

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

Community Nursing Dissertation Topics

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

Children Health Nursing Dissertation Topics

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

Related: Top QA on Children Health Nursing

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Clinical Management Dissertation Topics

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

Important Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Structure your Dissertation on Medicine and Nursing

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

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

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How to find nursing dissertation topics.

To find nursing dissertation topics:

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

How to Write a Nursing Dissertation – Tips & Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at November 24th, 2022 , Revised On February 1, 2024

Nurses are primarily seen as someone who care for and ensures the best treatment and support for the patients. So it is no surprise that many nursing students struggle to write a flawless nursing dissertation and fail to achieve their desired grade.

If you are a nursing student learning to write a nursing dissertation, you have landed on the right page.

Writing a nursing dissertation can be laborious if one is not adequately prepared. The nursing profession focuses on providing health care services and doesn’t involve a lot of research and writing.

As a result, writing a solid dissertation for nursing students can often become challenging. This article teaches nursing students how to produce an exceptional nursing dissertation.

Students must complete their nursing dissertations before the deadline provided by their department and to a high academic quality standard. When writing a nursing dissertation, you must ensure that whatever you write is precise, clear, and intelligible.

A strong nursing dissertation is a way to showcase your research and writing skills. You may find these skills useful at some point in your professional career. A logical methodology is necessary for writing an excellent nursing dissertation.

Without further ado, let’s look at the most critical steps of writing a nursing dissertation.

When you Need to Write a Nursing Dissertation

You will need to produce a proposal and a dissertation if you are a nursing student pursuing an undergraduate, Master or a PhD programme. Undergraduate students must complete and submit the dissertation project in their final year. On the other hand, Master’s and PhD students must successfully complete and defend their dissertation research to be awarded the degrees. For nursing students, completing a dissertation of high quality is of utmost importance. Be mindful of the following when starting to write your thesis paper.

You will need to be adept at combining data from many sources.
You should demonstrate the ability to blend analysis with description.
You must discuss theoretical ideas and concepts in detail.

13 Steps to Write a Nursing Dissertation

Step 1: begin your dissertation with topic selection.

The first step of the process is selecting a suitable nursing dissertation topic . Make sure you don’t rush this process because the idea you are investigating is the foundation for your dissertation. It must be something you are interested in, relevant to the discipline you chose to study and going to add value to the existing literature.

Step 2: Introduction

You acquaint your readers with the nursing dissertation topic in the introduction chapter. Here, you provide the rationale and history, set up the hypothesis or research questions, and present the background information and fundamental concepts relating to your thesis topic. A strong introduction can enable you to achieve a high score. Use a consistent format and ensure clarity and coherence because the introduction is the first line of the nursing dissertation.

Step 3: Obtaining and Combining Proof from Reliable Sources

Every dissertation, particularly a nursing dissertation, requires supporting data from peer-reviewed journals like “Advances in Neonatal Nursing,” “Clinical Nurse Specialist,” and similar journals. Aside from books and newspapers, aim to use journal articles by reputable authors and academics. You must make sure, among other things, that the evidence you use for your Master’s nursing dissertation is reliable.

Step 4: Critically Evaluate the Evidence

Without thoroughly evaluating the evidence, you will not be able to develop a first-class dissertation that other academicians can rely on. Giving your supervisor a glimpse of the evidence using the spectacle of critical appraisal tools is a great technique to show them the extensive study you conducted for your dissertation.

Step 5: Review of Literature

Here’s where you perform a comprehensive review of the existing literature. This chapter discusses fundamental theories surrounding your research topic and concludes with the outcomes of this secondary data review. Write this section while maintaining objectivity, and only include what you read.

Step 6: Outlining the Significance of the Dissertation

Finding a pertinent passage from previously published works is the next stage in determining the topic’s applicability in the present day.

For instance, if you are writing a dissertation on evidence-based nursing practice, you can access a variety of papers on the subject that have been produced by numerous nursing academics from all over the world. You could strengthen your work by doing this.

Step 7: Employing Clinical Standards for Audit and Inspection

Regardless of the research area you are exploring, mentioning relevant nursing policies and frameworks is crucial. Others will only use your work as a resource and future reference material if you have employed clinical standards, audit, and inspection guidelines.

Step 9: Choose the Methodology

A nursing dissertation isn’t done until you have developed a coherent and tangible nursing research methodology . Depending on your research topic, you could choose qualitative, quantitative, or a mix of both. Typical nursing dissertations involve a lot of data and analysis, and you may probably have to use some statistical analysis tool as part of the methodology.

Step 9: Results

Always reflect the actual outcomes. Write down anything unusual you notice while exercising the research.

The results chapter is where you present the findings of your study. The results and methodology chapter are often regarded as the most critical components of the dissertation paper. If you are basing your dissertation on quantitative research, consider including graphs and tables to provide evidence for your claims. You can, however, seek outside nursing assistance if you feel that writing the complete thesis paper would be too stressful for you.

Step 10: Recommendations

Presenting recommendations based on your experience is the last step in a nursing master’s dissertation. These serve as potential fixes for the shortcomings in the current study that can be applied in the future.

Step 11: Appropriate Format and List of References

You will lose important marks if your dissertation’s bibliography and references are not in proper order. Make sure your paper uses the format and style as instructed in your dissertation handbook.

Step 12: Structure

Forging a persuasive structure is another nursing dissertation requirement. The dissertation will stay on topic with logical organisation and order building. The exact structure you must follow varies from one nursing programme to another. We recommend that you check with your supervisor or read the handbook in detail to determine the structure you must follow.

Step 14: Proofreading

Any writing task becomes tedious after a while, and students are more likely to make mistakes when working with more extensive academic papers such as a dissertation. Under any circumstance, proofreading is required. Due to the strain of work and satisfying academic obligations, some students make mistakes in their dissertations even after reading them repeatedly.

These errors are typically modest and don’t seem noticeable to everyone. The process of proofreading ensures that every step, from the introduction to the appendices section, has been appropriately arranged.

Proofreading makes the writing process much more organised and clutter-free. Proofreading makes up the remaining two-thirds of the fight after writing and can make you succeed.

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Closing Remarks!

As a future nurse, you are aware that you must submit a solid dissertation to receive your professional qualification. Certainly, submitting a high-calibre nursing paper improves your chances of graduating with honours.

You may have a lot of academic and extracurricular commitments, making it tough to focus on writing your research.

The good news is that you still have room to work on your research, even though you only have a little time left before the deadline. Following the simple but exceptional tips presented in this article, you can produce an excellent dissertation swiftly.

We hope that this comprehensive guide to writing your nursing dissertation has helped you comprehend the critical components of a nursing dissertation.

How to write a nursing dissertation?

Writing a nursing dissertation can be complicated for a few students, but by following the given steps, you will be able to write a good nursing dissertation.

Start by choosing an intriguing topic.
Write a catchy introduction.
Collect proof and citations from reliable sources
Critically evaluate the gathered evidence
Perform literature review
Outline the significance of your nursing dissertation
Mention the relevant nursing policies and frameworks
Choose the right methodology
Reflect on the actual outcomes
Provide recommendations for the future.
Use the appropriate format and referencing style.
Review the structure of your nursing dissertation.
Make sure to proofread before sending.

Where do I find the trending nursing dissertation topics?

If you are looking for trending nursing dissertation topics, you can check 100s of amazing and professional topics here . If you cannot find a topic that interests you in the list, you can place your order at Essays UK and get a Free nursing dissertation topic recommendation.

Nursing School Theses, Dissertations, and Doctoral Papers

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Home > Nursing > Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Dissertations Collection

Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Dissertations Collection

Current students, please follow this link to submit your dissertation.

Dissertations from 2023 2023

Mental Health Burden and Attitudes and Intention to Seek Mental Health Services in Saudi Women Living in the United States , Wjdan A. Almutairi, Nursing

THE MEANINGS OF DAILY ACTIVITIES AND ATTITUDES OF OLDER BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: A CASE STUDY RESEARCH , Wadha Alquraini, Nursing

A Grounded Theory of Patient Flow Management within the Emergency Department , Ellen Benjamin, Nursing

Care With Honor And Dignity In A Long-Term Care Facility For Veterans , Sabine Clasen, Nursing

Tablet-based Cognitive Behavioral Group Intervention to Improve Step Count, Fatigue, Self-efficacy and Quality of Life in Arthritis Patients , Sarah M. Fiske, Nursing

Patterns of Substance Use and Buprenorphine Utilization to Predict Treatment Utilization for Opioid Use Disorder , Nicole M. Kent, Nursing

A Mixed Methods Comparative Case Study of the Relationship Between Community Engagement Practices, Maternal and Neonatal Health Services Utilization, and Health Outcomes , Tegemea P. Mwalingo, Nursing

AN EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER IN A MEDICATION TREATMENT PROGRAM: WITH A FOCUS ON PREGNANT WOMEN , kristy pereira, Nursing

THE FEASIBILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STRENGTHS-BASED RESILIENCE PROGRAM FOR NURSES , Cynthia Peterson, Nursing

Dissertations from 2022 2022

Intravenous Smart Infusion Pump Safety and Flow Rate Accuracy , Jeannine Blake, Nursing

Physical Activity, Daily Step Counts and Functional Ability in Older Adults: Using NHANES Database , Chunfang(Maggie) Chen, Nursing

The Experiences and Needs of Individuals With a Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) on Genetic Tests for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: A Grounded Theory Study , Danielle Gould, Nursing

Use of a Checklist as a Decision Support Aid for Heart Failure Assessment and Management , MaryAnn Hogan, Nursing

A Plant-Based Culinary Intervention to Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk and Improve Self-Efficacy in Latino/a/x Adults , Linda M. Koh, Nursing

THAI NOVICE NURSES’ LIVED EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES OF BREASTFEEDING AND HUMAN MILK IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU) , Tippawan Srichalerm, Nursing

Dissertations from 2021 2021

NURSE-DELIVERED SHOE-LACING INTERVENTION: EFFECT ON COMFORT AND TOE PRESSURES FOR ACTIVE COMMUNITY-DWELLING ADULTS (AGE 65+) , Mary C. Clayton-Jones, Nursing

LOST IN TRANSLATION: A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE ON NURSE PEER RELATIONSHIPS , Maud B. Low, Nursing

Young Adult Cancer Survivors and Physical Activity: An Expert Consensus Study , Ann Marie Moraitis, Nursing

Perseverance: A Focused Ethnographic Study of the Emergency Triage Nurse , Ellen C. Smithline, Nursing

Examining a Fatigue Management Model That Identifies Risk Factors and Consequences of Fatigue in Older Individuals , Maral Torossian, Nursing

Hospital Assessment and Response to Environmental Pollution as a Population Health Need: Identifying Prevalence and Predictors in Community Benefit Practices , Sarah Valentine, Nursing

Dissertations from 2020 2020

DEVELOPING A HANDHELD APPLICATION: A TABLET-BASED CLINICAL EVALUATION TOOL (TABCET) FOR NURSING STUDENT EVALUATION BY CLINICAL INSTRUACTORS , Mohammed Alghenaimi, Nursing

Geographical Disparity of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Chronic Diseases in Saudi Arabia , Fahad Alhowaymel, Nursing

Mediation and Moderation of Sleep in Arthritis Fatigue , Jean L. Cody, Nursing

Dietary Transition, Food Choice Process, and Food Practices in Sub-Saharan African Pregnant Women Living in Massachusetts , Favorite Iradukunda, Nursing

Older Women’s Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence: A Phenomenological Study , Lourdes Irene, Nursing

PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF ADOPTING A TECHNOLOGY BASED INTERVENTION FOR ALCOHOL SCREENING AND REFERRAL TO TREATMENT IN PRIMARY CARE , Sonya L. Lachance, Nursing

The Impact of Psychosocial Treatment on Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder , Tara Mariolis, Nursing

CORE CONTENT ITEMS AND CONSTRUCTS TO INFORM STUDENT NURSE HANDOFF COMMUNICATION , Kelley McAfee, Nursing

USE OF STAY S.A.F.E. STRATEGY DURING MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION IN REDUCING ERRORS , Cidalia J. Vital, Nursing

Dissertations from 2019 2019

Transgender Young Adults, Sibling Relationships, and Mental Health , Jordon Bosse, Nursing

Social Factors that Exacerbate Features of Borderline Personality Disorder in Young Adult Women Between 25 and 35 years of age Living in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , Erika M. Carrasquillo, Nursing

MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE: ADOLESCENT CAREGIVER EXPERIENCES IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS , Renee Crizer, Nursing

Cultural and Family Challenges in Type Two Diabetes Self-care for Puerto Rican Identified Hispanic Adults , Jalil Johnson, Nursing

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS ABUSE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS IN MALAWI , Nellipher Lewis Mchenga, Nursing

THE SOCIAL PROCESS OF DYING IN THE HOSPITAL: A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY , Alyson Prokop, Nursing

THE IMPACT OF PTSD AND HISTORY OF INVOLVEMENT IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM ON MEDICATION TREATMENT SUCCESS IN OPIOID USE DISORDER , Kirk Sanger, Nursing

Use of a Checklist to Facilitate the Recognition of a Transfusion Associated Adverse Event , susan scott, Nursing

Dissertations from 2018 2018

IPMTC- AN EMERGING NURSING THEORY ON TRANSITIONING INDIVIDUALS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY FROM LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES TO THE COMMUNITY UNDER MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS , Sylvia Abbeyquaye, Nursing

Exploring How Nurse Beliefs and Attitudes Influence End-of-Life-Care Practice , Cara Chandler, Nursing

“Tell Me A Story®”: Promoting Resiliency in Military Children , Katherine-Marie Conover, Nursing

MATERNAL OUTCOMES OF WOMEN WHO PREFER TO COMMUNICATE IN ENGLISH COMPARED TO WOMEN WHO PREFER TO COMMUNICATE IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH IN NEW ENGLAND , Katharine Green, Nursing

The Experience of Living With Breast Cancer: Puerto Rican Women Tell Their Stories , Madeline Hernández-Ramirez, Nursing

Using Motivational Interviewing to Increase Walking and Functional Ability in Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study , Erin Lamoureux, Nursing

The Effect of Social Networks on Self-Care Behaviors and Health Outcomes among Older People Living with Multiple Chronic Conditions , Raeann G. LeBlanc, Nursing

The lived experience and factors affecting disclosure of pregnant victims of domestic violence , Pedro Vargas Ortiz, Nursing

Dissertations from 2017 2017

Relational-Cultural Perspectives of African American Women with Diabetes and Maintaining Multiple Roles , Ayesha Ali, Nursing

Tablet-based Self-management Intervention for Diabetes Mellitus Type II Patients: Usability and Efficacy of The ASSISTwell Tool , Mohammad Alkawaldeh, Nursing

COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY OF ARV MEDICATIONS ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH HERBAL MEDICATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF HIV AMONG NIGERIAN HIV+ PATIENTS , Abdulfattah Durojaiye, Nursing

CANCER PAIN PROCESSES IN THE HOSPICE CARING TRIAD: A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY , Olga Ehrlich, Nursing

RELATIONAL COORDINATION: A PREDICTOR OF NURSE JOB SATISFACTION, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT, AND TURNOVER INTENTION , Rawaih Falatah, Nursing

Lesbian Veterans Experiences in the Military: A Case Study , Carolyn Gustason, Nursing

EXPLORING THE BALANCE: A Path Analysis Examination of the Maintaining the Balance Model , Sheila Pennell, Nursing

Group Process, Communication, and Relating as a Core Phenomenon in an Older Adult Support and Learning Group on Aging and Health , Lisa Rose White, Nursing

Influence of Work Environment Conditions on the Ability of Critical Care Nurses to Provide Efficacious Nursing Care in Puerto Rico , Yolanda M. Torres, Nursing

Dissertations from 2016 2016

Motivations and Barriers for Saudi Nurses to Pursue a Doctoral Degree , Abdualrahman Alshehry, Nursing

Knowledge Development in Undergraduate Clinical Nursing Education , Nancy A. Craig-Williams, Nursing

Acute Pain Symptom Assessment and Management in Nonverbal Puerto Rican Patients in the Early Postoperative Period , Sherily Pereira, Nursing

Dissertations from 2015 2015

Injection Drug Users’ Perceptions of Received Nursing Care: A Case Study , Kimberly Dion, Nursing

Cup Feeding In the Neonatal ICU: The Influence of Country, Belief, Preference, and Past Behavior , Sameh Ghareeb, Nursing

A Grounded Theory Study of Social Process that Influence a Child being Overweight in Thailand , Jumpee Prasitchai, Nursing

Dissertations from 2014 2014

A Preliminary Model of Dignity Management in Hospice , Qiaohong Guo, Nursing

NEEDS OF PATIENT’S FAMILIES IN THE HOSPITAL TELE-INTENSIVE CARE UNIT , Mary L. Jahrsdoerfer, Nursing

Relational Coordination: The Perception and Experiences of Student Nurses and Nursing Faculty in a Hospital Setting , Clare Lamontagne, Nursing

Dissertations from 2012 2012

The Theory of Compromised Eating Behavior , Ellen Frances Furman, Nursing

Dissertations from 2011 2011

Nurse clinician self-disclosure: A qualitative study , Kathryn Rising Baldor

Nurse Clinician Self-Disclosure: A Qualitative Study , Kathryn Rising Baldor, Nursing

Puerto Rican Teens' Perceptions of Teen Pregnancy and Births in Holyoke, Massachusetts , Nancy J. Gilbert, Nursing

Living With a Depressed Partner , Bridget Logan, Nursing

Characteristics of patients on telehealth that influence their heart failure outcomes in the home-care setting , Kavita Radhakrishnan

Characteristics Of Patients On Telehealth That Influence Their Heart Failure Outcomes In The Home-Care Setting , Kavita Radhakrishnan, Nursing

Healing experiences of Chinese Americans with cancer illness in the United States , Jui-Wen Wu

Healing Experiences Of Chinese Americans With Cancer Illness In The United States , Jui-Wen Wu, Nursing

Dissertations from 2010 2010

The Lived Experience of College Sudents Who have Been Medicated with Antidepressants , Pamela Joan Aselton, Nursing

Transition to Fatherhood: A Puerto Rican Perspective , Suzanne Barenski, Nursing

What Women Want to Know: Assessing the Value, Relevance, And Efficacy of a Self-Management Intervention for Rural Women with Coronary Heart Disease , Holly Evans Madison, Nursing

Familiar Physical Activity to Familiar Music: The Effects on Apathy, Agitation, Eating Ability, and Dietary Intake in Institutionalized Older Adults with Dementia , Janet Ruth Moore, Nursing

Dissertations from 2009 2009

Contentment In “Songs Of The Gorilla Nation: My Journey Through Autism”: A Humanbecoming Hermeneutic Study , Susan A Bonis, Nursing

Contentment in “Songs of the Gorilla Nation: My Journey through Autism”: A humanbecoming hermeneutic study , Susan A Bonis

Feasibility of Family Participation in a Delirium Prevention Program for the Older Hospitalized Adult , Deborah Rosenbloom-Brunton, Nursing

Dissertations from 2008 2008

Nurse decision making and the prevention of adverse events , Priscilla K Gazarian

The cycle of substance misuse and victimization , Karen A Kalmakis

Qi Gong exercise to improve balance for Parkinson fall prevention , Sheree Loftus Fader

Dissertations from 2007 2007

Maternal prenatal attachment in women who conceive through in vitro fertilization , Jean Evelyn Pelski

Pain management documentation: The effects of the perception of the practice environment and clinical expertise , Joanne Goodman Samuels

Participatory action research among Thai women and girls involved in prostitution , Nicharee Thiemklin

Dissertations from 2006 2006

Transcendence in successful aging: A grounded theory of older women's strategies to age successfully , Kristal Imperio

The role of professional nursing in the origin of the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 from a feminist perspective, 1981–1996 , Jan-Louise Leonard

Dissertations from 2005 2005

The effects of a walking program on older Chinese American immigrants with hypertension , Chun-Ying Chiang

Recovery from bulimia nervosa: A transformational journey to the sacred space within , Kathryn A Proulx

Dissertations from 2004 2004

Practitioner characteristics associated with psychosocial care for patients with fibromyalgia , Patricia M Bruckenthal

Self -selected distraction for acute procedural pain in adolescents: An intervention feasibility study , Debra A Jeffs

Stolen adolescence: The experience of adolescent girls with endometriosis , Karen M Plotkin

Health impact of intimate partner violence and abuse among Puerto Rican women living in shelters in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico , Yadira Regueira

Work empowerment, work relationships and expertise in experienced acute care nurses , Joan P Roche

Predictors of capacity to direct attention in cardiac surgery patients , Marilyn S Stapleton

Dissertations from 2003 2003

Family functioning, hope, and quality of life of school -age children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis , Thomas William Connelly

Somatic awareness, uncertainty, and delay in care -seeking in acute heart failure , Corrine Yvonne Jurgens

Building a story: Word patterns in writing and quality of life in women with advanced breast cancer , Margaret Saul Laccetti

One thousand words of luck: Narratives and analysis of United States resident Chinese immigrants with metastatic cancer , Hung-Ru Lin

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How to cut nursing home costs, according to experts

By Aly Yale

Edited By Angelica Leicht

Updated on: May 1, 2024 / 9:27 AM EDT / CBS News

Elderly Women Sitting in Nursing Home Window

Nursing home care costs are soaring . For a private room in a nursing home, the average person spends nearly $10,000 per month — and almost $120,000 annually — and those costs are only expected to increase in the coming years.

With the average nursing home costs at twice the average U.S. salary, that's more than many seniors can comfortably pay. And for those who can, it can quickly deplete their retirement savings or the estate they plan to leave for their heirs.

Fortunately, there are a few strategies that may help reduce nursing home costs and help stretch those dollars further.

Find out more about your long-term care policy options now .

If you need or want to cut down on the costs of nursing home care, here's what experts say you can do.

Open a long-term care insurance policy

One option for reducing these types of costs is to take out a long-term care insurance policy . These types of policies can help cover the costs of nursing homes and other necessary long-term care services . They can be stand-alone policies or hybrids, which combine life insurance and long-term care coverage.

"The most common plans sold today cover nursing homes, assisted living, adult day care and home care," says Mark Baron, owner of Baron Long-term Care Planning.

You can buy long-term care insurance at nearly any age , but Baron says most people pull the trigger in their 50s. If you can buy earlier, though, it could make sense to do so. These policies require medical underwriting, so the healthier you are, the more affordable your premiums will typically be .

"Starting a policy earlier allows individuals to lock in lower premiums and ensure coverage, especially for those with a family history of chronic conditions or a higher risk of needing long-term care services," says Logan DuBose, a physician and co-founder of Olera, an elder care support platform.

Explore how affordable long-term care insurance can be here .

Consider a shared room

Another option is to share a room in the nursing home, rather than choosing a private room. According to a study by Genworth Insurance, opting for a semi-private room in a nursing home can save you about $1,064 per month and $12,768 annually compared to a private room.

"Costs are lower," says Neal Shah, founder of CareYaya, a platform that connects seniors with caregivers in their area. "Plus, companionship can boost well-being."

And, it's true: Studies show that living with a roommate can lead to better sleep, less anxiety, and even healthier eating.

Look at nursing home alternatives and community programs

You can also look to alternative care solutions. Having a family member manage your care can be ideal in certain cases, but if that's not possible, look to community groups that can lend a hand.

"Take advantage of community organizations, religious groups and local agencies that offer support services for seniors and caregivers at reduced or no cost," DuBose says. "The best place to start is at your local Area Agency on Aging, which is a group specializing in resources for individuals needing senior care."

Hiring an in-home caregiver may also be an option. Genworth's data shows these cost anywhere from $5,720 to $6,292 per month — reducing your potential costs by thousands of dollars. Assisted living facilities may also be an option and run, on average, from just over $2,000 to $5,350 per month.

Leverage Medicaid

For those with low incomes, Medicaid can help defray the costs of nursing home care. And if you make too much for Medicaid, you may be able to qualify using the "spend down" method, which requires you to use a certain amount of your assets each year toward medical expenses.

"if a nursing home is inevitable, then consider whether your loved one will qualify for Medicaid or will be private pay will be critical," says Chris Orestis, president of Retirement Genius and host of the Retirement Genius podcast. "Qualifying for Medicaid is based on having an income and asset level below the poverty line — which for many families will involve a very specific spend-down process to qualify."

If you think you may exceed the Medicaid threshold, talk to a financial professional about what your spend-down strategy would look like. They can help you plan for those costs well ahead of time and ensure your eligibility.

The bottom line

With nursing home care costs on the rise, it's never too early to start planning for your long-term care needs. If you're not sure where to start, talk to an insurance agent about your options. They can walk you through the costs of a potential long-term care insurance policy or hybrid life insurance policy that can help. You should also shop around for your long-term care insurance company to ensure you're getting the best coverage and rate possible.

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Here's what happens when violence is reported in nursing homes – and what isn't tracked

Is resident-on-resident violence and abuse more common in Rhode Island nursing homes than in other states, or less?

And when patients harm one another, how often do facilities get fined?

We don’t know, because federal regulators aren’t keeping track.

Here’s an overview of what happens once resident-on-resident harm is reported to the authorities, and what is and isn’t disclosed to the public.

When are nursing homes required to report violence or abuse?

Nursing homes are supposed to report any resident-on-resident violence or sexual abuse to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

That reporting requirement exists even if there's just an allegation and the nursing home isn't sure whether it happened, said Jessica Marcaccio, the state health department's principal nursing care evaluator.

Additionally, nursing homes have to report any "injury of unknown origin" – for instance, if a resident has a bruise on their arm and the facility doesn't know where it came from.

Facilities should also be calling the police anytime they suspect that a crime has been committed, Marcaccio said.

What happens after an incident is reported?

When a facility reports an incident, or a relative or other member of the outside community makes a complaint, a Department of Health triage nurse will assign someone to go to the facility in person and investigate, Marcaccio said.

If the facility's annual review is coming up, a surveyor may investigate the incident or complaint at the same time they do that review.

"Each individual surveyor does their investigation, which consists of survey observations, record review, staff and resident interviews, and makes a determination at that point whether the complaint is substantiated or unsubstantiated, and whether a state or federal deficiency exists," Marcaccio said.

Cases can also be administratively closed if they they involve a "lower-level" concern, such as a resident yelling at another resident, according to health department spokesman Joseph Wendelken. Those incidents do not necessarily require a surveyor to make an in-person visit.

What if police are involved?

When police are notified about resident-on-resident violence or abuse at nursing homes, they'll typically write up a report, but they rarely make arrests or take further action .

Out of nearly 140 cases that The Providence Journal reviewed, only two led to criminal charges: An incident where a resident at Summit Commons in Providence assaulted his roommate after being asked to turn down the volume of his television, and the homicide at Crestwood in Warren.

In other cases, police reports often indicated that the victim or their legal representative did not wish to press charges .
Some noted that the facility was handling the matter internally and just needed to be able to say that they'd made a report.

Nursing home residents who harm other residents are usually severely cognitively impaired and likely wouldn't be deemed competent to stand trial even if there was a desire to treat the matter as a criminal offense. And since incidents often take place in memory-care units, victims and witnesses may not be able to recall what occurred.

As a result, it's largely up to the nursing home to decide how to deal with the perpetrator . Depending on the severity of the incident, that could mean:

Placing a note in the patient's file
Sending them out for a psychiatric evaluation
Moving them to a different part of the building.

Facilities can also potentially discharge a resident who poses a danger to others, but they must have documentation from the patient's doctor and meet all the other criteria laid out in state and federal regulations.

How common are reports of resident-on-resident violence and abuse?

Here's how many reports the Rhode Island Department of Health received each year from 2015 to 2023, and how many of them were substantiated.

As noted above, a case might be "administratively closed" if it involves a lower-level concern, like a resident in a dementia unit yelling at another resident.

Unfortunately, resident-on-resident harm isn't tracked on a national level. As a result, it's unclear how Rhode Island compares with other states, and it's difficult to place these figures in context.

Who decides if a nursing home should be penalized for an incident?

If a surveyor from the Department of Health substantiates a complaint and finds deficiencies – for instance, that the nursing home failed to protect a resident from abuse – they'll write up a report and require the facility to provide a plan of correction.

Depending on the scope and severity of the deficiencies, the surveyor may return to the facility for a follow-up visit to make sure that the plan is being followed.

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines whether the facility should be fined for a deficiency . The state Department of Health only identifies the deficiencies and does not have any say in setting fines.

The state health department can take action in other ways, such as getting a compliance order or consent agreement, and potentially requiring an outside monitor. That happens on a case-by-case basis, Marcaccio said.

There haven't been any compliance orders or consent agreements in the last few years that were solely prompted by a specific resident-on-resident incident, Wendelken said. Typically, those measures are only put in place when there are multiple high-level deficiencies.

What role does the Long-Term Care Ombudsman play?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman's office can make unannounced visits at nursing homes and talk to residents but doesn't conduct investigations the way the state Department of Health does, Marcaccio said.

Often, family members will contact the ombudsman's office when they have a concern, and the ombudsman will file a complaint with the health department, she added. (Family members can also go directly to the health department to file a complaint, if they choose.)

Additionally, when a facility has a deficiency, the ombudsman can provide guidance on how to fix it, Marcaccio said. The state health department is not authorized to do that.

How can the public find out about violent or abusive incidents at nursing homes?

If a health department surveyor cites a long-term care facility for deficiencies, a report will be publicly available on the agency's website.

However, it's common for regulators to substantiate that a violent or abusive incident occurred but not find any deficiencies on the nursing home's part. In that scenario, the incident typically wouldn't be mentioned in the survey reports that get posted online.

To get a better sense of how often resident-on-residence violence and abuse is occurring, The Journal put in a public records request for all the incident reports submitted to the state Department of Health by nursing homes but was directed to the less-comprehensive survey reports instead.

Months later, the agency's spokesman apologized for the mistake and said that anonymized summaries of incident reports could be obtained through an Access to Public Records Act request.

The Journal has once again requested those records, which need to be reviewed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services before they can be released, according to the health department.

The Providence Journal also requested three years' worth of police reports from each nursing facility in the state. Those reports are summarized in our database, alongside the findings from Department of Health survey reports.

However, even that doesn't present a complete picture: Comparing the two sets of records, it became clear that many of the incidents that the health department investigated hadn't been reported to local police.

Some nursing homes are extremely diligent about reporting even minor incidents that did not result in injuries, including verbal disputes, the records show. Others are not.

As a result, police reports don't necessarily convey the full scope of what's happening at every facility.

Lastly, the Department of Health also gets notified about alleged violence or abuse through so-called "community complaints," which may come from residents, their relatives or members of the general public. Those complaints are sometimes referenced in survey reports but are not released publicly.

How often does resident-on-resident violence lead to penalties or fines?

In most cases, it's impossible to figure out how much nursing homes were fined because of resident-on-resident violence.

Most of the time, survey reports also list other deficiencies – for instance, a nursing home where a resident was attacked by their roommate might also not be storing medications properly, or failing to meet residents' nutritional needs.

Fines are based on the survey as a whole, not individual deficiencies , CMS spokeswoman Kristen Clemens said. In other words, if the facility in the example above was fined $15,000, there'd be no way to break that down by each of the deficiencies.

The homicide that took place at Crestwood Nursing Home last year was extremely unusual, and the sole focus of an extensive survey report . In that case, the nursing home was fined more than $216,000 for deficiencies related to John "Jack" Sullivan's death.

You can see which facilities have been fined for deficiencies by using the Care Compare tool on the CMS website .

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