65+ Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

jeniffer White

When I reached the final stretch of nursing school, I thought the hardest part was behind me. Clinicals? Done. Skills lab? Survived. NCLEX prep? Still going.

Then came the capstone project.

I didn’t expect choosing a topic to feel so overwhelming. I kept thinking it had to be something big and impressive.

Something that would make a huge difference. But after talking to mentors and nurses on the floor, I realized something important.

It just needed to be useful. Something real. Something that could help patients or nurses in everyday situations.

If you’re at that point now, staring at a blank document and feeling stuck, this list of nursing capstone project ideas is for you.

These are based on real experiences, things I’ve seen in practice, suggestions from classmates, and topics I honestly wish I had considered earlier.

Nursing Capstone Project Ideas PDF

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What Actually Makes a Good Nursing Capstone Project?

Let me just say it straight. Your project doesn’t have to cure cancer.”

What it does need:

A clear problem that actually exists
A solution that’s practical and realistic
Evidence to back it up (from research, interviews, or case studies)
Pick something you actually care about, because you’ll be spending weeks working on it.

My own capstone? I worked on improving how nurses communicate during shift changes in a med-surg unit. It wasn’t flashy, but it made a difference. My preceptor still uses the handoff checklist I created.

Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

Your capstone doesn’t have to be big or complex. Even a small idea, like improving shift reports, can make a real difference. Let’s explore simple and meaningful nursing capstone project ideas.

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

1. Standardizing Bedside Handoff to Reduce Communication Errors

Problem: Inconsistent handoffs can lead to errors and delays.
Action: Implement SBAR or I-PASS format for all bedside handoffs.
Metrics: Reduction in miscommunication-related errors, improved patient satisfaction.
Collaborators: Nurse educators, safety committee.

2. Fall Risk Assessment Training for New Nurses

Problem: Inexperienced staff miss signs of fall risks.
Action: Create simulations and case-based learning modules.
Metrics: Post-training competency scores, fall incidents.
Tools: Fall risk scales, simulation labs.

3. Improving Medication Reconciliation During Discharge

Problem: Patients often leave with incorrect medication lists.
Action: Partner with a pharmacy to verify meds before discharge.
Metrics: Reduced readmission rates, fewer discrepancies.
Collaborators: Pharmacists, care coordinators.

4. Reducing Pressure Ulcers in Post-Op Patients

Problem: High rates of pressure injuries post-surgery.
Action: Standardize repositioning schedules, enhance skin assessments.
Metrics: Decrease in HAPUs, documentation compliance.
Tools: Braden Scale, EMR audits.

5. Standardizing Infection Control in Central Line Care

Problem: Inconsistent line maintenance causes infections.
Action: Develop and enforce central line checklist.
Metrics: CLABSI rates, nurse compliance scores.
Collaborators: Infection control team.

6. Improving Timeliness of Pain Assessments Post-Medication

Problem: Delayed pain reassessments affect outcomes.
Action: EMR alerts and real-time nurse feedback.
Metrics: Time from administration to reassessment, patient pain scores.
Tools: EMR customization, time audits.

7. Hourly Rounding to Reduce Call Lights and Falls

Problem: Missed needs lead to increased falls.
Action: Use 4Ps approach for structured hourly rounding.
Metrics: Call light frequency, fall incidence, patient satisfaction.
Tools: Rounding logs, HCAHPS.

8. Faster Response to Bed Alarms

Problem: Delayed response leads to patient harm.
Action: Test wearable alerts and buddy systems.
Metrics: Alarm-to-response times, fall incidents.
Collaborators: IT team, unit managers.

9. Double-Check Systems for High-Risk Medications

Problem: Errors in chemo, insulin, and heparin delivery.
Action: Implement mandatory two-nurse verification.
Metrics: Medication error logs, nurse confidence surveys.
Tools: Med barcoding, policy updates.

10. Visual Aids for IV Compatibility and Flushing

Problem: Errors due to complex compatibility rules.
Action: Post simple bedside visuals with compatibility charts.
Metrics: Nurse-reported usefulness, reduction in IV errors.
Tools: Laminated posters, quick-reference apps.

Mental Health and Behavioral Nursing

1. De-escalation Protocols for Aggressive ER Patients

Problem: Staff injuries due to violence in high-stress settings.
Action: Develop and distribute quick-response de-escalation guides.
Metrics: Incident reports, staff injury data.
Collaborators: Behavioral health team.

2. Support Circles for Burned-Out Nurses

Problem: Burnout leads to low morale and turnover.
Action: Facilitate weekly peer discussion sessions.
Metrics: Burnout scores, retention data.
Tools: MBI, staff surveys.

3. Reducing Mental Health Stigma Among Teen Boys

Problem: Stigma prevents early intervention.
Action: Conduct workshops using male mentors and real stories.
Metrics: Attitude surveys, help-seeking behavior.
Collaborators: Schools, youth counselors.

4. Mindfulness for Anxious College Students

Problem: Anxiety peaks during exams.
Action: Introduce mindfulness pop-ups in student centers.
Metrics: Attendance, feedback, stress scores.
Tools: Guided meditation apps.

5. Mental Health Screenings at Physicals

Problem: Missed early signs in primary care.
Action: Train providers to use PHQ-2 and GAD-7.
Metrics: Screening rates, referrals.
Collaborators: Primary care offices.

6. Dementia Caregiver Support Kits

Problem: Caregivers lack tools to manage difficult behaviors.
Action: Provide kits with communication tips and stress relief strategies.
Metrics: Caregiver burden scores, feedback.
Tools: Resource handouts, hotline numbers.

7. Sleep Hygiene for Depressed Young Adults

Problem: Poor sleep worsens symptoms.
Action: Create simple bedtime routine kits with screen curfews and white noise.
Metrics: Self-reported sleep quality and mood.
Tools: Sleep diaries, app tracking.

8. Suicide Risk Screening in Primary Clinics

Problem: Risk often missed in busy settings.
Action: Train staff to use the Columbia screening tool.
Metrics: Screening completion rates, referral volume.
Tools: Brief assessment forms.

9. Therapeutic Gardens in Psych Units

Problem: Sterile environments can worsen agitation.
Action: Create garden space for therapy sessions.
Metrics: Restraint use, aggression logs.
Collaborators: Occupational therapy, facility management.

10. Art Therapy for Inpatients

Problem: Patients lack expressive outlets.
Action: Pilot weekly art therapy sessions.
Metrics: Mood surveys, participation rates.
Collaborators: Art therapists, social workers.

Community and Public Health

1. Mobile Blood Pressure Clinics in Underserved Areas

Problem: Lack of access leads to undiagnosed hypertension.
Action: Offer screenings at churches, food banks, and community centers.
Metrics: Number screened, follow-up referrals.
Collaborators: Public health department.

2. Health Education for ESL Families

Problem: Limited English affects health outcomes.
Action: Translate key materials and test for clarity.
Metrics: Understanding rates via teach-back, satisfaction scores.
Tools: Interpreters, visual aids.

3. Vaccine Education in Skeptical Communities

Problem: Mistrust lowers vaccination rates.
Action: Host town halls with local medical leaders.
Metrics: Vaccination uptake rates.
Collaborators: Community leaders.

4. Parent First Aid Workshops

Problem: Parents may not know basic lifesaving skills.
Action: Run CPR and choking rescue classes.
Metrics: Parent confidence and knowledge scores.
Collaborators: Fire department, pediatricians.

5. Childhood Obesity Programs in Schools

Problem: Rising rates of overweight children.
Action: Create engaging lessons on nutrition and movement.
Metrics: BMI tracking, behavior change.
Collaborators: School nurses, PE teachers.

6. Lead Poisoning Prevention in Older Homes

Problem: Unsafe housing leads to exposure.
Action: Awareness events, cleaning supply giveaways.
Metrics: Lead test participation rates.
Tools: Flyers, free kits.

7. Clean Water Education in Flood-Prone Zones

Problem: Residents unaware of water contamination risks.
Action: Share boil water alerts and filter tips.
Metrics: Pre/post knowledge tests.
Collaborators: Local health boards.

8. Diabetes Nutrition for Rural Patients

Problem: Limited diet guidance in remote areas.
Action: Provide easy recipe cards and demo videos.
Metrics: A1c improvements, diet tracking.
Collaborators: Dietitians, local clinics.

9. LGBTQ+ Teen Smoking Cessation

Problem: High smoking rates among LGBTQ+ youth.
Action: Offer peer groups and mobile quit tools.
Metrics: Quit attempts, group engagement.
Collaborators: School counselors.

10. STI Testing Access for College Students

Problem: Stigma and cost limit access.
Action: Run walk-in days with free testing and privacy.
Metrics: Testing volume, follow-up visits.
Collaborators: Student health centers.

Maternal and Infant Health

1. Postpartum Depression Screening in Baby Visits

Problem: PPD often remains undiagnosed in new mothers.
Action: Train pediatric nurses to screen mothers using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) during infant checkups.
Metrics: Screening completion rate, referrals to mental health services.
Collaborators: Pediatricians, behavioral health.

2. Discharge Breastfeeding Education

Problem: Many parents leave without proper breastfeeding support.
Action: Provide visual guides and offer follow-up lactation consultant calls.
Metrics: Breastfeeding continuation at 2 and 6 weeks.
Tools: Handouts, hotline numbers.

3. NICU Readmission Prevention Through Parent Education

Problem: NICU parents feel unprepared to care for fragile newborns.
Action: Offer education on feeding, CPR, and danger signs before discharge.
Metrics: 30-day readmission rates, parent knowledge checks.
Collaborators: NICU staff, case managers.

4. Early Skin-to-Skin Contact Protocols

Problem: Skin-to-skin is inconsistently practiced.
Action: Train nurses to initiate contact within the first hour post-birth.
Metrics: Skin-to-skin initiation rates, breastfeeding success.
Tools: EMR prompts, delivery room checklists.

5. Teen Pregnancy Education in High Schools

Problem: Teen mothers often lack prenatal education.
Action: Implement engaging modules on birth, parenting, and health access.
Metrics: Knowledge quizzes, prenatal care attendance.
Collaborators: School nurses, youth outreach.

6. Safe Sleep Demos for New Parents

Problem: Unsafe sleep habits cause preventable deaths.
Action: Demonstrate correct crib setups at bedside or via video.
Metrics: Parent confidence, follow-up compliance.
Tools: Crib displays, instructional videos.

7. Lactation Hotline Pilot

Problem: Post-discharge support is hard to access.
Action: Staff a free, 24/7 call center with trained lactation consultants.
Metrics: Call volume, parent satisfaction.
Collaborators: WIC, volunteer consultants.

8. NICU Parent Emergency Prep Kit

Problem: Parents lack quick access to emergency info.
Action: Provide take-home packets with hotline numbers, CPR guides, and warning signs.
Metrics: Parent readiness surveys.
Tools: Printed kits, QR codes for video links.

9. Postpartum Care Access for Uninsured Women

Problem: Many women skip postpartum visits due to cost.
Action: Connect them to mobile clinics and community health centers.
Metrics: Appointment completion rate.
Collaborators: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

10. Understanding Birth Plans for Low-Literacy Patients

Problem: Birth plans are often too complex.
Action: Create pictorial templates with basic choices and explanations.
Metrics: Patient engagement scores, plan completion rates.
Tools: Icons, translated materials.

Chronic Illness and Long-Term Care

1. Remote Heart Failure Monitoring at Home

Problem: Missed weight/BP changes lead to preventable admissions.
Action: Teach patients to use Bluetooth BP monitors and daily weight logs.
Metrics: Hospital readmission rates, self-monitoring compliance.
Tools: Remote monitoring apps.

2. Parkinson’s Fall Prevention Plan

Problem: High fall risk due to instability.
Action: Develop a home safety checklist and PT-based balance program.
Metrics: Fall reduction, patient satisfaction.
Collaborators: Physical therapists.

3. Helping Elderly Diabetics Take Meds

Problem: Confusion over complex med regimens.
Action: Use blister packs, alarms, and caregiver coaching.
Metrics: Missed doses, blood sugar stability.
Tools: Med organizers, reminder tools.

4. Non-Opioid Chronic Pain Relief Options

Problem: Long-term opioid use risks addiction.
Action: Develop a patient toolkit with yoga, acupuncture, massage, and CBT.
Metrics: Pain scale reductions, opioid tapering success.
Collaborators: Pain management team.

5. Brain Games for Early Dementia

Problem: Lack of cognitive stimulation accelerates decline.
Action: Provide families with easy-to-use memory games.
Metrics: Cognitive assessment scores over time.
Tools: Printed games, mobile apps.

6. COPD Home Follow-Up Visits

Problem: Poor technique and triggers lead to flare-ups.
Action: Provide post-discharge home visits focusing on inhaler use, oxygen safety, and smoking cessation.
Metrics: ED visits, readmission rates.
Collaborators: Respiratory therapists.

7. Better Sleep for Dialysis Patients

Problem: Insomnia is common and worsens fatigue.
Action: Trial interventions like white noise, meditation, or weighted blankets.
Metrics: Sleep quality surveys, fatigue levels.
Tools: Sleep logs, patient feedback.

8. Stroke Recovery Education for Families

Problem: Families are unsure how to support recovery.
Action: Distribute videos and booklets on ADLs, communication, and mobility.
Metrics: Family confidence scores, rehab adherence.
Tools: QR codes, visual aids.

9. Low-Literacy Chronic Disease Guidebook

Problem: Health education materials are often too complex.
Action: Create plain-language booklets for diabetes and heart failure.
Metrics: Teach-back success, understanding scores.
Tools: Illustrated guides, large print.

10. Reducing Overmedication in Elder Facilities

Problem: Polypharmacy causes falls and confusion.
Action: Conduct monthly med reviews with prescribers.
Metrics: Number of meds per patient, side effect reports.
Collaborators: Pharmacists, geriatricians.

Workplace Wellness and Nurse Support

1. Helping Night Shift Nurses Sleep Better

Problem: Poor sleep increases burnout and errors.
Action: Provide blackout kits, screen filters, and melatonin education.
Metrics: Sleep quality ratings, self-reported fatigue.
Tools: Sleep hygiene checklists.

2. New Nurse Peer Support Program

Problem: New grads feel isolated and overwhelmed.
Action: Match them with experienced RN mentors and hold monthly check-ins.
Metrics: Retention, job satisfaction scores.
Collaborators: Preceptors, nurse educators.

3. Preventing Nurse Injury During Transfers

Problem: Improper lifting leads to back injuries.
Action: Offer lift technique training and trial new assistive devices.
Metrics: Injury reports, staff confidence.
Tools: Simulation dummies, lift belts.

4. Improving Nurse-Doctor Communication

Problem: Miscommunication delays treatment.
Action: Introduce SBAR-based scripts for calls and consults.
Metrics: Response time, error rates.
Collaborators: Hospitalist teams.

5. Burnout Checks for Floor Nurses

Problem: Chronic stress goes unnoticed.
Action: Use monthly check-ins with validated burnout tools.
Metrics: MBI scores, turnover.
Tools: Burnout scale apps.

6. Flexible Scheduling to Retain Staff

Problem: Rigid shifts worsen burnout.
Action: Pilot self-scheduling or 8 vs. 12-hour shift options.
Metrics: Staff retention, satisfaction surveys.
Tools: Scheduling software.

7. Budgeting Help for New Nurses

Problem: Financial stress is common after graduation.
Action: Offer workshops on budgeting, loans, and taxes.
Metrics: Attendance, post-session surveys.
Collaborators: Financial wellness experts.

8. Healthy Meal Planning on Long Shifts

Problem: Nurses rely on fast food during busy days.
Action: Provide fridge-safe recipes and prep suggestions.
Metrics: Participation, energy levels reported.
Tools: Meal prep guides.

9. Wellness Rooms for On-Shift Breaks

Problem: No private space to recharge.
Action: Create calm spaces with dim lighting, soothing music, and hydration.
Metrics: Room usage logs, stress surveys.
Collaborators: Facility managers.

10. Tracking Workplace Violence Reports

Problem: Incidents often go unreported or unresolved.
Action: Launch an anonymous online reporting portal with fast HR response.
Metrics: Number of reports filed, resolution time.
Collaborators: Security, HR.

Policy and Advocacy Projects

1. Inclusive Hospital Policy for LGBTQ+ Patients

Problem: LGBTQ+ patients often face discrimination.
Action: Revise documentation, train staff on inclusive language.
Metrics: Patient satisfaction, complaint reports.
Collaborators: DEI team.

2. Naloxone Access in Public High Schools

Problem: Overdose deaths are increasing among teens.
Action: Educate schools on Narcan use and provide access kits.
Metrics: Policy adoption rate, training sessions held.
Collaborators: School boards.

3. Medicaid Expansion and Patient Outcomes

Problem: Uninsured populations face worse health outcomes.
Action: Compare care access, ER usage before and after Medicaid expansion.
Metrics: Visit data, patient interviews.
Collaborators: Public health researchers.

4. Safe Nurse Staffing Ratios Proposal

Problem: Understaffing leads to burnout and errors.
Action: Compile local data to support policy change.
Metrics: Nurse/patient ratios, adverse event frequency.
Tools: Policy briefs.

5. Support for Needle Exchange Laws

Problem: High infection rates among IV drug users.
Action: Present infection data and support harm reduction legislation.
Metrics: Infection trends, local support.
Collaborators: Public health agencies.

6. Push for Mental Health Parity in Insurance

Problem: Coverage for mental health lags behind physical health.
Action: Compare reimbursement and access.
Metrics: Policy comparison charts, patient impact stories.
Collaborators: Mental health advocates.

7. School Nurse Impact Reports

Problem: School boards question the need for nurses.
Action: Track data on chronic disease management and attendance.
Metrics: Asthma events, absenteeism rates.
Tools: Health office logs.

8. Nurse-Led Advocacy Education Toolkit

Problem: Nurses feel unprepared to speak up.
Action: Teach how to write letters, attend hearings, and share data.
Metrics: Toolkit downloads, participant feedback.
Collaborators: Nurse organizations.

9. Teach Nurses to Read Legislation That Affects Them

Problem: Policy language can be hard to interpret.
Action: Host brief sessions on reading and analyzing bills.
Metrics: Pre/post test scores.
Tools: Simplified handouts.

10. Paid Parental Leave for Healthcare Staff

Problem: Lack of paid leave increases burnout.
Action: Advocate using case studies and HR data.
Metrics: Turnover, job satisfaction.
Collaborators: HR, labor unions.

Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started

Starting something new can be exciting, but also full of surprises. Looking back, there are a few things I really wish someone had told me. Here are the lessons I learned the hard way.

Start early. Topic approval can take time.
Talk to nurses on the floor. They know the real problems that need solving.
Keep your project narrow. Solving one small issue is better than failing to fix five big ones.
Use evidence. Cite real studies, include stats, and back up your idea. That shows you’re not guessing.
Make it useful. If someone could actually use what you created, you nailed it.

Common Questions Students Ask

Students often have the same questions, especially when they’re just starting out. Whether it’s about exams, classes, or careers, these are the questions that come up again and again. Let’s go through them one by one.

How do I know if my idea is “good enough”?

If it helps even one nurse or one patient in a real way, it’s good enough. Truly.

What if I can’t collect data?

Try doing a literature review or mock implementation. Some schools allow this—just double-check.

Should I pick something that “looks impressive” to employers?

Pick something you’re genuinely interested in. The passion will show way more than flashy language.

What if I change my mind halfway through?

You’re allowed to adjust. Just keep your advisor in the loop and document everything.

Can my project actually make a difference?

Yes. Mine was simple, but my floor nurses still use my checklist. That’s a win in my book.

Final Thought

You do not need to change the entire healthcare system in one semester. You just need to care enough to make a small piece of it better.

Look around. What frustrates you in clinicals? What do patients keep struggling with? What do nurses complain about in the breakroom?

Start there.

Because when your project comes from real care and curiosity, people notice. It feels less like a class assignment and more like something that matters.

Let me know if you want help crafting an intro or conclusion for a specific topic from this list, or if you’d like to turn one of them into a full project proposal. 

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