How to Choose a Nursing Dissertation Topic in 2024

We understand that selecting the right topic is crucial for a successful research project, and we are here to help you make an informed decision.

When choosing a nursing dissertation topic, it is important to consider your interests, expertise, and career goals. You want to select a topic that aligns with your passion and has current gaps in knowledge within the field of nursing. Conducting a preliminary literature review can help you identify existing research and potential areas for exploration.

Seeking feedback from advisors, professors, and peers is also crucial in ensuring that your chosen topic is manageable and feasible within the given time frame. They can provide valuable insight and guidance to help you refine and develop your topic further.

What Makes a Great Nursing Dissertation Topic

• Choose a nursing dissertation topic that aligns with your interests, expertise, and career goals.
• Conduct a preliminary literature review to identify existing research and potential areas for exploration.
• Seek feedback from advisors, professors, and peers to ensure your topic is manageable and feasible.
• Consider the support and guidance available to you from resources like NursingWriters.net.
• Remember that choosing the right nursing dissertation topic is essential for academic and professional success.

Read More on Step 3: Writing the Dissertation Chapters

How to Choose a Good Nursing Dissertation Topic

Selecting an appropriate topic for your nursing dissertation is a critical step that can significantly impact the success of your research. A well-chosen topic should be interesting, relevant, and feasible. This guide will walk you through the process of identifying and refining your dissertation topic.

1. Understand the Characteristics of a Good Dissertation Topic

Before you start brainstorming, it’s important to understand what makes a good dissertation topic:

• Relevance: The topic should be pertinent to current nursing practice, policy, or theory.
• Originality: While your work will build on existing research, it should contribute something new to the field.
• Feasibility: Consider the practicality of conducting research on this topic within your time and resource constraints.
• Personal Interest: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you, as you’ll be working on it for an extended period.
• Potential Impact: The research should have the potential to influence nursing practice, education, or policy.

2. Explore Current Trends and Issues in Nursing

Start by immersing yourself in the current nursing landscape:

• Read Widely: Review recent nursing journals, attend conferences, and follow prominent nursing researchers on social media.
• Identify Hot Topics: Look for recurring themes or emerging issues in nursing practice, education, or policy.
• Consider Global Health Challenges: Think about how nursing can contribute to addressing major health issues like pandemics, chronic diseases, or healthcare disparities.

3. Reflect on Your Clinical Experience

Your personal experiences can be a rich source of research ideas:

• Identify Challenges: Reflect on problems or inefficiencies you’ve observed in clinical practice.
• Consider Patient Needs: Think about unmet needs of patients or gaps in patient care you’ve encountered.
• Examine Workplace Issues: Consider topics related to nurse burnout, staff retention, or interdisciplinary collaboration.

4. Consult with Mentors and Colleagues

Engage in discussions with those who can provide valuable insights:

• Talk to Your Supervisor: Discuss potential topics with your academic supervisor. They can provide guidance on the feasibility and relevance of your ideas.
• Consult with Clinical Mentors: Experienced nurses can offer practical perspectives on pressing issues in the field.
• Engage with Peers: Discuss ideas with fellow PhD students. They might offer fresh perspectives or collaborative opportunities.

5. Conduct a Preliminary Literature Review

Once you have some potential topics, start exploring the existing research:

• Search Academic Databases: Use databases like CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar to find recent research in your areas of interest.
• Identify Gaps: Look for gaps in the literature or areas where further research is explicitly recommended.
• Assess Methodologies: Pay attention to the research methods used in your field. This can help you understand what’s feasible for your own study.

6. Consider the Practical Aspects

As you narrow down your options, think about the practicalities of your research:

• Access to Data: Will you be able to collect the necessary data? Consider potential barriers like access to participants or sensitive information.
• Ethical Considerations: Some topics might involve complex ethical issues. Make sure you’re prepared to navigate these.
• Time Frame: Is the topic manageable within your program’s time frame?
• Resources: Do you have access to the necessary resources (e.g., specialized equipment, software) to conduct this research?

7. Refine and Focus Your Topic

Once you have a general area of interest, work on refining it:

• Narrow Your Focus: A common mistake is choosing a topic that’s too broad. Narrow it down to a specific aspect or population.
• Formulate Research Questions: Try to articulate potential research questions. This can help you assess the clarity and focus of your topic.
• Consider Theoretical Frameworks: Think about which theoretical frameworks might be applicable to your topic.

8. Test Your Topic

Before fully committing to a topic, put it to the test:

• Write a Brief Proposal: Try writing a brief (1-2 page) proposal for each of your top topics. This can help you identify which one you’re most passionate about and which seems most feasible.
• Present to Others: Present your ideas to your supervisor, peers, or at a departmental seminar. The feedback you receive can be invaluable.
• Conduct a Pilot Literature Review: Do a more in-depth literature review on your chosen topic. This can help you confirm that there’s enough existing research to build upon, but also enough gaps to justify your study.

9. Finalize Your Topic

After going through these steps, you should be ready to finalize your topic:

• Confirm with Your Supervisor: Get final approval from your supervisor before proceeding.
• Start Drafting Your Proposal: Begin working on your full research proposal, which will help you further refine your topic and research plan.
• Be Prepared for Evolution: Remember that your topic may evolve somewhat as you delve deeper into your research. This is normal and often leads to stronger, more focused work.

Conclusion

Choosing a dissertation topic is a crucial step in your PhD journey. By following this guide, you can identify a topic that is not only interesting to you but also contributes meaningfully to the field of nursing. Remember, the goal is to choose a topic that you’ll be passionate about exploring in depth over an extended period. Take your time with this process – a well-chosen topic will set the foundation for a successful dissertation.

126+ Nursing Dissertation Topic Ideas

Nursing dissertation topics

1. The Impact of Noise Masking Interventions on Patient-Reported Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2. Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risks in Specific Patient Populations Undergoing Cardiac Procedures: A Retrospective Correlational Study
3. Measurement of Intrinsic Cognitive Load and Mental Effort in Nursing Students: A Focus on Instructional Design in Online Classrooms
4. Exploring the Invisible Work of Nursing: A Case Study of Simulated Increases in Care Intensity on Nurses’ Cognitive Load, Clinical Judgment, Stress, and Errors
5. Testing the Effect of a Resident-Focused Hand Hygiene Intervention in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
6. The Effect of Deliberate Practice Combined with High-Fidelity Simulation Scenarios on Psychomotor Skill Competency and Retention in Nursing Education
7. Presenteeism in Nursing: A Mixed Methods Study of Its Relationship with Nurse Fatigue and Patient Safety

Adult nursing dissertation topics

1. Dyadic Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Grounded Theory Pilot Study
2. A Phenomenological Study on Living with Heart Failure as a Middle-Aged Person
3. Experiences of Staff Nurses Who Encounter Incivility During the Clinical Education of Nursing Students: A Phenomenological Analysis
4. A Mixed Methods Study of the Symptom Experience Following Endovascular Treatment for Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease
5. Caregiver’s Perceptions of the Transition of a Family Member from Acute Care to Hospice Inpatient Care
6. Perceptions of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support, Diabetes Self-Management Behavior, and Self-Reported Health in Persons with Type II Diabetes
7. Health Care Providers’ Influence on Motivation for Physical Activity in Women with Cardiovascular Disease

Dissertation topics for nursing students

1. Nursing Student Perceptions of Presence in a Virtual Learning Environment: A Qualitative Description Study
2. Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance in Undergraduate Nursing Faculty: A Mixed-Methods Study
3. Learning Experiences of Senior-level Prelicensure Nursing Students: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
4. Pre-licensure Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Their Development of Clinical Reasoning
5. Thinking Like a Nurse and Perceived Readiness for Professional Practice: A Mixed Methods Study
6. A Mixed Methods Study of Sources of Clinical Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Baccalaureate Nursing Students
7. Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Contributory Educational Interactions in Associate Degree Practice Experience

Pediatric nursing dissertation topics

1. The Lived Experience of Fathering a Premature Infant in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
2. A Mixed Methods Study of Coping and Depression in Adolescent Girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
3. Web-based Evidence-Based Practice Educational Intervention to Improve EBP Competence Among BSN-Prepared Pediatric Bedside Nurses: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study
4. Exploring Interprofessional Education through a High-Fidelity Human Patient Simulation Scenario in Pediatric Care: A Mixed Methods Study
5. The Impact of Family-Centered Care on Outcomes for Children in Acute Care Settings: A Quasi-Experimental Study
6. Nurses’ Experiences in Communicating with Parents of Chronically Ill Children: A Phenomenological Study
7. The Effectiveness of Play Therapy Interventions in Reducing Anxiety in Hospitalized Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Student nurse dissertation topics

1. Factors Associated with Transitions to Student-Centered Pedagogy in Undergraduate Nursing Instructors: Cross-Sectional, Correlational Study
2. Newly Graduated Registered Nurses’ Perceptions About and Use of Principles of Palliative Care in Acute Care Settings: An Interpretive Phenomenology Study
3. Personal, Structural, and Social Characteristics Associated with Newly Licensed Registered Nurses’ Confidence in Clinical Decision-Making
4. Dementia Care Content in Entry-level Undergraduate Nursing Curricula: A Pilot Mixed Methods Study
5. Faculty Perceptions of Confidence When Adopting High Fidelity Simulation for Undergraduate Nursing Education: A Phenomenological Analysis
6. Teaching Ethics in Classroom Settings: Perceptions and Experiences Among Nursing Faculty in Pre-licensure Baccalaureate Nursing Programs
7. Nursing Faculty Decision-Making About Best Practices in Test Construction, Item Analysis, and Revision

Family health nursing research topics for the dissertation

1. The Impact of Family-Centered Care on Health Outcomes in Multigenerational Households: A Mixed Methods Study
2. Exploring the Dynamics of Caregiving in Families Managing Chronic Illnesses: A Grounded Theory Approach
3. The Role of Family Nurses in Facilitating Healthy Lifestyle Changes: A Community-Based Participatory Research Study
4. Intergenerational Health Literacy: A Comparative Study of Health Information Sharing Within Families
5. The Effectiveness of Family-Based Interventions for Childhood Obesity Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
6. Navigating End-of-Life Care Decisions: A Phenomenological Study of Family Experiences and Nurse Support
7. The Impact of Technology-Mediated Family Nursing Interventions on Rural Health Outcomes: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Relevant nursing practice problem dissertation ideas

1. Addressing Alarm Fatigue in Critical Care Units: A Quality Improvement Project
2. The Impact of Nurse-Led Transitional Care Models on Reducing Hospital Readmissions: A Randomized Controlled Trial
3. Exploring the Barriers to Effective Pain Management in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Mixed Methods Study
4. The Role of Nurse Practitioners in Improving Access to Primary Care in Underserved Areas: A Health Services Research Study
5. Implementing Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Strategies in Acute Care Settings: A Participatory Action Research Approach
6. The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Reducing Burnout Among Emergency Department Nurses: A Quasi-Experimental Study
7. Exploring the Impact of Culturally Competent Nursing Care on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes: A Correlational Study

Nursing dissertation questions examples

1. How does the implementation of a standardized handoff protocol affect patient safety outcomes in medical-surgical units?
2. What are the lived experiences of nurses transitioning from acute care to community health settings?
3. How effective are nurse-led interventions in improving medication adherence among patients with multiple chronic conditions?
4. What factors influence the adoption of evidence-based practice among nurses in rural hospitals?
5. How does the integration of simulation-based learning in nursing curricula impact students’ clinical decision-making skills?
6. What is the relationship between nurse staffing levels and the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in intensive care units?
7. How do organizational culture and leadership styles influence job satisfaction and retention among newly graduated nurses?

Nursing thesis topics surrounding plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures

1. Exploring Patients’ Motivations and Expectations for Cosmetic Procedures: A Phenomenological Study
2. The Role of Nurses in Psychological Assessment and Support for Plastic Surgery Patients: A Grounded Theory Approach
3. Post-Operative Pain Management Strategies in Plastic Surgery: A Comparative Effectiveness Study
4. Nurse-Led Education Programs for Patients Undergoing Reconstructive Surgery: Development and Evaluation of Best Practices
5. The Impact of Social Media on Body Image Perceptions and Demand for Cosmetic Procedures: A Mixed Methods Study
6. Exploring Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Nurses in Cosmetic Surgery Settings: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
7. Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life Outcomes Following Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Procedures: A Longitudinal Study

Nursing dissertation title examples

1. “Bridging the Gap: Interprofessional Collaboration Between Nurses and Social Workers in Geriatric Care”
2. “The Healing Touch: Exploring the Impact of Therapeutic Massage on Pain Management in Palliative Care”
3. “Breaking the Silence: Nurses’ Experiences in Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in Primary Care Settings”
4. “Beyond the Bedside: The Role of Nurse Leadership in Shaping Health Policy”
5. “Digital Transformation in Nursing Education: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Simulations”
6. “Nurturing the Nurturers: A Mixed Methods Study on Resilience-Building Interventions for Oncology Nurses”
7. “From Novice to Expert: Mapping the Professional Development Journey of Advanced Practice Nurses”

Nursing dissertations Mental health

1. “The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Reducing Anxiety and Depression Among Psychiatric Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial”
2. “Exploring the Lived Experiences of Nurses Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in Acute Psychiatric Settings: A Phenomenological Study”
3. “The Impact of Mobile Health Applications on Self-Management of Bipolar Disorder: A Mixed Methods Study”
4. “Nurse-Led Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study”
5. “The Role of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners in Improving Access to Mental Health Care in Rural Communities: A Health Services Research Study”
6. “Exploring the Effectiveness of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Reducing Agitation in Dementia Patients: A Multiple Case Study Approach”
7. “The Impact of Peer Support Programs on Recovery Outcomes in Individuals with Severe Mental Illness: A Participatory Action Research Study”

Nursing home dissertation topics

1. “The Impact of Person-Centered Care Models on Quality of Life in Nursing Home Residents: A Mixed Methods Study”
2. “Exploring the Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Reducing Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia: A Quasi-Experimental Design”
3. “The Role of Nurse Leadership in Implementing Fall Prevention Programs in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Qualitative Case Study”
4. “Evaluating the Impact of Intergenerational Programs on Social Engagement and Well-being of Nursing Home Residents: A Longitudinal Study”
5. “The Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Reducing Hospitalizations Among Nursing Home Residents: A Retrospective Cohort Study”
6. “Exploring Family Involvement in End-of-Life Care Decision-Making in Nursing Homes: A Grounded Theory Approach”
7. “The Impact of Staff Training Programs on the Quality of Palliative Care in Nursing Homes: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial”

Critical care nurse dissertation topics

1. “The Impact of Nurse-Led Protocols on Reducing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Intensive Care Units: A Quality Improvement Project”
2. “Exploring the Effectiveness of Family Presence During Resuscitation: A Mixed Methods Study in Critical Care Settings”
3. “The Role of Simulation-Based Training in Improving Critical Care Nurses’ Competence in Managing Cardiac Emergencies: A Quasi-Experimental Study”
4. “Implementing Early Mobility Protocols in Intensive Care Units: A Participatory Action Research Approach”
5. “The Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratios on Patient Outcomes and Nurse Burnout in Critical Care Settings: A Correlational Study”
6. “Exploring the Lived Experiences of Novice Nurses Transitioning to Critical Care Practice: A Phenomenological Study”
7. “The Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Interventions in Reducing Delirium in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”

Nursing dissertations EUPD

1. “Exploring Nurses’ Experiences in Managing Patients with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder in Acute Care Settings: A Qualitative Descriptive Study”
2. “The Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training for Nurses Working with EUPD Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Design”
3. “Implementing Trauma-Informed Care Approaches for Patients with EUPD: An Action Research Study in Psychiatric Units”
4. “The Impact of Specialized Nurse-Led Clinics on Reducing Emergency Department Visits Among Patients with EUPD: A Retrospective Cohort Study”
5. “Exploring the Role of Peer Support Workers in EUPD Recovery: A Mixed Methods Study”
6. “The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Reducing Self-Harm Behaviors in Patients with EUPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial”
7. “Nurses’ Attitudes Towards Patients with EUPD: A Cross-Sectional Survey and Educational Intervention Study”

Nursing dissertation topics on burn patients

1. “The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Pain Management for Burn Patients During Dressing Changes: A Randomized Controlled Trial”
2. “Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of Severe Burns on Patients and Their Families: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study”
3. “The Role of Specialized Nurse-Led Clinics in Improving Long-Term Outcomes for Burn Survivors: A Mixed Methods Study”
4. “Implementing Early Mobilization Protocols for Burn Patients: A Quality Improvement Project in the Burn Intensive Care Unit”
5. “The Impact of Telemedicine on Follow-up Care and Scar Management in Pediatric Burn Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study”
6. “Exploring the Effectiveness of Peer Support Programs in Promoting Psychosocial Adjustment Among Adult Burn Survivors: A Grounded Theory Approach”
7. “The Role of Nutritional Interventions in Wound Healing and Recovery of Burn Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study”

ICU dissertation topics

1. The Impact of Early Mobilization Protocols on Patient Outcomes in ICU: A Mixed Methods Study
2. Exploring the Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Weaning Protocols for Mechanical Ventilation: A Quality Improvement Project
3. The Role of Family Engagement in ICU Patient Care: A Grounded Theory Approach
4. Implementing Bundled Interventions to Reduce Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in ICU: A Quasi-Experimental Study
5. The Impact of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy on Patient Outcomes in Critical Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study
6. Exploring the Lived Experiences of ICU Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study
7. The Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Providing Expert Consultation for Rural ICUs: A Mixed Methods Evaluation

Topics for final dissertation nursing

1. The Impact of Simulation-Based Learning on Clinical Competence of Graduating Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
2. Exploring the Transition Experience from Student to Registered Nurse: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study
3. The Effectiveness of Interprofessional Education in Improving Collaborative Practice Skills Among Final Year Nursing Students
4. Implementing Evidence-Based Practice Projects: A Participatory Action Research Study with Senior Nursing Students
5. The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Clinical Decision-Making Among Graduating Nursing Students: A Correlational Study
6. Exploring Cultural Competence Development Through International Clinical Placements: A Mixed Methods Study
7. The Impact of Reflective Practice on Critical Thinking Skills in Final Year Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Design

The most common nursing dissertation topics

1. The Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Interventions in Chronic Disease Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2. Exploring Factors Influencing Nurse Retention and Job Satisfaction: A Mixed Methods Study
3. The Impact of Nurse Staffing Ratios on Patient Outcomes and Quality of Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study
4. Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Settings: Barriers and Facilitators from Nurses’ Perspectives
5. The Role of Advanced Practice Nurses in Primary Care: A Health Services Research Study
6. Exploring the Effectiveness of Different Teaching Strategies in Nursing Education: A Comparative Study
7. The Impact of Workplace Violence on Nurses’ Well-being and Patient Care: A Mixed Methods Approach