This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to apply of both the
theoretical foundations and clinical knowledge of nursing science to a self-directed scholarly
project of the student’s choice. This course is designed to allow the student, with the
assistance and guidance of the instructor, to design an independent study project applying all
previous course work completed toward the BSN degree. The student will select a topic, which
will be approved by the instructor, and then the student and the instructor will agree upon a
measurable course of study that allows the student to identify learning needs, while engaging
in scholarly activities which will enhance the professional practice of the learner.
Projects can include, but are not limited to in-depth clinical case studies, research papers,
annotated bibliographies, designing and implementing a patient or a staff education teaching
program, or the developing and implementation of a innovative clinical program to be utilized in
the clinical setting of the learner. The project for this class should have clinical
implications related to the student’s current practice or to an area of clinical interest to
the student. Students are encouraged to be creative and innovative in their thinking.
This course is a self-paced learning course. Course objectives are outlined below, as are the
required text and other course requirements. Learners are expected to complete this course in a
nine-week time frame. Communication with the instructor can be completed through e-mail, US mail,
telephone and fax. Students should feel free to contact the instructor at any time during the
course for any assistance or guidance.
Course Objectives:
Utilize critical thinking skills in the application of nursing theory to the practice of
professional nursing and to the nursing process; through the designing, planning, implementation,
and evaluation of a self-designed learning project.
To synthesize nursing research, nursing theory and pertinent clinical findings to guide the
development of this independent learning.
To foster professional development through self-directed learning which is goal directed and
measurable.
To augment the student’s ability to analyze and apply nursing theory and nursing research to
a scholarly endeavor that enhances the students’ clinical practice.
American Psychological Association. (1994). Publications manual of the American Psychological
Association (4th ed.). Baltimore: Garadmond/Prideman Press. ISBN #: 1557987912
Other texts will be discussed and required based on the students learning objectives.
Grading:
Students must earn a grade of C or better in the Capstone Project course.
Grading for the course is as follows:
A
B
C
F
93 - 100
84 - 92
83 - 75
74 and below
The student and the instructor will develop and agree upon a plan for evaluating the student’s
learning. Each student and the instructor will negotiate assignments, papers, and exams based on
the individual students learning objectives. All papers and other written assignments are
expected to be APA format.
Students are expected to notify the instructor after enrollment in the course, so that a plan
of learning can be initiated. After the topic is agreed upon the student will be expected to
develop an outline and project schedule. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for
guidance and direction during the course of study.
