A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project proposal is a comprehensive document that outlines a quality improvement initiative focused on translating evidence into practice and enhancing patient outcomes. The proposal serves as a blueprint for the final DNP project, providing a detailed description of the problem statement, objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes. Here’s the structure, format and step-by-step guide on How to Write a DNP Project Proposal.
The DNP project proposal is a crucial component of the DNP program, as it demonstrates the student’s ability to identify a clinically relevant issue, synthesize evidence, and propose a viable solution that aligns with the DNP degree’s emphasis on practice-oriented scholarship.
The proposal is typically submitted to the college of nursing or school of nursing for approval before the student can proceed with the implementation phase of their project.
How To Write A Dnp Project Proposal With Examples For 2025 Dnp Projects
The format of a DNP project proposal may vary slightly depending on the specific requirements of the institution or college of nursing. However, most proposals include the following essential components:
Introduction and Background:
This section provides an overview of the problem or issue being addressed, its significance to nursing practice, and the project’s potential impact on patient outcomes and healthcare quality.
Problem Statement:
A clear, concise statement that articulates the specific problem or gap in practice that the project aims to address, supported by evidence from the literature.
Purpose and Objectives:
The purpose statement outlines the overall goal of the project, while the objectives provide specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) targets that align with the purpose.
Literature Review:
A comprehensive review of the current literature related to the problem, including an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the existing evidence.
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework:
A description of the theoretical or conceptual framework that guides the project, explaining how it relates to the problem and proposed intervention.
Methodology:
A detailed plan outlining the project design, setting, sample, interventions, data collection methods, and data analysis strategies.
Project Timeline:
A realistic timeline that outlines the key milestones and deliverables of the project, from proposal approval to final dissemination.
Resources and Budget:
An overview of the resources required for the project, including personnel, materials, equipment, and any associated costs.
Evaluation Plan:
A description of how the project’s outcomes and effectiveness will be assessed, including specific metrics, tools, and data collection methods.
Sustainability and Dissemination Strategy:
A plan for ensuring the project’s long-term impact and sharing the findings with relevant stakeholders, such as healthcare organizations, professional associations, and the broader nursing community.
References:
A list of all sources cited in the proposal, formatted according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, or Vancouver).
Appendices:
Additional materials that support the proposal, such as data collection instruments, informed consent forms, or project site approval letters.
How to Write a DNP Project Proposal?
Steps to Develop a DNP Project Proposal
1. Title
The title of your DNP project proposal should be a concise and clear representation of your project’s main focus. It should capture the essence of your project in no more than 12 words, making it easily understandable to readers.
Take time to craft a title that effectively communicates the purpose and scope of your project. Consider including key elements such as the population, intervention, or outcome of interest. A well-written title can help attract the attention of your target audience and set the tone for your entire proposal.
2. Introduction
The introduction is your opportunity to engage the reader and establish the significance of your project. Begin with a compelling statement that highlights the problem you plan to address. This could be a striking statistic, a powerful anecdote, or a thought-provoking question. The goal is to capture the reader’s interest and make them want to learn more about your project.
Next, provide context for your problem by discussing its prevalence or incidence at various levels, from international to local, depending on the scope of your project.
Use reliable sources, such as meta-analyses, systematic reviews, or reports from reputable national or international organizations, to support your claims. Be sure to identify the specific populations affected by the problem, including age groups, genders, races, cultures, or any relevant subgroups. This helps demonstrate the breadth and depth of the issue you are addressing.
To further emphasize the importance of your project, include statements from key leaders or organizations that recognize the need to address this problem. These could be quotes from healthcare authorities, professional associations, or government agencies. By showcasing the support of influential stakeholders, you strengthen the case for your project’s significance. In addition to highlighting the prevalence and recognition of the problem, discuss its implications.
This could include the financial costs associated with the issue, as well as the physical, emotional, or spiritual effects on individuals and communities. Use specific data and examples to illustrate the real-world consequences of the problem.
Conclude your introduction with a strong argument for the significance of your project. Explain how your project has the potential to make a meaningful impact on healthcare and advanced nursing practice. Highlight the unique contributions your project will make and how it aligns with the goals of the DNP program and the nursing profession as a whole.
3. Problem Statement
The problem statement is a critical component of your DNP project proposal. It should clearly and concisely define the problem you are addressing, without including any discussion of potential solutions. Begin by describing the current practice related to the problem.
This provides a baseline understanding of how the issue is currently being addressed in healthcare settings. Next, state the specific focus of the problem. This could be a clinical problem, such as preventing blood stream infections; an educational problem, like improving discharge teaching for patients; a policy problem, such as advocating for full practice authority; or an administrative problem, like evaluating the safety of 12-hour nursing shifts. Be as specific as possible in defining the nature of the problem.
Explain how the problem was identified. This may involve presenting data from needs assessments, objective measures, or outcomes related to safety, risk management, quality indicators, patient satisfaction, staff satisfaction, organizational performance, variations in practice within the setting or compared to external organizations, or financial and human resource considerations.
Use concrete evidence to demonstrate the existence and significance of the problem. Finally, discuss the parameters of the problem.
Specify whether the problem affects an individual (such as a clinician, patient, or family member), a population (such as adult cardiac patients or recovery room nurses), or an institution or system (such as patient transportation or patient and staff satisfaction).
Defining the scope of the problem helps clarify the focus of your project and its potential impact.
PICOT The PICOT question is a foundational element of your DNP project proposal. It provides a structured framework for defining your project’s key components and helps guide your literature search and project design. The PICOT acronym stands for:
Population or disease
Intervention or issue of interest
Comparison (if applicable) with another intervention, current practice, or usual care
Outcome
Time frame for achieving the outcome (if applicable)
When stating your PICOT question, be sure to address each of these elements clearly and specifically. The population should be well-defined, including any relevant demographic or clinical characteristics.
The intervention should be described in detail, specifying the actions or changes in practice you plan to implement. If applicable, identify the comparison group or current standard of care. State the desired outcome of your project, using measurable and achievable terms.
Finally, if relevant, specify the time frame over which you expect to see the desired outcome.
Here’s an example of a well-constructed PICOT question:
“In adult patients with type 2 diabetes (P), how does the use of a mobile app for diabetes self-management (I) compared to usual care (C) affect hemoglobin A1c levels (O) over a 6-month period (T)?”
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose and objectives section of your DNP project proposal outlines what you aim to accomplish and how you plan to achieve it. Begin by stating the overall purpose or aim of your project, which should directly relate back to your PICOT question.
The purpose statement should clearly articulate why you are conducting the project and what you hope to achieve. Next, list the specific objectives of your project. These should be presented as a formatted list, using the SMART format:
Specific: Objectives should be clear, well-defined, and focused.
Measurable: Objectives should be quantifiable, allowing you to track progress and determine success.
Attainable: Objectives should be realistic and achievable within the scope of your project.
Relevant: Objectives should align with your project’s purpose and contribute to achieving the desired outcome.
Time-limited: Objectives should have a specific time frame for completion.
Here’s an example of SMART objectives for the diabetes self-management project:
Recruit 50 adult patients with type 2 diabetes from the XYZ Clinic to participate in the mobile app intervention within the first month of the project.Achieve a 10% reduction in average hemoglobin A1c levels among participants after 6 months of using the mobile app, compared to baseline.
Conduct semi-structured interviews with at least 20 participants to assess their satisfaction with the mobile app and its impact on their diabetes self-management practices within 2 months of completing the intervention.
By setting SMART objectives, you create a roadmap for your project that helps keep you on track and allows you to measure your progress and success.
Background
The background section of your DNP project proposal provides context for the problem you are addressing and helps justify the need for your project.
Begin by describing the specific characteristics of your project site. This may include details such as the type of healthcare setting (e.g., hospital, clinic, community health center), the patient population served, the size of the organization, and any unique features or challenges relevant to your project.
Next, present data that supports the necessity of your project at this particular time and in this specific context. This may include information on current practices, patient outcomes, staff knowledge and skills, or organizational priorities. Use a variety of sources, such as internal reports, quality improvement data, patient satisfaction surveys, or stakeholder feedback, to build a compelling case for your project.
When discussing the background, be sure to draw connections between the specific characteristics of your project site and the problem you are addressing. Explain how the current situation at your site contributes to the problem or how your project aligns with the needs and priorities of the organization.
Here’s an example of how you might present the background for the diabetes self-management project:
“The XYZ Clinic serves a diverse population of 5,000 patients in an urban setting, with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes. According to internal quality improvement data, only 50% of our patients with diabetes have achieved the recommended hemoglobin A1c target of < 7%. Patient satisfaction surveys have also revealed that many patients struggle with managing their diabetes on a daily basis and feel they lack the knowledge and tools to effectively self-manage their condition. The clinic has identified diabetes self-management as a top priority for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Implementing a mobile app intervention aligns with the clinic’s goal of providing patient-centered, evidence-based care and leveraging technology to support chronic disease management.”
Concepts
In the concepts section of your DNP project proposal, you will define and operationalize the key concepts relevant to your project.
This is important for ensuring that all readers have a clear and shared understanding of the terminology used throughout your proposal. Begin by identifying the main concepts in your project. These may include terms related to your population, intervention, outcome measures, or theoretical framework.
For each concept, provide a clear definition that is grounded in the literature or accepted standards in your field. Next, operationalize each concept by specifying how it will be measured or assessed in your project.
This may involve describing the specific tools, instruments, or criteria you will use to evaluate the concept. Here’s an example of how you might define and operationalize concepts for the diabetes self-management project:
Type 2 diabetes: A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production. Operationalized as a documented diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in the patient’s medical record.Diabetes self-management: The ongoing process of managing diabetes through a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and regular monitoring. Operationalized as participants’ self-reported engagement in self-management behaviors, as measured by the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ).Hemoglobin A1c: A blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing an indicator of long-term glycemic control. Operationalized as the percentage of glycated hemoglobin, measured through a standard laboratory test.Mobile app intervention: A smartphone application designed to support diabetes self-management through features such as blood glucose tracking, medication reminders, and educational resources. Operationalized as participants’ use of the XYZ Diabetes Management App, as tracked through app usage data.
By clearly defining and operationalizing your project’s key concepts, you help ensure that your project is focused, measurable, and grounded in evidence-based practice.
Theoretical Framework
The framework section of your DNP project proposal describes the theoretical or conceptual foundation that will guide your project.
A well-chosen framework provides a structure for understanding the problem, designing the intervention, and interpreting the results of your project. Begin by identifying the specific theory, conceptual framework, conceptual model, or framework you will use.
This may be a nursing theory, such as Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, or a framework from another discipline, such as the Health Belief Model from psychology. Provide a brief overview of the key components and assumptions of the framework.
Next, explain how the chosen framework will guide your project. Discuss how the framework’s concepts and propositions relate to your problem statement, PICOT question, and project objectives. Describe how the framework will inform the design of your intervention, the selection of outcome measures, and the interpretation of your findings.
Here’s an example of how you might describe the framework for the diabetes self-management project:
How To Write A Dnp Project Proposal With Examples For 2025 Dnp Projects 3
Synthesis of the Evidence
The synthesis of evidence section of your DNP project proposal presents a comprehensive review and analysis of the existing literature related to your problem and proposed intervention.
This section should demonstrate your ability to critically appraise and synthesize research findings to inform evidence-based practice. Begin by describing your evidence search process.
List the databases you searched, such as CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, as well as any other sources, such as gray literature or professional organization websites.
Specify the search terms you used, as well as any inclusion or exclusion criteria, such as date range, language, or study design. Report the number of articles initially retrieved and the process you used to narrow down the results to the most relevant and high-quality studies.
Next, provide a summary of the level and quality of evidence for the studies you included in your review.
Use a recognized evidence hierarchy, such as the Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt hierarchy of evidence, to classify the studies by their design and methodological rigor. Discuss the overall strength of the evidence and any limitations or gaps in the existing research. Identify the main themes or categories that emerged from your review of the literature.
These may include topics such as the effectiveness of similar interventions, factors influencing patient adherence, or barriers and facilitators to implementation. For each theme, provide a synthesis of the key findings from the included studies, highlighting similarities, differences, and any inconsistencies or contradictions in the results.
Based on your synthesis, draw conclusions on the current state of evidence related to your problem and proposed intervention. Summarize the main findings and their implications for practice, policy, and future research. Identify any gaps in the evidence that your project aims to address and explain how your project will contribute to advancing knowledge and practice in this area.
Here’s an example of how you might present a synthesis of the evidence for the diabetes self-management project: “
A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using the databases CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. The search terms included ‘type 2 diabetes,’ ‘self-management,’ ‘mobile app,’ ‘smartphone,’ and ‘hemoglobin A1c.’ Inclusion criteria were: (1) published between 2015-2022, (2) English language, (3) adult population, and (4) use of a mobile app intervention for diabetes self-management. The initial search yielded 152 articles, which were screened by title and abstract for relevance. After applying the inclusion criteria and removing duplicates, 24 articles were selected for full-text review. The selected studies included 12 randomized controlled trials, 8 quasi-experimental studies, and 4 systematic reviews. The majority of studies were classified as Level II or III evidence according to the Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt hierarchy. The overall quality of the studies was moderate to high, with most studies using valid and reliable measures and appropriate statistical analyses. However, some limitations were noted, such as small sample sizes and short follow-up periods.
DNP Project Proposal Checklist
Problem statement is clear, focused, and supported by evidence: Ensure that your problem statement is specific, relevant to your clinical setting or patient population, and grounded in the most current evidence available.
Purpose and objectives are specific, measurable, and aligned with the problem: Your project’s purpose and objectives should directly address the problem statement and the gaps identified in your literature review. Ensure that your objectives are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) and aligned with the overall goal of the project.
Literature review is comprehensive, current, and relevant to the project: Your literature review should demonstrate your mastery of the current evidence related to your problem of interest. Synthesize the key findings and themes from the literature, and discuss how they inform your project’s design and anticipated outcomes.
Theoretical or conceptual framework is appropriate and well-described: Choose a framework that provides a solid foundation for understanding the problem, guiding the intervention design, and interpreting the project’s findings. Ensure that the framework aligns with your project’s goals and is well-suited to the clinical setting or patient population.
Methodology is detailed, rigorous, and appropriate for the project’s aims: Your methodology should be clear, detailed, and appropriate for addressing your project’s objectives. Describe the project’s design, setting, sample, interventions, and data collection methods in sufficient detail to allow for replication or adaptation by others.
Timeline and budget are realistic and account for potential challenges: Your timeline should be feasible and account for potential delays or obstacles, such as IRB approval, participant recruitment, or data analysis. Your budget should be comprehensive and realistic, considering all necessary resources and costs associated with the project.
Evaluation plan includes both process and outcome measures and is linked to the project’s objectives: Your evaluation plan should include both process measures (e.g., intervention fidelity, participant satisfaction) and outcome measures (e.g., clinical outcomes, quality of care indicators) that are directly related to your project’s objectives. Specify the data collection methods and instruments that will be used to gather evaluation data.
Sustainability and dissemination strategies are well-articulated and feasible: Identify strategies for ensuring the project’s long-term impact, such as integrating interventions into standard practice, developing clinical protocols, or securing institutional support. Plan for disseminating your project’s findings through presentations, publications, or online resources to share your knowledge with the broader nursing community.
Writing is clear, concise, and professional, with appropriate citations and formatting: Your proposal should be well-written, using clear and concise language that conveys your expertise and commitment to the project. Ensure that your writing is free of errors and that your references are accurate, complete, and properly formatted according to your institution’s guidelines.
Proposal has been reviewed and edited for clarity, consistency, and adherence to institutional guidelines: Before submitting your proposal, review it carefully for clarity, coherence, and adherence to your institution’s formatting and citation guidelines. Seek feedback from peers, faculty mentors, or writing center staff to improve the quality and persuasiveness of your proposal.
Wilson Logan, DNP, is a dedicated nurse educator with a passion for mentoring nursing students. Since earning his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, he has been actively creating blogs, articles, and courses to make nursing education more accessible and engaging. Since 2013, Wilson has been committed to transforming the learning experience for aspiring nurses.
