Implementations of Capstone Project In Nursing Education

Whats is Capstone Project and Its Use

    Capstone projects are identified by
many different names such as capstone experiences, senior exhibition, or senior
project. In a capstone project, the individual is expected to identify a
contemporary challenge or issue with a clinical focus that can be evaluated
using “evidence based search strategies and critical appraisal of the
literature” (Newland, 2013, p. 6). 

    The Great Schools Partnership (nd)
defines a capstone project as a complex and intricate assignment that is a
concluding academic experience demonstrating a body of knowledge about a topic
of interest. A capstone project is characterized by incorporating a strong
decision making process to guide the inquiry.

Utilization of Capstone Project In Health Care and Nursing Education

    While capstone projects can be
found in any educational setting, they tend to be used primarily in master
and/or doctoral programs in nursing education. The fundamental and central
target of a capstone project is to investigate problems and issues identified
in health care. Through the investigation, evidence related to the identified
focus can be confirmed to build on the topic being analysed. The ultimate
outcome for each project embraces the idea of improving the quality of care
delivered to individuals. 

    A key point in the development and management of a
capstone project is mentoring to ensure that each step of the project is
carefully and efficiently carried out. Each project is specific to the setting
and individual choice. The projects embrace all of the steps of critical
thinking. A capstone endeavor can take the direction of a research venture,
undertaking quality improvement. or an evidence-based practice venture. It is
expected that the entire process results in careful consideration of how to
improve an aspect of health care.

    Capstone projects tend to be
directed towards a clinical situation. According to Clarke (2013), the linkages
between academia and practice need to be directed toward
patient/family-centered care, including finance and policy. Attention is
directed on merging clinical and best practices to improve health care.

Capstone Project In Nursing Education and Practices 

    In the DNP Essentials developed by
the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2006), it is suggested
that the final DNP project delivers conclusions that ensued from practice
engagement experiences. The entire process should be carefully reviewed and
evaluated by experts in the program. While discussion continues on the need for
research to be incorporated in the projects, the main focus is that the project
demonstrates sound decision making and analytical management. 

    Rutledge and
Renaud (2013) list examples of doctor of nursing practice (DNP) capstone
projects that include pilot studies, program development and evaluation
efforts, quality improvement projects, incorporation of inter professional
collaborative models, evaluation of cost effectiveness, and provider outcome
efficiency.Over cash (2013) believes that there
is a need for small projects to validate nursing research. The outcome of a
capstone project is to “cultivate perceptions of empowerment and
confidence that pave the way for a career of nursing inquiry” (Overcash,
2013, p. 22). 

    Through a mentor, the capstone project student is moved forward
to provide evidence and best practices related to the topic addressed. Active
engagement by individuals to manage challenges identified in innovative and
creative ways allows new solutions for problems to be studied. The research
and/or quality improvement projects can create the essential and crucial
evidence imperative for health care.

    The Great Schools Partnership (nd)
asserts that a capstone project develops the following skills, critical
thinking, precise oral communication, problem solving, media literacy, and
self-sufficiency. Each capstone experience is envisioned to result in some form
of dissemination. The individual is expected to provide a final product such as
a manuscript for publication, oral presentation, and/or poster presentation. 

    For some projects, the dissemination of results must be provided in more than
one venue. Some educational goals for the capstone projects are increasing the
rigor of the educational aspects of the final year of the program; engaging
students to be more motivated and engaged in discovery of solutions; escalating
the educational and career aspirations of students; advancing confidence, maturity,
and self-perception of students; and documenting learning and proficiency
resulting from the project.

EBP and Capstone Project Benefits

    Capstone experiences are
opportunities for expanding the evidence available for use in advancing health
care. Scholars have the responsibility for seeking the best evidence and
knowledge for enhancing and improving methods used for provision of health
care. Capstone projects are guided by mentors through successful completion of
the project. The mentor is frequently called the capstone adviser. These
individuals are strategically placed to provide ongoing support and guidance to
effectively develop the skills and expertise needed. 

    Mentors are purposefully
selected and used in the process to aid the scholar to thoroughly investigate
problems. In addition, experts are identified and used as the project is
planned and implemented. These experts provide the scholar with additional
insight into the project topic. These networking connections are deliberately
selected to augment information provided in conjunction with the mentor.Capstone projects provide support
and engagement with students to develop an in depth evidence based learning
outcome. 

    An expectation of the capstone project is the commitment to lifelong
learning through the use of decision making and evidence based practice.