Applied Learning Capstone Projects: The Good, The Challenging, and Now What?

Capstone projects, with an applied learning focus, are a central component in a new practice doctorate program for nursing. The theme guiding capstone experiences is the use of evidence to improve either practice or patient outcomes. Projects, frequently designed to combine a review of the best evidence, practice challenges, and quality improvement for practice, are unique for each student. With increasing student numbers, challenges in determining how best to guide students through this experience have emerged. Clarifying student learning needs, concerns, and institutional review board expectations have been some of the initial challenges. As projects have evolved, early themes include packaging the product; promoting sophistication in scholarship; clarifying approaches to the institutional review board; and determining when it is done. Results of a qualitative survey, completed by faculty and graduates, specific to capstone challenges and strategies will be discussed. Approaches for dealing with identified challenges and future plans will be addressed including revised guidelines, institutional review board conversations, and faculty development. These applied projects provide students quality improvement opportunities and experiences as reflective clinicians. Experiences of one practice doctorate program are provided with opportunities for all faculties to reflect on capstone projects.