gcu rn to bsn capstone project

Capstone Projects for Nursing Programs

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Capstone courses function as a bridge between the end of school and the beginning of a career, allowing nursing students to put what they’ve learned into practice. As the name suggests, students complete capstones toward the end of their nursing training. Not every nursing program requires a capstone, but those that do generally culminate in a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.

Each nursing program sets their own requirements. While capstone formats differ between programs, they typically consist of an evidence-based practice formal paper or presentation. Students might complete their capstone projects as team leaders, and BSN candidates may present their papers to a faculty panel. Projects could include case studies, program evaluations, and policy analyses.

The focus on evidence-based practice allows students to apply research and experiential evidence toward solving a healthcare problem. For example, candidates may develop intervention strategies that promote health, improve outcomes, enhance quality of life, and foster safe practices for patients.

Capstone goals center on the application of knowledge gained during nursing training programs, including topics related to leadership , management, research, theories, and evidence-based practice, along with the strategies needed to transition from students to baccalaureate-level nurses.

Choosing Your Nursing Capstone Topic

When selecting a capstone topic, students should evaluate their interests, strengths, and weaknesses, along with their chosen nursing specialty area. Luther College recommends that students with lower GPAs and weaker nursing skills consider a basic medical-surgical topic. Those with strong clinical skills and high GPAs might choose emergency or intensive care medicine, although some students might prefer outpatient topics, such as clinical services, long-term care, or public health. However, this is simply an example of one school’s approach, and readers should keep in mind that each school sets its own policies and recommendations.

Asking for guidance from faculty, supervisors, preceptors, and fellow students also helps narrow down capstone topics. Advisors can also provide assistance in choosing an appropriate capstone site, helping with questions of geographical location, facility size, patient population, and care delivery model.

Students develop and learn the skills needed to complete their capstones throughout their training. These include organization and time management, knowledge of evidence-based practice, writing, and critical thinking. They also learn to conduct literature searches, identify research designs, and evaluate evidence.

Completing Your Nursing Capstone

Capstone formats and completion times widely vary between programs. Students at Luther College and Purdue University Northwest complete their capstones in 4-5 weeks, while Ferris State University specifies a timeframe of 30 hours of online classes and 90 hours of applied project work. Case Western Reserve University’s capstone spans 10 weeks.

Regardless of the program, most students follow a PICO format for project proposal questions of inquiry: population, intervention, comparison or condition, and outcome.

Some universities allow capstone projects to be completed in teams, in which students develop and implement the project. Capstone components may include defining the project and the team leader’s role, selecting team members, and formulating the project plan.

In addition to the skills previously referenced, such as knowledge of evidence-based care, critical thinking, and effective writing, capstone courses hone leadership and management abilities These include mastering therapeutic communication, applying leadership and management concepts, and developing collaborative relationships and working on multidisciplinary teams.

Presenting Your Nursing Capstone

The capstone process culminates in a paper or presentation that measures students’ skills in communication, information dissemination, and application of evidence-based practice skills. Members of the public may attend.

Utilizing the poster format, students commonly use three panels to illustrate: (1) the background, problem, and purpose; (2) methodology; and (3) 2-3 key findings and implications. Students who present using PowerPoint on a laptop or other device should pay attention to time limits, planning for one slide per minute, and verify that equipment and internet connectivity are available.

Visuals like graphs, figures, and bullet points are more effective than large blocks of text . Students should practice presenting in front of others to ensure that they thoroughly know their content and can answer questions. Backing up a copy of a PowerPoint presentation and printing out copies or transparencies guards against last-minute glitches.

How is a Nursing Capstone Graded?

Capstone grading methods differ between programs, with some issuing letter grades and others using a pass/no pass system. Grades typically hinge on a percentage basis of the project’s written sections, the final proposal, and the presentation. Faculty evaluate how students execute the capstone course objectives, which may include the following:

Students’ presentation skill evaluation criteria include exhibiting thorough preparation and knowledge of the subject matter, clear and concise communication, adherence to any time limits, ability to answer questions and cite references, and persuasiveness.

What is the Difference Between a Nursing Capstone and a Thesis?

Students complete capstones individually or in groups, while thesis projects must be done alone. Capstone project time lengths span between four and 12 weeks, while graduate students work on their thesis projects throughout their 2- to 3-year programs. Graduate thesis courses generally take place over 1-2 semesters to keep students on track.

Finally, capstone topics evaluate current issues and theories; thesis students incorporate existing case studies and literature while exploring and arguing for their own original research. Some schools require students to publish their thesis papers in a healthcare journal.

Reviewed By:

Theresa Granger

Theresa Granger, Ph.D., MN, NP-C With over two decades of teaching and clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner, Dr. Granger is an expert in nursing education and clinical practice at all levels of education (associate, baccalaureate, and graduate). She has published and lectured extensively on nursing education and clinical practice-related content. Her expertise ranges from student advising and mentoring to curricular and content design (both on ground and online) to teaching and formal course delivery. Dr. Granger is one of the founding faculty members of the University of Southern California’s first ever fully online graduate family nurse practitioner program .

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How to Become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

• What Is a Certified Nurse Midwife?
• How to Become a CNM
• Career Outlook

What is a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)?

A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) that provides healthcare to women throughout the entire course of their lives. This may include family planning, gynecological checkups, and prenatal care.

Although their approach is somewhat different, CNMs, in many ways, offer similar care to that of an OB/GYN doctor. Midwife vs nurse midwife differences include varying scopes of practice, duties, and responsibilities.

Certified Nurse-Midwife Fast Facts

• Education Requirements: MSN or DNP
• How long does it take to become a certified nurse-midwife? 6-8 years 
• Salary: The average nurse-midwife salary is $129,650 per year

Popular Online Nurse Midwifery / Women's Health Programs

Enrollment: Nationwide

• MSN - Family NP
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Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

• MSN - Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health NP
• MSN - Women's Health NP
• DNP - Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health NP

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

• BSN-to-MSN - Family NP

As a working RN, you need a flexible, transfer-friendly program to help you save time and money as you take the next step in your nursing career. In our CCNE-accredited4 RN to BSN program, you can transfer in up to 134 credits—which is nearly 75% of program requirements. Your transfer credits can be reviewed in one business day (on average).

Enrollment: FL

What Does a Nurse-Midwife Do?

What do nurse midwives do ? CNMs are focused on women’s health care. Common CNM duties include delivering babies, providing prenatal and postpartum care, assisting obstetricians, and performing routine check-ups for pregnant patients.

>> Related:  Certified Nurse Midwife Meaning

One of their most important roles is helping mothers give birth to their babies safely and naturally. They help patients manage their labor and monitor both the moms and babies during the delivery to ensure safety. In some cases, they work under the supervision of, or in collaboration with, physicians during C-section births. 

According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, 76% of CNMs identify reproductive care, and 49% identify primary care as the main responsibilities in their full-time positions. This includes things like:

• Annual exams
• Writing prescriptions
• Basic nutrition counseling
• Patient education
• Reproductive health visits

It is also worth noting that as of 2019, almost 89% of births attended by midwives took place in hospitals, with the rest happening in birth centers or homes.  

Why I Became a Nurse Midwife "I chose my career because I wanted to empower women to make their own informed choices regarding their health. Midwifery care is about providing health information and then placing power in the hands of the individual, so they are empowered to make the choices that best suit them."

Like most healthcare professionals, being a CNM means working nontraditional hours, and being “on call” to respond to patients who go into labor. CNMs typically work in private practices alongside obstetricians, in hospitals, or in birthing centers.

>> Show Me Online Nurse Midwifery Programs

Where Do Certified Nurse Midwives Work?

Nurse midwives work in various facilities, including:

• Birthing centers
• Women’s health clinics
• Private practices
• Community health centers
• Colleges and universities

Certified Nurse Midwife Scope of Practice

The scope of practice for CNMs can vary slightly depending on state regulations, but in general, their scope of practice includes the following:

• Prenatal care
• Labor and delivery
• Postpartum care
• Gynecological care, such as performing routine examinations, providing contraceptive counseling, and reproductive care
• Family planning,  and
• Health education

It's important to note that while CNMs are trained to handle normal, low-risk pregnancies and births, they work collaboratively with obstetricians and other healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate care is provided when complications arise. The specific scope of practice for CNMs may vary depending on the state regulations and individual hospital policies where they practice.

Nurse-Midwife vs Labor and Delivery Nurse: What's the Difference?

Nurse-midwives differ from labor and delivery nurses in many ways.

• L&D nurses are Registered Nurses who are trained to monitor patient vital signs and take care of mothers who are in labor. But when the time for delivery comes, they call in the doctor. 
• CNMs  are advanced nurse practitioners, meaning they must earn an advanced degree, a special certification, and training to practice.

>> Related: Doula vs Midwife: What's the Difference?

Average Nurse Midwife Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the mean annual  certified nurse midwife salary is $131,570.

CNM Salary Range

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $87,320 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $177,530. 

Nurse Midwife Salary by Years of Experience

Midwives have the ability to earn increased pay with increased years of experience. According to  payscale.com , midwives can earn the following: 

• Less than 1 year of experience - $93K
• 1 to 4 years of experience - $95K
• 5 to 9 years of experience - $98K
• 10 to 19 years of experience - $120K
• 20 years or more of experience - $110K

Highest Paying States for Nurse-Midwives

The BLS lists the top 5 highest paying states for CNMs as the following:

Highest Paying Cities for Nurse-Midwives

Top paying metropolitan areas for Nurse-Midwives are:

How to Become a Certified Nurse-Midwife

Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife takes multiple steps and includes earning an advanced degree. As of 2010, a graduate degree is the minimum requirement for entry to midwifery practice as a CNM. In other words, it can take several years to achieve your goal of becoming a CNM. 

Here’s what your educational path will look like:

1. Become a Registered Nurse

Before you can become a CNM, you must become an RN. That requires graduating from a program of study that is approved by your State Nursing Board, either a bachelor’s degree or associate degree program. Upon completion, you have to pass the NCLEX-RN in order to begin practicing.

2. Gain Experience

Many graduate-level nursing programs require one or more years of nursing experience in order to gain admission. 

3. Earn a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Nurse-Midwifery

Most APRN programs prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, according to the BLS. Therefore, if you became an RN via an associate degree program, you will most likely have to seek out a bridge program that will allow you to go straight into a master’s program. Depending on the program (and whether or not you’re starting out with a bachelor’s degree), it can take two or more years to complete your degree.

4. Earn Your Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Certification

This certification is offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board , and you’ll have to pass its national qualifying exam. Once this is achieved, you will be licensed to practice in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and US territories.

What I Love About Being a Nurse Midwife "I love that I get to play a role in patients discovering their own strength. I love that I get to support families through some of the most challenging and most fulfilling moments in their lives. Midwifery is truly a calling and my education has enabled me to answer the call."

Top Certified Nurse Midwife Programs

These are the top 5 best CNM programs, check out our full list of the best programs here: Best midwifery schools.

1.  Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt’s midwifery program is located next door to their University Medical Center, which is also one of the top medical centers in the nation. They boast a rigorous midwifery program and one of the largest nurse-midwifery programs in the US.

2.  Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR

Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade mountain range. Many Nurse-Midwifery students appreciate the geographical beauty of the area and the fact that the state has a solid reproductive and maternity care reputation. Nurse-midwives are present in nearly 20% of all births in the Portland area!

The OHSU Nurse-Midwifery program has taught students for over 30 years between the university hospital and surrounding clinics. Students learn by attending many of the births at the OHSU hospital. 

3.  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

The University of Michigan (UM)  at Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers two options for nurses who want to be nurse-midwives:

• A Nurse-Midwifery-MSN
• A Nurse-Midwifery-DNP

4.  University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

The UPenn midwifery program offers unique clinical education opportunities offered through the school and the most current research in the field. Some of the skills they say they teach that may not be available through other programs include procedures such as OB ultrasonography, IUD insertion, and endometrial biopsies, to name a few. 

5.  East Carolina University, North Carolina

East Carolina University in North Carolina has a nurse-midwifery program to prepare registered nurses to become competent practitioners of nurse-midwifery and become Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs).

>> Top Certified Nurse Midwife Programs

Career Outlook for Nurse-Midwives

Today, just about 10 percent of US births are attended by midwives. According to the BLS , there were 8,200 midwives practicing in the United States in 2022. 

The BLS predicts the employment of CNMs is projected to grow by 6 percent by 2032 from 2022-2032. There will be a need for an additional 500 CNMs per year by 2032.

Continuing Education Requirements for Certified Nurse-Midwives

Recertification by the American Midwifery Certification Board is required every five years.  CNMs have two main certificate maintenance options:

Option 1 requires CNMs to complete three modules over a 5 year period and submit proof of 20 hours of relevant continuing education. One module must be completed in EACH of the three areas of practice: Antepartum and Primary Care of the Pregnant Woman; Intrapartum, Postpartum, and Newborn; and Gynecology and Primary Care for the Well-Woman. 

Option 2 allows a CNM to retake the certification exam as another means to demonstrate continued competence in midwifery practice.

Where Can I Learn More About Certified Nurse-Midwives?

Embarking on a CNM career is exciting, but challenging. To learn more about the profession, it’s a great idea to explore the career resources and information that professional organizations have to offer. Here are two to look into if you’re an aspiring CNM:

• The American College of Nurse-Midwives
• The Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) 
• You can also see if your state has an association, such as the New York State Association of Licensed Midwives.

Where Can I Find the Best Nurse-Midwife Jobs?

Because of the nature of a CNMs expertise, finding work shouldn’t be a challenge no matter where you live. Add to that the fact that the demand for nurses overall is strong as much of the workforce is reaching retirement age.  

CNMs are also not limited to hospitals, as many run their own private practices or work in groups with OB/GYNs.

Take a look at some current openings for nurse jobs in your area to get an idea of the positions available. 

Nurse Midwife FAQs

What degree does a nurse-midwife need.

• Nurse-Midwives need either an MSN or DNP degree and they also need to pass the certification exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

Where can nurse-midwives work?

• Certified Nurse-Midwives can work in a variety of locations including, hospitals, private practices, international medical relief organizations, concierge services, birthing centers, health clinics, or home birth services.

What is the difference between a midwife and a certified nurse-midwife?

• The term midwife is used for direct entry into the profession. A midwife does not have any training in nursing and does not hold an advanced practice degree in nursing. While some of the training is similar, a Certified Nurse-Midwife has more education and experience than a traditional midwife. 

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University of San Francisco Fall 2014 BSN

U.S.A. California

Published Feb 18, 2014

Hi, I am new to the forum! Did any of you transfer students receive your acceptance letters yet?

• + Add a Comment

tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN

83 Articles; 5,923 Posts

Moved to CA Nursing forum for more response.

No have you? I think we will be hearing first or second week of March.. So nervous!

Where are you applying from?

No have you? I think we will be hearing first or second week of March.. So nervous! Where are you applying from?

Im nervous too! I wish more people would respond like the previous threads. Im applying from Santa Clara, CA. USF is my #1 choice, so I hope I get in! Good luck to us both!

Yeah, I even subscribed to the thread. Haha but hopefully more people reply as the admission selection decision comes closer! Oh wow I'm applying from the city so USF is one of my top choices as well. Do you know when we will be hearing back?

Probably between mid March and early April. The admitted student orientation/event is in the first week of April, so they should let us know by then, hopefully.

Oh I see cause I'm hoping they have some kind if waiting list for people who didn't get accepted just incase some people deny their acceptance. It just seems all too soon to have their orientation. But crossing fingers!*

My bad, its actually a transfer student info session. Yea, the orientation would probably be after May 1st.

I think you will get in because you are CNA and you have volunteer experience. CNA's have priority over other applicants, so you should be confident:)

I applied to USF for the fall of 2014 and waiting eagerly to see if I go in. I was wondering have either of you looked at your processed application? weird question

LStans, Thanks i hope so too.

Jacksonion, what do you mean processed application? did you apply thru USF website or common app?

I applied through the USF website and I went back on there and it says that my application has been processed and now it like my requirements (with everything ive done) and my current program so I am wondering if others apps say the same thing