Top Quantitative Nursing Research Topics: A Guide for Students

Quantitative nursing research topics are the backbone of evidence-based practice (EBP). While EBP is essential, finding a specific, measurable, and statistically viable topic for a thesis or Nursing research proposal can be difficult.

Unlike qualitative nursing research topics which explore feelings and experiences, this guide focuses entirely on topics that deal with statistics, numerical data, and measurable outcomes. These projects are crucial for any student aiming to contribute to real-world healthcare improvements.

Below is a curated list of quantitative nursing research topics categorized by specialty, plus a guide on how to structure your variables to create the perfect quantitative research title for nursing students.

What is Quantitative Research in Nursing?

Quantitative research in nursing is a systematic, objective investigation that employs numerical data to describe variables, test relationships, and examine cause-and-effect interactions. It is essential for generating generalizable knowledge in nursing quantitative research.

Any robust nursing research quantitative study typically falls into one of these three types:

• Descriptive: Measures the frequency or prevalence of a variable (e.g., measuring the rate of nurse burnout).
• Correlational: Examines the statistical relationship between two variables (e.g., correlating shift length with medication error rates).
• Quasi-Experimental/Experimental: Tests the impact of an intervention (e.g., comparing a new pain management protocol to the existing one). This type is often complex but provides strong examples of quantitative research in nursing.

How to Structure a Quantitative Research Title

A strong nursing research title quantitative paper requires clarity regarding the factors being studied. Every good quantitative nursing research topics title must include:

• The Independent Variable (IV): The cause, intervention, or factor that you manipulate or study.
• The Dependent Variable (DV): The effect, outcome, or result that you measure numerically.

You can explore a wider array of starting points in our general guide to Nursing research topics.

Top Quantitative Nursing Research Topics (Categorized Lists)

The following title-ready ideas provide powerful nursing quantitative research examples for your academic research paper topics. These are designed to be immediately measurable, fitting the criteria for a strong quantitative research title for nursing students.

1. Critical Care & Patient Safety

1. Correlation between nurse-to-patient ratios and medication error rates in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
2. Impact of a standardized early mobility protocol on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) incidence.
3. Statistical analysis of alarm fatigue and mean time-to-response for critical alarms among ICU nurses.
4. Effectiveness of a unit-based checklist intervention on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates.
5. Relationship between nurse-reported burnout scores (Maslach Inventory) and patient fall rates on high-dependency units.
6. Impact of an electronic monitoring system on the frequency of pressure injury development in critically ill patients.
7. Comparison of two different suctioning techniques on mean oxygen saturation levels in mechanically ventilated patients.
8. Correlation between nurse work-hour patterns and frequency of documentation omissions in electronic health records (EHRs).
9. Efficacy of a SBAR handoff protocol on the number of communication deficits reported during shift changes.
10. Impact of delirium screening frequency on the duration of mechanical ventilation in ICU patients.
11. Statistical analysis of rapid response team (RRT) activation time and subsequent ICU length of stay.
12. Effectiveness of a pain assessment training program on documented pain score accuracy in non-verbal patients.
13. Correlation between nurse experience level and adherence rates to sepsis bundle protocols.
14. Impact of family presence during rounds on patient-reported understanding of the care plan (measured by a satisfaction score).
15. Comparison of two different IV insertion techniques on the peripheral IV failure rate within 48 hours.

2. Geriatric & Long-Term Care

1. Relationship between the number of prescribed medications (polypharmacy) and the frequency of fall incidents in long-term care residents over 75.
2. Impact of a Vitamin D supplementation program on documented fracture rates among nursing home residents.
3. Effectiveness of a structured oral care regimen on the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients with dysphagia.
4. Correlation between average daily minutes of physical activity and scores on the Barthel Index of mobility.
5. Impact of pet therapy sessions on average systolic blood pressure readings in elderly patients with hypertension.
6. Efficacy of a nurse-led reminiscence therapy program on scores from the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in patients with mild dementia.
7. Comparison of two different nutritional supplements on the rate of weight gain in frail elderly patients.
8. Relationship between caregiver stress scores (Zarit Burden Interview) and the number of challenging behaviors displayed by dementia patients.
9. Impact of a sleep hygiene protocol on the average nightly sleep duration (measured by sleep logs) in nursing home residents.
10. Effectiveness of a standardized skin care bundle on the reduction in pressure ulcer size (measured in $\text{cm}^2$) over four weeks.
11. Correlation between the frequency of advance care planning discussions and the rate of hospital utilization in the final six months of life.
12. Impact of a hydration monitoring system on the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults.
13. Comparison of two different pain assessment tools on the documented time-to-analgesia administration in elderly hip fracture patients.
14. Effectiveness of a nurse-led immunization campaign on the influenza vaccination uptake rate among nursing home staff and residents.
15. Statistical analysis of ambient noise levels in the patient unit and patient-reported sleep quality scores.

3. Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing

1. Impact of a nurse-led mindfulness intervention on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scores in medical-surgical patients.
2. Correlation between night shift frequency and validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores among psychiatric nursing staff.
3. Effectiveness of a trauma-informed care training program on the frequency of physical restraint use in an inpatient psychiatric unit.
4. Statistical comparison of 90-day re-admission rates for schizophrenic patients with vs. without a structured community nurse follow-up program.
5. Impact of a peer-support group on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) scores of nurses working in addiction treatment.
6. Efficacy of digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with nurse coaching on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores.
7. Relationship between social media use (measured in hours/day) and scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in adolescent psychiatric patients.
8. Comparison of two different de-escalation training methods on the number of aggressive incidents requiring staff intervention.
9. Impact of family psychoeducation on treatment adherence rates (medication refill compliance) in bipolar disorder patients.
10. Correlation between the presence of a comfort room/sensory space and the average length of stay during a crisis stabilization admission.
11. Effectiveness of a nurse-led suicide risk screening protocol on the detection rate of unidentified suicide ideation in the emergency department.
12. Statistical analysis of staffing mix changes (RN vs. LPN ratio) and the rate of medication non-compliance on the psychiatric ward.
13. Impact of therapeutic communication training on patient-reported therapeutic alliance scores in outpatient settings.
14. Correlation between hours of outdoor activity and mean Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores in long-term residents.
15. Efficacy of group therapy sessions on self-efficacy scores among patients recovering from substance use disorder.

4. Nursing Education & Students

1. Correlation between hours spent in high-fidelity simulation lab and final-year nursing students’ scores on the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) assessment.
2. Prevalence of test anxiety (Test Anxiety Inventory) and its effect on first-attempt NCLEX pass rates among graduating cohorts.
3. Impact of a dedicated mentorship program on the retention rates of new graduate nurses within the first year of employment.
4. Comparison of flipped classroom instruction vs. traditional lectures on student knowledge retention scores in pharmacology exams.
5. Relationship between student sleep hours and subsequent clinical evaluation scores (standardized rubric).
6. Effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) training scenarios on the psychomotor skills acquisition rate compared to physical task trainers.
7. Correlation between student cultural competence scores and their self-reported comfort levels in caring for diverse patient populations.
8. Impact of interprofessional education (IPE) scenarios on nursing students’ mean scores on a teamwork and collaboration assessment scale.
9. Statistical analysis of grade point average (GPA) and student performance on the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) exit exam.
10. Effectiveness of a peer-assisted learning (PAL) program on mean student scores in challenging coursework like pathophysiology.
11. Impact of mandatory stress management workshops on reported stress and anxiety levels (DASS-21) during final exam weeks.
12. Correlation between the student-to-faculty ratio during clinical rotations and student-reported confidence levels in performing technical skills.
13. Comparison of the use of digital textbooks vs. printed textbooks on student reading speed and comprehension scores.
14. Effectiveness of a reflective journaling assignment on students’ ability to recognize and score ethical dilemmas in case studies.
15. Impact of financial aid status on academic attrition rates (drop-out rates) in a four-year nursing program.

5. Pediatric Nursing

These topics measure clinical outcomes and psychological responses in children, often using standardized pediatric scales.

1. Efficacy of a parent-led distraction technique on the FLACC Pain Scale scores during routine pediatric vaccinations.
2. Correlation between average weekly screen time (in hours) and Body Mass Index (BMI) percentiles in school-aged children (ages 6-12).
3. Comparison of nebulizer therapy vs. spacer use on Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) readings in children with acute asthma.
4. Impact of a nurse-led obesity prevention program on the percentage of children reaching target weight goals over six months.
5. Effectiveness of a structured play therapy intervention on anxiety scores (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children) prior to surgery.
6. Statistical relationship between maternal health literacy scores and the rate of emergency department visits for pediatric asthma exacerbations.
7. Impact of a nurse hotline follow-up system on the 30-day readmission rate for infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
8. Correlation between the age of introduction of solid foods and the incidence rate of pediatric food allergies in the first two years of life.
9. Comparison of two different IV insertion techniques on the number of procedure attempts required in pediatric patients.
10. Effectiveness of a pain assessment training program for nurses on the discrepancy between parent-reported and nurse-reported pain scores.
11. Impact of family presence during pediatric resuscitation on the code duration and subsequent survival-to-discharge rate.
12. Statistical analysis of school nurse counseling sessions and student-reported adherence rates to diabetes management plans.
13. Correlation between paternal involvement (measured by a frequency scale) and the length of hospital stay for newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
14. Impact of a vaccination education campaign on the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination completion rate in a low-income community.
15. Efficacy of acupressure on reducing nausea and vomiting frequency in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy.

6.  Community & Public Health

These topics analyze health trends, intervention uptake rates, and the impact of public health initiatives in defined populations.

1. Impact of a nurse-led hypertension clinic on medication adherence rates (measured by pharmacy refill data) in a low-income population.
2. Statistical relationship between health literacy scores (measured by REALM-SF) and 30-day hospital readmission rates among chronic disease patients.
3. Comparison of influenza vaccination uptake rates in rural communities served by a mobile clinic vs. urban standard clinics.
4. Effectiveness of a community nurse intervention on smoking cessation rates (measured by biochemical verification) over six months.
5. Correlation between local environmental pollution indices and the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalizations.
6. Impact of a nurse-delivered disaster preparedness module on community residents’ self-reported readiness scores (measured by a standardized tool).
7. Efficacy of a mobile screening unit on the early detection rate of undiagnosed diabetes in an underserved population.
8. Relationship between access to primary care (measured by distance to clinic) and the rate of preventable Emergency Department visits.
9. Impact of a telehealth monitoring program on mean HbA1c levels in rural patients with poorly controlled Type 2 Diabetes.
10. Correlation between food insecurity scores (measured by the USDA scale) and the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of household members.
11. Effectiveness of a school-based oral hygiene program on the incidence of dental caries among elementary school students.
12. Statistical analysis of contraceptive use rates following nurse-led family planning counseling sessions in young adults.
13. Impact of COVID-19 vaccine availability on the vaccination completion rate in different socioeconomic status (SES) groups.
14. Correlation between public health nurse staffing levels and the infant mortality rate across different counties.
15. Comparison of two different nutritional education formats on patient-reported compliance with dietary restrictions for cardiovascular health.

7. Maternal & Neonatal Nursing

These topics focus on measurable outcomes related to pregnancy, delivery, and newborn health.

1. Effectiveness of nurse-led prenatal education classes on the rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery vs. cesarean section.
2. Correlation between maternal anxiety scores (measured by STAI) during the third trimester and newborn Apgar scores at five minutes.
3. Impact of a standardized skin-to-skin contact protocol immediately after birth on the initiation rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 24 hours.
4. Comparison of two different labor support strategies on the average duration of the second stage of labor.
5. Relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis and the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia at birth.
6. Impact of nurse post-discharge follow-up calls on the 30-day readmission rate for maternal complications.
7. Efficacy of a midwifery-led education program on the postpartum depression screening compliance rate at the six-week check-up.
8. Statistical analysis of the nurse staffing ratio in the Labor & Delivery unit and the rate of maternal hemorrhage incidents.
9. Correlation between maternal weight gain during pregnancy and the birth weight percentile of the neonate.
10. Impact of an episiotomy avoidance protocol on the incidence and severity of perineal tears (measured by degree of laceration).
11. Effectiveness of kangaroo care (skin-to-skin) on the mean heart rate and oxygen saturation stability in premature neonates.
12. Correlation between the use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) during labor and the rate of instrument-assisted deliveries.
13. Impact of a nurse-led pre-conception counseling program on the folic acid supplementation adherence rate in women planning pregnancy.
14. Comparison of two different umbilical cord care protocols on the rate of umbilical infection in newborns.
15. Efficacy of aromatherapy during labor on the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) scores reported by mothers.

8. Medical-Surgical Nursing (Chronic Disease Focused)

These topics address measurable outcomes related to long-term conditions, medication management, and patient education in medical and surgical settings.

1. Impact of a nurse-delivered discharge teaching bundle on the 30-day readmission rate for patients with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).
2. Efficacy of a patient education module on adherence to daily weight monitoring for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
3. Correlation between health literacy scores and medication adherence rates (measured by pill count or pharmacy data) in hypertensive patients.
4. Impact of a standardized nurse communication script on patient-reported satisfaction scores regarding pain management.
5. Comparison of two different glucose monitoring protocols on the incidence of hypoglycemic events in non-critical diabetic inpatients.
6. Relationship between nurse perception of workload (NASA-TLX score) and the accuracy of fluid intake/output documentation.
7. Effectiveness of a pre-operative carbohydrate loading protocol on post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) rates.
8. Correlation between early ambulation rates after abdominal surgery and the incidence of post-operative ileus.
9. Impact of a nurse-led motivational interviewing program on patient self-efficacy scores regarding chronic wound care.
10. Statistical analysis of alarm settings customization and the number of non-actionable physiological alarms per shift.
11. Comparison of two different wound dressing types on the mean wound healing time (measured in days) for venous leg ulcers.
12. Impact of a targeted patient education video on the frequency of call light use for non-urgent requests.
13. Efficacy of nurse-initiated peripheral IV insertion guidelines on the overall IV longevity (measured in hours).
14. Correlation between hourly rounding adherence and the number of patient-reported unmet needs (measured by a survey tool).
15. Impact of a pre-discharge telephone follow-up on patient-reported understanding of medication changes.

9. Oncology Nursing

These topics focus on measurable quality-of-life, symptom management, and compliance outcomes in cancer care.

1. Efficacy of a nurse-led relaxation technique intervention on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) frequency and severity (measured by a standardized tool).
2. Impact of a telehealth symptom management system on the rate of unplanned emergency department visits by oncology outpatients.
3. Correlation between patient nutritional status (measured by BMI) and treatment completion rates for radiation therapy.
4. Effectiveness of a skin care bundle on the severity of radiation dermatitis (measured by the RTOG Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria).
5. Impact of nurse education on pain management on patient-reported pain interference scores (measured by the BPI).
6. Comparison of two different oral mucositis prevention protocols on the incidence and duration of severe mucositis.
7. Relationship between patient satisfaction scores with nursing care and adherence to oral chemotherapy regimens (measured by pill count).
8. Statistical analysis of central line maintenance compliance rates and the incidence of CLABSI in hematology-oncology units.
9. Impact of a nurse-led fatigue management workshop on patient-reported Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) scores.
10. Correlation between hours of nurse training in palliative care and the time to first palliative care consult for terminal patients.
11. Efficacy of acupressure bands on the frequency of hot flashes reported by breast cancer patients undergoing hormonal therapy.
12. Impact of a guided imagery intervention on pre-treatment anxiety levels (measured by GAD-7) in patients receiving their first chemotherapy infusion.
13. Comparison of two different antiemetic regimens on the numerical nausea rating score reported during chemotherapy.
14. Effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention on the rate of treatment completion for lung cancer patients.
15. Relationship between chemotherapy dose calculation training and the rate of chemotherapy administration errors by nursing staff.

10. Perioperative Nursing (Pre- and Post-Surgery)

These topics measure process efficiency, patient recovery metrics, and complication rates related to the surgical journey.

1. Impact of a nurse-led pre-operative education video on patient-reported pre-surgical anxiety scores (measured by STAI).
2. Correlation between timing of pre-operative antibiotic administration and the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs).
3. Effectiveness of a nurse-initiated pain management protocol on the total opioid consumption (Morphine Milligram Equivalents) in the first 24 hours post-surgery.
4. Impact of a standardized fasting guideline on the incidence of aspiration events during induction of anesthesia.
5. Comparison of two different methods of patient temperature management on the rate of post-operative hypothermia.
6. Relationship between the number of handoffs between departments and the incidence of recorded communication errors during the perioperative period.
7. Efficacy of a warming blanket intervention on the mean core body temperature of patients in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
8. Statistical analysis of circulating nurse checklist adherence and the frequency of instrument count discrepancies in the operating room (OR).
9. Impact of early urinary catheter removal protocols on the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) post-surgery.
10. Correlation between length of time in the PACU and patient-reported satisfaction scores regarding discharge readiness.
11. Effectiveness of nurse education on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis on the compliance rate with sequential compression device (SCD) use.
12. Impact of a mobile device application for discharge instructions on patient-reported understanding of wound care instructions.
13. Comparison of two different skin preparation protocols on the bacterial count at the surgical incision site prior to draping.
14. Efficacy of gum chewing or early liquid intake on the return of bowel function (measured in hours) following colorectal surgery.
15. Relationship between nurse experience in the OR and the incidence of time-out procedure violations.

Examples of Quantitative Research in Nursing (Methodology Focused)

Understanding the methodology behind your topic is key to a successful study. Here are detailed examples of quantitative research in nursing based on common methods:

1. Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

^{The RCT is the most rigorous method for establishing cause-and-effect. Participants are randomly assigned to groups to test an intervention (Independent Variable, IV) against a standard treatment or placebo.}

2. Retrospective Correlational Study (Chart Review)

This method analyzes existing, archived numerical data from patient records or institutional databases to find statistical relationships between two variables.

3. Survey with Scaled Responses (Descriptive or Correlational)

This method converts subjective attitudes or experiences into numerical data using standardized scales (like a Likert scale) to describe a population or find relationships.

Where to Find Quantitative Nursing Research Articles

To ensure your quantitative research topics in nursing are novel and supported by data, you must consult existing research. These databases provide excellent sources of quantitative research in nursing:

• PubMed/MEDLINE: Comprehensive database for biomedical literature.
• CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature): The primary database for all nursing and allied health research.
• Google Scholar: Useful for finding a wide variety of academic sources, including theses and conference papers.

Pro-Tip: When searching, use methodological keywords like ‘cross-sectional study’, ‘randomized trial’, or ‘statistical analysis’ to filter out purely qualitative papers and quickly find relevant nursing quantitative research examples.

Conclusion

Choosing the right quantitative nursing research topics is the first, most challenging, and most crucial step toward a successful degree. By focusing on measurable variables and employing a rigorous quantitative research nursing design, you guarantee a study that is statistically sound and relevant to quantitative research in nursing practice.Struggling with complex data analysis, statistical software (like SPSS), or structuring your methodology section? Get specialized Nursing Dissertation help from our 5000+ experts. Visit MyAssignmentHelp.com today to get academic assistance for your quantitative research about nursing students project and all your nursing research topics needs.