baby nursing research topics

Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

What is a nursing research paper.

• What They Include
• Choosing a Topic
• Best Nursing Research Topics
• Research Paper Writing Tips

Writing a research paper is a massive task that involves careful organization, critical analysis, and a lot of time. Some nursing students are natural writers, while others struggle to select a nursing research topic, let alone write about it.

If you're a nursing student who dreads writing research papers, this article may help ease your anxiety. We'll cover everything you need to know about writing nursing school research papers and the top topics for nursing research.  

Continue reading to make your paper-writing jitters a thing of the past.

A nursing research paper is a work of academic writing composed by a nurse or nursing student. The paper may present information on a specific topic or answer a question.

During LPN/LVN and RN programs, most papers you write focus on learning to use research databases, evaluate appropriate resources, and format your writing with APA style. You'll then synthesize your research information to answer a question or analyze a topic.

BSN , MSN , Ph.D., and DNP programs also write nursing research papers. Students in these programs may also participate in conducting original research studies.

Writing papers during your academic program improves and develops many skills, including the ability to:

• Select nursing topics for research
• Conduct effective research
• Analyze published academic literature
• Format and cite sources
• Synthesize data
• Organize and articulate findings

About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

You may need to write a research paper for any of the nursing courses you take. Research papers help develop critical thinking and communication skills. They allow you to learn how to conduct research and critically review publications.

That said, not every class will require in-depth, 10-20-page papers. The more advanced your degree path, the more you can expect to write and conduct research. If you're in an associate or bachelor's program, you'll probably write a few papers each semester or term.

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

Most of the time, you won't be designing, conducting, and evaluating new research. Instead, your projects will focus on learning the research process and the scientific method. You'll achieve these objectives by evaluating existing nursing literature and sources and defending a thesis.

However, many nursing faculty members do conduct original research. So, you may get opportunities to participate in, and publish, research articles.

Example Research Project Scenario:

In your maternal child nursing class, the professor assigns the class a research paper regarding developmentally appropriate nursing interventions for the pediatric population. While that may sound specific, you have almost endless opportunities to narrow down the focus of your writing. 

You could choose pain intervention measures in toddlers. Conversely, you can research the effects of prolonged hospitalization on adolescents' social-emotional development.

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

Your professor should provide a thorough guideline of the scope of the paper. In general, an undergraduate nursing research paper will consist of:

Introduction : A brief overview of the research question/thesis statement your paper will discuss. You can include why the topic is relevant.

Body : This section presents your research findings and allows you to synthesize the information and data you collected. You'll have a chance to articulate your evaluation and answer your research question. The length of this section depends on your assignment.

Conclusion : A brief review of the information and analysis you presented throughout the body of the paper. This section is a recap of your paper and another chance to reassert your thesis.

The best advice is to follow your instructor's rubric and guidelines. Remember to ask for help whenever needed, and avoid overcomplicating the assignment!

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

The sheer volume of prospective nursing research topics can become overwhelming for students. Additionally, you may get the misconception that all the 'good' research ideas are exhausted. However, a personal approach may help you narrow down a research topic and find a unique angle.

Writing your research paper about a topic you value or connect with makes the task easier. Additionally, you should consider the material's breadth. Topics with plenty of existing literature will make developing a research question and thesis smoother.

Finally, feel free to shift gears if necessary, especially if you're still early in the research process. If you start down one path and have trouble finding published information, ask your professor if you can choose another topic.

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

You have endless subject choices for nursing research papers. This non-exhaustive list just scratches the surface of some of the best nursing research topics.

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

• Analyze the use of telehealth/virtual nursing to reduce inpatient nurse duties.
• Discuss the impact of evidence-based respiratory interventions on patient outcomes in critical care settings.
• Explore the effectiveness of pain management protocols in pediatric patients.

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of nurse-led diabetes education in Type II Diabetics.
• Analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare services.

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

• Review the effectiveness of simulation-based learning to improve nursing students' clinical skills.
• Identify methods that best prepare pre-licensure students for clinical practice.
• Investigate factors that influence nurses to pursue advanced degrees.
• Evaluate education methods that enhance cultural competence among nurses.
• Describe the role of mindfulness interventions in reducing stress and burnout among nurses.

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

• Explore patient outcomes related to nurse staffing levels in acute behavioral health settings.
• Assess the effectiveness of mental health education among emergency room nurses .
• Explore de-escalation techniques that result in improved patient outcomes.
• Review the effectiveness of therapeutic communication in improving patient outcomes.

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of parental involvement in pediatric asthma treatment adherence.
• Explore challenges related to chronic illness management in pediatric patients.
• Review the role of play therapy and other therapeutic interventions that alleviate anxiety among hospitalized children.

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

• Analyze the effects of short staffing on nurse burnout .
• Evaluate factors that facilitate resiliency among nursing professionals.
• Examine predictors of nurse dissatisfaction and burnout.
• Posit how nursing theories influence modern nursing practice.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

The best nursing research advice we can provide is to follow your professor's rubric and instructions. However, here are a few study tips for nursing students to make paper writing less painful:

Avoid procrastination: Everyone says it, but few follow this advice. You can significantly lower your stress levels if you avoid procrastinating and start working on your project immediately.

Plan Ahead: Break down the writing process into smaller sections, especially if it seems overwhelming. Give yourself time for each step in the process.

Research: Use your resources and ask for help from the librarian or instructor. The rest should come together quickly once you find high-quality studies to analyze.

Outline: Create an outline to help you organize your thoughts. Then, you can plug in information throughout the research process. 

Clear Language: Use plain language as much as possible to get your point across. Jargon is inevitable when writing academic nursing papers, but keep it to a minimum.

Cite Properly: Accurately cite all sources using the appropriate citation style. Nursing research papers will almost always implement APA style. Check out the resources below for some excellent reference management options.

Revise and Edit: Once you finish your first draft, put it away for one to two hours or, preferably, a whole day. Once you've placed some space between you and your paper, read through and edit for clarity, coherence, and grammatical errors. Reading your essay out loud is an excellent way to check for the 'flow' of the paper.

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

Purdue OWL (Online writing lab) has a robust APA guide covering everything you need about APA style and rules.

Grammarly helps you edit grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Upgrading to a paid plan will get you plagiarism detection, formatting, and engagement suggestions. This tool is excellent to help you simplify complicated sentences.

Mendeley is a free reference management software. It stores, organizes, and cites references. It has a Microsoft plug-in that inserts and correctly formats APA citations.

Don't let nursing research papers scare you away from starting nursing school or furthering your education. Their purpose is to develop skills you'll need to be an effective nurse: critical thinking, communication, and the ability to review published information critically.

Choose a great topic and follow your teacher's instructions; you'll finish that paper in no time.

Joleen Sams is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in the Kansas City metro area. During her 10-year RN career, Joleen worked in NICU, inpatient pediatrics, and regulatory compliance. Since graduating with her MSN-FNP in 2019, she has worked in urgent care and nursing administration. Connect with Joleen on LinkedIn or see more of her writing on her website.

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• Open access
• Published: 30 April 2019

Evidence-based design for neonatal units: a systematic review

• N. O’Callaghan 1 ,
• A. Dee 1 &
• R. K. Philip   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6097-9869 2 , 3  

Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology volume  5 , Article number:  6 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

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Evidence-based design (EBD) of hospitals could significantly improve patient safety and make patient, staff and family environments healthier. This systematic review aims to determine which neonatal intensive care unit design features lead to improved neonatal, parental and staff outcomes. Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science Citation Index and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Registry, were searched in January 2017. Using combinations of the relevant key words, review was performed following the recommended guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. English language limitation was applied and term limited to 2006–2016. Included studies were assigned a grade based upon their level of evidence and critically appraised using defined tools. Data were not synthesized for meta-analysis due to nature of literature reviewed and heterogeneity. Three thousand five hundred ninety-two titles were screened with 43 full-texts assessed for eligibility. Twenty nine studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. These included 19 cohort studies, two qualitative studies, seven cross-sectional studies, and one randomised control trial. Grey literature search from guidelines, and repositories yielded an additional 10 guidelines. ‘Single family room’ (SFR) design for neonatal units is recommended. An optimally designed neonatal unit has many possible health implications, including improved breastfeeding, infection and noise control, reduced length of stay, hospitalisation rates and potentially improved neonatal morbidity and mortality. High quality, family centred care (FCC) in neonatology could be assisted through well grounded, future proofed and technology enabled design concepts that have the potential to impact upon early life development.

Introduction

The last century has seen improvements in maternal and perinatal mortality with significant advances, particularly in neonatology. Although immature organ systems contribute towards morbidity, these outcomes may be compounded by unfavourable neonatal intensive care environments [ 1 ].

Recently, attention has focused upon hospital design and its effect on patient safety [ 2 ]. Similar to evidence-based medicine, evidence-based design (EBD) uses the best available information from credible research to construct patient rooms, improve lighting and air quality, reduce noise, way-finding and walking distance, promote hand-hygiene, incorporate nature and accommodate families’ needs [ 3 ]. Evidence has shown that hospital design can significantly improve patient safety [ 2 , 4 ] and make patient, staff and family environments healthier [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].

This systematic review aims to identify NICU design features which improve neonatal, parental and staff outcomes.

This review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines for reporting on systematic reviews. Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science Citation Index and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Registry, were searched electronically in January 2017, using combinations of the relevant key words and word variants for “hospital design” and “newborn intensive care unit”. The inclusion criteria were studies written in English which evaluated NICU design features ( rather than practice ) and their impacts upon newborn infants, their families and staff, included a comparison group, and were published between January 2006 and December 2016. Grey literature was also searched, details of which are available in the addendum.

Title screening was carried out by one reviewer based on agreed, pre-piloted structured forms. Full-text articles were assessed for eligibility by two reviewers with agreement by consensus. Included studies were assigned a grade based upon their level of evidence [ 8 ] and critically appraised using a number of tools. Meta-analysis was not undertaken due to insufficient numerical data. Included studies and grey literature were divided into themes or subject areas, which are expanded upon in the results section. Further details of this and the methodology used are available in the addendum.

Three thousand five hundred ninety-two titles were screened with 43 full-text articles assessed for eligibility (Fig. 1 ). Twenty nine articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the review (Table 1 ). These included 19 cohort studies, two qualitative studies, seven cross-sectional studies, and one randomised control trial. The grey literature search resulted in the inclusion of ten guidelines (Table 2 ).

Flow diagram of results

Quality of included evidence

Studies tended to be observational and carried out in a single facility and consequently sample sizes were small. When outcomes such as mortality were assessed, the numbers were further reduced. Mortality was not often a primary outcome of these studies. Very few experimental trials were found. Efficacy in enhancing patient care is multivariate and it was difficult to establish causal relationships with any certainty. However, it must be accepted that experimental study designs may not be appropriate in this context and the evidence presented is the best possibly available for this research question.

Limited information on methodology was provided in the guidelines which were included, which hindered their critical appraisal. However, particularly in the case of US guidelines, these have been adapted internationally and adopted by many groups. Also, expert guidance based upon recommendations of those who work in this field is important, however not taken into account in a systematic review.

Single family rooms versus open-bay units

Infant outcomes.

Open-bay NICUs have the advantage of developing communication and interaction with medical staff and nurses and the ability to monitor multiple infants simultaneously. Single family rooms (SFR) were noted to improve sleep, increase privacy and parental involvement [ 9 ] and assist with infection control and noise limitation [ 9 ]. Infants were found to have fewer apnoeic events, reduced nosocomial sepsis and mortality as well as improved neonatal nutritional outcomes [ 10 ] and earlier transition to enteral feeding [ 9 ]. They have not been associated with an increased risk to patients [ 10 ].

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (< 1500 g) cared for in the SFR NICU weighed more on discharge, had greater rate of weight gain, needed less medical procedures, had a lower gestational age at full enteral feeding and less sepsis [ 11 ]. They showed better attention, had less hypertonicity, lethargy, pain and physiologic stress [ 11 ].

In contrast to the above studies Pineda et al expressed concerns that environmental sound and language exposure in single rooms may be reduced to levels that are detrimental to child development, with diminution of normal hemispheric asymmetry, lower language scores and a trend towards lower motor scores by two years [ 12 ]. Relatively low rates of parental visitation and holding with skin-to-skin interaction may have affected the generalizability of findings in this study.

Length of stay

SFRs have been noted to reduce length of hospital stay and rehospitalisation [ 9 ]. Providing “family centred care” (where parents stay overnight in the hospital) has significantly reduced length of stay (LOS) from a mean of 32.8 days in standard care (with limited opportunities for parental stay overnight) to 27.4 days in family centred care ( p  = 0.05) [ 13 ]. The authors postulated this reduction in LOS occurred as parents who spend most of their time with their newborn may have a greater opportunity to interpret and act on signs of distress and other needs of the infant compared to NICU staff who may have more than one infant under their care. In FCC units parents quickly became primary care givers and the greater continuity of care could possibly have contributed to more individualised care.

Parental satisfaction

When SFR and open-bay NICUs were compared for parental experiences, the SFR design resulted in greater parental satisfaction with care received [ 10 ], particularly with the environment, which was more conducive to family-centred care [ 14 ]. Premature infants cared for in single rooms experienced significantly more hours of visitation in the first two weeks of life and in weeks three and four. However, more stress has been reported by mothers in single rooms [ 12 ]. Smaller rooms where the number of infants were limited to one or two, provided space for parents to come to terms with their situation and to start the bonding process [ 15 ]. In one instance open-bay units were felt to be more conducive to social interaction with other parents [ 16 ]. However, when LOS increased parents were more appreciative of the comfort, privacy and environmental control aspects of SFRs. Those familiar with both showed a strong preference for SFRs which were felt to be preferable regarding issues of environmental control, privacy for bonding with the infant and breastfeeding [ 16 ].

The design and practices of the NICU has been found to dictate when parents first interact with their infants [ 17 ]. In general, parents who were facilitated to stay 24/7 in a unit experienced many “first moments” earlier [ 17 ].

Staff perceptions

Higher staff satisfaction scores for quality of physical [ 18 , 19 ] or work environment [ 20 , 21 ], patient care, job quality in the NICU [ 18 , 21 ], health and safety [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], security [ 21 ], interaction with technology [ 18 , 21 ] and overall satisfaction were noted for the SFR [ 10 , 21 ]. Following the transition to an SFR model staff reported improved satisfaction [ 20 , 23 ] and communication [ 20 ] as well as a reduction in isolation [ 22 ]. SFR design was felt to be better for patient therapy [ 19 , 20 ] and recovery as well as their overall development [ 20 , 22 ], including brain development [ 20 ]. The new unit (SFR) was also perceived as quieter and with lower perceptions of fatigue [ 20 ] and stress [ 19 , 20 , 23 ].

In contrast, Domanico et al raised concerns regarding SFR design. Early detection of medical crises (reflecting staff interaction) and adequate patient care was felt to be compromised in the SFR. However, the reduced mortality and length of stay in the SFR in this particular study did not support this perception [ 16 ]. Quality of team interaction was also noted to be initially poor [ 22 ] or show significantly decline [ 18 ]. This finding was not sustained in all instances [ 22 ]. Appropriate use of virtual audio-visual technology was suggested to improve staff visibility of others in the NICU [ 18 ]. A greater personnel need was also felt to exist with SFR use [ 10 ].

Sound, light, temperature and humidity

The degree of environmental control of sound and light was enhanced in SFR NICUs [ 10 ]. Median sound levels were significantly lower in the single-room or enclosed space NICU design compared to the open- bay models in four studies [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Although Liu et al. did note that when high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) was used similar measures were observed between the two units [ 24 ].

In contrast, Szymczak et al. found no statistically significant difference in sound level variance, nor percent time with peak sound variance in single-room and open-ward designs [ 28 ]. However, single-room design may offer significantly more time at lower noise levels as time below 0.05 standard deviations was higher in the single-room NICU [ 28 ].

Contrasting results were found for light level measurements. One study found that mean light levels were higher in the single (private) room design, due of the increased number of windows [ 25 ] and another recorded lower median levels of minimum and maximum illumination in the SFR NICU [ 27 ]. Low level of illumination favoured by nurses in the SFR has also been highlighted [ 10 ].

Temperature and humidity were assessed in only one study which found the single (private) room environment was cooler (two degrees), with greater temperature stability [ 25 ]. Mean humidity readings in the two environments were the same, but again humidity levels in SFR were more stable [ 25 ].

Specific acoustic and illumination guidance can be found in Additional file 1 : Tables S1 and S2 in the addendum.

Providing family-centred care in SFR in the NICU has been found to result in fewer acute care visits, phone consultations and rehospitalizations when compared to those cared for in traditional open plan units [ 29 ]. When compared to open-bay units, care was provided in single-room NICUs at no additional cost [ 30 ] or lower costs [ 10 ].

Infection prevention and control

Studies examining infection control in SFR and open NICUs have shown mixed results. Incidence of nosocomial sepsis in SFRs has been shown by Domanico et al. to reduce to almost half that seen in an open unit [ 9 ]. Whereas, Julian et al., comparing MRSA colonisation, found that colonisation was impacted by hand-hygiene compliance regardless of room configuration [ 31 ]. It is also recommended that newly built acute hospital inpatient accommodation should be comprised of 100% single rooms [ 32 ].

Airborne infection

Regardless of overall NICU room configuration, an expert group in the US recommend that a negative pressure airborne infection isolation room, with a clear floor space of 14 m 2 , containing hand-washing facilities, space for storage, means of emergency communication and self-closing doors should be provided (41).

Hand-washing

Two studies demonstrated significantly increased rates of nosocomial infection when infants were moved to less spacious, temporary NICUs and subsequently decreased when infants were moved to a newly constructed facility with improved sink-to-bed ratios [ 11 , 33 ]. In one further cohort study conducted as part of a Salmonella outbreak in a Tennessee NICU, a high number of inpatients were believed to have resulted in reduced attention to infection control procedures [ 34 ]. The inaccessibility of hand sinks was also felt to impede adequate hand-washing [ 34 ]. Several sink design specifications are available to view in Additional file 1 : Table S3 in the addendum.

Water safety

Prevention and control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionnella in NICUs is important. Those designing or renovating NICUs should carefully consider water safety in healthcare buildings, water safety plans as well as the materials, fixtures and fittings which will be used [ 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Specific water safety recommendations which could be incorporated into a new building can be viewed in Additional file 1 : Table S4 in the addendum.

Feeding facilities

Infant formula, when prepared at the bedside, was shown by Steele et al. to be 24 times more likely to be contaminated than those prepared in a centralised feeding preparation room [ 38 ]. Space for preparation and storage of formula distant from the bedside is recommended [ 39 ].

SFR design has resulted in more mothers sustaining lactation and more infants discharged with successful breastfeeding [ 9 ]. In contrast SFR design has also not been shown to increase breastfeeding duration by mothers of hospitalised preterm infants [ 40 ]. This study was underpowered, which perhaps contributed to the non-significance of findings. Participating mothers did express preference for pumping in their own homes due to enhanced privacy and environmental control [ 40 ].

NICU location in relation to other departments

Co-location of delivery rooms and the NICU has resulted in the reduction of moderate hypothermia and morbidity [ 41 ]. It is recommended that the NICU should be a distinct and controlled area immediately adjacent to the labour suite and rooms specified for operative deliveries [ 42 , 43 , 44 ].

Support areas

Several support areas are recommended. These include: clinical support areas, located as close as possible to clinical care areas [ 44 ]; a clerical area, located near the entrance to the NICU; one or more staff work areas each serving 8 to 16 beds [ 39 ]; staff support space, which may account for at least one-third of the floor space of the entire unit [ 39 ]; and family and infant room(s) should be provided for transitional care within or immediately adjacent to the NICU to allow those families who wish to stay with their infants the opportunity to do so [ 39 , 42 ].

Further detailed specifications for these areas can be viewed in Additional file 1 : Table S5 in the addendum. Also included in the addendum are design specifications for space requirements, enhancing unit security, finishes and measures to improve the NICU sustainability (Additional file 1 : Tables S6 to S9).

This systematic review was set out to determine what NICU design elements lead to better neonatal, staff or parental outcomes.

Evidence suggests that SFR’s have improved privacy and sleep [ 45 ] infection control [ 9 , 45 ], noise control [ 14 , 45 ], wider environmental control [ 14 ], parental involvement and satisfaction [ 12 , 45 ], reduced length of stay [ 9 , 45 ], reduction in hospitalisation [ 45 ], fewer apnoeic events [ 9 ], improved mortality [ 9 ] and increased breastfeeding [ 9 ]. Staff preferences appear to tend toward SFR with some studies showing reduced stress in these settings [ 19 , 46 ] although this was not replicated in all studies [ 12 ]. Concerns have been voiced over increased personnel need [ 45 ] compromised early detection of crises [ 16 ] and reduced staff interaction with the SFR design [ 18 ]. However, other studies have shown reductions in staff stress and fatigue and refutations to claims of staff isolation [ 20 ]. Although, in general evidence supports the use of SFR’s, one aspect of their use which showed mixed results was the impact such designs had upon neurodevelopmental outcomes. Research into this area is at an early stage and further studies are required.

Infection prevention and control is especially important in NICU settings where critically ill babies are at increased risk of hospital-acquired infection due to their immunological immaturity and the increased number of invasive procedures [ 33 ]. Most evidence for infection control focuses on creating an atmosphere which promotes hand-hygiene, with every infant bed, within six metres of a hands-free hand washing station [ 39 ]. Indeed two studies highlighted an increase in infection rates in settings where there was a lower sink-to-bed ratio and a third linked the inaccessibility of hand sinks to a Salmonella outbreak. The single room NICU is touted as a strategy which addresses environmental concerns and reduces iatrogenic effects by reducing the risk of infection and stress on preterm infants [ 11 ]. This hypothesis is supported by one study which noted a halving of the incidence of nosocomial infection when a SFR setting was compared to an open bay unit. Pseudomonas infection also poses a risk in NICUs. This may be offset by the detailed water safety advice mentioned previously.

Hospitals play an important role in health promotion and an environment supportive of breastfeeding is highly desirable. This is especially the case in the NICU setting where breastfeeding is of such importance to preterm population in reducing necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis. Limited evidence suggests environmental control and privacy is desirable. Given the premature population and requirement for expressed breast milk, if single patient rooms were unavailable privacy and maternal comfort could aid pumping and sustainability of breastfeeding.

Even though none of the eligible studies included in our systematic review addressed the concept of ‘blended design’ neonatal units; this practical approach perhaps optimise the available footprint and merges an open-bay (often pre-existing) design with designated SFR areas. Often such an innovative approach enhances clinical effectiveness at a reduced initial capital cost or renovation cost and ‘adapts’ a traditional open-bay unit to offer FCC. In response to a new transformational design of NICU, healthcare practitioners could develop new practices and this could also influence outcomes [ 47 ].

Limitations

This systematic review was carried out with some shortcomings. Included studies had certain inherent limitations, as detailed previously. English language restrictions were applied, meaning some studies may have been omitted from the review. We have restricted the review period commencement from 2006, thus not including literature prior to that. Bias inherent to the individual studies would be reflected in our analysis. We did not progress with a meta-analysis considering the wide heterogeneity and variability of the studies, wide variations in the primary aims of the studies included, inclusion of both quantitative and qualitative studies as well as our inclusion of grey literature and guidelines in the analysis. We could not register our systematic review with PROSPERO as it was conducted as ‘part of the best evidence gathering process’ to design and construct a New Maternity Hospital with Neonatal Unit attached to University Hospital Limerick and the timelines preceded our study registration.

Conclusions and recommendations

An optimally designed NICU has many possible health implications, including improved breastfeeding rates, infection and noise control, reduced length of stay and hospitalisations and potentially improved neonatal morbidity and mortality. The impact of early life development on later child health and development is well recognised [ 48 ]. NICU is the first extra-uterine setting for an increasing number of premature babies [ 1 ]. Preliminary evidence suggests that the NICU design may influence environmental exposures during a crucial period of brain development which can lead to long-term health implications. A well designed NICU has the potential to improve developmental outcomes and reduce chronic illness [ 49 ].

‘Single family room’ design for neonatal units is recommended. Careful consideration should also be given to infection prevention and control, including sink frequency and positioning, water safety features and airborne isolation facilities. Finishes used should have acoustic and illuminative suitability, as well as allowing for infection prevention and where possible, be environmentally sustainable. Support areas for families, staff and clinical activity are also important, as is the need to support mothers in breastfeeding.

Nature of the topic poses inherent limitations for conduct of randomized trials; however observational studies using standardised methodologies could add further evidence. Health service planners and design teams should be equipped with the evidence-base for positive design features that would impact the care of newborn infants, support to the caring families and wellbeing of the staff. High quality, family centred neonatal care could be supported through a well grounded, technology enabled and future proofed design concepts.

Further detailed recommendations are available in the addendum.

Abbreviations

Cumulative index of nursing and allied health literature

Graduate entry medical school

High frequency oscillatory ventilation

Health protection surveillance centre

Health service executive

Intensive care unit

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

• Neonatal intensive care unit

Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses

International prospective register for systematic reviews

Strategy for control of antimicrobial resistance in Ireland

• Single family room

University Maternity Hospital Limerick

Very low birth weight

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Acknowledgements

Authors wish to acknowledge the advice on systematic reviews by Dr. Helen Purtill, Statistician, Department of Mathematics, University of Limerick, Ireland and the search support from HSE and University of Limerick Library.

Authors received no specific funding for this work.

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Primary data availability of the included studies as disclosed in the respective manuscripts. Details of the methodologies and studies selected for the systematic review, including the grey literature and guidelines are available in the addendum.

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Niamh O’Callaghan (NOC) conducted the preliminary literature search following the PRISMA guidelines, tabulated and analysed the collected data and developed the first draft of the manuscript; Anne Dee (AD) verified and cross- checked the eligible studies and grey literature, supervised the systematic review, contributed the public health expertise and edited the manuscript; Roy K Philip (RKP) designed the systematic review as part of the New Maternity Hospital Design & Development Committee, supervised the study, contributed the neonatal intensive care expertise and edited the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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This manuscript does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. Systematic review to support the evidence-based design of New Maternity Hospital in Limerick, Ireland was approved by the Design & Development Committee of the Hospital Group.

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Additional file

Additional file 1:.

Table S1. Design specifications for an optimum acoustic environment. Table S2 . Design specifications for optimum lighting. Table S3. Recommended sink design specifications. Table S4. Design features to enhance water safety. Table S5. Design specifications for clinical, staff and family support areas. Table S6. Recommended space requirements for the NICU. Table S7. Design specifications to ensure NICU security. Table S8. Design specifications for NICU finishes. Table S9. Design specifications to improve building sustainability. (DOCX 72 kb)

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O’Callaghan, N., Dee, A. & Philip, R.K. Evidence-based design for neonatal units: a systematic review. matern health, neonatol and perinatol 5 , 6 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-019-0101-0

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-019-0101-0

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Global Research to Advance Neonatal Nursing and Neonatal Outcomes

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This chapter will highlight the value of neonatal nurses’ spirit of inquiry as the source of future research. Efforts were made to address practical aspects of global research from the nursing perspective, rather than discussing research methods, nursing theories as framework of research, or the levels of evidence that one can study in nursing research textbooks. It will discuss potential future research topics as concrete ideas that have emerged in today’s healthcare environment impacted by the pandemic, introduce recent global research to emphasize the value of global collaboration, discuss various areas in which neonatal nurses are actively engaged in global initiatives, and finally, present focused topics that the author believes to be ‘hot topics’ in a broad context. The purpose is to primarily encourage the spirit of inquiry among neonatal nurses, both novice and experts, with the hope that one would utilize this chapter to develop further interest in global research.

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Eklund, W. (2022). Global Research to Advance Neonatal Nursing and Neonatal Outcomes. In: Petty, J., Jones, T., van den Hoogen, A., Walker, K., Kenner, C. (eds) Neonatal Nursing: A Global Perspective. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91339-7_18

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50 pediatric nursing research topics, rachel r.n..

• May 6, 2024
• Essay Topics and Ideas

What You'll Learn

Pediatric nursing is a specialized field within the nursing profession that focuses on providing comprehensive healthcare services to infants, children, and adolescents, promoting their physical, emotional, and developmental well-being. Pediatric nursing involves the care and treatment of children from birth to adolescence, encompassing a wide range of healthcare services, including preventive care, acute care, chronic illness management, and rehabilitation. Pediatric nurses work in various care settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, community health centers, and neonatal intensive care units, providing care to children and their families.

Pediatric nursing research plays a crucial role in advancing evidence-based practice, improving quality of care, and enhancing health outcomes for children. Research in this area covers a wide range of topics, including child health, growth and development, pain in children, mental health issues in children, care of children undergoing specific treatments or procedures, family-centered care, and health education for children and their families. Pediatric nursing research topics also explore aspects of pediatric nursing practice, such as care coordination for children, health behaviors among children, and the development of new interventions or care models.

Paediatric nurses conduct research studies and clinical research projects to generate new knowledge, evaluate best practices, and identify areas for improvement in the care and health of children. Recent research in pediatric nursing has focused on various topics, including improving health outcomes for children, mental health disorders among children, oral health, primary health care, and the health and well-being of children in diverse care settings.

Pediatric nursing research paper topics may delve into specific areas, such as acute pediatric care, neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care, maternal and child health, adolescent health, sexual health, potential research topics in emerging areas, and the role of health professionals, including nursing students, in promoting child health and well-being. By conducting in-depth research and engaging in the research process, pediatric nurses contribute to advancing knowledge, enhancing nursing practice, and improving the overall quality of care and health outcomes for children and their families.

Duties and Responsibilities of Pediatric Nurses:

• Assessment and Monitoring: Pediatric nurses assess and monitor the health status of their patients, including vital signs, growth and development, and emotional well-being.
• Medication Administration: They administer medications, monitor for adverse reactions, and educate parents and caregivers on proper medication administration.
• Wound Care: Pediatric nurses provide wound care, dressing changes, and monitor for signs of infection.
• Patient Education: They educate patients and their families on various health topics, such as disease management, nutrition, and injury prevention.
• Emotional Support: Pediatric nurses offer emotional support to patients and their families, helping them cope with illness, hospitalization, and other stressful situations.
• Care Coordination: They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, therapists, and social workers, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for their patients.
• Advocacy: Pediatric nurses advocate for the rights and well-being of their patients, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard.

Tips for Writing a Good Pediatric Nursing Essay:

• Understand the target audience: Tailor your essay to the level of understanding and interests of nursing students.
• Provide a clear introduction: Introduce the topic and its significance in pediatric nursing.
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• Use relevant examples and case studies: Incorporate real-life examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts and reinforce your points.
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• Proofread and edit: Carefully proofread and edit your essay for clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

50 Pediatric Nursing Research Paper Topics & Ideas:

• The impact of family-centered care on patient outcomes in the pediatric intensive care unit.
• Strategies for managing pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing medical procedures.
• The role of play therapy in promoting emotional well-being in hospitalized children.
• Childhood obesity prevention and management strategies in primary care settings.
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• Exploring the challenges and coping mechanisms of parents caring for children with chronic illnesses.
• The influence of technology on pediatric nursing practice and patient education.
• Investigating the prevalence and impact of bullying on the mental health of school-aged children.
• Evaluating the efficacy of different parenting styles on child development and behavior.
• The role of school nurses in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing childhood obesity.
• Exploring the challenges and support needs of pediatric oncology nurses.
• The impact of breastfeeding education and support on infant health outcomes.
• Strategies for promoting medication adherence in adolescents with chronic conditions.
• The effect of early childhood interventions on the development of children with autism spectrum disorders.
• Investigating the role of pediatric nurses in preventing and managing childhood injuries.
• The importance of culturally competent care in pediatric nursing practice.
• Exploring the ethical considerations in pediatric end-of-life care.
• The effectiveness of various therapeutic interventions for managing pediatric anxiety disorders.
• The impact of family dynamics on the management of childhood asthma.
• Evaluating the role of school-based health centers in improving access to care for underserved populations.
• Investigating the prevalence and management of pediatric sleep disorders.
• The influence of parental mental health on child development and well-being.
• Exploring the challenges and strategies for managing pediatric patients with complex medical needs.
• The effectiveness of various educational interventions for promoting healthy eating habits in children.
• Investigating the impact of environmental factors on childhood respiratory illnesses.
• The role of pediatric nurses in promoting positive body image and self-esteem in adolescents.
• Exploring the challenges and strategies for managing pediatric patients with rare diseases.
• The effectiveness of various interventions for managing pediatric obesity in community settings.
• Investigating the impact of parental substance abuse on child health and development.
• The role of pediatric nurses in promoting safe sleep practices and preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Exploring the challenges and support needs of families caring for children with developmental disabilities.
• The effectiveness of various interventions for managing pediatric pain in outpatient settings.
• Investigating the prevalence and management of childhood mental health disorders in primary care settings.
• The impact of technological advancements on pediatric nursing practice and patient care.
• Exploring the challenges and strategies for managing pediatric patients with complex medical needs in community settings.
• The effectiveness of various interventions for promoting positive parenting practices.
• Investigating the impact of adverse childhood experiences on long-term health outcomes.
• The role of pediatric nurses in promoting childhood immunization uptake and addressing vaccine hesitancy.
• Exploring the challenges and strategies for managing pediatric patients with chronic pain.
• The effectiveness of various interventions for promoting physical activity and active lifestyles in children.
• Investigating the impact of adverse environmental exposures on childhood neurodevelopment.
• The role of pediatric nurses in promoting positive mental health and well-being in adolescents.
• Exploring the challenges and strategies for managing pediatric patients with eating disorders.
• The effectiveness of various interventions for promoting oral health and preventing dental caries in children.
• Investigating the impact of child maltreatment on physical and emotional development.
• The role of pediatric nurses in promoting safe and healthy environments for children.
• Exploring the challenges and strategies for managing pediatric patients with congenital heart defects.
• The effectiveness of various interventions for promoting healthy sleep habits in children.
• Investigating the impact of social media and technology on adolescent mental health and well-being.
• The role of pediatric nurses in promoting positive youth development and preventing risky behaviors.

Related Articles:

Pediatric Nursing

100+ Child Health Nursing Dissertation Topics & Title Ideas 2024

What is the topic in pediatric nursing?

Collection of all study guide for Pediatric Nursing including topics about childhood diseases, growth and development, pediatric oncology nursing, and congenital diseases.

What is the best topic for nursing research?

• Prenatal effects of exposure to environmental pollutants.
• Presentation and treatment of ADHD.
• Prevention strategies of childhood obesity.
• Resistance to antibiotics in children.
• Stem cell solutions for pediatric diseases.
• Major causes of child mortality.
• Causes of childhood obesity.

What is an example of a nursing research study?

Examples of current nursing research underway include:

Bruise study (light detection of bruises in various skin tones) Cancer screening, prevention and education. Cardiac care and congenital heart disease. Chronic disease self-management—Including diabetes self-management.

What are some examples of evidence-based practice in pediatric nursing?

• Evidence-Based Practice.
• Assessing Correct Placement of Nasogastric or Orogastric Tubes in Children.
• Intramuscular Injections in Infants, Todders, and Small Children.
• Pediatric Pain and Symptom Management at the End of Life.
• Reduction of Minor Procedural Pain in Infants.

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• v.10(1); Winter 2001

Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Thirteen Challenges That Influence Excellence in Practice

The purpose of this paper is to review the research and discuss 13 challenges that currently influence excellence in maternal-newborn nursing practice. Nurses working in the maternal-newborn arena are encouraged to evaluate their own practices in relation to the identified areas. The 13 identified challenges are the following: integration and expansion of midwifery and family-centered models of care, reduction in the use of unnecessary or questionable-benefit technology, patient and family teaching, the questionable need for a normal newborn nursery, integration of research into practice, further development of genetic technology and counseling, computer technology as an adjunct to prenatal care and birth, the need for comprehensive breastfeeding education and support, prenatal care on a continuum beginning as women's health promotion, health promotion beyond the postpartum period, culturally competent care, health insurance coverage for all women and children, and an undereducated work environment.

Introduction

During a review of the literature, 13 challenge areas were identified as important to achieving excellence in maternal-newborn nursing practice. These challenges point out priority areas on which to focus improvement efforts to achieve the highest level of patient care in maternity settings. Many of the identified challenges overlap and, thus, affect one another. Acknowledging the significance of these issues can be useful for clinicians and administrators in evaluating their own practices and facilities. Improvement in any or all of these issues of care would increase the quality of patient care for mothers and their newborns. As the literature on each of the 13 issues is presented below, a discussion of the implications for maternal-newborn care is integrated into the presentation.

Challenges Related to Models of Maternity Care

1. integration and expansion of midwifery and family-centered models of care.

Gagnon and Waghorn (1999) conducted a secondary analysis to compare the benefits of one-to-one nurse labor support with usual intrapartum nursing care in women stimulated with oxytocin. One hundred nulliparous women with a singleton gestation participated in the study. All fetuses were vertex and women had a cervical dilation of less than 5 centimeters at the time of entry into the study. The authors describe one-to-one nursing care as the presence of a nurse during labor and birth who attends to the physical and emotional needs of the laboring woman and her family. Such a nurse also provides instruction on relaxation and coping techniques. Usual care in this study consisted of one nurse caring for 2 to 3 laboring patients, with supportive interventions varying according to nurse preference. Results of the secondary analysis indicate a beneficial trend to having one-to-one nursing care. In this sample, a 56% reduction in the risk of total cesarean deliveries existed in the group receiving one-to-one nursing care. The results of this study warrant careful consideration by nurses and nurse managers of labor and delivery units to ensure excellence in maternal newborn care.

In this sample, a 56% reduction in the risk of total cesarean deliveries existed in the group receiving one-to-one nursing care.

Certified Nurse Midwives are an essential part of delivering family-centered care. The expansion and integration of nurse-midwives into all areas of maternity practice are essential to improving maternity care throughout the world. Nurse-midwifery care has been documented in repeated studies to be equal to or better than care provided by physicians. Nurse-midwives tend to focus on health promotion and patient teaching, which further assist the patient to have favorable birth outcomes. Nurse-midwives traditionally are less invasive than their physician colleagues, which can lower costs, increase patient satisfaction, and contribute to improved outcomes by avoiding unnecessary interventions.

2. Reduction in the Use of Unnecessary or Questionable-Benefit Technology

The following is a review of evidence related to overuse of technology in childbirth. Curtin and Mathews (2000) provide an in-depth discussion of current obstetric procedures for 1998. They note that electronic fetal monitoring, ultrasound, and stimulation and induction of labor continued to rise in 1998. Both the total numbers of cesarean sections and primary cesarean sections increased. The rate of vaginal births following cesarean delivery (VBAC) declined for the second year in a row. While the number of births assisted by vacuum extraction has continued to rise, a slight decrease was reported for 1997-1998 ( Ventura, Martin, Curtin, & Mathews, 2000 ) .

Sleutel and Golden (1999) conducted an in-depth review of the literature regarding food and fluid restrictions during labor. They reviewed MEDLINE, CINAHL, and historical texts. The authors concluded that research does not support the restriction of food or oral fluids during routine labor for the prevention of gastric aspiration. They also note that restricted oral intake can have adverse effects.

Another controversial practice in maternal-newborn nursing is the use of routine continuous electronic fetal monitoring. Haggerty (1999) notes that several professional organizations have endorsed the use of intermittent auscultation for low-risk pregnant women, yet the majority of U.S. women continue to receive continuous electronic fetal monitoring during labor. Routine electronic fetal monitoring was quickly implemented into practice without appropriate research to test the effectiveness, reliability, or efficiency of its use. Haggerty notes that, while a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern is a good predictor of fetal well-being, a nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern is not a good predictor of fetal problems or demise.

Lundquist, Olsson, Nissen, and Norman (2000) conducted a study to determine if any differences existed in the healing or discomfort associated with vaginal lacerations that were or were not sutured following childbirth. Eighty women with first- or second-degree tears were randomized to either group. The perineum was examined and the women were questioned about their experiences at 2 to 3 days, 8 weeks, and 6 months after delivery. No differences were found in healing or amount of pain. However, women in the sutured group reported more visits to their health care provider for care related to the sutures. Sixteen percent of the women in the sutured group also reported that the sutures had a negative impact on breastfeeding.

Sixteen percent of the women in the sutured group also reported that the sutures had a negative impact on breastfeeding.

Creedy, Shochet, and Horsfall (2000) conducted a study to determine the incidence of acute trauma symptoms in women that resulted from their labor and delivery experiences. In this prospective study, women were recruited during their last trimester of pregnancy. Telephone interviews were conducted with 499 women 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. In this sample of urban Australian women, 33% (or 1 in 3 women) reported a traumatic birthing event and at least three symptoms they believed were related to the experience. Slightly more than 5% of women met DSM-IV criteria for acute post-traumatic stress disorder. A high level of intervention and the perception of inadequate intrapartum care were associated with the development of symptoms in this group of women. Prenatal variables did not contribute to the development of symptoms in this sample. When high levels of support are available, this high level of trauma should not occur.

3. Patient and Family Teaching

Chapman (2000) conducted a qualitative study to describe expectant fathers' labor and delivery experiences when their partners received epidural anesthesia. Fathers identified two main concepts: “losing her” and “she's back.” The theme “losing her” referred to women turning inward as a way to cope with labor prior to epidural administration. “She's back” referred to the transition women went through after they received an epidural and their pain was controlled. Expectant fathers who are aware of what to expect during labor and delivery and from the use of epidural anesthesia will be better able to support their partners and have a positive birthing experience. Nurses and childbirth educators are in a key role to educate the father (and significant others) regarding labor and delivery.

Ruchala (2000) conducted a study to identify what nurses and postpartum women believed to be the most important areas for postpartum teaching. Nurses were invited to participate via mailed surveys and new mothers were interviewed in the hospital within 24 hours of delivery. Statistically significant differences were found between the mothers' and nurses' prioritizations. New mothers identified issues related to their own care as most important, while nurses rated newborn care issues as most important. This information has implications for nurses who work with postpartum mothers. New mothers may need to learn how to appropriately care for themselves before being able to care for another. Birth is an intimate process and women have significant fears related to their healing and adaptation. If their energy is focused here, they may not be able to learn effectively about newborn care. The nurse must first assess what the learner knows and what the learner believes she needs to know before teaching occurs. Focusing first on what a mother needs to know will allow her to absorb that information and then move on to what the nurse believes to be important. Facilitating learning in such a manner will provide the best opportunity for the new mother to learn as much as possible before being discharged. It is likely that facilitated teaching would reduce the risk of unnecessary rehospitalizations and complications.

Karl (1999) described the use of an interactive newborn bath as a method both for teaching the family about the newborn and as a way to help parents learn to interact with the newborn. During the bath, the nurse is able to point out infant reflexes, states of alertness, and newborn skills such as eye contact and listening. The nurse can also encourage the parents to touch and hold their newborns and help the parents to interpret the newborn's responses. This type of interaction accomplishes several goals: It cleans the newborn; the parents learn how to give a bath, interpret behavior, and understand newborn emotions and reflexes; and it allows the nurse to assess family cohesion, readiness to learn, and previous experience.

Sampsell, Seng, Yeo, Killion, and Oakley (1999) conducted a study to describe patterns of postpartum physical activity and to identify any specific risks or benefits from such activity. The authors interviewed 1,003 women at their 6-week postpartum checkup. Almost 35% of these women reported participating in vigorous exercise. In this sample, women who were more active retained less pregnancy weight, scored better on measures of postpartum adaptation, and participated in more social activities and hobbies. These initial exploratory results warrant discussion of the benefits of exercise with new mothers before hospital discharge.

4. The Questionable Need for a Normal Newborn Nursery

Those who are truly devoted to excellence in maternal-newborn nursing and family-centered care have to question the necessity of the normal newborn nursery, which has disappeared in some progressive hospitals. Many mothers desire to have their infants in the nursery so that they have a chance to rest. However, mothers and infants tend to rest more completely if they room-in together ( Keefe, 1987 ). Other mothers state they want to shower. Sending a newborn back to the nursery is generally not necessary, as the new mother will likely have to shower at home too. Staying in or near the bathroom with the mother during her shower will not harm the newborn. Nursing staff may challenge that they prefer to have the newborn in the nursery for procedures. Routine procedures such as vital signs and drawing blood can be effectively accomplished in the mother's room. Less disruption to the mother's routine occurs and the procedures offer the nurse an opportunity to observe family interaction and to teach the mother about her new infant. Additionally, the nurse's presence in the room may generate questions from the mother. One must also acknowledge that assisting personnel, not the nurse, may perform such skills. These are still good opportunities for interaction with the mother. Simply having another individual in the mother's room can be helpful; nursing assistants can report a problem to the nurse or may, themselves, be able to answer a simple question, such as when dinner is served.

Challenges Related to Keeping Maternity Practice Current

5. integration of research into practice.

The following are examples of practice-ready research of which clinicians should be aware. Mayberry, Gennaro, Strange, Williams, and De (1999) found that the reduction in maternal fatigue related to second stage labor needs to be addressed. Fatigue can be minimized by shortened periods of strong pushing or bearing down and by open-glottis breathing. Women who have received epidural anesthesia may be particularly at-risk for fatigue. Excessive fatigue may interfere with the woman's ability to manage care activities following discharge ( Tulman, Fawcett, Groblewski, & Silverman, 1990 ). Lee and Zaffke (1999) found that fatigue during the postpartum period was related more to the new mother's receiving adequate amounts of uninterrupted sleep and adequate nutrition (especially in terms of iron, folic acid, and ferritin) than to the number of other children, amount of household responsibilities, and whether or not the mother was employed outside the home. Nurses who work with pregnant and postpartum women need to implement these types of research findings into their current practice; new mothers need to be made aware of the likelihood of fatigue during the first postpartum months and how best to resolve such fatigue. Lee and Zaffke (1999) also found that younger women were more likely to experience fatigue than their older counterparts, even after controlling for parity.

D'Apolito (1999) conducted a repeated-measures experimental design to determine if the use of a mechanical rocking bed with maternal intrauterine sounds would decrease symptoms of withdrawal and promote neurobehavioral adaptation in drug-exposed infants. She found that infants who experienced the intervention had a significantly greater incidence of symptoms and sleep withdrawal. The author concluded that the infants who received the intervention might have been overstimulated. Therefore, it is imperative that nurses integrate such findings into their own practice, to ensure that these delicate newborns are not overstimulated but calmed and helped to recover from addiction.

Dowling (1999) conducted a study to describe and compare short-term physiologic responses of preterm infants during breastfeeding and bottle-feeding with an orthodontic nipple. She found statistically significant differences in physiologic parameters between feeding methods. In this research project, infants served as their own controls. Infants were able to breathe better and experienced fewer oxygen desaturations during breastfeeding when compared to bottle-feeding. This research has implications for nurses who work in neonatal intensive care units in terms of the safety and appropriateness of breastfeeding for preterm newborns.

Pridham et al. (1999) conducted a study to determine if caloric and protein intake and weight change of fully nipple-fed infants differed by feeding regimen (scheduled vs. ad-lib) and the caloric density of the formula (20 or 24 kcalories per ounce). Seventy-eight infants were randomized by feeding method and calorie groups. In this group of infants, the ad-lib feeding regime had a negative impact on the amount of formula the infants consumed and the overall total caloric intake. Caloric intake, not feeding regime or the caloric density of the assigned formula, influenced infant weight gain.

Ludington-Hoe et al. (1999) conducted a study to assess preterm neonates' (34-36 weeks) physiological and behavioral responses during “Kangaroo Care” * for the first 6 hours after birth. Data were collected in Columbia, South America. Six neonates with 5-minute Apgar scores of 6 or more were enrolled in the study. Heart rate, respirations, oxygen saturation, temperature, and behavioral state were recorded every minute. Heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation remained stable. All babies were fully breastfed and able to be discharged within 48 hours, suggesting that Kangaroo Care is an environment that assists the infant to recover from birth-related fatigue and adapt to his or her extrauterine environment.

There are implications for nurses who work neonatal intensive care units and delivery suites. Labor and delivery nurses can facilitate a preterm neonate's adaptation to extrauterine life by beginning Kangaroo Care immediately after birth for infants who are not in severe distress. Neonatal intensive care nurses can assist by remaining patient and keeping the infant with his or her mother, rather than rushing an infant to the neonatal intensive care unit or to a nearby warmer.

Nick (1999) conducted a study to identify the presence of residual blood and organic matter on “clean” infant stethoscopes in maternal-newborn units. This study was a retrospective, nonexperimental study in which 97 stethoscopes were collected from 11 acute care hospitals. A special lens was used to assess for visual evidence of buildup, and a phenolphtalein test was used to detect residual blood. Eighty percent of stethoscopes from labor and delivery units and 72% of stethoscopes from nurseries had organic buildup present. Seventy-six percent of stethoscopes from labor and delivery and 46% of nursery stethoscopes tested positive for blood. Nurses need to examine stethoscopes in their own units and carefully monitor their cleanliness. Consultation with the hospital biomedical or housekeeping services may be a first step to rectify the problem.

6. Further Development of Genetic Technology and Counseling

With the recent advances in genetic technology and the mapping of the human genome, nurses will have an instrumental role in the future care of families affected by this new genetic technology. While some initial successes have occurred, nurses will need to continually monitor new advances in genetic technology to ensure excellence in maternal-newborn nursing practice. For example, many advances can be anticipated in providing information regarding genetic testing for expectant parents and couples considering pregnancy. It will be crucial that families' rights are protected. The discovery of genetic information must be protected and used to the benefit of the patient and family, not to their disadvantage, as might be threatened by some insurance companies who are struggling for financial gain. Nurses must advocate for patients and families to ensure that they receive appropriate follow-up care and counseling for new genetic therapies. Genetic decision-making can be some of the most difficult decisions a person may face in a lifetime. Nurses are in a key role to ensure that families are supported.

7. Computer Technology as an Adjunct to Prenatal Care and Birth

The Internet is an enormous source of information that can assist nurses in providing safe, effective care. Huyhn et al. (2000) describe the development of an Internet web site to promote healthy behaviors among teens. The authors note that the teen years are a time when healthy behaviors are learned and when teens often have difficulty seeking out such information from parents and other adults. A survey recently conducted in Seattle, WA, found that students wanted to know information that was not being presented in their current health classes. The authors report that personnel were positive about the use and development of the Internet site described in the article.

The discovery of genetic information must be protected and used to the benefit of the patient and family, not to their disadvantage …

While the project discussed by these authors did not specifically address prenatal care, some reproductive information likely was included in such a web site or will be included in the near future. Additionally, the authors present a solid foundation to further build on their ideas and experiences. The information provided can be used as a stepping stone for the further development of Internet technology that can be used during the perinatal period.

Corrarino, Walsh, and Anselmo (1999) describe the use of a slide program to be viewed by the mother and her nurse during a home visit. The topic of the presentation is hepatitis B. The slide presentation is used as an adjunct to one-on-one teaching. It is easy to see how such an intervention could be adopted to a variety of topics to improve perinatal nursing care.

Challenges Related to Competency and Scope of Maternity Care

8. the need for comprehensive breastfeeding education and support.

A number of authors have documented the problems that arise when breastfeeding education and support for mothers is inconsistent or is not comprehensive. For example, Mozingo, Davis, Droppleman, and Merideth (2000) conducted a phenomenological study of the experience of women who initiate breastfeeding but wean within the first 2 weeks postpartum. The women who participated in this study (n = 9) described incongruence between their expectations and the reality of the first weeks of breastfeeding. The incongruence these women felt slowly led to the cessation of breastfeeding. The women also described guilt, a sense of failure, shame, and self-doubt about discontinuing breastfeeding. While this study was exploratory in nature and attempted to understand the experience in-depth with a few participants, the results should be examined carefully. Women who wish to breastfeed benefit from having realistic expectations about the first weeks of breastfeeding. Further, once they are fully informed regarding their options, women need to be supported in whatever decision they choose, whether it is to wean or to continue breastfeeding. In order to increase their readily available sources of support and, hence, their ability to prevent or resolve problems, women can be assisted to identify supportive family members, contacts, and informational resources prenatally for the postpartum period. Additionally, women can be referred to support groups and professional lactation consultants for further assistance.

In another recent example, Riordan, Gross, Angeron, Krumwiede, and Melin (2000) conducted a study to examine the relationship of labor pain relief medications with neonatal suckling and breastfeeding duration. One hundred twenty-nine mothers who delivered vaginally participated in the study. The authors controlled for infant gestational age, birth weight, and gender, and found that infants born to unmedicated mothers had greater sucking abilities. Breastfeeding duration did not differ between unmedicated and medicated groups (measured up to 6 weeks postpartum); however, infants with a lower suckling score tended to wean earlier than cohorts with higher suckling scores. The results of this study provide important considerations for clinicians working with breastfeeding mothers. This recent study supports previous assertions that unmedicated births and/or early assessment and correction of neonatal suckling abilities can be instrumental in breastfeeding success. Additionally, the above information needs to be communicated to mothers during the prenatal period so that they can make informed choices about preparation, support, and pain relief options during labor. Mothers aware of such information can be assisted to exert the effort to ensure that breastfeeding efforts are more successful even when the level of medication used during labor is not ideal. In summary, comprehensive breastfeeding support is broader than assisting the mother with the techniques of breastfeeding. Her ongoing support system and preparation for labor are examples of items to be included in comprehensive support.

… unmedicated births and/or early assessment and correction of neonatal suckling abilities can be instrumental in breastfeeding success.

9. Prenatal Care on a Continuum Beginning as Women's Health Promotion

A number of health behaviors of preconceptual women will influence their childbearing experiences. Thus, providers of preconceptual health care or health education have the opportunity to link general health behavior to prenatal health behavior. In a preconceptual example, Leffler (2000) conducted a study to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of U.S. high school girls regarding infant feeding. One hundred teenagers from two suburban high schools participated in the study. The author reported that 79% of girls expected to have children, and 52% of them planned to breastfeed. Girls who were breastfed or had exposure to breastfeeding were more likely to report that they would breastfeed their own children. The author concludes that teens may be receptive to health promotion activities that relate to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding health promotion is an excellent place for preconception health promotion activities to begin. Many adolescent girls have thought about childbirth and becoming a mother; however, many of them have not had breastfeeding experiences. Introducing them to the health benefits for both mothers and infants would help to provide a solid foundation for preconceptual health promotion.

In a prenatal example, Bungum, Peaslee, Jackson, and Perez (2000) conducted a nonexperimental retrospective study to assess for an association between participation in aerobic exercise during the first two trimesters of pregnancy and delivery type in nulliparous women. One hundred thirty-seven women participated in the study. The authors found that sedentary women (n = 93) were 2 times more likely to deliver via cesarean section. When mother's prepregnancy exercise program, age, use of epidural anesthesia, change in prepregnancy to delivery body mass index, labor length, whether labor was induced, and the hospital of birth were controlled, the risk of cesarean delivery increased for sedentary women to greater than 4 times. This presents another prime area for health promotion. The cesarean delivery rate in the U.S. is rather high, and a simple nursing intervention such as teaching women about prenatal exercise may prove useful in helping women to avoid an unnecessary cesarean delivery.

… a simple nursing intervention such as teaching women about prenatal exercise may prove useful in helping women to avoid an unnecessary cesarean delivery.

Nutrition promotion is an example of health behavior with both preconceptual and prenatal implications for pregnancy. Reifsnider and Gill (2000) conducted an in-depth review of the literature to provide state-of-the-science recommendations for preconceptual and pregnancy nutrition. They concluded that maternal nutrition directly relates to neonatal health, size, and growth, both during pregnancy and lactation. Prenatal weight gain may also contribute to a woman's future risk of obesity. Therefore, nutritional teaching and monitoring are an essential part of the continuum of prenatal care from preconception through postpartum and lactation. A more specific nutritional example pertains to folic acid. Montgomery and Mayne (2000) describe a program to increase awareness of the need for folic acid during the preconception period and during pregnancy. Folic acid awareness is a crucial component of prenatal care that must be emphasized across the perinatal continuum to adequately protect against birth defects. An example is the need to advise women to obtain adequate amounts of folic acid to prevent spina bifida.

10. Health Promotion beyond the Postpartum Period

Walker and Wilging (2000) note that most mothers have physical, mental, and social concerns that continue beyond 6 weeks postpartum. The authors advocate for increased services for women beyond the initial 6 weeks postpartum. They identify that key areas for health promotion include lifestyle changes in exercise, nutrition, and smoking, and services that address psychosocial well-being, including mood and body image. The authors describe a dichotomy that includes maternal-child health (MCH) and women's health. MCH traditionally has dealt with reproductive health issues, while women's health has dealt more with health issues not related to reproductive function. However, beyond 6 weeks postpartum (or the cessation of reproductive function) little effort has been devoted to health promotion activities for mothers. Walker and Wilging (2000) advocate for redefining “postpartum” to include the first year following delivery. They note that this is consistent with published research that confirms women do not return to normal activities of daily living, lose weight, or regain their previous level of energy until one year or more after delivery.

Parks, Lenz, Milligan, and Han (1999) conducted a secondary analysis to understand the consequences of mothers experiencing fatigue throughout the first 18 months following delivery. Their sample included 229 women, half of whom reported that they were persistently fatigued. Mothers identified that their fatigue contributed to more physical and mental problems. There were no differences in infant health. However, infant performance development (e.g., eye-hand coordination) was lower for infants whose mothers had either persistent mental or physical fatigue.

Bottorff, Johnson, Irwin, and Ratner (2000) found that, while many women stop smoking during pregnancy, many resume during the postpartum period. The authors interviewed women about their experiences with smoking relapse and found that five general story lines could be identified: controlling one's smoking, being vulnerable to smoking, nostalgia for one's former self, smoking for relief, and never really having quit smoking. Findings from this exploratory study provide some initial evidence that smoking resumption among postpartum women may have unique characteristics and, therefore, require different interventions than other populations who experience smoking relapse. This is an important area in which health promotion can begin.

11. Culturally Competent Care

Sinclair (2000) quotes the 1990 U.S. Census Bureau in that 1 in 4 persons who responded to the census was of color, and the numbers are expected to increase with the collection of data for Census 2000. Sinclair also notes that the increasing diversity of America's culture demands that health care providers become more culturally aware. Gichia (2000) conducted an ethnographic study to describe motherhood, maternal role requirements, and family life as perceived by poor, urban, African-American women. She interviewed 15 new mothers between the ages of 14 and 44. In addition to interviewing the mothers, Gichia collected information through home and community observation and conducted interviews with significant others. Initial interviews with the new mothers occurred within 24 hours of the birth of a normal, full-term infant. Participants described motherhood as a significant event in their lives, with both positive and negative aspects. In this sample, maternal role attainment behaviors were learned from extended family and seemed to follow a sequential pattern. Nurses caring for African-American mothers during the postpartum period must consider family and cultural influences if they are to provide the best care to new mothers and their infants.

Mattson (2000) notes that culturally competent care is especially essential in perinatal care, because individuals who immigrate tend to be young and often initially enter the health care system for maternity care. According to Heilemann, Lee, Stinson, Koshar, and Goss (2000) , health outcomes for urban women who are of Mexican descent are related to acculturation. The authors compared perinatal outcomes for 773 women who gave birth in three counties in California. They measured acculturation by place of birth and language spoken, and by combining the two factors to form an acculturation index (AI). They found that the language spoken by the Mexican women who participated in this study had less of an impact on acculturation associated with perinatal outcomes when compared to either place of birth or the AI measure.

Challenges Related to the General Health Care System

12. health insurance coverage for all women and children.

Another essential component of providing excellent nursing care to mothers and newborns is advocating for health insurance for all women and children. Low-income families and probably many middle-income families are not able to receive routine health maintenance visits without health insurance. Health promotion checkups are directly related to overall health and well-being and are a crucial component of global health for all persons. Routine visits often include immunizations, which benefit every individual worldwide by preventing the spread of devastating, preventable diseases. Health promotion visits are often used for routine screening such as cholesterol, cancer risk, and other lifestyle factors. Potential problems that are identified and managed early are much less likely to become serious problems, and are much more likely to be able to be treated affordably.

Health insurance coverage during the preconception and prenatal period helps to ensure that women receive early and regular prenatal care. Early and regular prenatal care has been associated with improved outcomes and healthier general lifestyles for mothers and babies. Similar to general health promotion, care during the prenatal period can help to identify problems early to prevent further complications or dysfunction.

13. An Undereducated Work Environment

Anderson (2000) notes that nurses, when compared to other health care professionals, are severely undereducated. She quotes the 1997 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services figures that indicate only 31% of RNs in the workforce hold a college degree. Without a higher level of education, many nurses will find it difficult to effectively participate in discussions regarding appropriate patient care and health care at interdisciplinary or policy levels. If most nurses are unable to participate in these types of discussions, nursing cannot hope to advance. It is crucial that nurses be able to participate in such discussions so that they can help guide practice and health care policy for the benefit of the profession and patient care. Taking positive action will allow nurses to have a say in what happens to them, rather than letting someone else decide.

Excellence in the delivery of health care services to new mothers and their infants is a realistic goal that can be achieved in nursing today. This paper identifies some specific challenges toward achieving this goal. Nurses who are concerned about achieving excellence in maternal-newborn practice can examine their beliefs and attitudes and act not only as individuals but also as a group to take responsibility for ensuring quality nursing care in maternal newborn nursing.

Get Up and Go!

You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do.

—Henry Ford

It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility; they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.

—Charlotte Bronte ( Jane Eyre , 1847)

* “Kangaroo Care” involves placing the infant on the mother's chest, skin to skin.

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NICU Research Ideas & Topics to Consider

Nicu practice and evidence-based research is constantly changing. many of the practices i have seen over the past 9+ years have changed with updates, new technology, procedures, and treatments, with a movement to push our patient population forward with improved outcomes.

Here are a few topics to consider when searching for a research project, paper, or developing an abstract for your project! Many of these are controversial with a lot of different research supporting various outcomes.

NICU Research Project Ideas

Double jeopardy. what do we know and what can we do.

Common comorbidities of prematurity.

Intraventricular hemorrhage

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Necrotizing Enertocolities

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Congenital heart Disease (CHD)

NEC! WHAT FACTORS INCREASE THE RISK OF NEC?

Standardization of assessments and treatments, Pneumoatosis, Is Clonic Pneumotosis real?, Treatment and feeding decisions, Guidelines, Antibiotics, Parenteral Nutrition, Vascular Access, Imaging Modalities, Hemodynamics, disease entity, restriction of systemic blood flow, generalized cyanotic state, Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).

https://www.nature.com/articles/pr2016215

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6181543/

SMALL BABY STANDARDIZATION OF CARE

The formation and focus on standardizing ELBW and VLBW care. Guidelines, standardization, and streamlined care. Feedings, humidity, positioning, weights, lab draws central line management, RDS management, guidelines for incubations/extubations, weaning from isolette to crib, developmental considerations by gestational age.

https://engagegrowthrive.com/small-baby-care-specialist-program/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34330869/

PROBIOTICS!

The use of probiotics in practice (to use or not to use them). Gut flora. The pros and cons. Latest research in preventing NEC. Is this a preventative measure? Which probiotic products to consider? Lactobacillus, dual strains, and possible side effects or contraindications.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378378219302932

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7303425/

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jpm-2019-0268/html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6805101/

PDA TREATMENT

Treatment of PDA. When to treat it and what modalities to treat it with…Indomethacin, PICCOLO PDA closure device, PEEP, etc). Risk vs Benefit. Clinical signs and symptoms.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022347618309181

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0146000518300326

SKIN TO SKIN

Skin to skin (myth-busting nicu dynamics when parents can’t hold). Developmental considerations. How to support families during the initial times with inability to hold baby.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1751485118302356

https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrnn/37/6/343.abstract?implicit-login=true

https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrnn/36/2/89?implicit-login=true

PAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE NEONATE

Anesthesia / Sedation! What is too much? What is not enough? Neurodevelopment perspectives with Gestational age & disease process. Nociceptive stimuli. Neuroapoptosis. Pain consequences with unrelieved pain, sleep, fatigue, and inflammatory response. Pre and Post-op considerations. The first line of pain relief modalities. Benzodiazepines, Opiates, Alpha 2 Agonists (Dexmedetomidine, Clonadine), Sweeties, Positioning etc.

https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Abstract/2009/12000/Exploring_Barriers_to_Pain_Management_in_Newborn.10.aspx

https://www.nature.com/articles/jp201788

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0146000516301161

BLOOD PRESSURE GOALS & STANDARDIZATION

Lack of standardization within the NICU patient population. What is too low? What is too high? Treating symptoms. What line of hemodynamic modalities to turn to? (Epi / Vasopressin / Dopamine)

https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0041-1726123

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022347620302869

VENTILATOR STRATEGIES

Specific considerations for Gestational age, disease-specific treatments. Optimal PEEP, Low peak inflation/TV. Use of surfactant. Surfactant deficiencies (RDS), Corticosteroids, Alkalosis etc.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41372-022-01399-1

SATURATION TARGET GOALS

Optimizing neurodevelopment, Target pre ductal SpO2. Oxygen should be used like any other drug; with potential benefits and side effects. Positioning considerations.

https://fn.bmj.com/content/96/2/F93.short

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/136/2/e496/33808/Balancing-the-Tension-Between-Hyperoxia-Prevention

PALLIATIVE CARE

Multidisciplinary approach. Women facing pregnancies with a diagnosis of complex congenital or life-threatening conditions. Limitations in choices. Support during pregnancy, delivery, post-partum, and beyond.

https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Abstract/2020/04000/Preparing_Nurses_for_Palliative_Care_in_the_NICU.9.aspx?context=LatestArticles

https://journals.lww.com/co-pediatrics/Abstract/2017/04000/Neonatal_palliative_care.3.aspx

PRETERM INFANTS WITH CHD

Congenital Heart Disease issues. Cyanosis (TOF & TGA), pulmonary venous obstruction, (TAPVD, MS), Preoperative care, Preoperative pulmonary vasculature/reactivity (Trisomy 21, post RSV, transitional circulation). Neurodevelopment risk associated with prematurity. Restricted oxygen and insufficient nutrient delivery in utero.

https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1741684/v1/9490f182-82ce-4cc9-b3f9-40689bd5b67c.pdf?c=1655971172

BREAST MILK PRODUCTION & BREASTFEEDING INITIATIVES

The push for breast is best (doesn’t always work in the NICU). Breast milk production, the latest Evidence-Based Research to support mothers.

Hope this list helps you in your NICU Research! These are all very relevant in our NICU care with continued improvements in Evidence-Based Research! The more minds and research we can put to these topics the better. Feel free to drop your suggestions and comments below!

Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012 and works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, S ponsored Capella University MSN student , & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey in married life & juggles work, school, and content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or [email protected]

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Nursing Topics for Research plus Ideas

Writing a good nursing essay, term paper, or research paper begins by finding a list of good nursing research topics and then narrowing it down to a specific topic that interests you the most and aligns with your assignment instructions.

For most nursing students, finding the best nursing topics for research can be challenging and confusing. From our interaction with thousands of students, we have realized many dread choosing a nursing research paper topic when given a chance.

In fact, they prefer being given a list of nursing research paper topics they can choose from, which they suppose makes work easier for them, but that's never the case.

Choosing a good topic is part of the assessment; you must do it well because it can either break or make your final nursing school grade .

You are assigned to write on specific nursing topics when the professor wants you to understand the nursing concepts. We have your back if you are after the best nursing research topics. In this blog article, we have highlighted a list of different nursing topics you can select from for any nursing paper you will be assigned and let you have the freedom to choose a topic on your own. If you are looking for a guide on writing a nursing paper, check our guide for writing a nursing research paper and the blog post on how to write a nursing essay .

We also have advanced guides on writing capstone projects, dissertations, and QI reports; go through them and write a digestible nursing research paper that gives you a maximum score. But first, let's dive into the various topics in nursing you can write a paper about.

Steps for Selecting a Good Nursing Research Topic

Before we go into the details of the research topics in nursing, it would be wise to highlight some of the steps you need to take to identify the best topic. When assigned to write a paper, use these steps to select the best topic:

• Read the assignment instructions to identify whether you have a predetermined list of nursing topics or can choose one on your own;
• If you are allowed to select a topic of your choice, begin by identifying the nursing research area you are passionate about;
• Brainstorm for ideas on this specific area by referring to the course readings, class notes, previous class assignments, nursing topic examples online, and past nursing papers submitted by the cohorts before yours;
• Narrow down to three main topics by researching your nursing research ideas and eliminating the ones that don't fit the scope of the paper;
• Again do an elimination based on your research to identify a manageable (has a lot of scholarly resources), engaging, and suitable nursing topic for your nursing paper, and
• Research widely to identify the best sources to use when exploring your research paper in detail, then write your nursing paper.

As you choose a nursing topic, always remember the following:

• to pick a topic that falls within your area of interest or the scope of the course;
• select a topic that you can share as many details without forcing yourself or getting bored;
• choose a topic that has plenty of credible peer-reviewed nursing sources;
• the topic should be unique and unexplored, or if it is explored, select a new perspective or approach;
• the topic should be relevant, fresh, explorative, engaging, meaningful, and original;
• the topic should be flexible so that you can research and form arguments;
• focus on topics with concepts, frameworks, or ideas from class;
• if stuck, ask for help selecting a topic from your instructor or peers;
• don't choose a topic that is too broad or too narrow; choose a manageable topic;
• Prioritize considering the latest, current events, or trending nursing research topics so that you can solve issues as they arise in practice.

These tips also apply to nursing research project topics.

List of Nursing Research Topics Organized by Nursing Category

If you find selecting a research topic for your nursing paper challenging, this list of different nursing topics will come in handy. Even the most proficient nursing writers face challenges with choosing topics. But that has never deterred them from writing research papers, essays, and other nursing papers. To get you ahead of everything, consider these top topics in nursing to help you brainstorm fresh nursing research topics ideas. You can also directly pick a topic of interest or slightly tweak any of them and write a good paper.

Adult Nursing Research Topics

• Impacts of engaging older adult patients through Facebook
• Gastric decompression in adult patients
• Role advanced practice nurse in geriatric oncology care
• Strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles among LGBT older adult patients
• Moral distress among adult nursing practitioners
• Impacts of aging on adult health
• Diagnosis and management of learning disabilities in nursing
• How nurses can support rehabilitation for home-dwelling adult patients
• Role of nurses in addressing sigma for adults living with HIV/AIDS
• Prevalence of hypertension among young adults
• Managing T2DM among young black American adults
• Impacts of malnutrition among elderly adults
• Role of nurses in addressing domestic violence
• Treatment and management of Asthma among adult patients
• Treatment of acute coronary syndrome among adult patients
• Strategies to prevent dehydration among elderly patients
• Impacts of age on the immune system and the skin of adults
• Strategies to address obesity among adults
• Oral care among elderly adults in the USA
• Treatment of anxiety and depression among adults
• Treatment and management of COPD
• Pain management strategies for adult patients
• Ethical issues facing nurses that handle adult patients
• Strategies to promote weight loss and management among adult patients
• Impacts of colon cancer screening among adults

Child Nursing Research Topics

• Diagnosis, treatment, and management of ADHD in children
• Causes and management of seizures among children
• Nutritional benefits of supplements for children
• Impacts of over-exposure of children to antibiotics
• Impacts of heavy metals on the neurological development of children
• Strategies to prompt physical activity among children
• Benefits of parental attachment to children's well-being
• Diagnosis and management of respiratory illnesses in children
• Treatment and management of cryptorchidism in children
• Management of urine incontinence in children
• Benefits of nutritional counseling for adolescent kids
• Psychological impacts of cancer on children and their families
• The ethical dilemma with consent when treating children
• Health education strategies to ensure children stick to medication
• Effects of the opioid epidemic on children and adolescents
• The impacts of parental opioid use and children's health
• Benefits of play therapy for children
• The link between vaccination and the well-being of children
• Should Covid-19 be part of the vaccination schedule for children?

Communications Nursing Research Topics

• Using social media to raise awareness among nurses
• Attitudes of nurses on using SBAR to improve communication
• Impacts of body language on nursing communication
• Benefits of training nurses on interprofessional communication
• Impacts of communication on collaboration within interprofessional healthcare teams
• Why nurses should check for non-verbal cues among patients
• The role of interpreters and translators in clinical settings
• Communicating with patients and their families on aspects related to cancer care
• Strategies to maintain good therapeutic relationships with patients in end-of-life care
• Role of interpersonal communication in transcultural nursing
• Patient perceptions and attitudes of nurse-patient communication
• Communication models oncology nurses can use when 'Breaking Bad News.'
• Strategies to resolve communication challenges in intensive care units
• Benefits of taking notes on proper communication among nurses
• Use of technology to facilitate communication among nurses and patients
• Factors affecting nursing error communication within ICUs
• Perceptions and lived experiences of pediatric oncology nurses during palliative and end of life care
• The link between communication and patient outcomes
• Benefits of patient-centered communication
• How can nurses address the needs of deaf patients
• Perceptions of nurses of prognosis-related communication
• The use of telehealth to facilitate fast communication
• Benefits of using the nursing dashboard to communicate evaluation of program outcomes
• Management of language barrier among nurses and patients
• Management of language discordance in clinical nursing practice
• Role of intercultural communication in nursing
• Multi-professional communication for older patients in transitional care
• Strategies nurses use to communicate with patients who are mechanically ventilated in the ICU
• Improving communication among nurses through resident nurse shadowing
• How to overcome elder speaking when communicating with older patients
• Benefits of nursing communication on patient care quality
• Barriers to communication between adult cancer patients and registered nurses in inpatient care settings
• Benefits of communicating skin changes by certified nursing assistants to reduce pressure injuries
• Strategies nurses can use to communicate contraceptive effectiveness
• Improving nurse-patient communication when caring for patients with dementia
• Using YouTube and simulation to prepare millennial nursing students to communicate well in clinical settings

Controversial Nursing Research Topics

• The placement of G-tube in nursing home patients with end-stage dementia
• Nurses' role in advising families against the provision of futile care or aggressive interventions
• The fear of giving opioids to end-of-life patients by nurses
• Dealing with patients who are non-compliant or aggressively decline treatment
• Longer shifts and poor pay among nurses
• Discrimination of new nurses by older nurses
• Exposure of nurses to job hazards
• Causes and consequences of nurse strikes
• Incivility in the workplace against nurses from the minority groups
• Longer education pathway for one to become a nurse

Controversies in nursing practice, training, and management can be good research topic ideas for a paper if your interest lies in a specific specialization of nursing.

Related Article: Interesting nursing debate topics for students .

Disease Management Nursing Topics

• Management of burn wounds in the ER settings
• Management of Diabetes Mellitus through nutritional and lifestyle changes
• Modern treatment and management of coeliac disease
• Importance of intermittent fasting in managing GERD
• Management of hypertensive cardiovascular disease
• Treatment and management of hemolytic disease of the newborn
• Management of neurovascular disease
• Management of neurodegenerative disease
• Treatment and management of lupus
• Management of endometriosis using modern means
• Management of strabismus
• Management of gynecomastia among adolescents and adults
• Osteopathic management of cancer
• Diagnosis and management of Buerger's disease
• Treatment and management of Crohn's disease
• Management of multiple sclerosis
• Management of pulmonary heart disease secondary to chronic lung disease
• Management of pruritus
• Management of anemia among pregnant women
• Disease management strategies for glaucoma
• Management of pilonidal disease without incision
• Management of alopecia in women
• Medical management of Meniere's disease
• Treatment and management of CUTIs
• Treatment and non-surgical management of bronchiectasis
• Management of hemorrhoidal disease
• Management of listeria
• Management of sepsis
• Management of peptic ulcer disease
• Diagnosis and management of peripheral vascular disease

Related: How to write a windshield survey report paper.

Emergency Room Nursing Topics

• Reasons for emergency room visits during the covid-19 pandemic period
• Improving postpartum visits in the gynecological emergency room
• Factors leading to overcrowding at the emergency departments
• Addressing inadequate visits to the emergency departments by pregnant women
• Strategies to reduce emergency room visits among elderly adults
• SNAP timing and emergency room visits
• Pediatric emergency room visits for neurological conditions
• Effects of community health centers on emergency room visits
• Predictors of frequent psychiatric emergency room visits
• Use of telehealth monitoring to reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations of patients with COPD
• Addressing the increased frequency of emergency room visits of asthmatic children
• The link between proper patient education and emergency room visits
• The connection between emergency room visits and healthcare promotion
• Emergency room visits for accident victims
• Impacts of air pollution on unscheduled emergency room visits
• Self-reported emergency room visits for dental problems
• Handling non-emergency requests presented in emergency departments
• Repeat emergency room visits for hand and wrist injuries
• Seasonal variations in emergency department visits
• Management of sepsis and septic shock in the emergency department
• Management of acute headache in the emergency department: A dilemma
• Emergency management of seizures and epilepsy
• Handling agitated and aggressive patients in the ED
• Management of patients with thermal burns in the ED
• Emergency management strategies to manage chronic pain in elderly adults
• Handling myasthenia gravis in the ED
• Management of priapism in the emergency department
• Evaluation and management of clostridioides defficile infection in the ED
• Management of hematogenous osteomyelitis in children in the ED
• Management of Thunderclap Headache in the ED
• Emergency department as an entry point to inpatient care
• The link between delays in patient admission from ED and mortality

Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Research Topics

• Importance of evidence-based nursing in addressing emerging nursing challenges
• Benefits of disseminating nursing knowledge
• Role of evidence-based nursing research in clarifying concepts necessary for nursing practice
• Use of evidence-based practice to address gaps in nursing knowledge
• The link between evidence-based practice and quality improvement
• The connection between nursing research and evidence-based practice
• Strategies for disseminating evidence-based strategy in nursing
• Benefits of honing evidence-based practice competencies in nursing students
• The Stetler Model of research utilization and EBP
• Role of nurse leaders in promoting EBP implementation at the points of care
• Evidence-based practice guidelines for perioperative nursing
• Planning, implementing and evaluating EBP
• Models of evaluating evidence-based practice strategies
• Contributions of qualitative and quantitative research to evidence-based practice in nursing
• Using action research to facilitate evidence-based practice in nursing
• Factors affecting the implementation of evidence-based strategies in nursing
• Attitudes, knowledge, and skills of nursing students on evidence-based practice
• Benefits of evidence-based clinical guidelines for diseases
• Benefits of integrating evidence-based approach to the nursing curriculum
• Value of evidence-based practice in military nursing

Related Articles:

• How to formulate a good PICOT with examples
• How to write an excellent evidence-based practice paper in nursing
• Writing a nursing diagnosis as a nurse student.

Geriatric Nursing Research Topics

• Cognitive decline among the aging patients
• Polypharmacy management in elderly patients
• Depression among the elderly patients
• Causes of mobility issues among elderly patients
• The link between undernutrition and mortality in older persons
• Strategies for weight management among the elderly
• Abnormal eating behaviors among the elderly patients
• Functional impairment among the older persons
• Sarcopenia or frailty among elderly people
• Impacts of aging on the immune system
• Preventing cardiovascular disease among the elderly population
• Benefits of having a geriatric-friendly nurse in the ED
• Benefits of Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• Utilization of Delirium Intensive Care units by the elderly patients
• Improving patient outcomes in Acute Care for the Elderly Units (ACE)
• How low vision impacts the driving capacity of the elderly
• Relationship between ethnicity and race and depression in older adults with low vision
• Impacts of loneliness among adults with visual impairment
• Effects of light therapy on osteoarthritis and its sequelae in aging and older adults
• Strategies to address plasticity in early Alzheimer's Disease
• Pathophysiology, treatment, and rehabilitation of atherosclerosis among the geriatric population
• Music therapy in geriatrics
• Bone aging and osteoporosis
• Degenerative gastric disorders of the musculoskeletal among geriatric populations
• Addressing inflammation among the elderly
• Impacts of lifestyle on vascular aging
• Pathophysiology and interventions to combat degenerative aortic stenosis in elderly populations
• Frailty and gait disorders in Parkinson's Disease
• Management of falls in older adults
• Pathogenesis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms and pelvic floor dysfunction diseases in elderly adults
• End-of-life care in elderly people living with dementia
• Management of osteosarcopenia in elderly adults
• Strategies to promote healthy aging
• Benefits of aging-in-place for the elderly people
• Interventional strategies to improve the quality of life and health span of the older adults
• Assistive technologies and innovations to help improve the quality of life of the older people
• Diabetes management among elderly adults through life transitions
• The impactful interventions to extend the health span of aging adults
• Mechanisms, clinical significance, and management of age-related changes in body composition
• Strategies to maintain longevity in old age
• Redesign of homes and hospitals to accommodate the needs of elderly adults
• Calorie restriction among the elderly adults
• Management of elderly abuse
• Strategies to measure and manage elderly abuse
• Providing care for elderly patients with a frontotemporal disorder

You can check more research topic ideas from the NIH website .

Healthcare Promotion Nursing Topics

• Strategies to evaluate healthcare promotion and disease prevention program
• Application of the Logic Model to evaluate healthcare promotion programs
• Applying the health belief model in health promotion programs
• Using ecological models to formulate healthcare promotion programs
• The transtheoretical model and healthcare promotion
• Theory of planned behavior and healthcare promotion
• Application of social cognitive theory in disease prevention programs
• Holism in nursing and health promotion
• Benefits of community health promotion in nursing
• Health promotion role of family health nurses
• Integrating interpersonal skills in health promotion
• Contribution of health promotion to community children's nursing
• Benefits of focused health promotion assessment
• Process evaluation strategies for health promotion programs
• Formative evaluation of health promotion
• Outcome and impact evaluation of health promotion
• Role of school nurses in promoting healthy behaviors among teenagers

Hot Nursing Research Topics

• The social and economic effects of the opioid crisis
• Impacts of feminism on women's health
• The gender pay gap in nursing and its implications on the future of nursing
• Access to healthcare by immigrant women
• Strategies to improve diversity in nursing
• Best strategies to reduce vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy
• How nurses can use social media to promote health
• Importance of virtual nursing communities on healthcare
• Nurses as agents of change
• Can nurses be entrepreneurs?
• Benefits of evidence-based nursing practices
• Importance of continuing nursing education
• Role of government in providing nursing education
• Strategies to address nursing staff shortage
• Impacts of nurses on contraceptive uptake among women from minority races in the USA
• Impact of stress on the work behavior of nurses

Neonatal Nursing Research Topics

• Attitudes of neonatal nurses on hand hygiene practices in neonatal units
• Causes of child mortality
• Factors affecting neonatal care in rural areas
• Methods of identifying and addressing eating disorders in children
• Skin-to-skin contact between the newborns and their mothers
• Impacts of postpartum depression on newborns
• Causes of abnormal neurological development in children
• Application of hormones in regulating fetal lung development
• Diagnosis and management of diaphragmatic hernia in infants
• Strategies to establish and maintain therapeutic rapport with infants
• Impacts of the physical appearance of care settings on infants
• Use of nitric acid to treat premature babies
• Benefits of exposing newborns to sun rays
• Use of biomarkers to diagnose and manage neonatal sepsis
• Impacts of prenatal alcohol and substance use on the neurological development of a fetus
• Use of biomarkers in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries in infants
• How inflammatory processes affect the brain development of infants
• Impacts of slow music in the neonatal units on the mood of children
• Impacts of educating newborns on exclusive breastfeeding
• Nutritional plans for a neonatal care unit
• Strategies to prevent drug errors in neonatal units
• Methods of reducing mortality rates in neonatal care settings
• Ways to predict and address feeding problems
• Strategies to increase the uptake of neonatal services among aboriginal women
• Impacts of maternal obesity on infant development
• Benefits of allowing men into neonatal care units
• Methods of predicting diseases in newborn children
• The use of genetic profiling to identify genetic disorders in newborns
• Impacts of counseling by neonatal nurses before discharge from a neonatal facility
• Nursing ethics for newborn care
• Impacts of NICU nursing staff shortage on quality of care

Nurse Practitioner Research Topics

• Transitioning from a nurse to an advanced nurse practitioner
• Core competencies of a nurse practitioner
• Factors affecting advanced nurse practitioner autonomy
• Prescription privileges of nurse practitioners in the USA
• Strategies to mentor new graduate nurse practitioners
• Benefits of joining professional organizations as a nurse practitioner
• Lived experiences of registered nurses transitioning to a nurse practitioner role
• Role of psychiatric nurse practitioners
• Benefits of family nurse practitioners in the management of genetic diseases
• Role of nurse practitioners in congenital heart surgery
• Benefits of establishing nurse practitioner practicums
• Strategies to detraumatize nurse practitioner orientation
• Collaboration between nurse practitioners and physicians in long-term care facilities
• Role of a nurse practitioner in ambulatory women's health
• Impacts of religiosity and spirituality of nurse practitioners in family practice
• Strategies to recruit and retain nurse practitioners
• Role of acute care nurse practitioner
• The advanced nursing practice as a surgical assistant
• Job satisfaction among nurse practitioners
• Retention rates and burnout among nurse practitioners
• Crisis in nurse practitioner preparation in the USA
• Nurse Practitioner privileges in the UK vs. USA
• Roles of pediatric critical care nurse practitioner
• Factors influencing the decision by nurse practitioners to join nurse practitioner associations
• Disciplinary actions for nurse practitioners who err at work
• Struggle for recognition among nurse practitioners
• Challenges faced by new psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners
• Does age matter in the nurse practitioner role?
• Novice nurse practitioner workforce transition
• Turnover intentions and its effect on nurse practitioners
• Are nurse practitioners considered nurses in all settings?
• Liability and authority of nurse practitioners
• Impacts of postgraduate education and training for nurse practitioners
• The racial disparity among nurse practitioners
• Racial disparity in neonatal practitioner training programs in the USA
• Impacts of recognizing achievements of nurse practitioners through honors and awards
• The education trajectory of occupational health nurse practitioners in the UK
• Nurse practitioner's role in endometriosis care
• Mid-Level Practitioners vs. Advanced Nurse Practitioners in the UK
• Role of nurse practitioners in supporting veteran patients
• Nurse practitioners as healthcare advocates
• Nurse practitioners as change advocates
• Gender gap and payment issues affecting advanced nurse practitioners

Nursing Student Research Topics

• Stress and coping strategies among nursing students
• Attitudes of nursing students on the use of simulation
• Attitudes of nursing students on blended learning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• The link between the mental health of nursing students and academic performance
• The perspective of nursing students on a caring relationship in clinical supervision
• Professional values of nursing students
• Nursing students as crucial players in the healthcare industry
• Perceptions of BSN students on being a nurse
• Benefits of maintaining proper sleep, diet, and quality of life among nursing students
• Funding challenges affecting education continuation among student nurses
• Causes and consequences of high dropout rates among nursing students
• Adaptive strategies to the difficulties pre-licensure nursing students face during their first clinical experience
• Strategies nursing students use to build resilience
• Homophobia among nursing students
• Smoking and alcohol abuse among nursing students
• Stress levels of nursing students during placements and practicum
• Impacts of shadowing on the experiences of student nurses
• Factors affecting the readiness of nursing students to enter the nursing workforce
• Performance, attitudes, and growth trajectory of foreign-born nursing students in the United States
• Benefits of mentoring for nursing students
• Perceptions and perspectives of minority nursing students on classroom diversity
• Entry rates among minority nursing students
• Causes of high dropout rates among black American nursing students
• Experiences and perceptions of accelerated nursing programs
• Factors affecting the retention of nursing knowledge among nursing students
• Strategies to boost clinical judgment among undergraduate nursing students
• Spiritual care perceptions of Baccalaureate nursing students
• Perceptions of nursing students on skills learning
• Strategies to promote collaboration and teamwork among undergraduate nursing students
• The knowledge of nurse students on the role of nurses in the management of dysphagia
• Ethical challenges nursing students face in clinical settings
• Perceptions of nursing students on participatory action research
• Role of nurse students in clinical research
• Attitudes of nurse students on participating in pedagogical research
• Moral distress among nursing students
• The impacts of spiritual orientation of nursing students on their attitudes towards principles of dying with dignity
• Experiences and attitudes of nurses who make mistakes in clinical
• Impacts of gender and perceived faculty support on the performance of nursing students
• Perception and attitudes of nursing students on the use of technology in education
• Altruism, religiosity, and honesty among nursing students
• Incivility experiences of student nurses in clinical settings
• Addressing smartphone addiction among nursing students
• The perception of undergraduate nursing students on clinical assessment at the transition to practice
• Benefits of teaching nursing students transcultural caring
• Causes and consequences of poor performance among nursing students
• Benefits of exposing nursing students to leadership concepts in nursing

Pain Management Nursing Topics

• The role of the anesthesiologist in the management of intractable pain
• The value of chlorpromazine in pain management
• Benefits of interdisciplinary pain management
• Using Neuromodulators for pain management
• Strategies to address acute pain among hospitalized children
• Using virtual reality for pain management in children
• Interdisciplinary approach to chronic pain management
• Tools and factors to improve postoperative pain management
• Using acupuncture for pain management
• Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of nurses on pain management
• Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in chronic pain management
• Effectiveness of using clinical aromatherapy in pain management
• Assistive technologies for pain management in patients with amputations
• Benefits of training nurses on transcultural pain management
• Pain management interventions in PICU or NICU
• Rehabilitation therapy in perioperative pain management
• Pediatric pain management in the emergency departments
• Pain management among geriatric patients
• Interventional strategies for the management of oncological pain
• Interventions for post-craniotomy pain management
• Non-pharmacologic approaches to pain management among patients
• Importance of adherence to communication in pain management
• Self-management of cancer pain for oncology patients
• Pain assessment among deaf patients
• Pain assessment among pediatric patients
• The ethics of using epidural and spinal anesthesia
• Pain management in patients with heart failure
• Hypnosis for the management of chronic pain in children
• Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain management
• Benefits of documenting postoperative pain

Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

• Causes and management of Tourette syndrome in children
• Diagnosis and management of asthma in children
• Strategies to address pediatric polypharmacy
• Management of pneumonia in children
• Addressing diarrhea among preschool children
• Strategies to prevent and manage tuberculosis in children
• Impacts of psychological support for children with cancer
• Effects of anorexia on the cognitive function of children
• Reducing risk in children receiving oxygen therapy
• Using molecular markers to diagnose childhood leukemia
• Strategies to address childhood obesity
• Diabetes among children
• Use of stem cell research in solving childhood diseases
• Implications of the passive smoke syndrome in children
• Impacts of alcohol intake among adolescents
• The administration of painkillers for children
• Strategies nurses can use to prevent teenage pregnancies
• Approach to counseling adolescents living with HIV/AIDS
• Impacts of air pollution on the brain development of children
• Diagnosis and management of ear infection among children
• Addressing UTIs in adolescents

Perioperative Nursing Research Topics

• Drugs to manage and prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia
• Benefits of postoperative education for adult patients who've undergone elective surgery
• Effects of using music interventions in perioperative settings
• Strategies to enhance patient safety in an operating theater
• Strategies to reduce patient abuse in the operating theater
• Non-pharmacological interventions in perioperative settings to prevent anxiety in adolescents
• Ethical aspects of non-technical skills in operating room nursing
• Postoperative accelerated recovery protocols
• Benefits of pre-operative fasting
• Nursing interventions to enhance perioperative care for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery
• Use of the IOWA model by perioperative nurse leaders to implement clinical practice guidelines (CPGs)
• Benefits of using perioperative data set in surgical nursing
• Perioperative considerations of patients with concussion

Primary Healthcare Nursing Topics

• Strategies to maintain infant oral health
• ED as an entry into the primary healthcare continuum
• Best practices for transgender health
• Benefits of offering primary oral healthcare
• Strategies to improve vaccination access and uptake in rural areas
• Community-based primary healthcare and child mortality rates
• Strategies to improve patient experiences with primary care
• Strategy for screening for poverty and poverty-related social determinants of health
• The identity crisis of preventive medicine
• Use of data-driven population health in primary care
• Benefits of sharing with adults of adolescents sexual health information in primary care
• Attitudes and perspectives of women on reproductive health services in primary care
• Challenges affecting adolescents from seeing sexual health services in primary care
• The link between primary care and population health
• Immigration as a social determinant of health
• Health promotion among older adults

Psychiatric Nursing Research Topics

• Safety in psychiatric inpatient care
• Impacts of risk management culture on mental health nursing practice
• Consequences of community-based psychiatric nurses in addressing healthcare access for people with mental disorders
• Technical competencies for postgraduate psychiatric nursing students
• Benefits of using focus group interviews for psychiatric nursing research
• Using reflexive methodology in psychiatric nursing research
• Attitudes of psychiatric nursing staff toward containment methods in psychiatric inpatient care settings
• Use of physical restraints for aggressive patients in psychiatric facilities
• Role of psychiatric liaison nursing
• Impacts of human patient and communication simulation on psychiatric nursing training
• The application of telehealth to address mental health issues among patients in rural areas
• Ethical issues in psychiatric care facilities

Related Article: Mental health nursing topics .

Qualitative Nursing Research Topics

In nursing, qualitative research deals with the lived experiences of patients and nurses. Some of the qualitative research methods include narrative inquiry, action research, grounded theory, ethnography, and phenomenology. Below are some of the qualitative topics for nursing research.

• Application of positivism in qualitative nursing research
• Impacts of language barriers on qualitative nursing research
• Use of qualitative research methods to investigate tobacco use and control
• Application of qualitative case study methodology in nursing research
• Lived experience of nurses who handle pediatric patients in oncology departments
• Attitudes of nurses taking care of end-of-life patients on compassion fatigue
• Benefits of qualitative research in clinical epidemiology
• Approaches to qualitative content analysis
• Qualitative research in rheumatology
• Thematic analysis in nursing research
• Descriptive phenomenological vs. qualitative description research
• Challenges and benefits of conducting qualitative research online
• Methodological challenges in qualitative content analysis
• Using lived experiences of pregnant black American mothers to assess the impacts of eclampsia
• Benefits of longitudinal qualitative research in nursing
• Use of action research in nursing education
• Using action research to evaluate the orientation program for nurses in a multicultural healthcare setting
• Effectiveness of clinical simulations for new graduate nurses
• Effectiveness of cognitive therapy and family psychoeducation on the self-esteem of adolescents in orphanages
• Influence of music therapy on the well-being of postoperative patients of total knee arthroplasty
• Investigating the quality of life of elderly adults after spinal cord surgery
• Using focus groups with women with severe psychiatric disabilities
• Using virtual, synchronous focus groups among black sexual minority men
• Using focus groups with children who have undergone sexual abuse prevention program training
• Application of focus groups to understand the perceptions and attitudes of nurses on patient-centered care
• Exploring job satisfaction and workplace engagement among millennial nurses
• Barriers and facilitators of intersectoral cooperation to promote positive health behavior
• Ethical issues in qualitative research
• Examining the effects of the witnessed experiences of patient death during clinical practice on new student nurses
• Qualitative methodological considerations when conducting focus groups in neurodegenerative disease populations
• Understanding the role of gender differences within the barriers to smoking cessation and preferences for interventions in primary care
• Investigation of the impacts of social media bullying on mental health
• Evaluating the effects of medical tabards in reducing medical errors
• Strategies for empowering nurses to prescribe medications
• Role of technology in improving quality of care in nursing
• Impacts of discrimination and racism on nursing student admission
• The knowledge and understanding of the role of emergency nurses in recognizing and responding to patients with sepsis
• Lived experiences of women seeking a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus
• Using poverty screening questions to predict social determinants of healthcare
• Management of antidepressant therapy induced sexual dysfunction in women

Quantitative Nursing Research Topics

• The link between the knowledge level of nurses and the quality of care
• Role of nurses in clinical research
• Association between nosocomial infections and adherence to hand hygiene protocols
• Role of nurses in caring for patients in ICU settings
• Role of nurses in increasing adherence to medication among elderly patients
• Using interviews to assess the level of awareness of stress coping mechanisms among nurses
• Importance of nurses' communication technique in clinical settings
• The impacts of clinical decisions support systems in clinical decision-making
• Role of nurses in providing healthcare to patients in rural areas
• Role of family practitioners in promoting family-centered care
• Causes of high nursing staff attrition rates
• Impacts of mindfulness meditation on stress and burnout in nurses

Trauma Nursing Research Topics

• Risk of vicarious trauma in nursing research
• Impacts of trauma-informed care on the holistic well-being of patients
• Risk factors for postoperative delirium
• Risk factors of perineal trauma during labor
• Impacts of virtual trauma-focused therapy for military veterans with PTSD
• Recognizing and managing poststroke depression
• Prevention of fracture-related infections using a multidisciplinary approach
• Best strategies for offering nursing care to children after a traumatic accident
• Role of trauma nurses in providing support to families of neurotrauma patients
• Management of injuries to the cervix in sexual trauma
• Benefits of fluid resuscitation of the adult trauma patients
• The involvement of nurses in improving compliance with tight blood glucose control in trauma ICU
• Caring for older people with dementia struggling to relieve past trauma
• Impacts of pediatric trauma on the health outcomes of children
• Causes and consequences of geriatric trauma
• Causes of under-detection of trauma in elderly adults involved in motor vehicle accidents
• Impacts of simulated multidisciplinary trauma team training on team performance
• Glucose interventions and outcomes in critically injured trauma patients
• Best education strategies for multi-trauma patients on discharge from the ED
• Strategies for managing hypovolemic shock
• Investigating the experience of patients of trauma resuscitation
• Role of family support on youths experiencing posttraumatic stress

Leadership Nursing Research Topics

• Best leadership styles for nurse educators
• Ethical leadership in nursing
• Role of nursing leadership in ensuring a healthy workforce in clinical settings
• Principles of strengths-based nursing leadership for strength-based nursing care
• Role of nursing leadership in the management of the mental health of nurses
• Benefits of collaborative leadership in nursing
• Application of charismatic and transformational leadership in clinical settings
• Benefits of trauma-informed nursing leadership
• Impacts of nursing leadership on patient outcomes
• Role of nurse leaders in maintaining cultural competency of nurses
• Benefits of nurses having personal leadership development plans
• Nurse leaders as managers in clinical settings
• Nursing leadership styles to help handle crises
• Application of situational leadership theory in clinical settings
• Role of nurse leaders in developing a shared vision
• Role of leaders in promoting cross-generational retention
• Strategies nurse leaders can use to enable staff engagement
• Role of nurse leaders in reducing incivility in the workplace
• Role of nurse leaders in enhancing patient safety
• The competence of black nurse leaders in clinical settings
• Role of nurse leaders in promoting workplace diversity
• Leadership styles and strategies to facilitate the implementation of clinical practice guidelines
• An integrated approach to change leadership in nursing
• Nurses ad leaders, and change advocates
• Impacts of nurse leadership on attrition rates of new nurses

Women's Health Nursing Topics

• Sleep disorders in women
• Prevalence of diabetes and obesity in women
• Infertility issues among obese women
• Binge eating disorder among women
• Stress and coping strategies for lonely older women after the death of a spouse
• Management of carpal tunnel syndrome in women
• The prevalence, diagnosis, and management of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
• Effects of date rape drugs on the memory of women
• Emergency contraception in women
• Benefits of HPV vaccination in women
• Management and treatment of COPD in women
• Impacts of menopause on the physical and emotional well-being of women
• Benefits of educating women about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
• Treatment and management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in women
• Prevalence and incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease in women
• Diagnosis, Causes and consequences, and Treatment and Management of Pelvic organ prolapse in women
• Impacts of sickle cell disease on women
• Causes and management of urine incontinence in women
• Offering primary healthcare services to lesbian women
• Management of vaginal yeast infections: A nursing care plan
• Prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of Trichomoniasis in women
• Diagnosis and treatment of Syphilis in women
• Management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Management of postpartum depression in women
• Benefits of physical activity for women's health
• Benefits of mammograms in screening for breast cancer
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in women
• Causes and management of bladder pain syndrome or interstitial cystitis in women
• Diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women
• Causes and management of anxiety and insomnia in women
• Purpose, benefits, and risks of hypersectomy
• The time it takes to recover from laparoscopic hypersectomy
• Treatment of genital warts in women
• Treatment and management of Grave's diseases in women
• Impacts of caregiver stress syndrome on women
• Attitudes of black women on using contraceptives
• Factors and barriers to accessing insurance by black and minority women
• Healthcare challenges that women immigrants face
• Impacts of domestic violence on women's mental health
• Impacts of noncommunicable diseases on women
• Impacts of stigmatization and isolation of women with HIV/AIDS

Now you have the Topic, What Next?

Thus far, we are confident that you have brainstormed using the nursing research topic ideas and topics presented in this guide. You can now eliminate your topics until you get a good nursing research topic that you can write a top-grade nursing research paper, term paper, report, policy analysis paper, or white paper.

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200+ Great Ideas of Nursing Research Topics to Get Started

Running out of topic ideas for your nursing research paper?

Stay on this page to find really cool and helpful lists of interesting research topics for your nursing dissertation or thesis.

What are Some Cool topics to Research?

Whenever students are asked to work on a research paper or present their thesis, the very first concern for them is choosing a unique, interesting, and research-worthy topic that makes their research significant and has enough future scope.

When it comes to finding a unique topic without working on something that’s already been done, most of the nursing and healthcare students struggle. A good research topic should be unique, relevant to current times, and have future scope as well. And you’ll find all three qualities in the topics mentioned below:

1. Primary Healthcare Nursing Research Topics

Primary healthcare refers to essential or basic health care service based on socially acceptable and scientifically sound methods and technology. Since it includes physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being, there are many topics for nursing scholars to explore:

• Strengthening primary healthcare system as the first line of referral system
• Introduction of home health nursing in the community set up
• Primary health care delivery system clinical pathways
• From home visits to home health care: strengthening primary health care delivery system
• Expanding the roles of community health nurses
• Millennial models of health care system
• Strengthening disease surveillance program in the community health set-up
• Home health care of debilitated patients
• Acceptance of evidence-based practice in the primary health care
• Strengthening continuity of care in the community / home health care post hospitalization
• Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy in the community health care setting

2. Good Research Topics in Healthcare Management

Healthcare management is the management, administration, or oversight of healthcare systems, hospitals, public health systems, and other medical facilities. Since it comprises the overall management of all the work of the hospitals, it opens avenues for a lot of research work. Take, for example, the following:

• Evaluating who is responsible for failure in surgeries?
• Healthcare Contracts Limitations
• Medical Home Service
• Analysing nursing channels that nurses can use for becoming physicians?
• Gender Bias in Nursing Profession
• Starting Private Practice as a Nurse
• Medicare: Pros and Cons
• What are the most appropriate methods for increasing staff retention in a health care setting?
• Nursing Uniform Code Rules
• Role of nurses in enhancing a hospital quality improvement
• Legal Risks with Non-English Patients
• Medical Marijuana: Risk, Benefits, and Management Rules
• Shortage of Men in Healthcare
• Health tracking apps for continuity of care post discharge to home
• Telehealth: the impact of virtual care to urban and rural areas
• Strategic referral system to prevent tertiary hospital congestion
• Clinical pathways for referral system
• Drive-thru pharmacy
• Strenghtening the roles of social works and social workers in the health care team
• Case management approach in the healthcare delivery system
• Defining and application of Expected Length of Stay in patient management
• Impact of case managers in Expected Length of Stay and patient outcomes
• Redefining hospital cultures on bed rest versus mobilization
• Redefining hospital cultures on diet and food services
• Redefining hospital cultures on the assumption of the sick roles
• Strict implementation of Expected Length of Stay to prevent hospital congestion
• Roles of Case manager in the Clinical pathways
• Case Manager as a new nursing role an specialization
• Nurse navigator as a new form of nurse entrepreneurship
• Case management clinical pathway for smooth admission, patient flow and continuity of care after discharge
• Increase nursing specialization
• Internet savvy for healthcare providers

3. Nursing Research Topics about Pain Management

Pain management, in nursing, includes study of all the interventions nurses can make during their hospital hours – mainly to relieve a patient’s pain or ailments through medicinal interventions. Pain is complex, with many treatment options such as therapies, medicines, and also mind-body techniques. Nursing research scholars can research about the following topics:

• Pain management in children suffering from life-limiting illnesses: learning about the best practices
• Headache Treatment Protocol
• A closer look at hemophilia patient’s pain management
• Myofascial Pain Rehabilitation
• Labor and delivery: best practices for pain management
• Using Opioid for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fetal pain perception: analysis by medical experts
• Innovative Injection Use
• Therapeutic Injections: Cons & Pros
• Cognitive hypnotherapy application: how effective are they in pain management?
• Evaluating the effectiveness of Benson’s relaxation therapy as a pain management practice.
• Post-discharge pain-management strategies: evaluating their effectiveness in a health care setting?
• Phantom Pains Phenomenon
• Pain management in cancer patients: best practices according to expert nurses
• Spinal cord nerve injury related to chronic constipation
• Mobile pain unit

4. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

In Pediatric nursing, the nursing staff is responsible for medical care of the children and neonates, and adolescents – mainly in a day-clinic or the in-patient setting. Though the main role of child health nursing is administering procedures and medicines to all children as per their prescribed nursing care plans, the research scholars can write papers on the following topics:

• Speech Disorders Therapy
• ADHD Causes & treatment
• Prevalence of misdiagnosis in child health or paediatric ward
• Vaccination & Autism
• Systematic review of range of child health nursing services in UK
• Antibiotic Resistance in Preschool Children
• Mental and Emotional health of children under 10
• Eating Disorders in Children
• Social Media Impact on Teenagers
• Seizures Causes in Infants
• Teething issues in children under 10
• Psychological Aspects of Infant Care
• Use of social media platforms in preparation and prevention of hospital phobia among pediatric groups
• Family engagement in the pediatric care by using hospital information system
• Safety and efficacy of telehealth for pediatric patients

What are the Current issues in Nursing?

Nursing is a high-pressure job. It demands patience, determination, and perseverance. As a high-pressure job, it gets quite challenging and leads to issues from time to time. Some of the examples being staff shortages, long working hours, workplace hazards, personal health, and workplace violence. All of these can be addressed in nursing research papers:

• Analysis of the registered nurse workforce and the relationship to work environments
• Transforming loss: A developing concept for nursing
• Nursing Staff Shortages
• Nursing Practitioners
• Meeting Patient Expectations: A challenge for nurses
• Biggest obstacles nurses face in their education and maintaining career alongside
• Workplace Violence and Hazards Nurses face
• Diversity in Healthcare
• Importance of Community Nursing
• Future of Nursing in the Digital Age
• What measure can a nurse take for helping a person with their eating disorder?
• Clinical Nurse Roles
• How can nurses help in treating patients who already know they don’t have a survival rate?
• Ethics and Homeless People Treatment
• Critical Care Nursing Management
• A nurse’s role in helping and assisting patients with chronic diseases?
• Nursing Theorists Works
• Remote Intensive Care Unit
• Stress Management Practice for Nurses Working in Night Shifts
• Between Career & Professional Service
• Preceptorship and training after distant education program and online learning
• Centralized infectious disease surveillance
• Centralized reporting of chronic diseases
• Patient become more educated: the pros and cons of social media
• Fake news and misinformation on health related issue with the rise of social media platforms
• BPO and call centers for medical procedures booking and admission to decongest emergency room
• Application of BPO in the quality assurance monitoring in documentation

What are Some of the Research Topic Ideas in Surgical Nursing?

• Moral distress among nurses in Surgical units
• Patient’s satisfaction and experience about care provided by nurses in the surgical units
• Organizational effects on patient satisfaction in surgical units
• Medical-Surgical nurses and their perceived leadership abilities as responders in patient deterioration events
• Role of Nurses in Surgical Wards
• Medical-surgical nursing: Critical thinking in client care
• Pain assessment and management in surgical nursing
• Understanding technology in contemporary surgical nursing
• Understanding Medical surgical nursing as an integrated approach
• Standardising fast-track surgical nursing care
• Mobilization team for the fast recovery of post-operative patients
• Use of telehealth for pre-operative preparations and elective surgical admissions to lessen hospital length of stay among surgical patients
• Continuity of care post surgery in the community health care

What have been some of the more important nursing research questions discussed in nursing class?

If you are here to find more important topics for your nursing dissertations, then scroll through this section for topics that are often discussed in nursing classes. Nursing research articles and topics change over time. However, we find these relevant to current times and challenges in healthcare:

1. Research topic ideas for Midwifery Nursing

Nurse-midwife, as a licensed healthcare professional, specialises in child birth and also women’s reproductive health. Apart from attending pregnant women during childbirth, they are responsible for several roles during emergencies, and pre and postnatal care. Hence, opening avenues for research topics such as:

• Role of nurses in improving patient safety during childbirth: Evidence from obstetric trauma
• Evaluate the impact of delayed umbilical cord clamping after child birth
• Maternal & Neonatal Practices in Rural Areas
• Emerging trends in obstetrical and midwifery nursing
• First Antenatal Appointment Analysis
• Limiting interventions during a low-risk labour
• Mental Illness & Post-natal Period
• Analysing the role of prenatal care in pregnant women
• Shift Study Midwives & Length
• Evaluating impact of AIDS and Hepatitis B in the pregnant women
• Self-Instruction Kits & Natal Safety
• Studying advanced trends in obstetrics and gynaecology
• Midwifery Continued Care
• Evaluating pros and cons of labouring in water
• Gestational Weight Gain Challenges
• Vitamin D’s role as a supplement during pregnancy
• Studying clinical reasoning integration into midwifery practice
• Obese Pregnant Women Safety Rules
• A decade after BEmONC and CEmONC

2. Health Promotion Research Topics

Health promotion mainly comes from behavioral social science which draws from the environmental, biological, psychological, medical, and physical sciences for promoting health and preventing diseases. For health promotion, the research topics include the following:

• Healthcare Dangers of Digital Age
• Benefits and Shortages of Telemedicine
• Healthy living and Preventive medicine for Senior Citizens
• Role of School Nurses
• Obstacles for Smoking cessation
• Healthy Eating & Sports
• Causes of Youth Inactivity
• Roles of Parents for Healthy Lifestyle of Children
• Obesity and Mental Stability
• Pharmacist Responsibility
• Social Media and Educational Strategies
• HealthBank as new form of medical insurance inside the hospital organization
• Collaboration of private health insurance company with public and private hospitals

3. Adult Research Topics for Nursing Students

As a nursing scholar, you can also write research papers on adult healthcare, disease prevention, and management. Take, for example, reasons behind anxiety disorders in adults. Find more topics in the list below:

• Nurses’ experiences with urinary catheter insertion: A qualitative focus group study
• Clinical Cardiology Innovations
• CV Imaging Process
• Migraine Case Example
• Bipolar Disorder Non-Chemical Practices
• Mental Health & Psychiatric Care in Adults
• Online nursing education program
• Self care in Nursing
• Home health care for longterm vented patients
• Clinical Instructor, Preceptorship, Educator and Professor as specialized field requiring licensure
• Specialization program in nursing education

4. Geriatric Care Nursing Journal Topics

Nurses working in Geriatric care and management are responsible for coordinating and planning care of the elderly people dealing with mental or physical disabilities. Some of the research work topic ideas for geriatric care include the following:

• Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke in Elderly people
• Pain in elderly people: Assessment and Management
• Joint Disorders Study in Elderly Population
• Rapid Nutritional assessment in Elderly
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Bladder Cancer Therapy
• Atrial Fibrillation Study
• Critical Care Requirements
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
• Geriatrics Ethics
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Parkinson’s Disease Precautions
• Geriatric care clinical pathways of care: holistic approach

What are the recent nursing research paper topics?

If you’re facing the challenge of choosing a recent nursing research topic, we’ve got your back. Many nurses, including experienced and freshers, are faced with this challenge at some point. But there’s no need to panic. So, without further ado, let’s jump-start the list of most recent research topics for nursing students:

1. Women’s Health Nursing Research Topics

Research topics related to women’s health are always trending, relevant, and have future scope as well. Hence, these topics are still worth exploring and researching:

• Culture affects women’s health
• Substance Abuse and Addiction in Women
• Menopause Challenges
• Infertility Ethical Rules
• Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian Disorder Analysis
• Modern Neonatal Practices
• Pregnancy Prevention Measures
• Sepsis after labour
• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Cystic Fibroids
• Sleep Disorders in Women
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Women’s Sexual Health Disorders
• HPV and Cervical Cancer
• Vaginal Atrophy Causes
• Sleep disturbances in Women

2. Mental Health Nursing Research Articles Topics

Research papers focusing on mental health are still one of the most read and referred papers. And there’s still more scope for research on topics such as:

• Evaluating the concept of Integrated Mental and Physical Health Care
• Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health
• Possible skills required for Nurses in Mental health care setting
• Assessing the mental health of nurses
• Depression Causes
• Schizophrenia Diagnostics
• Alcohol Addiction Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Studying the impact of PTSD in the Army Veterans
• Impact of Video Games on Teenage Aggression
• Stress Among Police Officers
• Psychiatric Patient Ethics
• Forbidden Substances: Prevention and Use
• Bioterrorism Medicine
• Physical Traumas & Recovery Methods
• Application of Nursing Case Management in Psychiatry

Nursing leaders have called for research focusing on which of the following topics?

If you’d like to take an expert’s opinion before choosing a topic for your nursing dissertation, this section will be helpful. Our list of best nursing research topics doesn’t end here. We’ve got here more interesting topics that are recommended by nursing leaders and experts. Take a look at some more relevant topics:

• Preterm Labor Dangers
• Labor and Delivery Management Practices
• Saving Mother & Child Challenges
• Abortion Care Ethical Side
• Adolescent Gynecology Education
• Antenatal Care Recommendations
• Hypertensive Disorders Causes
• Newborn Resuscitation Rules
• Caesarean Section Preparation
• Delivery Room Behavior Checklist
• Nurses play vital roles in healthcare. Why are they invisible in the media?
• Increasing nursing research capacity: The roles of nurse scientists within healthcare systems
• Microeconomics and macroeconomics for sources of hospital funds
• Diverting patients and funds to economical services
• Culture vs evidence based practice
• Social media influencer in health education dissemination
• Acceptance of evidence based practice in the hospital
• Impact of socio-cultural nursing to evidence-based practice
• Hindrances in the implementation of evidence-based practice
• Nursing faculty shortage and brain-drain
• Online continuing professional education and development

Academic Writing Service: Work Directly With the Experts

The are list of best nursing research paper topics ends here. However, we still have something helpful for you. Writing a dissertation or a nursing paper is time consuming – needless to mention the mental exertion. That explains why the majority of students prefer seeking research writing help.

Take, for example, apessay.com , a place where you can get in touch with registered experts who have successfully passed their competency examinations to provide academic writing service at an affordable rate. The three USPs include plagiarism free content, complete privacy and security standards to protect your personal info, and money-back guarantee.

What makes apessay.com academic writing service unique is you can work in direct cooperation with your preferred writer and consult them for everything – from choosing a relevant topic to revisions for final submission.

Feel free to get professional help from nursing research paper writing service which will take care of your nursing papers online.

Final Thoughts

Nursing research topics for a dissertation or thesis should not be difficult to find through the ideas suggestion above. Just make sure that you provide a twist (segment or expand the topic, perhaps) and come up with a unique topic for your paper.

During the initial stages of finalising a nursing research topic, you can struggle with a lot of choices or overwhelming information. However, when you start to consider a research topic’s limitations and scope, and outline your topic into a question, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the topic you can manage in terms of workload.

We hope these nursing research topics mentioned above help you find that unique thesis statement or idea you’re looking for. In case you’re still having a tough time making a choice, leave us a comment or drop a mail, and we will direct you to better resources.

• https://www.journals.elsevier.com/applied-nursing-research/recent-articles
• https://www.syberscribe.com.au/blog/10-emerging-trends-healthcare-technology-2019-beyond/
• https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/nursing/top-10-nursing-trends/
• http://ojin.nursingworld.org/

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List of 350 Brilliant Nursing Research Topics to Investigate in 2024

Nursing education is challenging. Writing hundreds of tedious nursing research pieces is the most frustrating part. But we know how to help you! Discover 350 exciting nursing research topics and learn how to choose the best one.

• Primary Care Topics
• Public Health Topics
• Emergency Nursing Topics
• Midwifery Topics
• Neonatal Nursing Topics
• Pediatric Research Topics
• Nutrition Topics
• Mental Health Topics
• Healthcare Management Topics
• Medical Ethics Topics
• Nursing Leadership Topics
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research
• How to Choose a Nursing Topic

Process of Nursing Research

350 interesting nursing research topics.

Nursing research topics for college students can cover various areas of this field. Below you will find a list of 350 exciting ideas, which we have divided into different areas of activity. No matter what nursing research is in your sphere of interest. We’ve got you covered! You can also check research essay samples on the same topic for more inspiration.

Primary Care Research Topics

Primary care is the leading clinical service that sustains the health of an entire nation. The study of this topic is mandatory for the stable development of the healthcare system. Here are primary nursing research titles examples:

• What healthcare problems can be in primary care?
• The role of private health care providers in primary care.
• Peculiarities of vaccination in rural areas.
• Basic methods for assessing the quality of primary care .
• The role of modern technology in primary care .
• Basic techniques of evaluating the patient’s health .
• Private sector activities in primary care .
• The necessity to provide childcare services.
• Primary care and chronic pain problem .
• Vaccination programs : pros and cons.
• The role of social workers in primary care.
• Responsibility of the pharmacist for public health.
• Effective methods of asthma prevention.
• Advantages and disadvantages of home nursing care.
• How can primary care system help fight depression?
• Vaccination of the elderly: challenges and potential benefits.
• Principles of preventive medicine: primary care for the elderly.
• Migraine diagnosis and treatment methods.
• Innovative methods in cardiology .
• Major causes of anxiety disorders in adults.
• The problem of obesity treatment in primary care .
• Effective ways of taking anamnesis.
• Methods for diagnosing stroke in the elderly.
• Basic precautions for Parkinson’s disease .
• Basic requirements for intensive care .
• Connection of primary care and information technology training .
• Sleep disorders in women.
• Standard protocol for the treatment of headache in adults.
• Basic guidelines for primary care for disaster victims.
• The role of government agencies in primary care.

Based on previous papers, you can try to come up with your nursing research topics, for example, on infection control.

Research Topics in Public Health

The public health area has a strong connection with government issues. However, it is doctors who study the basis of all problems. So, let’s check out these special nursing research paper topics!

• The role of governmental organizations in the public health system .
• Effectiveness of government programs to prevent drug addiction .
• What role do parents play in promoting children’s health?
• Features of the school nurses’ work.
• The importance of proper nutrition and exercise .
• Telemedicine : advantages and disadvantages.
• The role of government in providing nursing education.
• The importance of long-term care facilities to the healthcare system .
• Discovering public health’s primary functions .
• Promoting healthy lifestyle in old age.
• Sedentary change programs for adolescents.
• Educational strategies for healthcare organizations in social media.
• Ways to educate young people about a positive body image .
• Formation of public behavior in the problem of cancer prevention.
• Occupational health and safety for workers in hazardous professions.
• Connection of modern technologies and public health system .
• Government AIDS awareness programs.
• State programs to increase awareness of heart disease .
• Government programs aimed at maintaining a healthy work environment .
• Health promotion methods.
• Companies against alcohol: examples from history.
• Public health policies: sugary drink tax .
• Raising awareness of the importance of vaccines .
• How is lung cancer related to air condition?
• Promotion of activity among children with disabilities .
• Disease eradication as a leading public health policy target .
• Government mental health awareness programs.
• Improving individual health as a way to counter epidemics .
• Ways of transmission of infectious diseases .
• Educating children about the importance of sports .

Public health is an excellent topic choice for a nursing dissertation. Try it!

Emergency Nursing Research Topics

New studies are essential for new practical approaches for nurses in emergencies. Try to discover new methods with these critical care nursing research topics!

• What role can stress play in emergency nursing?
• How to deal with anaphylactic shock?
• Effective methods of providing emergency care .
• Features of decision-making by a nurse in critical situations.
• Analysis of the effectiveness of emergency assistance in case of accidents.
• Analysis of the extreme degrees of pain in a patient.
• Diagnosing problems in ER.
• Emergency training methods.
• How to increase chances to save a drowning person?
• Models for reducing violence in emergency departments.
• The problem of rural residents’ access to ambulance services.
• Can family stay close to the patient during resuscitation?
• What effect do tasers have on the development of heart disease ?
• Diagnosing sepsis in emergencies.
• Effective methods of dealing with the effects of using pepper sprays.
• Screening for alcohol and drug addiction in adolescents.
• The role of ambulance crews in the fight against human trafficking .
• Identification and assistance to victims of violence.
• How to deal with unwanted patient behavior?
• Pediatric trauma and shock.
• Psychiatric screening in first aid cars.
• Ways to develop tolerance in first-aid workers.
• Effective ER worker behavior models.
• The role of private clinics in providing emergency services.
• The role of nurses in the ambulance crew.
• Common causes of death in ER patients.
• Correct gender policy towards ER staff.
• How to organize a working emergency care system?
• How to help relatives survive the death of a patient?
• Techniques for teaching nurses to diagnose and respond to life threats quickly.

These nursing research topics for critical care would be an excellent choice for your papers!

Midwifery Research Topics

Midwifery is one of the more challenging medical areas. We picked 30 of the best nursing research topics on pregnancy and prenatal care to help you improve your knowledge! Take a look:

• How can midwifery recognize domestic violence?
• Excess weight problems during pregnancy .
• How to analyze the effectiveness of childbirth ?
• Disease prevention during pregnancy.
• Effective methods of newborn resuscitation.
• Features of adolescent education in gynecology.
• Prenatal nursing care.
• Precautions for preterm labor.
• Rules of conduct for staff in the delivery room.
• Basic rules for saving mother and child.
• Preparing staff and the patient for a caesarean section.
• Preventing depression during pregnancy.
• Features and importance of family planning .
• Childbirth in water: advantages and disadvantages.
• Features of caring for pregnant women with breast cancer .
• The influence of the autonomic nervous system on the course of pregnancy.
• Methods for predicting preeclampsia.
• Diseases of the cervix associated with human papillomavirus .
• Frequency and possible complications of pregnancy and cervical disease.
• Treatment tactics of pregnancy complications in women with disorders of the upper urinary tract.
• Identifying asymptomatic pregnancy complications.
• The use of modern technologies in the treatment of fetal diseases.
• Features of the reproductive system after termination of pregnancy.
• Reasons for using iodine supplementation during pregnancy.
• Prevention of complications after operations on the pelvic organs .
• Impact of epilepsy on reproductive health .
• Features of reproductive behavior in students and ways to correct it.
• The effect of oral contraceptives on the contents of immune complexes in the blood.
• Operative delivery and influence on the child.
• Psychological assistance to patients with infertility .

Remember some of these nursing research topics on midwifery. Profs love them!

Neonatal Nursing Research Topics

Neonatal studies are one of the most innovative medical spheres. Check out this brilliant list of research topics for nursing students in the neonatal area. They will help you better understand the neonatal care importance.

• The importance of hand hygiene in neonatal units .
• Features of neonatal practice in rural areas.
• The leading causes of child mortality .
• How neonatal care has evolved in recent decades.
• Hygiene of newborns and skincare for babies.
• Postpartum infant care basics.
• Principles of breastfeeding infants.
• Predicting feeding problems and treatments.
• The leading causes of seizures in newborns and methods of treatment.
• Eating disorder in infants.
• Methods for predicting diseases in newborn children.
• Effective medical practices for babies.
• Nursing ethics for newborn care.
• Features of modern neonatal practices.
• Features of the development of the pulmonary tract of newborns.
• Studies of the lungs of a newborn: functions and structural features.
• Influence of inflammatory processes on the infant’s brain.
• The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury in infants.
• The importance of neonatal health services.
• Basic strategies for modeling neonatal education.
• Monitoring the quality of neonatal services.
• Influence of neonatal care on the further treatment of a newborn.
• Impact of maternal obesity on infant development.
• Causes of abnormal neurological development in children.
• Use of hormones to regulate fetal lung development.
• Diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in infants.
• Potential lung disease in premature babies.
• Using nitric oxide to treat premature babies.
• Parental drug use and effects on fetal neurological development.
• Use of biomarkers for neonatal sepsis.

A nursing dissertation on neonatal issues is always a wise choice!

Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

Studies in pediatrics are aimed to help students discover children’s health issues to solve. Innovative approaches are mandatory to fight modern challenges. Check out these research topics for nursing students; they’ll help you become more informed:

• The importance of self-care nursing in pediatrics.
• Features of the treatment of children with autism .
• Childhood obesity problem.
• Features of vaccination of minors.
• Therapy for speech disorders .
• Causes of diabetes in young people.
• Music therapy and phlebotomy.
• Suboptimal diabetes: causes and methods of intervention.
• Causes of increased fatigue in adolescents.
• HIV prevention in adolescence.

• Preventing unwanted teenage pregnancies .
• Features of the use of painkillers in children.
• Methods for analyzing adolescent behavior.
• Features of the work of the pediatric department in schools.
• The importance of health promotion in pediatrics .
• Ways to connect with your child.
• Pediatric care basics.
• How can a healthcare professional deal with adolescent aggression ?
• Reducing the risk in children receiving oxygen therapy .
• The role of molecular markers in the diagnosis of childhood leukemia .
• Psychological help for children with cancer .
• Assessment of language models in children with autism.
• The use of stem cells in the treatment of childhood diseases.
• How do environmental problems affect the development of a child’s body?
• Implications of passive smoker syndrome for children.
• Possible complications of measles in children .
• Methods for diagnosing asthma in children .
• Common causes of Tourette’s syndrome in children.
• How does anorexia affect cognitive function in children?
• Diagnosis of ear infections in childhood.

We guess this ultimate list of research topics in pediatric nursing will be helpful for you!

Nutrition Research Topics for College Students

The eating habits of modern people can be harmful to the body. Therefore, doctors are seriously studying the current problems in this area. Here you can find tons of excellent nursing research topics on nutrition and its possible issues.

• What are referral reasons for the dietary assessment?
• Nutrition assistance for the elderly.
• Effects of stress on childhood metabolism .
• Prevention of obesity in adolescents.
• Linking diet to behavioral changes.
• How social media influences teen food choices .
• Patient nutrition problem in healthcare policy .
• Predicting and assessing diabetes .
• The problem of dietary intervention in the elderly.
• Promoting healthy eating as a way to fight obesity.
• Nursing promotion of healthy homemade food.
• Effects of good nutrition on fetal development .
• How does nutrition affect a child’s development ?
• Root causes of weight gain : a clinical study.
• Common diseases caused by poor nutrition .
• Nutrition screening for the elderly.
• The nutritional problem of children with autism .
• The importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy .
• Baby food: preventing eating disorders.
• Diet as a cause of dementia development in adults.
• Osteoporosis: the role of diet in disease prevention.
• The role of diet in healthy aging.
• What is the relationship between cancer and diet ?
• Nursing role in the safety of nutrition.
• The main benefits of a healthy diet : advice to patients.
• The role of parents in maintaining healthy eating habits in children.
• The relationship between healthy eating and cognitive development .
• Modern trends in youth nutrition.
• The nurse’s role in maintaining quality nutrition for pregnant women .
• Innovative nursing nutritional care.

Now let’s move to the next section – research topics in mental health!

Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

Mental health problems are more relevant now than ever. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness , nearly 20% of the US adult population suffers from mental health problems. That’s why psychiatry research topics capture the interest of college students.

• The importance of nursing in mental health safety .
• Features of mental disorder in alcohol dependence .
• How does police work affect mental health?
• The connection between video games and the development of teenage aggression.
• How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

• Main theories in mental health studies .
• Features of bipolar mental disorder .
• Causes and prevention of drug addiction .
• Mental health problems of athletes after physical injuries .
• Conditions for the use of psychotherapy .
• Reasons and methods for tackling health imbalances.
• The influence of phone usage on mental health .
• Brain stimulation techniques.
• Diversity of sexual orientation psychology features.
• Methods for dealing with physical violence.
• The effectiveness of traditional methods of treating mental illness .
• Features of mental support for the patient’s relatives.
• The role of nurses in the management of geriatric patients with mental disorders.
• Combating burnout in the practice of healthcare professionals.
• The problem of war veterans’ mental health .
• The phenomenon of occupational deformation as a type of mental disorder.
• Chest pain as a symptom of mental health problems in adults.
• The relationship between increased risk of cancer and depression.
• Basic treatments for dementia .
• Nursing refugee mental health help .
• The practice of mirror therapy in rehabilitation.
• Methods to help victims of violence.
• Helping patients after a stroke .
• The use of antipsychotics : benefits and harms.
• How belly massage helps fight residual stomach volume.

We believe you’re going to find one of the best psychiatric nursing research topics!

Healthcare Management Research Topics

The effective functioning of the health care system is impossible without competent leadership. Therefore, nursing research study topics on healthcare management are as important as the others!

• The importance of financial management for the healthcare industry .
• Assessment of the economic component of primary health care .
• How does bias affect healthcare funding?
• How to properly organize health care at home?
• The Importance of a Unified Nursing Code.
• How risk management affects healthcare projects?
• Gender policy in health management .
• Features of the initial stages of private medical practice.
• The importance of the apology law.
• Features of selling medical marijuana .
• Features of healthcare contracts.
• The problem of human resources in the healthcare industry .
• The problem of the shortage of men in healthcare.
• Medicare: how to get benefits.
• How to improve the minimum level of nursing training ?
• Modern trends in the healthcare management area .
• Staff uniform rules.
• Legal risks of medical personnel .
• Gender bias in nursing.
• Features of the organization of the first aid service in private sector.
• Risk management in healthcare.
• The connection of healthcare and conflict management .
• Ways to solve staffing problems in healthcare.
• Ensuring the personnel safety from infectious diseases .
• Strategies to improve the emotional health of employees.
• What is the danger of not having enough nursing staff for patients?
• Personnel policy in public medical institutions.
• International nursing training.
• Basic principles of management in healthcare facilities.
• Possible ways to get a nursing promotion.

These nursing research titles on healthcare management will impress your professors!

Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics

Controversial issues in the field of medical ethics are felt more and more acutely every year. That is why they need to be solved, and research topics related to nursing ethics present a good opportunity for highlighting them:

• The role of ethical values in the nursing decision-making process .
• Particular ethics of data collection in primary care.
• The ethical dilemma of abortion.
• Moral choice in opioid addiction .
• Features of ethics in helping the homeless .
• Ethics of care for patients with mental disorders .
• Phantom pain phenomenon.
• Features of cultural perception in the work of nurses.
• How can religious beliefs affect medical ethics?
• The role of relatives in the treatment of geriatric patients .
• Ethics of the need to increase sales in medicine.
• The problem of sexualizing the image of a nurse.
• The importance of solving moral dilemmas in nursing .
• Assisting female patients by male nurses .
• What are the main medical ethics principles?
• Ethics of care for geriatric patients.
• The problem of compulsory vaccination : solutions.
• The dilemma of artificial feeding of patients.
• Ethics of nursing in preventive medicine.
• The importance of a hospital work ethic.
• The U.S. standard of ethics for nursing .
• The dilemma of medical ethics .
• The difference in medical ethics in Asian countries and European countries.
• How can medical ethics conflict with religious beliefs?
• Assisting suicide as a dilemma in medical ethics.
• The ethical problem of marijuana usage for medical purposes .
• The impact of cultural patterns on medical ethics .
• Child maltreatment : a medical ethics dilemma.
• Implementation of international medical ethics standards for healthcare development.
• Methods for monitoring compliance with medical ethics.

Nursing ethics research questions have a tendency to be the most interesting ones!

Nursing Leadership Paper Topics

The principle of developing leadership among nurses is vital for improving the performance of any clinic. This list consists of 30 nursing research topics about leadership in healthcare field:

• What role does leadership play in nursing?
• Which skills are necessary for effective nursing leadership performance?
• The nurse’s role in providing quality health care .
• Why is it important for nurses to attend medical conferences?
• Features of the classification of nurses.
• What is a retention strategy for experienced nurses?
• How does nursing leadership development affect patient outcomes?
• The problem of obtaining a diploma for a nurse.
• Nursing leadership : key challenges and opportunities.
• Ethical issues in nursing leadership .
• Protecting staff interests in nursing management .
• Analyzing college students’ nursing leadership experience .
• Effective nursing leadership styles .
• Ways to develop nursing leadership in private healthcare facilities.
• Nursing manual: Betty Newman theory.
• The importance of intuitiveness in the workplace.
• The importance of conflict resolution in the nursing leadership sphere .
• Patient advocacy opportunities for the lead nurse.
• Nursing manual: theory of intellectual capital.
• Effective models of professional practice in nursing.
• Professional opportunities for nursing graduates in nursing leadership .
• What are modern approaches in nursing leadership?
• Transformational leadership model for nursing.
• Fundamental theories for effective nursing leadership .
• Methods for applying leadership theories to nursing .
• What is the need for effective nursing leadership ?
• Methods for monitoring the effectiveness of nursing leadership .
• Principles of delegation of authority in nursing leadership practice.
• The importance of nursing leadership in strategic hospital planning.
• Nursing leadership as a method to retain experienced staff.

Evidence-based nursing topics on leadership can become a great start to your career!

Easy Topics for Nursing Qualitative and Quantitative Research

The division into qualitative and quantitative research can be confusing. But don’t worry, we’ll help you figure it out! Each type of nursing research topic and other materials may depend on dry numbers or subjective opinions. Keep reading for more detailed information and examples of quantitative and qualitative research topics in nursing!

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Nursing Research

Empirical research methods can be divided into two broad categories: quantitative and qualitative. As their name suggests, each view relies on specific types of data. Therefore, your nursing paper topics can also reveal either qualitative or quantitative aspects of the problem. Let’s take a quick look at the main differences between these two methods.

The quantitative method relies entirely on numbers and statistics. Your task is to find patterns and come to a conclusion by analyzing a large amount of data. This type of nursing research is as structured and objective as possible. These are the quantitative method characteristics:

• Sources of information are polls, reviews, records, documents.
• The deductive methodology involved.
• As objective as possible.
• The main content is numbers and data.
• Validity depends on the selected analysis tools.

The qualitative method , on the contrary, is a reflection of the author’s thoughts and conclusions. It depends entirely on the depth of understanding of the problem and the existing materials on the nursing thesis topics. The task of the researcher is to analyze previous works and create their theory through reflection. Check the qualitative method characteristics:

• Sources of information: focus groups, document reviews, interviews.
• The inductive process is involved.
• The subjective opinion of the author is allowed.
• The main content is text and reflections.
• Validity depends on the skill of the author.

You can check lists of topics for nursing research ideas in these spheres below!

Qualitative Nursing Research Topics

Qualitative analysis is a complex but critical aspect of medical practice. Nursing qualitative research topics are designed for students to develop skills of analyzing challenging issues and make proper conclusions:

• The role of technology in improving the quality of nursing care .
• Empowering nurses to prescribe: advantages and disadvantages.
• The problem of equality between doctors and nurses .
• Nursing stereotypes.
• Issues of accreditation of medical schools.
• The problem of systemic racism in the healthcare system.
• How nursing has changed in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• The importance of nursing staff in primary care .
• Priority of cancer in adults.
• Advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research in nursing .

These qualitative nursing research topics can help you improve your analytical skills significantly!

Quantitative Nursing Research Topics

Quantitative type of scientific work is all about statistics, percentages, and numbers. Prepare yourself to analyze tons of information with these nursing quantitative research topics:

• Evaluation of the effectiveness of primary patient care.
• The leading causes of heart disease .
• Analysis of the efficacy of telemedicine .
• The problem of an overabundance of information noise in the modern world.
• Evaluation of methods of assistance in suicide attempts.
• Statistical analysis of the benefits of diets .
• Causes of mental illness in women.
• Using unconventional methods to treat diabetes .
• Benefits of probiotics for treating diarrhea .
• Methods for assessing pain in critically ill patients.

For a successful paper, it’s importnt to pick a good research topics for nursing students based on quantitative evidence.

How to choose a Nursing Research Topic?

Choosing a quality nursing research topic idea can be a daunting task. This is mainly because the variety of possible options is simply too large. But don’t worry, here are some simple tips to help you choose the theme that’s right for you!

📜 Remove large-scale topics . You should not waste your energy on massive topics. Instead, choose narrow evidence-based ideas that allow you to focus on one issue. 📜 Use personal experience . One cannot be informed in all aspects of medicine. So when you write about a topic you have no experience with, you risk getting bogged down in hours of tedious research. Try to remember what problems you faced yourself. This way, you will already have a basic knowledge of the topic. 📜 Review literature . A large amount of ready-made research a topic will be an excellent help in writing about it. Try to do a systematic nursing topics review to find more examples. This does not mean that you should copy the work of another medic. On the contrary, it will be a good opportunity for you to highlight additional information. Therefore, before choosing from easy nursing research topics, look at how much information is already in the public domain.

What is the process of nursing research? Oh, that’s a tricky question. Let’s look at the main stages you need to go through!

✨ Define the research problem . To solve a problem, you first need to find it. That is why the first thing you should do is choose a nursing research question. If you have any experience with the topic, that will be a big plus! ✨ Develop hypothesis . Now, you need to think and create your theory. It can be of any form. The main thing is to make a connection between the data pieces and find a pattern. Of course, the hypothesis must be consistent with the current nursing research topics. ✨ Literature review . Before you start writing, it’s important to tighten your knowledge of the central thesis of the topic you’ve selected. Try reading other people’s research, finding the statistics you want, and just surfing the internet. ✨ Prepare an outline . It is essential to formulate a plan for your work before you start working on it. The more detailed you describe each paragraph of your article, the less time you will need to write it. Quality work begins with a quality plan! ✨ Conduct research . Now you start the longest and most important part of the whole nursing project. You should delve deeper into the problem and find the information you need. Everything that you write should help you prove your hypothesis in one way or another. ✨ Make a conclusion and develop further recommendations . After you have processed all the material, it is time to write a conclusion. Here, you must indicate whether you have succeeded in proving the hypothesis and recommend the application for your scientific work.

Congratulations, you did it! Writing a good paper is not that difficult. It all depends on a well-chosen research topic in the nursing field; luckily, you have a list of 350 topics to look through in this article! You can find more nursing research ideas on our website!

❓ What Is Translational Research in Nursing?

Translational research is a kind of scientific work, and its task is to transform theory into new practical approaches. In other words, discoveries made in laboratories become the basis for creating a new actionable framework in nursing.

❓ What Is an Example of a Clinical Question?

The clinical question is an integral part of your scientific work. It can relate to categories such as the cause of the problem, the manifestation of the disease in the patient, possible solutions, and potential results. A well-formulated clinical question helps you write a quality article.

❓ How to Determine Level of Evidence in Nursing Research?

Several criteria determine the level of evidence in nursing research. These include quality of design, validity, and applicability of results to patient care. Therefore, you should constantly monitor the reliability of your sources and the correctness of your conclusions.

❓ What Are Some Controversial Issues in Nursing?

In modern nursing, there are some controversial issues, mainly of an ethical nature. Such problems include the issue of vaccination of people who are against it, artificial nutrition, opioid addiction, and others. There is a lively discussion about how to act correctly in some instances and what factors the decision may depend on.

📎 References:

• Evidence-Based Practice: PICO. Duke University .
• Asking the clinical question. Penn State University
• Evidence-Based Practice Toolkit. Darrell W. Krueger Library
• Top 5 Ethical Issues in Nursing. American Mobile
• Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods.
• Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research – What Is the difference? Imotions
• The Seven Steps of the Research Process. Teacherph
• Research Paper Writing Guide. Grammarly
• Choosing a research topic. Florida Gulf Coast University
• Nursing Process. NCBI
• Sample Research Topics. CFAES
• Selecting a Research Topic: Overview. MIT Libraries
• Three Important Nursing Subjects Students Should Know. Distant learning systems
• Evidence-Based Practice Tutorial: Asking Clinical Questions. University of Maryland
• Top 5 Ethical Issues in Nursing. Avant Healthcare
• Ethical Issues in Nursing: Explanations & Solutions. Duquesne University
• Clinical & Translational Research. UNC
• Writing a Thesis for Nursing School | Nursejournal.org
• A practical approach to the process of writing a dissertation. Nursing Times
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Key EBP Nursing Topics: Enhancing Patient Results through Evidence-Based Practice

This article was written in collaboration with Christine T. and ChatGPT, our little helper developed by OpenAI.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the use of the best available evidence to inform clinical decision-making in nursing. EBP has become increasingly popular in nursing practice because it ensures that patient care is based on the most current and relevant research. In this article, we will discuss the latest evidence-based practice nursing research topics, how to choose them, and where to find EBP project ideas.

What is Evidence-Based Practice Nursing?

EBP nursing involves a cyclical process of asking clinical questions, seeking the best available evidence, critically evaluating that evidence, and then integrating it with the patient’s clinical experience and values to make informed decisions. By following this process, nurses can provide the best care for their patients and ensure that their practice is informed by the latest research.

One of the key components of EBP nursing is the critical appraisal of research evidence. Nurses must be able to evaluate the quality of studies, including study design, sample size, and statistical analysis. This requires an understanding of research methodology and the ability to apply critical thinking skills to evaluate research evidence.

EBP nursing also involves the use of clinical practice guidelines and protocols, which are evidence-based guidelines for clinical practice. These guidelines have been developed by expert groups and are based on the best available evidence. By following these guidelines, nurses can ensure that their practice is in line with the latest research and can provide the best possible care for their patients.

Finally, EBP nursing involves continuous professional development and a commitment to lifelong learning. Nurses must keep abreast of the latest research and clinical practice guidelines to ensure that their practice is informed by the latest research. This requires a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, including attending conferences, reading scholarly articles, and participating in continuing education programs.

You can also learn more about evidence-based practice in nursing to gain a deeper understanding of the definition, stages, benefits, and challenges of implementing it.

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How to Choose Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Research Topics

Choosing a science-based topic for nursing practice can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the field. Here are some tips to help you choose a relevant and interesting EBP topic:

• Look for controversial or debated issues

Look for areas of nursing practice that are controversial or have conflicting evidence. These topics often have the potential to generate innovative and effective research.

• Consider ethical issues

Consider topics related to ethical issues in nursing practice. For example, bereavement care, informed consent , and patient privacy are all ethical issues that can be explored in an EBP project.

• Explore interdisciplinary topics

Nursing practice often involves collaboration with other health professionals such as physicians, social workers, and occupational therapists. Consider interdisciplinary topics that may be useful from a nursing perspective.

• Consider local or regional issues

Consider topics that are relevant to your local or regional healthcare facility. These topics may be relevant to your practice and have a greater impact on patient outcomes in your community.

• Check out the latest research

Review recent research in your area of interest to identify gaps in the literature or areas where further research is needed. This can help you develop a research question that is relevant and innovative.

With these tips in mind, you can expand your options for EBP nursing research topics and find a topic that fits your interests and goals. Remember that patient outcomes should be at the forefront of your research and choose a topic that has the potential to improve treatment and patient outcomes.

Where to Get EBP Project Ideas

There are several sources that nurses can use to get EBP project ideas. These sources are diverse and can provide valuable inspiration for research topics. By exploring these sources, nurses can find research questions that align with their interests and that address gaps in the literature. These include:

• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Look for clinical practice guidelines developed by professional organizations or healthcare institutions. These guidelines provide evidence-based guidelines for clinical practice and can help identify areas where further research is needed.

• Research databases

Explore research databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library to find the latest studies and systematic reviews. These databases can help you identify gaps in the literature and areas where further research is needed.

• Clinical Experts

Consult with clinical experts in your practice area. These experts may have insights into areas where further research is needed or may provide guidance on areas of practice that may benefit from an EBP project.

• Quality Improvement Projects

Review quality improvement projects that have been implemented in your healthcare facility. These projects may identify areas where further research is needed or identify gaps in the literature that could be addressed in an EBP project.

• Patient and family feedback

Consider patient and family feedback to identify areas where further research is needed. Patients and families can provide valuable information about areas of nursing practice that can be improved or that could benefit from further research.

Remember, when searching for ideas for EBP nursing research projects, it is important to consider the potential impact on patient care and outcomes. Select a topic that has the potential to improve patient outcomes and consider the feasibility of the project in terms of time, resources, and access to data. By choosing a topic that matches your interests and goals and is feasible at your institution, you can conduct a meaningful and productive EBP research project in nursing.

Nursing EBP Topics You Can Use in Your Essay

Here are some of the latest evidence-based practice nursing research topics that you can use in your essay or explore further in your own research:

• The impact of telehealth on patient outcomes in primary care
• The use of music therapy to manage pain in post-operative patients
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in reducing stress and anxiety in healthcare workers
• Combating health care-associated infections: a community-based approach
• The impact of nurse-led discharge education on readmission rates for heart failure patients
• The use of simulation in nursing education to improve patient safety
• The effectiveness of early mobilization in preventing post-operative complications
• The use of aromatherapy to manage agitation in patients with dementia
• The impact of nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and outcomes
• The effectiveness of peer support in improving diabetes self-management
• The impact of cultural competence training on patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings
• The use of animal-assisted therapy in managing anxiety and depression in patients with chronic illnesses
• The effectiveness of nurse-led smoking cessation interventions in promoting smoking cessation among hospitalized patients
• Importance of literature review in evidence-based research
• The impact of nurse-led care transitions on hospital readmission rates for older adults
• The effectiveness of nurse-led weight management interventions in reducing obesity rates among children and adolescents
• The impact of medication reconciliation on medication errors and adverse drug events
• The use of mindfulness-based interventions to manage chronic pain in older adults
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing hospital-acquired infections
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient satisfaction and outcomes
• The use of art therapy to manage anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing medical procedures
• Pediatric oncology: working towards better treatment through evidence-based research
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving medication adherence among patients with chronic illnesses
• The impact of team-based care on patient outcomes in primary care settings
• The use of music therapy to improve sleep quality in hospitalized patients
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing falls in older adults
• The impact of nurse-led care on maternal and infant outcomes in low-resource settings
• The use of acupressure to manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting breastfeeding initiation and duration
• The impact of nurse-led palliative care interventions on end-of-life care in hospice settings
• The use of hypnotherapy to manage pain in labor and delivery
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing hospital length of stay for surgical patients
• The impact of nurse-led transitional care interventions on readmission rates for heart failure patients
• The use of massage therapy to manage pain in hospitalized patients
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting physical activity among adults with chronic illnesses
• The impact of technology-based interventions on patient outcomes in mental health settings
• The use of mind-body interventions to manage chronic pain in patients with fibromyalgia
• Optimizing the clarifying diagnosis of stomach cancer
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing medication errors in pediatric patients
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in long-term care settings
• The use of aromatherapy to manage anxiety in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in emergency department settings
• The use of relaxation techniques to manage anxiety in patients with cancer
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving self-management skills among patients with heart failure
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in critical care settings
• The use of yoga to manage symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting medication safety in community settings
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in home healthcare settings
• The role of family involvement in the rehabilitation of stroke patients
• Assessing the effectiveness of virtual reality in pain management
• The impact of pet therapy on mental well-being in elderly patients
• Exploring the benefits of intermittent fasting on diabetic patients
• The efficacy of acupuncture in managing chronic pain in cancer patients
• Effect of laughter therapy on stress levels among healthcare professionals
• The influence of a plant-based diet on cardiovascular health
• Analyzing the outcomes of nurse-led cognitive behavioral therapy sessions for insomnia patients
• The role of yoga and meditation in managing hypertension
• Exploring the benefits of hydrotherapy in post-operative orthopedic patients
• The impact of digital health applications on patient adherence to medications
• Assessing the outcomes of art therapy in pediatric patients with chronic illnesses
• The role of nutrition education in managing obesity in pediatric patients
• Exploring the effects of nature walks on mental well-being in patients with depression
• The impact of continuous glucose monitoring systems on glycemic control in diabetic patients

The Importance of Incorporating EBP in Nursing Education

Evidence-based practice is not just a tool for seasoned nurses; it’s a foundational skill that should be integrated early into nursing education. By doing so, students learn the mechanics of nursing and the rationale behind various interventions grounded in scientific research.

• Bridging Theory and Practice:

Introducing EBP in the curriculum helps students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. They learn how to perform a task and why it’s done a particular way.

• Critical Thinking:

EBP promotes critical thinking. By regularly reviewing and appraising research, students develop the ability to discern the quality and applicability of studies. This skill is invaluable in a rapidly evolving field like healthcare.

• Lifelong Learning:

EBP instills a culture of continuous learning. It encourages nurses to regularly seek out the most recent research findings and adapt their practices accordingly.

• Improved Patient Outcomes:

At the heart of EBP is the goal of enhanced patient care. We ensure patients receive the most effective, up-to-date care by teaching students to base their practices on evidence.

• Professional Development:

Familiarity with EBP makes it easier for nurses to contribute to professional discussions, attend conferences, and conduct research. It elevates their professional stature and opens doors to new opportunities.

To truly prepare nursing students for the challenges of modern healthcare, it’s essential to make EBP a core part of their education.

In summary, evidence-based practice nursing is an essential component of providing quality patient care. As a nurse, it is important to stay up to date on the latest research in the field and incorporate evidence-based practices into your daily work. Choosing a research topic that aligns with your interests and addresses a gap in the literature can lead to valuable contributions to the field of nursing.

When it comes to finding EBP project ideas, there are many sources available, including professional organizations, academic journals, and healthcare conferences. By collaborating with colleagues and seeking feedback from mentors, you can refine your research question and design a study that is rigorous and relevant.

The nursing evidence-based practice topics listed above provide a starting point for further exploration and investigation. By studying the effectiveness of various nursing interventions and techniques, we can continue to improve patient outcomes and deliver better care. Ultimately, evidence-based practice nursing is about using the best available research to inform our decisions and provide the highest quality care possible to our patients.

📎 Related Articles

1. Top Nursing Research Topics for Students and Professionals 2. Nursing Debate Topics: The Importance of Discussing and Debating Nursing Issues 3. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics: Inspiring Ideas for Students 4. Top Nursing Argumentative Essay Topics: Engage in Thought-Provoking Debates 5. Top Nursing Topics for Discussion: Engaging Conversations for Healthcare Professionals 6. Exploring Controversial Issues in Nursing: Key Topics and Examples 7. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics for Students: A Comprehensive Guide

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Any suggestions for interesting research topics for the neonatal population?

Specialties NICU

Published Aug 31, 2005

carolina_girl

Is there anything that you see day-to-day in your jobs that you question? Why a certain protocol is being done? Any disease processes that you wish you had more answers to? What we could be doing better for our babies?

Anything relating to nutrition, growth and development, etc that you wish we knew more about?

I'd truly appreciate any brainstorming help that'd you'd be willing to offer! Thanks so much for your help!

• + Add a Comment

I read your post and had several thoughts....

1 is the incidence of child abuse higher in the premature populations vs normal term infants

2what are the effects of shortstaffing on the LOS(i am thinking here of the infants that cry conitnually and no one has time to hold them to calm them, so then do they stay longer because they don't grow as well)

3is zantac better than prevacid in treating reflux

4 do we over treat reflux in preemies

5 is the bond between mother infant stronger in moms who visit daily versus the ones who visit rarely, and along the same lines are these rarely visiting moms more prone to child abuse, shaken baby

6 is the chronically agitated/irritable baby allowed to cry more because we have "written them off" and feel nothing can help them. would a "holding program" help this infant become less irritable.

7 are standard nipples truly better than red nipples fir preemies. do they take longer to learn to eat with a yellow, is their los longer because of it.

8 is it better to leave an ng in or reinsert and remove with each tube feeding. does leaving it in lead to more treatment of reflux or actual reflux. does reinserting it cause too much stress to justify doing it this way.

9 does giving a pacifier with tube feeds really make the baby more ready to feed more quickly

10 how much does dressing the baby in baby clothes affect how parents feel about the baby. does it help them feel more like parents and that the baby is a baby how does it affect the nurses preception of pt

11 should parents be allowed to stay overnight, does this lead them to be more stressed, feel expected to stay and be a bad parent of not, feel more involved if do

12 should oral meds be given orally or mixed in the bottle. do they get their whole dose is it accurate does taking them by mouth cause any oral aversion

13 do RNs working with NNPs have better job satisfaction then those who work with resident docs

just a few thoughts.....don't know if any will help :)

sirI, MSN, APRN, NP

17 Articles; 44,746 Posts

Excellent suggestions, sasha!! :balloons:

1,263 Posts

...how about gyn history and fetal outcome? As in # of miscarriages and elective abortions and subsequent pregnancy outcome?

...I bring this up because there are some pts. who do not want to give abortion history or even birth history with a new partner/husband present. I ran into this in the 70s, pts. not admitting to previous births or abortions because they didn't want new husband to know thay had given a child up for adoption. One time the doctor during delivery asked the pt. the ages of her other children, as he noticed her episiotomy scar as she was crowning. She claimed this was her first. After the birth and with the husband out of the room, the doc told her he needed to know, because it could have affected THIS delivery. She didn't want her husband to know she had given a baby up for adoption.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP

I've always had a curiosity about NEC and risk factors and how it can be dealt with effectively.

Also weight gain in the preemie, whether the extensive supplimenting is good, especially HMF and whether the q3h schedule they usually follow for po feeds is the best.

If it has to be an hour long presentation then I would go for pain management. There is lots of literature and many aspects that can be explored.

I question the use of thickeners for reflux and how many more of those kids end up with NEC.

SteveNNP, MSN, NP

1 Article; 2,512 Posts

How about a research study on pain management therapies in neonates. I've heard all sides.....oral sucrose is better than narcotics, narcotics are better, not all babies on vents need pain meds [garbage as far as I'm concerned] etc. Exactly what have we found out regarding premature infant pain, and the most effective ways of managing it?

Hope this helps.

Deidre Shiobhan

I read your post and had several thoughts.... 1 is the incidence of child abuse higher in the premature populations vs normal term infants 2what are the effects of shortstaffing on the LOS(i am thinking here of the infants that cry conitnually and no one has time to hold them to calm them, so then do they stay longer because they don't grow as well) 3is zantac better than prevacid in treating reflux 4 do we over treat reflux in preemies 5 is the bond between mother infant stronger in moms who visit daily versus the ones who visit rarely, and along the same lines are these rarely visiting moms more prone to child abuse, shaken baby 6 is the chronically agitated/irritable baby allowed to cry more because we have "written them off" and feel nothing can help them. would a "holding program" help this infant become less irritable. 7 are standard nipples truly better than red nipples fir preemies. do they take longer to learn to eat with a yellow, is their los longer because of it. 8 is it better to leave an ng in or reinsert and remove with each tube feeding. does leaving it in lead to more treatment of reflux or actual reflux. does reinserting it cause too much stress to justify doing it this way. 9 does giving a pacifier with tube feeds really make the baby more ready to feed more quickly 10 how much does dressing the baby in baby clothes affect how parents feel about the baby. does it help them feel more like parents and that the baby is a baby how does it affect the nurses preception of pt 11 should parents be allowed to stay overnight, does this lead them to be more stressed, feel expected to stay and be a bad parent of not, feel more involved if do 12 should oral meds be given orally or mixed in the bottle. do they get their whole dose is it accurate does taking them by mouth cause any oral aversion 13 do RNs working with NNPs have better job satisfaction then those who work with resident docs just a few thoughts.....don't know if any will help :)

Good job Sasha :yelclap:

Some of the topics sound interesting but I'm also interested in the area of infant pain management.

There're some people out there believe that these premature babies don't feel pain but it's not true At ALL!

My department is looking into the area of development a pain score chart for every baby. Pain management is definitely something we are looking into seriously. :icon_roll

valluripally anusha

How about the effect of social media on decision-making in the NICU. with everyone posting their lives on facebook (etc),and the daily trials and joys of their baby's life, and having 100s of friends- does this change how we make decisions?

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A Lasting Legacy

Written by Tina Potterf

May 21, 2024

Generous gift will support education and nursing programs and STEM research and education.

Seattle University recently received a generous gift of $1.85 million from Steven Rogel in honor of his late wife Connie. The gift continues a legacy of philanthropy that he and Connie began building decades ago. This latest contribution underscores their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities at the university, particularly in teacher education, nursing and STEM disciplines. This gift follows an endowment created for the inaugural Rogel Professorship in the College of Science and Engineering, awarded to Associate Professor Stephen Luckey, PhD, in 2022.

The Rogels’ commitment to Seattle University dates back to their early years together. Connie Rogel, a 1967 graduate of the College of Education, was passionate about teaching and caring for others. After completing her education at Seattle University, she went on to pursue graduate studies, eventually becoming deeply involved in volunteer work and community service. Her impact extended to various boards, including the SU Board of Regents.

The Rogels’ support for Seattle University has been transformational. In addition to the Rogel Professorship they have contributed to the construction of the rain garden at the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons, along with establishing the Rogel Anatomy and Physiology Lab.

Notably, their latest gift establishes the Rogel Equipment Endowment, which will support the purchase and maintenance of advanced scientific equipment for teaching and research in STEM fields, with a focus on biotechnology, and health care education.

In addition to the equipment endowment, the Rogels also established scholarships to support students pursuing teaching and nursing degrees. The Connie R. Rogel Endowed Scholarship for Teacher Education will support master’s students in education, particularly those interested in teaching STEM subjects. Similarly, the Rogel Endowed Nursing Scholarship assists students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, with a focus on gerontology, or the study of aging adults. With the professorship, the focus is on a faculty member who is conducting bio-medical or bio-engineering research while engaging with and including undergraduate student researchers.

The impact of these latest scholarships extends beyond financial assistance—they empower students to pursue their academic and professional aspirations. The criteria for these scholarships reflect the Rogels’ values, which emphasize financial need, academic achievement and a commitment to community service, particularly for students from rural or underserved areas.

The legacy of Steven and Connie Rogel at Seattle University is not merely one of financial generosity but of a profound interest in nurturing the next generation of educators and health care professionals. As their contributions continue to elevate the university's programs and facilities, their spirit of compassion and dedication resonates throughout the campus community and beyond.

Read more about the Rogel Professorship. 

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Mom who went viral exploring a cemetery for baby name inspo explains why she did it

A North Carolina mother went viral this week after she shared her unique quest for a baby name at a cemetery.

Getting named after a gravestone is not unorthodox in Haley Hodge's family. Inspired by a name they noticed at a funeral, her parents named her younger sister Cooper.

"They were at the burial site, and they noticed her name," Hodge, a physical therapist and content creator, told USA Today on Friday.

During her childhood, Hodge's mother would take the kids to the graveyard on family trips to teach them history.

"My mom found that we were more interested in spooky stories and ghost stories rather than the historical tours," she said. "I've always been fond of walking through the cemeteries and looking at how they're decorated or their stories behind some of the people."

Years later, the pregnant mother of three children− ages 1, 3, and 10 −wanted to continue the tradition.  

"I just ended up seeing the beauty of the stories behind some of these gravestones and the people instead of just deaths associated with it."

More on baby names: The most popular baby names for boys and girls: Social media's influence begins to emerge

Hodge's video has been viewed millions of times

Last weekend, Hodge and her family were on a family outing in Southport, a maritime town, when they came across Old Smithville Burying Ground and decided to look at potential names for her baby girl.

She decided to share her experience on her TikTok, @hodgehouse, garnering nearly 3 million views.

"I was pretty shocked," she said. "I knew it was going to have some different opinions with it because it is weird and it's a bit unique for sure."

In the video, Hodge and crew walk around the area pointing out several names on gravestones including Julia, Bunny and Ella. Her favorites, she tells USA Today, are Galloway and Salem.

A lot of people in the comments agreed.

"Galloway is very unique," one person commented.

"I thought so too! I know it was the person's last name but could be really pretty as a first or middle too," she replied.

However, Hodge and her husband have not made a final decision yet.

"We found so many cool unique names, we may end up going to more cemeteries or just exploring different ways," Hodge said, acknowledging that her process may be unconventional.

She continued, "I know there's baby books, but I feel like I see a lot of repeated names over and over again. And it's fun to have a story behind finding a name. So, we may still be on the search a little bit more. But right now, I really liked the name Salem."