350 Best Quality Improvement in Nursing project ideas and topics for 2025

Quality Improvement Project Ideas

A nursing improvement project is a structured initiative to enhance patient care, safety, and efficiency in healthcare settings. These projects are crucial in continuous quality improvement in nursing, helping nurses identify systemic issues, develop innovative solutions, and implement evidence-based improvements. For nursing students and professionals, engaging in quality improvement initiatives fosters a culture of excellence and innovation. Whether you’re looking for examples of quality improvement projects or seeking inspiration for your next nursing improvement project, this guide offers a diverse selection of nursing quality improvement project ideas for 2025.

Table of Contents


20 ICU Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Delirium in ICU Patients Through Early Mobility and Sensory Stimulation Bundles.
  2. Improving Compliance with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Prevention Protocols.
  3. Implementing a Hypothermia Prevention Bundle for Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients.
  4. Decreasing CLABSI Rates Through Nurse-Driven Central Line Maintenance Checklists.
  5. Optimizing Sedation Vacation Protocols to Reduce Ventilator Days.
  6. Enhancing Sepsis Recognition Using AI-Powered Early Warning Systems.
  7. Standardizing Family Communication During End-of-Life Care in ICUs.
  8. Reducing Alarm Fatigue Through Customized Monitor Threshold Adjustments.
  9. Improving Glycemic Control in Critically Ill Patients with Nurse-Led Insulin Protocols.
  10. Implementing Tele-ICU Platforms for Nighttime Patient Monitoring.
  11. Reducing Pressure Injuries with Turn Clocks and Dynamic Support Surfaces.
  12. Enhancing Code Blue Response Times Through Interdisciplinary Drills.
  13. Streamlining Blood Transfusion Processes to Reduce Errors.
  14. Reducing Unplanned Extubations with Nurse-Led Restraint Minimization Strategies.
  15. Improving Nutrition Delivery in Ventilated Patients with Protocolized Feeding Schedules.
  16. Implementing a Delirium Screening Tool for Early Intervention.
  17. Reducing ICU-Acquired Weakness Through Early Physical Therapy Collaboration.
  18. Standardizing Handoff Communication Between ICU and Step-Down Units.
  19. Improving Pain Management in Trauma ICU Patients Using Multimodal Approaches.
  20. Enhancing End-of-Shift Reporting Accuracy with Structured EHR Templates.

20 DNP Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Health Disparities in Maternal Mortality Through Community-Based Prenatal Programs.
  2. Implementing a Nurse-Led Telehealth Program for Chronic Disease Management in Rural Areas.
  3. Improving HPV Vaccination Rates in Adolescents via School-Based Clinics.
  4. Reducing Opioid Overprescribing in Post-Surgical Care Through Prescriber Education.
  5. Enhancing Advance Directive Completion Rates in Elderly Patients.
  6. Developing a DNP-Led Protocol for Social Determinants of Health Screening in Primary Care.
  7. Reducing 30-Day Heart Failure Readmissions with Nurse-Led Transitional Care.
  8. Improving Mental Health Screening in Pediatric Primary Care Settings.
  9. Addressing Food Insecurity in Diabetic Patients Through Community Partnerships.
  10. Implementing a DNP-Driven Antibiotic Stewardship Program in Acute Care.
  11. Reducing Health Literacy Gaps in Underserved Populations with Culturally Tailored Education.
  12. Enhancing LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency in Emergency Department Staff.
  13. Improving Palliative Care Access for Advanced Cancer Patients in Outpatient Clinics.
  14. Reducing Cesarean Section Rates Through Shared Decision-Making Models.
  15. Implementing a Nurse-Led Hypertension Management Program in Federally Qualified Health Centers.
  16. Reducing ED Overcrowding Through Triage Protocol Standardization.
  17. Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates with Patient Navigation Services.
  18. Enhancing Postpartum Depression Screening in Obstetric Clinics.
  19. Reducing Disparities in Asthma Outcomes Through Home Environment Assessments.
  20. Implementing a DNP-Led Workplace Violence Prevention Program in High-Risk Units.
350 Best Quality Improvement in Nursing project ideas and topics for 2025

10 Healthcare Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections Through Hand Hygiene Compliance Campaigns.
  2. Improving Patient Satisfaction Scores with Hourly Nurse Rounding.
  3. Standardizing Discharge Processes to Reduce 30-Day Readmissions.
  4. Implementing AI-Driven Predictive Analytics for Early Sepsis Detection.
  5. Enhancing Medication Reconciliation Accuracy During Care Transitions.
  6. Reducing Wait Times in Outpatient Clinics Through Lean Process Redesign.
  7. Improving EHR Usability to Minimize Nursing Documentation Burden.
  8. Increasing Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Healthcare Workers.
  9. Reducing Health Disparities Through Culturally Competent Care Training.
  10. Implementing Telehealth Follow-Ups to Improve Chronic Disease Management.

10 Hospital Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Door-to-Balloon Times for STEMI Patients in Emergency Departments.
  2. Improving Handoff Communication Between ED and Inpatient Units.
  3. Implementing a Hospital-Wide Fall Prevention Program with Sensor Technology.
  4. Reducing Specimen Labeling Errors Through Barcode Scanning.
  5. Optimizing OR Turnover Times with Lean Six Sigma Methodologies.
  6. Enhancing Pain Management Adherence to Joint Commission Standards.
  7. Reducing CAUTI Rates with Nurse-Driven Catheter Removal Protocols.
  8. Improving Staff Flu Vaccination Rates Through Incentive Programs.
  9. Standardizing Rapid Response Team Activation Criteria.
  10. Reducing Patient Wait Times in Radiology Through Workflow Redesign.

10 Best NICU Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Neonatal Hypothermia with Evidence-Based Warming Protocols.
  2. Improving Breastfeeding Rates Through Lactation Consultant Partnerships.
  3. Implementing Parental Involvement in Daily NICU Rounds.
  4. Reducing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) with Feeding Guideline Standardization.
  5. Enhancing Kangaroo Care Adherence for Preterm Infants.
  6. Reducing Noise Levels in the NICU with Environmental Modifications.
  7. Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance Among NICU Visitors.
  8. Implementing a Nurse-Led Protocol for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
  9. Reducing Unplanned Extubations with Securement Device Training.
  10. Enhancing Discharge Preparedness for NICU Families with Education Modules.

20 Nursing Improvement Project Ideas on Nursing Care

  1. Reducing Medication Errors Through Barcode Scanning Technology.
  2. Implementing Bedside Shift Reporting to Enhance Patient Engagement.
  3. Improving Wound Care Documentation with Standardized EHR Templates.
  4. Reducing Nurse Burnout Through Flexible Scheduling Models.
  5. Enhancing Fall Prevention with Non-Slip Socks and Mobility Assessments.
  6. Standardizing SBAR Communication in Nurse-Physician Interactions.
  7. Improving Discharge Education for Heart Failure Patients.
  8. Reducing Pressure Ulcers with Turn Clocks and Skin Assessment Tools.
  9. Implementing Nurse-Led Smoking Cessation Counseling.
  10. Enhancing Cultural Competency Through Staff Training Workshops.
  11. Reducing Restraint Use in Dementia Care Units.
  12. Improving Pain Management in Post-Operative Patients.
  13. Implementing a Peer Mentorship Program for New Nurses.
  14. Reducing CLABSI Rates with Central Line Insertion Checklists.
  15. Enhancing Sepsis Recognition Through Simulation Training.
  16. Improving EHR Efficiency with Voice-Activated Documentation.
  17. Reducing Missed Nursing Care Through Task Delegation Protocols.
  18. Implementing Telehealth for Post-Discharge Follow-Ups.
  19. Enhancing End-of-Life Communication Skills for Oncology Nurses.
  20. Reducing Health Disparities in Hypertension Management.

20 Nursing Informatics Project Ideas – Smartsheet for Healthcare

  1. Developing AI Algorithms to Predict Patient Deterioration.
  2. Optimizing Telehealth Platforms for Chronic Disease Monitoring.
  3. Implementing Blockchain for Secure Patient Data Sharing.
  4. Reducing Alert Fatigue in EHRs with Customized Clinical Decision Support.
  5. Designing a Mobile App for Real-Time Pain Assessment.
  6. Using Predictive Analytics to Reduce Hospital Readmissions.
  7. Enhancing Medication Adherence with Smart Pill Dispensers.
  8. Improving Sepsis Detection Through Machine Learning Models.
  9. Implementing Wearable Devices for Remote Vital Sign Monitoring.
  10. Streamlining Nursing Documentation with Voice-to-Text Technology.
  11. Reducing Medication Errors with AI-Driven Dose Calculators.
  12. Enhancing Patient Education Through Interactive EHR Portals.
  13. Developing a Dashboard for Real-Time Pressure Injury Tracking.
  14. Optimizing Staffing Levels with Predictive Workforce Analytics.
  15. Improving Triage Accuracy in EDs with Clinical Decision Support Tools.
  16. Reducing Diagnostic Errors with Radiology AI Integration.
  17. Implementing Virtual Reality for Nursing Competency Training.
  18. Enhancing Fall Risk Assessments with Predictive Modeling.
  19. Improving Care Coordination with Interoperable EHR Systems.
  20. Reducing Health Disparities with Data-Driven Outreach Programs.

Here’s an example of a nursing quality improvement on nursing informatics paper


Nursing Performance Improvement Project Ideas to Guide on Improved Nursing Care

  1. Reducing Nurse Turnover Through Resilience Training Programs.
  2. Improving IV Insertion Success Rates with Simulation Training.
  3. Enhancing Time Management Skills Through Workshops.
  4. Reducing Missed Nursing Care with Task Prioritization Tools.
  5. Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance with Real-Time Feedback.
  6. Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills Through Case Study Reviews.
  7. Reducing Overtime Costs with Acuity-Based Staffing Models.
  8. Improving Patient Satisfaction with Communication Skills Training.
  9. Reducing Medication Administration Errors with Double-Check Protocols.
  10. Enhancing Teamwork Through Interdisciplinary Simulation Drills.
  11. Improving Documentation Accuracy with EHR Templates.
  12. Reducing Workplace Injuries with Ergonomic Assessments.
  13. Enhancing Conflict Resolution Skills in Nursing Teams.
  14. Improving Shift Handoffs with Standardized Checklists.

Pediatric Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Vaccine Hesitancy Through Parent Education Campaigns.
  2. Improving Asthma Action Plan Adherence in School-Age Children.
  3. Reducing Pediatric Obesity with Community-Based Nutrition Programs.
  4. Enhancing Pain Management in Post-Operative Pediatric Patients.
  5. Implementing a Sepsis Screening Tool in Pediatric EDs.
  6. Reducing Wait Times in Pediatric Primary Care Clinics.
  7. Improving ADHD Medication Adherence with Family-Centered Strategies.
  8. Reducing Pediatric Dental Caries Through Fluoride Varnish Programs.
  9. Enhancing Mental Health Screening in School-Based Clinics.
  10. Reducing ED Utilization for Non-Urgent Pediatric Cases.

10 Best Surgical Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Surgical Site Infections with Pre-Op Skin Preparation Protocols.
  2. Improving Compliance with WHO Surgical Safety Checklists.
  3. Reducing Opioid Use in Post-Operative Care with Multimodal Pain Management.
  4. Enhancing Anesthesia Safety Through Time-Out Protocols.
  5. Reducing Wrong-Site Surgeries with Pre-Op Verification Tools.
  6. Improving OR Turnover Times with Lean Process Redesign.
  7. Reducing Retained Foreign Objects with Sponge Counting Technology.
  8. Enhancing Recovery Times with ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) Protocols.
  9. Reducing Pressure Injuries in Long-Duration Surgeries.
  10. Improving Patient Education for Pre-Op Anxiety Reduction.

10 Best Clinical Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers with Turn Clocks.
  2. Improving Diabetes Management with Nurse-Led Education Programs.
  3. Reducing CAUTI Rates with Nurse-Driven Catheter Removal Protocols.
  4. Enhancing Sepsis Recognition Through Staff Training.
  5. Improving Palliative Care Access in Oncology Units.
  6. Reducing Health Disparities in Hypertension Control.
  7. Enhancing COPD Management with Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
  8. Improving Stroke Care Through Rapid Response Protocols.
  9. Reducing Falls in Geriatric Units with Mobility Assessments.
  10. Enhancing Mental Health Screening in Primary Care.

14 Patient Safety Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Medication Errors with Barcode Scanning.
  2. Implementing Fall Risk Assessments Using the Morse Fall Scale.
  3. Reducing Specimen Labeling Errors Through Bedside Printing.
  4. Enhancing Handoff Communication with SBAR Checklists.
  5. Reducing Radiation Exposure Errors in Radiology.
  6. Improving Allergy Documentation in EHRs.
  7. Reducing Miscommunication in Telehealth Consults.
  8. Implementing Rapid Response Teams for Deteriorating Patients.
  9. Reducing Restraint Use Through De-Escalation Training.
  10. Improving Surgical Time-Out Compliance.
  11. Reducing CLABSI Rates with Central Line Bundles.
  12. Enhancing Discharge Planning to Prevent Readmissions.
  13. Reducing Alarm Fatigue in Critical Care Units.
  14. Improving PPE Compliance Through Audits and Feedback.

10 Practice Improvement Project Ideas Nursing

  1. Reducing Nurse Burnout with Mindfulness Programs.
  2. Improving Shift Scheduling with Predictive Analytics.
  3. Enhancing Team Communication Through Daily Huddles.
  4. Reducing Documentation Time with Voice-Activated EHRs.
  5. Improving Pain Assessment Accuracy with Standardized Tools.
  6. Reducing Turnover Through Mentorship Programs.
  7. Enhancing Patient Education with Digital Resources.
  8. Improving IV Insertion Success Rates with Ultrasound Guidance.
  9. Reducing Missed Care with Task Delegation Frameworks.
  10. Enhancing Cultural Competency Through Workshops.

20 Quality Improvement Project Ideas in Mental Health Nursing

  1. Reducing Restraint Use Through Trauma-Informed Care Training.
  2. Improving Suicide Risk Assessment in EDs.
  3. Enhancing Discharge Planning for Homeless Patients.
  4. Reducing Stigma Through Peer Support Programs.
  5. Improving Medication Adherence with Long-Acting Injectables.
  6. Reducing Seclusion Incidents Through De-Escalation Training.
  7. Enhancing Access to Crisis Services with Telepsychiatry.
  8. Improving Screening for Dual Diagnosis Patients.
  9. Reducing Wait Times for Outpatient Mental Health Services.
  10. Enhancing Family Involvement in Treatment Plans.
  11. Improving Cultural Competency in Bipolar Disorder Care.
  12. Reducing Recidivism with Community-Based Follow-Ups.
  13. Enhancing Group Therapy Attendance Through Incentives.
  14. Improving Documentation of Patient Progress Notes.
  15. Reducing Antipsychotic Polypharmacy in Schizophrenia.
  16. Enhancing Staff Safety Through Workplace Violence Training.
  17. Improving Transitional Care for Forensic Mental Health Patients.
  18. Reducing Benzodiazepine Overuse in Anxiety Disorders.
  19. Enhancing Recovery-Oriented Care in Inpatient Units.
  20. Improving Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment.

10 Nursing Quality Improvement Project Ideas Oncology

  1. Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea with Acupressure.
  2. Improving Pain Management in Advanced Cancer Patients.
  3. Enhancing Palliative Care Referral Rates.
  4. Reducing Radiation Therapy Side Effects with Skin Care Protocols.
  5. Improving Adherence to Oral Chemotherapy Regimens.
  6. Reducing Delays in Cancer Diagnosis Through Nurse Navigation.
  7. Enhancing Survivorship Care Planning.
  8. Improving Genetic Counseling Access for High-Risk Patients.
  9. Reducing Anxiety in Breast Cancer Patients with Mindfulness Programs.
  10. Enhancing End-of-Life Communication Skills for Oncology Nurses.

10 Nursing School Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Improving Simulation Lab Safety with Standardized Protocols.
  2. Enhancing Student Competency in Medication Administration.
  3. Reducing Clinical Placement Delays Through Partnerships.
  4. Improving Diversity in Nursing School Admissions.
  5. Enhancing Cultural Competency in Nursing Curricula.
  6. Reducing Student Burnout with Wellness Programs.
  7. Improving NCLEX Pass Rates with Targeted Tutoring.
  8. Enhancing Interprofessional Education Through Simulation.
  9. Reducing Health Disparities in Community Clinical Rotations.
  10. Improving EHR Training for Nursing Students.

20 Student Nurse Service Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Reducing Vaccine Hesitancy Through Campus Education Campaigns.
  2. Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance in Clinical Rotations.
  3. Enhancing Health Literacy in Underserved Communities.
  4. Reducing Food Insecurity Through Campus Pantry Partnerships.
  5. Improving Mental Health Awareness with Peer-Led Workshops.
  6. Enhancing Fall Prevention in Local Senior Centers.
  7. Reducing Smoking Rates with Student-Led Cessation Programs.
  8. Improving Diabetes Education in School-Based Clinics.
  9. Enhancing PPE Access in Homeless Shelters.
  10. Reducing Stigma Around HIV Testing with Campus Events.
  11. Improving Nutrition Education in Elementary Schools.
  12. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness in Rural Communities.
  13. Reducing Opioid Misuse with Student-Led Naloxone Training.
  14. Improving Oral Health in Pediatric Populations.
  15. Enhancing Breastfeeding Support in WIC Clinics.
  16. Reducing Teen Pregnancy Rates with Sex Education Programs.
  17. Improving Access to Free Health Screenings.
  18. Enhancing Sun Safety Awareness in High Schools.
  19. Reducing Hypertension in African American Communities.
  20. Improving Asthma Management in Urban Schools.

10 Nursing Service Improvement Project Nursing Ideas

  1. Reducing Wait Times in Outpatient Clinics.
  2. Improving Discharge Planning Efficiency.
  3. Enhancing Patient Satisfaction with Communication Training.
  4. Reducing No-Show Rates with Automated Reminders.
  5. Improving Medication Reconciliation Accuracy.
  6. Enhancing Care Coordination for Complex Patients.
  7. Reducing ED Overcrowding with Triage Protocols.
  8. Improving Access to Interpreter Services.
  9. Reducing Staff Turnover with Retention Programs.
  10. Enhancing Telehealth Utilization for Chronic Care.

10 Quality Improvement Projects in Nursing Ideas

  1. Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections Through Hand Hygiene.
  2. Improving Pain Management in Post-Operative Care.
  3. Enhancing Fall Prevention in Geriatric Units.
  4. Reducing Medication Errors with Technology.
  5. Improving Sepsis Recognition and Response Times.
  6. Enhancing Discharge Education for Chronic Disease Patients.
  7. Reducing Health Disparities in Maternal Care.
  8. Improving Staff Satisfaction with Workflow Redesign.
  9. Reducing Readmissions Through Transitional Care.
  10. Enhancing Patient Safety with Rapid Response Teams.

10 Quality Improvement in Nursing Project Ideas

  1. Implementing PDSA Cycles to Reduce CAUTI Rates.
  2. Enhancing EHR Documentation Accuracy.
  3. Reducing CLABSI Rates with Insertion Checklists.
  4. Improving Nurse-Patient Ratios Through Advocacy.
  5. Reducing Health Literacy Gaps with Visual Aids.
  6. Enhancing Cultural Competency in End-of-Life Care.
  7. Improving Antibiotic Stewardship in Acute Care.
  8. Reducing Diagnostic Errors with Decision Support Tools.
  9. Enhancing Team Communication in Critical Care.
  10. Reducing Burnout Through Resilience Training.

20 Quality Improvement Project Ideas for the NICU

  1. Reducing Neonatal Hypothermia with Evidence-Based Protocols.
  2. Improving Breastfeeding Rates Through Lactation Support.
  3. Implementing Parental Involvement in Daily Care Rounds.
  4. Reducing NEC with Standardized Feeding Guidelines.
  5. Enhancing Kangaroo Care Adherence.
  6. Reducing Noise Pollution with Environmental Modifications.
  7. Improving Hand Hygiene Among NICU Visitors.
  8. Implementing Nurse-Driven Protocols for NAS Management.
  9. Reducing Unplanned Extubations with Securement Training.
  10. Enhancing Discharge Education for NICU Families.
  11. Reducing Infection Rates with Single-Patient Use Equipment.
  12. Improving Developmental Care Through Light and Sound Controls.
  13. Reducing Bloodstream Infections with Line Maintenance Checklists.
  14. Enhancing Parent Mental Health Support Programs.
  15. Improving Pain Assessment in Preterm Infants.
  16. Reducing Medication Errors with Weight-Based Dosing Tools.
  17. Enhancing Staff Training on Neonatal Resuscitation.
  18. Reducing Transfusion-Related Complications with Protocols.
  19. Improving Skin-to-Skin Contact During Procedures.
  20. Enhancing Bereavement Support for Families.

10 Best Process and Safety Quality Improvement Project Ideas for Cardiac Unit

  1. Reducing Door-to-Balloon Times for STEMI Patients.
  2. Improving Compliance with Heart Failure Guidelines.
  3. Reducing Arrhythmia Detection Delays with Monitoring Technology.
  4. Enhancing Post-CABG Pain Management Protocols.
  5. Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in Cardiac Patients.
  6. Improving Anticoagulation Therapy Safety.
  7. Reducing Cardiac Arrest Rates with Early Warning Systems.
  8. Enhancing Discharge Education for CHF Patients.
  9. Reducing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Cath Lab Patients.
  10. Improving Transitional Care for Post-MI Patients.

10 Examples of Quality Improvement Projects Ideas in Medical-Surgical Floor

  1. Reducing CAUTI Rates with Nurse-Driven Catheter Removal.
  2. Improving Pain Management in Post-Operative Patients.
  3. Enhancing Fall Prevention with Non-Slip Socks.
  4. Reducing Pressure Ulcers with Turn Clocks.
  5. Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance Through Audits.
  6. Reducing Medication Errors with Barcode Scanning.
  7. Enhancing Discharge Planning to Reduce Readmissions.
  8. Improving Staff Communication with SBAR Checklists.
  9. Reducing Restraint Use Through Alternatives Training.
  10. Enhancing Patient Education with Visual Aids.

12 Best Nursing Student Quality Improvement Project Ideas

  1. Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance in Clinical Rotations.
  2. Reducing Vaccine Hesitancy Through Peer Education.
  3. Enhancing Fall Prevention in Local Senior Centers.
  4. Improving Diabetes Education in Community Clinics.
  5. Reducing Health Literacy Gaps with Simplified Materials.
  6. Enhancing Cultural Competency Through Immersion Experiences.
  7. Improving Nutrition Education in Elementary Schools.
  8. Reducing Smoking Rates with Campus Cessation Programs.
  9. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness in Rural Areas.
  10. Improving Access to Free Health Screenings.
  11. Reducing Opioid Misuse with Naloxone Training.
  12. Enhancing Mental Health Awareness on Campus.

10 Best Quality Improvement Project Ideas Emergency Medicine

  1. Reducing Door-to-EKG Times for Chest Pain Patients.
  2. Improving Sepsis Recognition with Lactate Testing Protocols.
  3. Reducing ED Overcrowding with Fast-Track Triage.
  4. Enhancing Pain Management in Trauma Patients.
  5. Reducing Wait Times for Psychiatric Consults.
  6. Improving Handoff Communication to Inpatient Units.
  7. Reducing CT Scan Overuse with Clinical Decision Rules.
  8. Enhancing Discharge Instructions for Low-Acuity Patients.
  9. Reducing Medication Errors in High-Volume Settings.
  10. Improving Staff Safety Through De-Escalation Training.

Best 10 Quality Improvement Project Ideas in Clinic

  1. Reducing No-Show Rates with Automated Reminders.
  2. Improving Chronic Disease Management with Group Visits.
  3. Enhancing HPV Vaccination Rates Through Parent Outreach.
  4. Reducing Wait Times with Lean Process Redesign.
  5. Improving Hypertension Control with Home Monitoring.
  6. Enhancing Depression Screening in Primary Care.
  7. Reducing Health Disparities with Community Health Workers.
  8. Improving Asthma Action Plan Adherence.
  9. Enhancing Telehealth Utilization for Rural Patients.
  10. Reducing Medication Errors with EHR Alerts.

10 Best Quality Improvement Project Ideas in Cardiac Floors

  1. Reducing Readmissions for CHF Patients with Transitional Care.
  2. Improving Anticoagulation Therapy Monitoring.
  3. Enhancing Early Mobility Post-Cardiac Surgery.
  4. Reducing Delirium in Post-CABG Patients.
  5. Improving Dietary Adherence Through Education.
  6. Reducing Arrhythmia-Related Complications with Monitoring.
  7. Enhancing Discharge Education for STEMI Patients.
  8. Reducing Contrast-Induced Kidney Injury in Cath Lab.
  9. Improving Pain Management in Post-PCI Patients.
  10. Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections in Cardiac Units.

5 Top Quality Improvement Project Ideas in Pharmacy

  1. Reducing Medication Reconciliation Errors at Discharge.
  2. Improving Opioid Prescribing Practices with PDMP Integration.
  3. Enhancing Antibiotic Stewardship in Collaboration with Nurses.
  4. Reducing Look-Alike/Sound-Alike Medication Errors.
  5. Improving Patient Education on High-Risk Medications.

5 Top Quality Improvement Project Ideas NHS

  1. Reducing A&E Wait Times Through Triage Redesign.
  2. Improving Dementia Care in Community Settings.
  3. Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Response Teams.
  4. Reducing Health Inequalities in Deprived Areas.
  5. Improving End-of-Life Care in Hospice Partnerships.

General Nursing Quality Improvement Projects

  1. Implementing a PDSA Cycle to Reduce CAUTI Rates in Medical-Surgical Units: A Quality Improvement Initiative
  2. Enhancing Compliance with CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines to Reduce HAIs in Acute Care Settings
  3. Improving SBAR Communication in Nursing Shift Handoffs: A Lean Six Sigma Approach
  4. Reducing Medication Administration Errors Through Barcode Scanning Technology: A Hospital-Wide Pilot
  5. Optimizing EHR Documentation Workflows to Decrease Nurse Burnout in Urban Hospitals
  6. Evaluating the Impact of Hourly Rounding on Fall Prevention in Geriatric Wards
  7. Developing a Nurse-Led Protocol for Early Sepsis Recognition in Non-ICU Settings
  8. Standardizing Discharge Processes to Reduce 30-Day Readmissions in Medicare Patients
  9. Improving Pain Management Adherence to Joint Commission Standards in Postoperative Care
  10. Reducing Restraint Use in Dementia Patients Through Non-Pharmacological Interventions
  11. Implementing Teach-Back Methods to Improve Patient Understanding of Discharge Instructions
  12. A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Missed Nursing Care in Understaffed Units

2. Critical Care Nursing (ICU, NICU, Surgical, Emergency)

  1. Reducing Delirium in ICU Patients Through Early Mobility and Sensory Stimulation Bundles
  2. Improving Compliance with WHO Surgical Safety Checklists to Prevent Wrong-Site Surgeries
  3. Implementing a Hypothermia Prevention Bundle for Preterm Infants in the NICU
  4. Decreasing Door-to-Antibiotic Times in Sepsis Patients: An ED Quality Initiative
  5. Reducing Alarm Fatigue in Cardiac ICUs Through Smart Monitor Threshold Adjustments
  6. Enforcing CLABSI Prevention Bundles in Trauma ICU: A Nurse-Driven Protocol
  7. Optimizing Family-Centered Care in Neonatal ICU: A Parent Education Intervention
  8. Reducing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Rates Through Oral Care Protocol Standardization
  9. Improving Door-to-EKG Times for STEMI Patients in Rural Emergency Departments
  10. Implementing a Post-Op Pain Management Protocol to Reduce Opioid Use in Surgical Units
  11. Reducing Pressure Injuries in Critical Care Through Turn Clocks and Skin Assessments
  12. Enhancing Code Blue Response Times Through Interdisciplinary Simulation Training

3. Specialty Nursing Areas (Oncology, Mental Health, Pediatrics)

  1. Improving Chemotherapy Safety Through Double-Check Protocols in Oncology Units
  2. Reducing Restraint Use in Psychiatric Units Through Trauma-Informed De-Escalation Training
  3. Increasing HPV Vaccination Rates in Pediatric Primary Care: A Parent Education Initiative
  4. Optimizing Pain Management in Pediatric Oncology: A Non-Opioid Alternative Pilot
  5. Implementing a Suicide Risk Assessment Toolkit in Emergency Mental Health Triage
  6. Improving Asthma Action Plan Adherence in School-Age Children: A Community Partnership
  7. Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea with Acupressure Bands: An Evidence-Based Pilot
  8. Enhancing LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency in Oncology Nursing: A Staff Training Program
  9. Addressing Health Disparities in Pediatric Asthma Through Home Environment Assessments
  10. Reducing Pediatric Vaccine Hesitancy Through Nurse-Led Social Media Campaigns
  11. Improving Adherence to Antipsychotic Medications in Schizophrenia Patients: A Mobile App Intervention
  12. Implementing a Palliative Care Screening Tool for Advanced Cancer Patients in Outpatient Clinics

4. Patient Safety & Error Reduction

  1. Reducing Wrong-Patient Errors Through Biometric Scanning Technology in Medication Administration
  2. Standardizing High-Alert Medication Storage to Prevent Look-Alike/Sound-Alike Errors
  3. Improving Fall Risk Assessments Using the Morse Fall Scale in Geriatric Rehabilitation Units
  4. Implementing a Near-Miss Reporting System to Enhance Safety Culture in Acute Care
  5. Reducing Specimen Labeling Errors Through Barcode Labeling at the Bedside
  6. Enhancing Surgical Time-Out Compliance to Prevent Retained Foreign Objects
  7. Reducing Radiation Exposure Errors in Radiology Through Nurse-Driven Safety Checklists
  8. Improving Allergy Documentation in EHRs to Prevent Adverse Drug Events
  9. Implementing a Rapid Response Team to Reduce Failure-to-Rescue Events on Medical Floors
  10. Reducing Miscommunication Errors in Telehealth Consults Through Structured Templates
  11. Optimizing Insulin Pen Storage and Disposal to Prevent Needlestick Injuries
  12. Improving Handoff Communication Between EMS and ED Nurses Using Standardized Tools

5. Nursing Informatics & Technology

  1. Developing an AI-Powered Predictive Analytics Tool for Early Sepsis Detection in Hospitalized Patients
  2. Optimizing Telehealth Platforms for Chronic Disease Management in Federally Qualified Health Centers
  3. Evaluating the Impact of Mobile Health Apps on Medication Adherence in Hypertension Patients
  4. Implementing Blockchain Technology for Secure Patient Data Sharing in Trauma Centers
  5. Reducing Nursing Documentation Time Through Voice-Activated EHR Dictation Software
  6. Designing a Nurse-Led Dashboard to Track Real-Time Pressure Injury Rates in ICUs
  7. Improving Patient Portal Engagement Through Nurse-Led Digital Literacy Workshops
  8. Using Wearable Devices to Monitor Post-Discharge Vital Signs in Heart Failure Patients
  9. Enhancing Clinical Decision Support Alerts to Reduce Alert Fatigue in Emergency Departments
  10. Implementing Virtual Reality Simulations for New Nurse Orientation in Critical Care
  11. Developing a Machine Learning Algorithm to Predict Patient Fall Risks in Acute Care
  12. Optimizing Nurse Staffing Ratios Using Predictive Analytics in High-Acuity Units

6. Workflow & Clinical Practice Optimization

  1. Reducing Nurse Burnout Through Flexible Scheduling Models in Magnet Hospitals
  2. Implementing 5S Methodology to Streamline Supply Chain Management in Operating Rooms
  3. Improving Discharge Efficiency Through Nurse-Led Bedside Medication Reconciliation
  4. Reducing Non-Value-Added Tasks in Nursing Workflows Through Time-Motion Studies
  5. Optimizing Nurse-to-Patient Ratios Using Acuity-Based Staffing Tools in Med-Surg Units
  6. Implementing a Just Culture Framework to Improve Error Reporting in Rural Hospitals
  7. Reducing ED Overcrowding Through Nurse-Driven Triage Protocol Standardization
  8. Improving Specimen Transport Times Through Lean Process Redesign in Outpatient Labs
  9. Enhancing Code Stroke Response Times Through Interdisciplinary Simulation Drills
  10. Reducing Overtime Costs Through Predictive Staffing Models in Long-Term Care Facilities
  11. Standardizing Admission Processes to Reduce Door-to-Room Times in Ambulatory Clinics
  12. Implementing a Floating Nurse Program to Balance Workloads in High-Acuity Units

7. Nursing Education & Student-Led Projects

  1. Evaluating the Impact of Virtual Simulation Training on New Nurse Competency in ICUs
  2. Developing a Peer Mentorship Program to Reduce Turnover Among Novice Nurses
  3. Improving Health Literacy in Underserved Populations Through Student Nurse-Led Workshops
  4. Enhancing Cultural Competency in Nursing Students Through Immersion Experiences in FQHCs
  5. Implementing a DNP Project to Reduce Health Disparities in Maternal Mortality Rates
  6. Designing a Trauma-Informed Care Curriculum for Pediatric Emergency Nurses
  7. Assessing the Efficacy of Nurse-Led Diabetes Self-Management Education in Rural Clinics
  8. Reducing Vaccine Hesitancy Through Student Nurse-Led Community Outreach Programs
  9. Improving Nurse Resilience Through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training
  10. Evaluating the Impact of Nurse-Driven Smoking Cessation Counseling in Cardiac Rehab
  11. Developing a Nursing Student-Led Protocol for Social Determinants of Health Screening
  12. Enhancing LGBTQ+ Patient Care Through Student Nurse Advocacy Training

8. Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Healthcare Systems

  1. Reducing Polypharmacy in Geriatric Patients Through Nurse-Pharmacist Medication Reviews
  2. Improving Palliative Care Access Through Interdisciplinary Rounds in Oncology Units
  3. Implementing a Hospital-Wide Hand Hygiene Campaign Aligned with Joint Commission Standards
  4. Enhancing Care Coordination for Homeless Patients Through Nurse-Social Worker Partnerships
  5. Reducing 30-Day Heart Failure Readmissions Through Nurse-Case Manager Follow-Up Calls
  6. Improving Transitional Care for Dual-Eligible Patients Through Nurse-Physician Collaboration
  7. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Protocol for Rapid HIV Testing in EDs
  8. Reducing Food Insecurity in Diabetic Patients Through Nurse-Community Health Worker Teams
  9. Optimizing Antibiotic Stewardship Through Nurse-Microbiologist Collaboration
  10. Improving Advance Directive Completion Rates Through Nurse-Chaplain Partnerships
  11. Reducing Health Disparities in Hypertension Through Nurse-Community Clinic Collaborations
  12. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness Through Interdisciplinary Drills in Trauma Centers

9. Ambulatory & Primary Care Nursing

  1. Improving Hypertension Control Rates in Primary Care Through Nurse-Led Telemonitoring
  2. Reducing No-Show Rates in Diabetes Clinics Through Automated SMS Reminders
  3. Enhancing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates Through Nurse-Driven Patient Navigation
  4. Implementing Group Prenatal Care Models to Reduce Preterm Births in FQHCs
  5. Improving COPD Management Through Nurse-Led Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs
  6. Reducing Health Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening Through Mobile Clinic Partnerships
  7. Enhancing HPV Vaccination Rates in Adolescents Through School-Based Nurse Clinics
  8. Implementing a Nurse-Driven Protocol for Depression Screening in Primary Care
  9. Improving Chronic Kidney Disease Education Through Nurse-Led Video Tutorials
  10. Reducing ED Utilization for Non-Urgent Care Through Nurse-Led Triage Hotlines
  11. Optimizing Transitional Care for Post-Stroke Patients Through Home Health Nurse Visits
  12. Enhancing Rural Access to Mental Health Services Through Nurse-Led Telepsychiatry

Key Takeaways

  • Quality improvement in nursing is essential for enhancing patient outcomes and safety.
  • Nursing improvement projects should focus on measurable, evidence-based solutions aligned with CMS, Joint Commission, and ACA priorities.
  • Use quality improvement tools like PDSA cycles, Lean Six Sigma, and EHR optimization to streamline workflows.
  • Examples include reducing CAUTI rates, improving sepsis recognition, and leveraging telehealth for chronic care.
  • Continuous quality improvement (CQI) ensures sustained progress in healthcare delivery.

By leveraging these nursing improvement project ideas, students and professionals can drive meaningful change in 2025 and beyond, advancing healthcare quality improvement across all settings

FAQs: Writing a Quality Improvement Paper in Nursing

1. What is a Quality Improvement Project in Nursing?

A quality improvement project is a structured effort to enhance nursing care and healthcare services by addressing patient safety, workflow efficiency, and quality of care. These projects use data-driven methodologies, such as CQI in healthcare, to implement and evaluate changes.

2. Why is Quality Improvement Important in Nursing?

Quality improvement in nursing ensures better patient outcomes, reduces medical errors, and improves healthcare efficiency. Nurses play a crucial role in identifying gaps in care and leading improvement initiatives within hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations.

3. What Are Some Common Nursing Quality Improvement Project Ideas?

Some effective nursing project ideas include:

  • Improving hand hygiene compliance to reduce hospital-acquired infections.
  • Reducing patient falls in elderly care settings.
  • Enhancing medication safety protocols to prevent administration errors.
  • Developing structured discharge planning to reduce hospital readmissions.
  • Implementing AI-powered monitoring tools for early detection of patient deterioration.

4. How Do You Measure the Success of a Nursing Quality Improvement Project?

Success is measured by tracking key nursing outcome indicators, such as:

  • Reduction in hospital readmission rates.
  • Increase in patient satisfaction scores.
  • Decrease in medication errors or patient falls.
  • Improvement in workflow efficiency and nurse satisfaction.
  • Enhanced adherence to clinical guidelines.

5. What Tools Can Nurses Use for Quality Improvement?

Nurses can use several quality improvement tools in healthcare, including:

  • Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles
  • Lean Six Sigma for process improvement
  • Root Cause Analysis for error prevention
  • Quality assurance coordinators and quality councils
  • Electronic Health Records (EHR) optimization

6. How Can Nursing Students Participate in Quality Improvement Initiatives?

Students in a school of nursing can engage in quality improvement projects in healthcare by:

  • Conducting research on best practices for patient care improvement.
  • Participating in clinical rotations that focus on continuous quality improvement projects.
  • Developing improvement proposals as part of their coursework.
  • Collaborating with nursing organizations to gain hands-on experience.

7. What Are Some Barriers to Implementing Quality Improvement in Nursing?

Common challenges include:

  • Resistance to change from staff or leadership.
  • Limited resources for implementing new technologies or training programs.
  • Time constraints due to nurse workload.
  • Data collection difficulties for tracking progress.

8. How Can Nurses Overcome Barriers to Quality Improvement?

  • Engage leadership for support and funding.
  • Utilize evidence-based guidelines to justify project implementation.
  • Leverage technology (e.g., Smartsheet for healthcare, EHRs) to streamline data tracking.
  • Provide continuous training to ensure staff adoption of new practices.