Research/Clinical/Student Project Proposal Guidelines

Download the 2016 application. All materials must be formatted using APA format.

I. Quantitative Research Proposal

1. Title and Abstract
A 200-word abstract are to accompany the proposal. The abstract should include the study aim, significance, the population and sample description and a statement of the design and analysis.

2. Proposal Outline (1,500 word limit)
The following areas are to be included in the proposal, as appropriate.

A. The Problem
a) Statement of the problem or research question.
b) Hypotheses.
c) Definitions of variables. Theoretical and operational definitions (instruments).
d) Theoretical framework and population.
e) Critique of the most salient elements of the pertinent literature.
f) Significance to nursing science.

B. Methodology
a) Design
b) Instrument reliability and validity.
c) Data collection procedure. Include official human subjects reviews if conducted and a consent form.
d) Sample, size and sampling procedure.
e) Method of analysis.

C. References and Appendices
a) Reference list

II. Qualitative Research Proposal

A. Title and 200-word Abstract

B. Proposal (1,500 word limit)
    a) A clear statement that specifies the phenomenon to be studied;
    b) Documentation of a need for study and significance of the study for nursing;
    c) Identification of the qualitative approach with a rationale for its selection;
    d) Specification of the design with attention to:
        - what data are sought
        - how and when those data will be solicited
        - how relationships with research participants will be initiated, maintained and terminated
        - how data will be managed
        - how data will be analyzed and related to pre-existing knowledge
        - how findings will be reported
    e) References and Appendices

III. Clinical Project – 1500 word limit
A clinical project is defined as a professional nursing project that addresses a common or significant health concern in a creative and evidence-based manner.  The project should go beyond the applicant’s usual academic or employment requirements. 

A. Aims - State clearly the clinical significance of the project including how it will identify/test/demonstrate nursing interventions and/or care delivery models that provide the most beneficial outcomes for patients. State concisely and realistically the expected clinical impact of this project, i.e., what the clinical project is intended to accomplish and/or demonstrate. 

B. Significance & Background - Briefly describe the clinical significance of the project. Be clear what is being demonstrated. Provide a synthesis of the literature in the field(s) that is pertinent to the proposed project. Summarize the rationale or theoretical/conceptual underpinnings for the work. State clearly the relationship of this project to an overall program of clinical scholarship.

C. Method - Discuss in detail the methods to be used to accomplish the aims. Describe the potential limitations of the methods and approaches you will use to minimize these limitations. Delineate measures to be used to assess the effect of the project.

D. Dissemination & Translation – Describe the audiences that would benefit from knowing and adopting the findings of this work. Outline a dissemination plan.

E. Time Frame - Provide a timeline for the main steps of the project, including anticipated start and completion dates. 

IV. Student Project – 1500 word limit
A student project is defined as project that addresses a common or significant health concern in a creative and evidence-based manner. It may include activities associated with Masters, PhD or DNP work.

A. Aims - State clearly the clinical or research significance of the project including how it will identify/test/demonstrate nursing interventions and/or care delivery models that provide the most beneficial outcomes for patients. State concisely and realistically the expected clinical impact of this project, i.e., what the clinical project is intended to accomplish and/or demonstrate. 

B. Significance & Background - Briefly describe the clinical or research significance of the project. Be clear what is being demonstrated. Provide a synthesis of the literature in the field(s) that is pertinent to the proposed project. Summarize the rationale or theoretical/conceptual underpinnings for the work. State clearly the relationship of this project to an overall program of scholarship. 

C. Method - Discuss in detail the methods to be used to accomplish the aims. Describe the potential limitations of the methods and approaches you will use to minimize these limitations. Delineate measures to be used to assess the effect of the project. 

D. Dissemination & Translation – Describe the audiences that would benefit from knowing and adopting the findings of this work. Outline a dissemination plan.

E. Time Frame - Provide a timeline for the main steps of the project, including anticipated start and completion dates.