NRS 493 Capstone Project Topic Selection and Approval IN
NRS 493 Capstone Project Topic Selection and Approval IN
Assessment Description
In collaboration with the approved course preceptor, students will identify a specific evidence-based topic for the capstone project change proposal. Students should consider the clinical environment in which they are currently employed or have recently worked. The capstone project topic can be a clinical practice problem, an organizational issue, a leadership or quality improvement initiative, or an unmet educational need specific to a patient population or community. The student may also choose to work with an interprofessional collaborative team.
Students should select a topic that aligns to their area of interest as well as the clinical practice setting in which practice hours are completed.
Write a 500-750 word description of your proposed capstone project topic. Include the following:
- The problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project that will be the focus of the change proposal.
- The setting or context in which the problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project can be observed.
- A description (providing a high level of detail) regarding the problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project.
- Effect of the problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project.
- Significance of the topic and its implications for nursing practice.
- A proposed solution to the identified project topic with an explanation of how it will affect nursing practice.
You are required to cite to a minimum of eight peer-reviewed sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice. Plan your time accordingly to complete this assignment.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Rubric Criteria
Total 50 points
Criterion | 1. Unsatisfactory | 2. Less Than Satisfactory | 3. Satisfactory | 4. Good | 5. Excellent |
Project Topic for Focus of Change Proposal
Project Topic for Focus of Change Proposal |
0 points
The problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project that will be the focus of the change proposal is omitted. |
1.88 points
The problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project that will be the focus of the change proposal is presented but is largely incomplete. |
1.98 points
The problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project that will be the focus of the change proposal is summarized. There are some omissions or inaccuracies. Some support is needed. |
2.23 points
The problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project that will be the focus of the change proposal is presented. Minor aspects are unclear or require support. |
2.5 points
The problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project that will be the focus of the change proposal is clearly and logically presented. Support and rationale are evident. |
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) |
0 points
Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used. |
1.88 points
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, or word choice are present. |
1.98 points
Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed. |
2.23 points
Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used. |
2.5 points
Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. |
Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)
Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment) |
0 points
Template is not used appropriately, or documentation format is rarely followed correctly. |
0.75 points
Template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken; lack of control with formatting is apparent. |
0.79 points
Template is used, and formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present. |
0.89 points
Template is fully used; There are virtually no errors in formatting style. |
1 points
All format elements are correct. |
Effect of Identified Problem or Issue
Effect of Identified Problem or Issue |
0 points
Effect of the identified problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project is omitted. |
5.63 points
Effect of the identified problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project is presented but is largely incomplete. |
5.93 points
Effect of the identified problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project is summarized. There are some omissions or inaccuracies. Some support is needed. |
6.68 points
Effect of the identified problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project is presented. Minor aspects are unclear or require support. |
7.5 points
Effect of the identified problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project is clearly and logically presented. Support and rationale are evident. |
Topic Significance and Implications for Nursing Practice
Topic Significance and Implications for Nursing Practice |
0 points
Significance of topic and its implications for nursing practice is omitted. |
5.63 points
Topic is presented but criteria are incomplete. |
5.93 points
Topic and most criteria are presented. There are some omissions or inaccuracies. Some support is needed. |
6.68 points
Topic and criteria are presented. Minor aspects are unclear or require support. |
7.5 points
Topic and criteria are clearly and logically presented. Support and rationale are evident. |
Documentation of Sources
Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style) |
0 points
Sources are not documented. |
1.13 points
Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors. |
1.19 points
Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present. |
1.34 points
Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct. |
1.5 points
Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error. |
Argument Logic and Construction
Argument Logic and Construction |
0 points
Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources. |
1.88 points
Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. |
1.98 points
Argument is orderly but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. |
2.23 points
Argument shows logical progression. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. |
2.5 points
Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative. |
Peer-Reviewed Articles
Peer-Reviewed Articles |
0 points
Fewer than six peer-reviewed articles are presented. |
1.88 points
Fewer than seven peer-reviewed articles are presented. Overall, only five articles meet the assignment criteria. |
1.98 points
Eight peer-reviewed articles are presented. Overall, only six articles meet the assignment criteria. |
2.23 points
Eight peer-reviewed articles are presented. Overall, only seven articles meet the assignment criteria. |
2.5 points
Eight peer-reviewed articles are presented, and each article clearly meets the assignment criteria. |
Thesis Development and Purpose
Thesis Development and Purpose |
0 points
Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. |
1.88 points
Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear. |
1.98 points
Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose. |
2.23 points
Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. |
2.5 points
Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear. |
Setting or Context Where Project Topic Is Observed
Setting or Context Where Project Topic Is Observed |
0 points
The setting or context in which the problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project can be observed is omitted. |
3.75 points
The setting or context in which the problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project can be observed is presented but is largely incomplete. |
3.95 points
The setting or context in which the problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project can be observed is summarized. There are some omissions or inaccuracies. Some support is needed. |
4.45 points
The setting or context in which the problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project can be observed is presented. Minor aspects are unclear or require support. |
5 points
The setting or context in which the problem or issue, intervention, quality initiative, educational need, or collaborative interprofessional team project can be observed is logically presented. Support and rationale are evident. |
Proposed Solution for Identified Project Topic and Implications for Nursing Practice
Proposed Solution for Identified Project Topic and Implications for Nursing Practice |
0 points
A proposed solution to the identified project topic with an explanation of how it will affect nursing practice is omitted. |
5.63 points
Topic is presented but criteria are incomplete. |
5.93 points
Topic and most criteria are presented. There are some omissions or inaccuracies. Some support is needed. |
6.68 points
Topic and criteria are presented. Minor aspects are unclear or require support. |
7.5 points
Topic and criteria are clearly and logically presented. Support and rationale are evident. |
Detailed Description of Project Topic
Detailed Description of Project Topic |
0 points
A description of the project topic is omitted. |
5.63 points
A description of the project topic is presented but is largely incomplete. |
5.93 points
A description of the project topic is presented. There are some omissions or inaccuracies. Some support is needed. |
6.68 points
A description of the project topic is presented. Minor aspects are unclear or require support. |
7.5 points
A detailed description of the project topic is clearly and logically presented. Support and rationale are evident. |

Grading Rubric
Performance Category | 100% or highest level of performance
100% 16 points |
Very good or high level of performance
88% 14 points |
Acceptable level of performance
81% 13 points |
Inadequate demonstration of expectations
68% 11 points |
Deficient level of performance
56% 9 points
|
Failing level
of performance 55% or less 0 points |
Total Points Possible= 50 | 16 Points | 14 Points | 13 Points | 11 Points | 9 Points | 0 Points |
Scholarliness
Demonstrates achievement of scholarly inquiry for professional and academic topics. |
Presentation of information was exceptional and included all of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information was good, but was superficial in places and included all of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information was minimally demonstrated in all of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information is unsatisfactory in one of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information is unsatisfactory in two of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information is unsatisfactory in three or more of the following elements
|
16 Points | 14 Points | 13 Points | 11 Points | 9 Points | 0 Points | |
Application of Course Knowledge
Demonstrate the ability to analyze and apply principles, knowledge and information learned in the outside readings and relate them to real-life professional situations |
Presentation of information was exceptional and included all of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information was good, but was superficial in places and included all of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information was minimally demonstrated in the all of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information is unsatisfactory in one of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information is unsatisfactory in two of the following elements:
|
Presentation of information is unsatisfactory in three of the following elements
|
10 Points | 9 Points | 6 Points | 0 Points | |||
Interactive Dialogue
Initial post should be a minimum of 300 words (references do not count toward word count) The peer and instructor responses must be a minimum of 150 words each (references do not count toward word count) Responses are substantive and relate to the topic. |
Demonstrated all of the following:
|
Demonstrated 3 of the following:
|
Demonstrated 2 of the following:
|
Demonstrated 1 or less of the following:
|
||
8 Points | 7 Points | 6 Points | 5 Points | 4 Points | 0 Points | |
Grammar, Syntax, APA
Points deducted for improper grammar, syntax and APA style of writing. The source of information is the APA Manual 6th Edition Error is defined to be a unique APA error. Same type of error is only counted as one error. |
The following was present:
AND
AND
|
The following was present:
AND/OR
AND/OR
|
The following was present:
AND/OR
AND/OR
|
The following was present:
AND/OR
AND/OR
|
The following was present:
AND/OR
AND/OR
AND/OR
|
The following was present:
AND/OR
AND/OR
|
0 Points Deducted | 5 Points Lost | |||||
Participation
Requirements |
Demonstrated the following:
|
Failed to demonstrate the following:
|
||||
0 Points Lost | 5 Points Lost | |||||
Due Date Requirements | Demonstrated all of the following:
A minimum of one peer and one instructor responses are to be posted within the course no later than Sunday, 11:59 pm MT. |
Demonstrates one or less of the following.
A minimum of one peer and one instructor responses are to be posted within the course no later than Sunday, 11:59 pm MT. |
Also Check Out: NRS 493 Professional Capstone and Practicum Reflective Journal