Capstone Milestone Instructions and Grading Rubric
Milestone 1: Capstone Proposal
Purpose: To identify a relevant healthcare system problem and determine topic feasibility. Required Sections
- Title Page
- Introduction and Topic Rationale
- Alternative Topics Considered
- Background and Healthcare System Context
- Significance of the Issue in the Current Healthcare Climate
- Preliminary Literature Concepts
- References
- Select a title that clearly reflects the healthcare system problem.
- Describe clearly the healthcare issue or problem.
- Explain why you selected this topic.
- Discuss personal, professional, or academic motivation for studying this issue.
- Identify other topics you considered, if applicable.
- Explain why the selected topic was chosen over alternatives.
- Provide background information on the issue.
- Identify the healthcare system(s) involved (e.g., hospital, community health, policy, long-term care).
- Describe who is affected by the issue (clients, staff, organizations, populations).
- Explain why this issue is important in the current healthcare climate.
- Discuss relevance to leadership, quality, safety, cost, access, or client outcomes.
- Support statements with peer-reviewed sources.
- Identify key concepts, terms, or variables that will guide your literature search.
- Explain how these concepts relate to the problem.
Formatting and Submission Requirements
- Length: 3-4 pages including title and reference pages
- Format: APA 7th edition, Word document (.docx)
- Minimum of two (2) peer-reviewed references
Topic:
Why non-pharmacologic pain management Is underused in nursing practice