Steps to Complete FPX 4900: Baccalaureate-Level Nursing Synthesis Project
Step 1: Identify a Clinical or Organizational Issue
What to Do : Select a problem or opportunity for improvement in nursing practice, healthcare delivery, or patient outcomes. This could be something you’ve encountered in your workplace or a broader issue affecting the nursing profession.
Example Topics :
Reducing nurse burnout in high-stress environments.
Improving patient education for chronic disease management.
Enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare teams.
Addressing health disparities in underserved populations.
Step 2: Develop a PICOT Question
What to Do : Use the PICOT framework to create a focused, answerable research question.
Example :
Population: Nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs).
Intervention: Implementation of a structured mindfulness program.
Comparison: Standard stress-reduction techniques.
Outcome: Reduction in reported levels of burnout.
Timeframe: Over a 3-month period.
PICOT Question : “In nurses working in ICUs, does implementing a structured mindfulness program compared to standard stress-reduction techniques lead to a reduction in reported levels of burnout over 3 months?”
Step 3: Conduct a Literature Review
What to Do : Search for peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and other relevant sources to support your proposed solution. Summarize and synthesize the findings.
Tips :
Use databases like PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library.
Focus on recent studies (within the last 5 years) whenever possible.
Critically evaluate the quality and relevance of each source.
Step 4: Design an Evidence-Based Solution
What to Do : Develop a detailed plan for addressing the identified issue. Include:
Objectives : What specific goals will your solution achieve?
Methods : How will you implement the solution? Who will be involved?
Timeline : When will each step occur?
Resources Needed : What materials, personnel, or funding are required?
Step 5: Evaluate the Proposed Solution
What to Do : Describe how you would measure the success of your intervention. Include:
Outcome Measures : What metrics will you use to assess effectiveness (e.g., burnout scores, patient satisfaction rates)?
Data Collection Methods : How will you gather data (e.g., surveys, chart reviews)?
Evaluation Plan : How will you analyze and interpret the results?
Step 6: Reflect on Professional Growth
What to Do : Write a reflective essay discussing:
How the BSN program has prepared you for advanced roles in nursing.
Specific competencies you’ve developed (e.g., leadership, critical thinking, EBP).
Your future career goals and how this synthesis project aligns with them.
