KENT STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
OF NURSING
NURS 47001
CAPSTONE FOR PROFESSIONAL
NURSING PRACTICE
Fall 2015
NOTICE OF MY COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. Any intellectual
property displayed or distributed to students during this course (including but not limited
to
power
points,
notes,
quizzes,
examinations)
by
the
professor/lecturer/instructor remains the
intellectual
property
of
the
professor/lecturer/instructor. This means that the student may not distribute, publish or
provide such intellectual property to any other person or entity for any reason,
commercial or otherwise, without the express written permission of the
professor/lecturer/instructor.
This Course Outline May Not Be Reproduced Without Permission
of the Kent State University College of Nursing
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURSING
Term: Fall 2015
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
1
Course Number and Title: NURS 47000 Capstone Clinical for Professional Nursing Practice
Credit Hours: 3
Theory Hours:45
Clinical Hours: 0
Lab Hours: 0
Placement: Senior standing in the RN-BSN Program
Faculty:
Tina Saunders MSN, RN, CNE, GCNS-BC
Email: tsaunder@kent.edu
Office number: Henderson Hall 376
Phone: 330-672-8773
Marcy Caplin MSN, PhD(c), RN, CNE
Email: mcaplin@kent.edu
Office: 341 Henderson Hall
Phone: 330-672-8798
PREREQUISITES
Prerequisites: NURS 40075 and 41000. Pre/corequisites: NURS 40085 and 42000 and 43000 and
44000 and 45000 and 46000 and nursing (NURS) major. Student must be a registered nurse with
an active, verifiable license. Registered nurse, currently licensed in the state where the Capstone
project will be completed. Senior standing as an RN student or permission of the Program
Coordinator.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course allows RNs to apply previously learned nursing theory and clinical knowledge with
their baccalaureate education in the identification and implementation of a scholarly nursing
project. This project utilizes, but is not limited to, previously learned knowledge of leadership
skills, principles of teaching/learning, health care policy, change process, group process, team
building, collaboration, healthcare policy and delivery systems, quality improvement, evidencebased care, diversity, nursing roles, information technology and systems, population-based care
and ethical/legal issues. Students taking this course must be registered nurses.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To identify an area of interest on a clinical topic or healthcare organizational topic that
builds on professional experiences or scholarship.
2. To review the pertinent nursing research literature regarding evidence-based practice and
develop a Capstone project topic that has relevance to nursing practice.
3. To demonstrate the scholarship of practice and disseminate knowledge among colleagues
and peers through a paper and presentation about the Capstone project topic.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND PLAGIARISM
Students are required to review the Kent State University Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism
#3342-3-01.8 at http://www.kent.edu/policyreg/administrative-policy-regarding-student-cheatingand-plagiarism
The Kent State University Libraries’ resource, “Academic Honesty & Plagiarism,” offers further
resources at http://libguides.library.kent.edu/plagiarism
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
2
Students are reminded that e-mail is an official University means of communication with Kent
State University students. Students are responsible for all information sent to them via their
University assigned e-mail account. If students choose to forward their University email account,
they are responsible for all information, including attachments sent to any other email account(s).
Students are expected to check their official University email account and other electronic
communications on a frequent and consistent basis. The University recommends that electronic
communications be checked minimally twice a week, if not daily (including junk mail folders).
Students are to make certain that their mailboxes for their emails are not full so that they can
receive messages. If emails are returned because mailboxes are full, they will not be sent a second
time. Each faculty will inform his/her group about the use of electronic communications/email.
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
University policy 3342-3-01.3 requires that students with disabilities be provided reasonable
accommodations to ensure their equal access to course content. If you have a documented
disability and require accommodations, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the
semester to make arrangements for necessary classroom adjustments.
Please note, you must first verify your eligibility for these through Student Accessibility Services
[SAS] (contact 330-672-3391 or visit www.kent.edu/sas for more information on registration
procedures). (Revised 6/01/07)
Regional Campus students should contact the Dean’s Office to acquire the name of the campus
SAS representative to whom documentation should be submitted.
WRITING INTENSIVE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
This course will satisfy the University’s Writing Intensive Course (WIC) requirement. The
purpose of a writing-intensive course is to assist students in becoming effective writers within
their major discipline. A WIC requires a substantial amount of writing, provides opportunities for
guided revision, and focuses on writing forms and standards used in the professional life of the
discipline.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Classes are conducted on the premise that regular attendance is expected. The individual
instructor has both the responsibility and the prerogative for managing student attendance. If
students anticipate an absence, they should consult with the instructor individually. In the event
the absence was due to illness or injury, verification from the medical professional treating the
illness or injury should be presented to the instructor.
Because this is an online course, “attendance” is represented by participation in online discussion.
“Participation” means completing all readings, visiting websites, and completing required
discussion activities as outlined in the weekly learning modules. Therefore, participation is
expected in all areas of the course. Failure to participate in discussions signifies lack of
attendance and will result in deduction of points for the final grade.
Conduct in Class Policy:
See University Life: Digest of Rules and Regulations 3342-4-151 - Student responsibility Expectations for students. As this is an online course, students are to maintain a professional
demeanor in all communications with faculty and classmates in the course.
Registration Statement:
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
3
Students who are not officially registered for a course by published University deadlines are
not eligible to attend class sessions or to receive credit or a grade for the course. Students
who do not have a status of ENROLLED are not eligible to attend, receive credit, or a grade
for the course.
WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
The websites included in this syllabus are provided only as a reference and/or resource and do not
imply, directly or indirectly, Kent State University’s endorsement, sponsorship or approval of
these websites. Kent State University does not assume responsibility and/or liability for the
accuracy or reliability of the information contained in the websites. (This statement has been
approved by Sue Averill, Associate Provost.)
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Any intellectual property displayed or distributed to students during this course (including but not
limited to power points, notes, quizzes, examinations) by the
professor/lecturer/instructor remains the intellectual property of the professor/lecturer/instructor.
This means that the student may not distribute, publish or provide such intellectual property to
any other person or entity for any reason, commercial or otherwise, without the express written
permission of the professor/lecturer/instructor.
COURSE WITHDRAWALS
www.kent.edu/registrar/how-withdraw
Every class has its own schedule of deadlines and considerations. To view the add/drop schedule
and other important dates for this class, go to the Student Tools & Courses tab in FlashLine and
choose either View or Print Student Schedule. To see the deadlines for this course, click on the
CRN or choose the Drop or Add a Course link and click on the green clock next to the course
under Registration Deadlines.
Students who withdraw from the course are to notify their course coordinator and clinical
instructor, within 24 hours. Email is preferred.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Classroom sessions will include lecture, weekly discussions and assignments, audio-recorded
seminars and student paper and presentations. The online learning format will be utilized to assist
with instruction and to enhance each students’ knowledge base of information technology.
This course is designed to allow students, to utilize their personal and professional experiences in
the development of a capstone project proposal, which builds on their knowledge, experience, and
scholarship from their RN-BSN course work.
As adult learners, RN students need flexibility and the opportunity to make independent choices
about interest areas where they can pursue their scholarship and apply it to practice. The Capstone
Clinical for Professional Nursing course is designed for the RN student who has mastered the
elements of scholarship that are integral to this RN-BSN program.
Enrollment in this course should guide students in their discovery of how nurses can synthesize
information, use research and evidence-based practices, prepare a scholarly presentation, and gain
an understanding of how to complete the application process to obtain contact hours for their
presentation.
The integration of knowledge will enhance their practice of nursing, contribute to nursing
knowledge, and provide scholarly opportunities for themselves and colleagues. These activities
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
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are consistent with the expectations of clinical settings that support a Magnet culture, are Joint
Commission accredited, and therefore, support professional nursing excellence. Learning
strategies used in this course are designed to invite students to analyze the articulation between
nursing research and practice, enhance their own knowledge about their selected Capstone
proposal topic, demonstrate methods of utilizing the scholarship of practice gained from the
Capstone project proposal, and disseminate knowledge about the topic with colleagues and
student peers.
Access to a computer and internet is also required.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
 Bonnel, W., & Smith, K.V. (2014). Proposal writing for nursing capstones and clinical
projects. New York: Springer Publishing.
 Access to The American Psychological Association Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association (6th Ed.)
 Additional readings from Professional Journals as listed in the Capstone Online Course.
All readings can be accessed through Kent Course Reserves: See online course
navigation menu for the password and link to enter course reserves
ORIENTATION TO CLASS and STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
1. Students should read the entire syllabus and review all items in the Blackboard Learn
online course.
2. Weekly Assignments and Discussion Board- Students should access the Capstone
course via Blackboard Learn (https://learn.kent.edu/). Complete readings and other
assignments as listed in the Capstone Course weekly learning modules. This time is to be
spent independently reviewing course materials online before completing discussion
postings. This format will be used to best meet the various time schedules of the students.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions about content from the learning modules
in the discussion area or by emailing the course faculty. Students will be asked to
complete assignments which will reflect weekly content and the Capstone Project
proposal. Discussion postings are a key component to this course and will be used on a
weekly basis. This is a method through which students demonstrate an understanding of
course content and achievement of course objectives. Discussion participation is required
for successful completion of this course. It is an expectation that all responses to
discussion questions are substantive.
*Each discussion board forum has a grading rubric attached which will allow students to
gain a clear understanding of the expectations prior to formulating responses and
participating in the discussion. To find the rubric for each assignment, go to any of the
weekly discussion forums (i.e. for this week click on week 3 when you get to the
discussion boards) at the top of the page next to create a thread, there is a tab called
"grading information," on the next page you come to look to the right of your screen and
there should be a button to select where you can "view rubric." Make sure to do this
weekly as there are different rubrics depending on what our discussion is about.
Please review APA formatting. This information on APA Format is accessible in the
orientation content you have received for the RN-BSN program. In addition, use of the
APA manual or sites such as Kent State APA Library Guide
http://libguides.library.kent.edu/apa and OWL at Purdue are encouraged.
* Point Deduction of 1 point will be deducted for each day late.
3. Online Office Hours: A discussion forum is posted in the Learn course site titled
“Online Office Hours.” Students should use this forum to post comments or questions
about the course. Posting to this discussion topic is preferred over individual emails to
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
5
faculty. When possible, students should answer each other’s posts rather than waiting for
the faculty to respond. Emails from students with general questions will be responded to
with a request that the student post on the course discussion board. Questions that
students do not wish to post should be sent via email to course faculty. Faculty are
willing to meet with students via appointment in person or via telephone or WebEx.
4. Course Announcements: General course announcements will be posted on the
Blackboard Learn course under the announcements link. When an announcement is
made, students will receive an email copy of the announcement sent to their kent.edu
email address in addition to the announcement being posted in the course. Please check
your KSU junk mail file frequently as messages have been reported to be sent there at
times.
5. Capstone Project Proposal Approval: Each student will complete the Capstone project
proposal form (Appendix A) that outlines the selected topic and submit it to faculty via
the assignment link in the course for approval.
a. The idea is for students to choose a topic that is supported by evidence-based
research and can be implemented and used to educate colleagues in the clinical
setting. The ultimate goal is to explore a topic that will promote improvement of
patient outcomes. NOTE: This is not an implemented project but rather a
proposal idea for a project; you will not be conducting research in this class.
b. When considering a topic for the Capstone proposal, students should think
about:
i. How the information that they learn from the topic will be
disseminated (e.g. to colleagues within their unit and/or clinical
agency where employed, nurses within the community, at a local,
state, or national conference, etc.)
ii. How the project would be implemented and what effects it might
have.
iii. Is there enough evidence in the literature to support the chosen topic
and proposed changes/interventions that will be presented in relation
to the topic?
iv. Are there evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to support the
topic being investigated?
6. Capstone Proposal Paper Outline- See Appendix B
7. Capstone Proposal Paper and Presentation- Your Capstone proposal will provide an
opportunity for you to synthesize knowledge and experienced from your nursing practice
and your scholarship about professional nursing practice. As this course meets the
University Writing Intensive Course (WIC) guidelines, students will be expected to
submit their completed paper at 2 separate points within the semester: the first draft
submitted to the discussion board for peer review and guided revision and the final draft
to the assignment link in the online course. Papers and presentations are to be developed
and submitted as indicated in the guidelines -Appendix C.
8. Professional Portfolio – Appendix D
EVALUATION METHODS
An appendix has been provided for descriptions of each assignment. Please also reference
each weekly learning module within the online course for further instructions.
Discussion Board Assignments (See Grading
Rubrics linked to each weekly assignment in
the online course):
106 points total
 Weeks 2-5 and Week 15
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
6
Week 7 Discussion Board: Capstone Midterm
Reflection
Week 7 Capstone Proposal Paper Peer Review
(Post to the discussion board)
Weeks 8-15 (Capstone Presentation
Participation)
Capstone Approval Form (Appendix A)
Capstone Paper Outline (Appendix B)
Final Capstone Project (Appendix C)
 Proposal Paper
 Capstone Proposal Presentation
Professional Portfolio (Appendix D)
Grading:
Course Points:
350--323.8
323.7--315
314.9--306.3
306.2--288.8
288.7--280
279.9--271.3
271.2--253.8
253.7--245
244.9--236.3
236.2--210
≤209.9
12 points
25 points
42 points (6 points per week for 6 weeks; does
not include the week you are the presenter)
10 points
20 points
65 points
50 points
20 points
Total: 350 points
Corresponding Letter Grade:
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
RN-BSN Grading Scale:
Grade
%
Grade
%
A
≥ 92.5%
C+
77.5-79.9%
A-
90-92.4%
C
72.5-77.4%
B+
87.5-89.9%
C-
70-72.4%
B
82.5-87.4%
D+
67.5-69.9%
B-
80-82.4%
D
60-67.4%
F
≤ 59.9%
A grade of C or higher is required for successful completion of this course.
Note: Students must have all coursework submitted for faculty to submit course grade. Failure to
do so will result in failure of the course.
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
Completion of a professional portfolio is a requirement of all undergraduate students in the
College of Nursing. You will develop your portfolio and add to the document in each course in
this program. Your portfolio will be completed in the capstone course. Details about the portfolio
requirements are found in Appendix D of this syllabus.
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
7
NOTE: Course work will include the stated projects and assignments associated with weekly
course lessons and the Capstone project (proposal and presentation).
SESSIONS AND DAYS OF THE WEEK
The course is divided into fourteen weekly sessions. Due dates for assignments are stated in Day
numbers. Day 1 is Monday, the first day beginning each weekly session.
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8-14
Day 1
Monday
Day 2
Tuesday
Day 3
Wednesday
Day 4
Thursday
Day 5
Friday
Day 6
Saturday
Day 7
Sunday
Content
3
Preliminary Capstone Project Proposal, Concepts and
Application to Practice
Sign up for a week to present your Capstone Proposal
Capstone Proposal Approval Form Due Day 5
Capstone Literature Review and Information synthesis
Capstone Proposal discussion of topic, analysis, and
applications and Media Options (e.g. Podcasting) for presenting
Capstone Paper Outline Due Day 5
Capstone proposal evaluation of implications to clinical
practice. Information on the application process for obtaining
contact hours for continuing education and presenting your
topic to colleagues and peers
Capstone Proposal Paper/Presentation Work Week
Capstone Midterm Reflection
Capstone Proposal Paper Peer Review and Guided Revision
(see weekly module for instructions on peer review) All
Students Will Submit Capstone Proposal Paper First Draft
Due to the Discussion Board no later than Week 7 Day 1
Capstone Proposal Presentations (Student Led)
All Students Submit Capstone Proposal paper second draft
to the assignment link for faculty review–See assignment
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
8
guidelines (Due week 8 day 5)
All Students Will Submit Capstone Proposal Final Paper
Due Week 11 Day 5
15
Capstone Proposal Presentations Due as outlined in
Appendix C (Presentation Guidelines) and according to
week in which the student signs up to present.
Capstone Proposal Presentations (Student Led)
Capstone Presentations Due as outlined in Appendix C
(Presentation Guidelines) and according to week in which
the student signs up to present.
Capstone Review (Additional Discussion Assignment along
with student presentations)
Professional Portfolio Due Day 3
Capstone Clinical Hours Log Due Day 3
Appendix A
NURS 47000
Capstone Proposal Approval Form
Please complete this form in its entirety and submit to the assignment link in the online
course for faculty approval of your Capstone proposal topic. There is a Microsoft Word
file of this form located in the online course on the navigation menu.
Point Deduction of 1 point will be deducted for each day late.
Student’s Name______________________ Faculty Approved on _________
1. Proposed Capstone Proposal Title_______________________________________
2. Rationale for the choice of the Capstone Proposal (Including information based on how it
may impact your clinical organization and nursing practice).
3. Provide a brief description of the research and evidence available in the literature and any
clinical practice guidelines that you have reviewed so far to support the implementation
of your proposed Capstone topic.
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
9
4. Identify at least one person (i.e. an expert in your topic area of choice) whom you will
contact, interview, and incorporate information learned into your Capstone paper and
presentation. Include the expert’s name and contact information (phone and email
address). An expert is considered to be someone who has extensive experience,
knowledge, and expertise in relation to your topic. Include this person’s title, credentials,
and contact information below. You are responsible for arranging this experience with an
expert in the field. There must be a strong link between your interview experience and
your capstone topic. Three-five hours of time should be allotted for this assignment to
organize the meetings, prepare for, and conduct the interview with your expert. Provide
rationale for what makes this person an expert. Describe in detail what you will be
discussing with this expert in the field and how it will link to your capstone topic.
(NOTE: If the person(s) that you have identified to interview changes after your
submission of this document, please contact your instructor with the information of the
new expert(s) you will be using.)
Appendix B
Capstone Proposal Paper Outline
The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate synthesis of course content related to your
Capstone topic. This assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on day 5 of week 4 to the assignment
link in the online course. You must include a title page and a reference page (listing all
references that you have chosen to use at this point). Using your faculty approved proposed
Capstone proposal topic, draft an outline for your Capstone paper that incorporates all of the
criteria as outlined in the paper guidelines in Appendix C. NOTE: Please do not use any
identifying indicators regarding the clinical facility within the assignments for this Capstone
project.
Capstone Paper Outline Grading Rubric
Grading Criteria
Possible Points
Includes an APA Formatted
title and reference page
2.5
Develops an outline including
all components listed in the
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
Points Earned
15
10
Capstone Paper guidelines
Uses proper APA format
2.5
Point Deduction of 1 point will be deducted for each day late.
Total
20
Appendix C
Capstone Proposal Paper and Presentation Guidelines
Capstone Proposal: Professional nurses, as they gain expertise and pursue scholarship, are in a
unique position to synthesize knowledge from their clinical practice and their RN-BSN course
work. The purpose of the Capstone proposal is to identify an area of interest on a clinical topic or
healthcare organizational topic that relates to the students’ area of nursing practice; search
pertinent literature from evidence-based practice and clinical practice guidelines; seek out and
interview an expert in the selected topic; and propose a plan for implementation, evaluation, and
dissemination of this information to colleagues in the work setting and/or community.
The student will develop a written proposal paper for their capstone topic of choice. This proposal
is derived from evidence-based practice that will enhance clinical outcomes and should
demonstrate a link between research and practice. Note:
The completed Capstone proposal will be presented to student peers. Topics of interest may be
selected from such areas as a potential change to a clinical practice, a clinical dilemma that would
be likely to improve patient care outcomes, or a cost-benefit analysis of clinical practice. The
topic should be related to your clinical practice area or general nursing practice.
The body of the proposal paper should be at least 6 pages in length (8 pages maximum). (The 6-8
pages do not include the title or reference pages. Note: One (1) point will be deducted for each
missing page of text below the required minimum 6 pages) Students are expected to use a
scholarly/professional writing style and APA format (6th edition) when writing this paper. There
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
11
is information on writing and APA Format in the “Resources” folder on the home page of this
classroom and on the KSU Library/nursing Sources used for this paper must be properly cited to
avoid plagiarism. See information on plagiarism and KSU policy above.
The Capstone proposal paper will be submitted in electronic format for peer review, faculty
review, and as a final draft (see schedule above for specific due dates).
NOTE: Please do not use any identifying indicators regarding the clinical facility within the
assignments for this Capstone project.
Examples of Capstone Proposal Topics from past semesters:
 “The Effectiveness of Using Complimentary Interventions in Patients with Chronic
Illnesses”
 “Understanding the Role of Nurse-Performed Education in Patient Self-Management”
 “An Evaluation of Barcode Medication Administration in an Acute Care Setting”
 “Using SBAR for Safe and Effective Patient Handoffs”
 “The Power of Medication Reconciliation to Reduce Medication Errors”
 “Patient and Family Centered Rounding: Clinical Implications for Intensive Care Units”
Capstone Proposal Paper Grading Rubric
Grading Criteria
Possible
Points
First Draft (peer review):
Draft posted to the discussion board for peer review on time
2.5 pts
First draft includes all components required in the assignment guidelines for the proposal
2.5 pts
Second Draft (faculty review):
Submits to the assignment link on time with all required components.
2.5 pts
Incorporates changes into the draft (as appropriate) that were suggested during peer review of the first draft.
2.5 pts
Final Draft:
Incorporates changes into the final draft that were suggested during faculty review.
5 pts
Title Page (according to APA format)
2 pts
Introductory paragraph: Introduction to the Capstone topic about which you are writing.
4 pts
Discussion of the topic of interest:
 Include:
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
25 pts
12
o
o



Rationale/purpose for capstone topic selection.
Background and significance of proposed topic
 Problem Statement
 Clearly identify the challenges, problems, opportunities that inspired the proposed
capstone topic.
 Describe the important issues or conditions that exist in leading to the proposal.
 Identify data from the clinical setting or organizations where the problem exists
Literature Review
 Identify best evidence and synthesis of information that supports the proposed topic
 Identify any current gaps in the literature for addressing the problem
Proposal Plan Description (the overall plan should flow from the problem statement)
 Implementation:
 Identify the stakeholders and discuss how the proposal will impact each individual/group.
 Discuss the details of how the capstone proposal could be implemented and provide an
analysis of the actual or potential impact this proposal will have on nursing and health care.
 Discuss education that will need to be provided to your target population and other
stakeholders who will be impacted by this proposal
 Include possible limitations and barriers to implementing the proposed capstone project.
 Evaluation:
 Discuss outcomes you would expect to find if your proposed project were to be
implemented
 Discuss a plan for evaluation if your proposed project were to be implemented (including
how data will be collected).
 Discuss possible limitations/barriers to evaluating outcomes
 Dissemination:
 Discuss opportunities to present your project information in a setting beyond the
classroom. How will you disseminate your outcomes?
 Discuss how you would go about obtaining contact hours for a continuing education
presentation in your clinical agency or through a professional nursing organization/group.
Incorporate a discussion about information learned through interviewing an expert(s) in Capstone topic area
(see proper APA format for citing a personal communication). An expert is considered to be someone who
has extensive experience, knowledge, and expertise in relation to your topic. (Check proper APA formatting
for citing a personal communication)
Concluding paragraph: Summary (provides a concluding summary pulling together all information in the
presentation).
4 pts
References:
5 pts


Uses a variety of professional sources (total of 9) to support topic. At least 3 nursing research articles
published within the past 5 years and an additional 6 professional sources (professional journal articles are
preferred). Note: Sources from professional web sites are acceptable in addition to your 9 sources.
Proper citations (remember that any references provided on the reference listing must be cited within
your paper).
APA Format, margins, page numbering, uses at least one level of heading (See APA rules for level 1 headings:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/16/), and reference page(s); meets page requirements (At least
6-8 pages of text; not including title and reference pages)
Grammar, spelling and syntax; use of professional writing style (Note: as a part of this section, It is preferable to
use paraphrasing within your paper over lots of direct quotes. Quotes should be used very minimally. Paraphrasing is
not simply changing some words. It allows you summarize the information from your sources and shows me that you
have processed and synthesized the information)
Presentation of material is written clearly and ideas flow logically
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
4 pts
3 pts
3 pts
13
TOTAL
65 pts
*Students will receive a 1 point/day deduction for any papers submitted after 11:59 PM
EST, Day 5 of Week 11 unless otherwise negotiated with the instructor prior to the
assignment due date.
*Papers will not be accepted after Day 5 of Week 12 unless otherwise negotiated with the
instructor prior to the assignment due date.
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT CAPSTONE PRESENTATION
Each student will develop a 10-15-minute audio presentation based on his/her proposed Capstone topic
(using the guidelines in the grading rubric that follows this page) to post to the discussion board during
his/her assigned presentation week in the semester (Students will sign up for the week they will be
presenting during the second week of the semester). There will be approximately 4 presentations per week
during weeks 8-15 depending on the number of students enrolled in the course. NOTE: Please do not use
any identifying indicators regarding the clinical facility within the assignments for this Capstone
project.
Presenter Responsibilities:
 During the week that the student presents his/her proposed Capstone topic, post the following to the
discussion thread labeled with your name:
o Audio Power Point Presentation to the discussion board (Day 1) and to the designated
assignment link in the course (for faculty to grade). In addition to the URL for your
presentation, include the actual PPT file in your submission to the assignment link.
*See instructions in the week 4 learning module in the Blackboard Learn course for
recording guidelines. Presentation must be posted as a URL link. Options for
recording and posting a URL provided in week 4.
o Evidence-based research article (Day 1)
o A list of references that will be included in the presentation (Day 1): must include the
three research articles that have been published in a nursing journal within the past five
years plus any additional sources that will be cited in the presentation.
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
14
 Facilitate the discussion board by responding to student’s questions and comments (This may
include asking questions of the learners or providing further clarification of information.) (Days 35)
 Posts a summary of the topic content for the week resulting from the discussion (by the end of Day
5).
 Submit self-evaluation by DAY 7 (Sunday) of the week in which the presentation occurs. Use
Capstone Presentation Self Evaluation Form below (there is a Microsoft Word copy of this form
posted in the course on the navigation menu that can be used for this submission).
NOTE: You will not receive a score for participation (the 6/6 score) during the week in which you are
scheduled to present your proposed Capstone topic. You may choose to view and respond to the other
presentations that week, but it will not be scored.
Each week students are in the role of “audience/learner” they will:
 View presentations and read evidence-based research article posted for at least 2 of the
presentations for the week (Days 1-2).
 So that all students receive reviews, check the presentations before writing your peer review and
choose presentations that do not yet have reviews.
 Post a peer review by day 3 of each presentation including:
o What the student learned from viewing the presentation and reading the evidence-based
research article.
o How might the information presented be helpful to you, or your colleagues, within your
work environment?
o Strengths of the presentation.
o Areas of needed clarification.
o Questions the student has for the presenters related to the topics presented.
Check back each day to see responses posted to your reviews from the presenters.
FACULTY CAPSTONE PRESENTATION GRADING RUBRIC
Part I: Written material (9 points)
a) Submits, as noted in the presentation assignment guidelines, to faculty and peers during the week the presentation is
scheduled. This should include:

Audio recorded PPT presentation (URL) to both the discussion board AND the assignment link (by day 1)

Evidence-based research article that will be shared with peers during the presentation week (by day 1)

List of references (by day 1): must include the three research articles that have been published in a nursing
journal within the past five years plus any additional sources that will be cited in the presentation.
b.) Submits self-evaluation (by day 7 of the week student presents)
Part II: Capstone Presentation (25 points)
a) Student utilizes creativity in his/her presentation (e.g. slides are eye-appealing, but not too busy/overcrowded, presents
a case study, uses images that help create a visual of the topic content being discussed, etc.)
b) use of visual aids (Power point with audio or video presentation, and any other appropriate visual aids)
c) communication skills
d) Presentation must be based on your literature search and research findings
e) Presentation is organized and information is presented clearly (slides are not too wordy; highlight key points and
information related to key points are expanded on by student in the audio presentation)
f) displayed knowledge of content
g) objectives attained
h) incorporates all required elements of presentation:

Presents objectives (what your audience will be able to do by the end of the presentation)

Introduction to the topic about which you are proposing.

Discussion of the topic of interest. Include:
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
15
o
o






Rationale/purpose for capstone topic selection.
Background and significance of proposed project/intervention

Problem Statement

Clearly identify the challenges, problems, opportunities that inspired the proposed capstone
project.

Describe the important issues or conditions that exist in leading to the proposed topic.

Identify data from the clinical setting or organizations where the problem exists
Literature Review

Identify best evidence and synthesis of information that supports the proposed project topic

Identify any current gaps in the literature for addressing the problem
Project Plan Description (the overall plan should flow from the problem statement)

Implementation:

Identify the stakeholders and discuss how the proposed project will impact each individual/group.

Discuss the details of how the proposed project could be implemented and provide an analysis of
the actual or potential impact this proposed project will have on nursing and health care.

Discuss education that will need to be provided to your target population and other stakeholders
who will be impacted by this proposed project

Include possible limitations and barriers to implementing the proposed capstone project.

Evaluation:

Discuss outcomes you would expect to find after implementing the proposed project

Discuss a plan for evaluation of your project if it were to be implemented (including how data will
be collected).

Discuss possible limitations/barriers to evaluating outcomes

Dissemination:

Discuss opportunities to present your proposed project information in a setting beyond the
classroom. How will you disseminate your outcomes?

Discuss how you would go about obtaining contact hours for a continuing education presentation in
your clinical agency or through a professional nursing organization/group.
Incorporate a discussion about information learned through interviewing an expert(s) in Capstone topic area (see proper
APA format for citing a personal communication). An expert is considered to be someone who has extensive
experience, knowledge, and expertise in relation to your topic. (Check proper APA formatting for citing a personal
communication)
Incorporates resources, including presentation of evidence-based research found related to the topic. (Note: As with
your paper, all sources listed on your reference slide(s) must be cited within your presentation.)
Additional information you choose to include on this Capstone topic.
Evidence-based practice literature review and synthesis of information (information and the citations for your sources
where the information was taken from is to be incorporated throughout presentation)
Part III: Discussion Board Facilitation/Engage attendees (10 points)
a) Respond to student comments and questions online or in the classroom setting
b) Help students to draw concepts from anecdotes.
c) Posts a summary of the topic content for the week resulting from the discussion.
Part IV: Self-evaluation of Capstone presentation 6 points (Use Capstone Presentation Self Evaluation Form)
Point Deduction of 1 point will be deducted for each day late.
Capstone Presentation Self Evaluation Form
Category
Points (Award yourself
up to 2 points for each
category)
Written Material: article, list of references, and URL of the
presentation were submitted by day 1 of the week I signed
up to present; self-evaluation submitted by day 7 of the week
of my presentation
Capstone Presentation: The information in the presentation
(either power point with audio or video presentation) was
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
Comments
16
creative, clear, and easy to understand; content was
organized; presenter was knowledgeable of the topic,
objectives obtained; incorporated all required elements of
presentation:
 Presents objectives
 Presents detailed information related to chosen topic
as outlined in the presentation guidelines.
 Incorporates resources, including presentation of
evidence-based research found related to the topic.
Engaged Audience:
Information presented was relevant to the topic
1. What were the strengths of this presentation?
2. What needed improvement?
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
17
Appendix D
Professional Portfolio Guidelines NURS 47000
As the Capstone Course represents the completion of your RN-BSN program, your portfolio
should also be completed. At the end of this course, students will be graded on their professional
portfolio in its entirety. Scoring for this assignment in the Capstone course will be based on your
completed portfolio using the grading rubric below.
All of the nursing courses will require submission of papers and documents that require and
demonstrate the nursing student’s professional development. This compilation provides a process
to self-reflect on the professional development, goal setting, creativity, and professional program
objectives. This assignment is due Wednesday (Day 3) of week 14.
BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES:
1. The student will use critical self-reflection as an active learning process and will
document progress in the Capstone course.
2. The student will track and promote life-long learning by documenting how he/she meets
the course objectives.
3. The student will identify individual learning goals and progress in synthesizing
information.
4. The student will identify unmet learning needs to be addressed in future professional
endeavors.
5. The student will document the achievement of personal goals and use of class content to
extend the application of knowledge to current practice and scholarship.
6. The student will provide examples of application of evidence-based practices in the
clinical setting.
7. The student will use the Professional portfolio when applying for nursing positions or as
a student to higher education programs.
Submission of Professional Portfolio:
Students will submit their Google Sites URL in the Professional portfolio assignment link in the
online course, which is provided in the assignment tool on Vista. Students can earn up to 20
points toward the course grade for the Professional portfolio. Professional portfolios can provide
students with a means to maintain records, include significant accomplishments, and to serve as a
culmination of academic baccalaureate level learning.
To see a sample completed portfolio click on the following URL:
https://sites.google.com/a/kent.edu/tracey-motter/
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
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Professional Portfolio Grading Rubric
Grading Criteria
Entire BSN portfolio submitted with all required components (includes entries from all courses taken
throughout the RN-BSN program)
Includes page with nursing philosophy
Includes page with professional goals
Incorporates a portfolio page for NURS 47000. This should include:
1.
List of 3 individual goals identified at the start of NURS 47000 and provide a self-reflection of achievement of
each goal at the end of the semester.
2.
Written reflection on Course Outcomes including how course objectives were achieved and any changes that
occurred in the nurse’s professional role development during the nursing course.
3.
Products constructed or collected as part of the course (i.e., projects, proposals, articles, papers)
a. EACH ENTRY SHOULD INCLUDE A STATEMENT OR SHORT SUMMARY BY THE STUDENT IDENTIFYING THE
LEARNING VALUE OF EACH ASSIGNMENT AND OR RATIONALE FOR SELECTION OF EACH ITEM INCLUDED
IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO.
4.
Students may choose to include other materials in the Professional portfolio file- resumes, examples of
policies, and/or procedures that resulted from the evidence-based practice project, flyers from program
presentations, and the Capstone proposal project.
BSN Program Reflection
Provides a page at the end of the portfolio which includes:
1. List how you met your BSN goals.
2. List your 3 and 5 year professional goals.
3. Include how your BSN education has affected your Nursing practice.
Point Deduction of 1 point will be deducted for each day late.
Total
NURS47000 Syllabus Fall 2015
2
2
10
5
20
Appendix E
Date
Possible
Points
1
Capstone Clinical Hours Log
# of hours/minutes
19