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.