Choose a Strong Research Topic
Select a topic that is original, relevant, and useful in your field.
Make sure enough literature exists for review.
2. Conduct Research
Collect data through experiments, surveys, case studies, or literature review.
Keep accurate records of methods and results.
3. Write the Paper
Typical structure:
1. Title – Clear and specific
2. Abstract – Short summary of the study
3. Introduction – Problem, background, objectives
4. Literature Review – Previous studies
5. Methodology – How research was done
6. Results – Findings/data
7. Discussion – Meaning of results
8. Conclusion – Summary and recommendations
9. References – Proper citations
4. Format According to Journal Rules
Every journal has its own style (APA, MLA, Vancouver, etc.)
Follow word limits, font, tables, citation style.
5. Select a Journal
Choose a journal related to your field:
Nursing
Medicine
Engineering
Education, etc.
Check:
Scope of journal
Impact factor
Peer-reviewed status
Indexed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, etc.
6. Submit Online
Go to the journal website.
Create author account.
Upload manuscript, cover letter, tables, figures.
7. Peer Review Process
Editors send paper to reviewers. They may:
Accept
Request revision
Reject
8. Revise and Resubmit
Answer reviewer comments politely.
Improve paper and resubmit.
9. Final Publication
Once accepted, paper is published online or in print.
Tips for Beginners
Avoid plagiarism.
Use Grammarly or editing tools.
Use proper citations.
Start with local or beginner-friendly journals.
Ask supervisor/teacher for guidance.
If You Are a Student
You can first publish in:
University journal
Conference proceedings
National journals
If you tell me your field (nursing, medical,
CS, business, etc.), I can guide you where and
how to publish step by step.
nursing journal
If you want to publish in a nursing journal, the best strategy is to choose a journal that matches
your topic (clinical nursing, education, ICU, community health, midwifery, etc.) and follow its
author guidelines carefully.
Good Nursing Journals (Trusted & Recognized)
International Journals
1. Journal of Advanced Nursing – strong for clinical/research nursing.
2. Journal of Clinical Nursing – patient care, hospital practice.
3. Nurse Education Today – nursing education topics.
4. BMC Nursing – open access, nursing research.
5. SAGE Open Nursing – open access, broad nursing topics.
If You Are a Beginner / Student
Try these easier options:
Local nursing journals in Pakistan
University journals
Open access journals with nursing scope
Conference proceedings
How to Publish in Nursing Journal
Step 1: Select Your Topic
Examples:
Diabetes patient care
ICU nursing management
Infection control
Mental health nursing
Community health nursing
Nursing education
Step 2: Write Paper Format
1. Title
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
4. Literature Review
5. Methodology
6. Results
7. Discussion
8. Conclusion
9. References
Step 3: Check Journal Website
Read:
Author guidelines
Word limit
Citation style (APA/Vancouver)
APC fee (if any)
Step 4: Submit Online
Most journals use online submission portals.
Step 5: Peer Review
They may:
Accept
Minor revision
Major revision
Reject
Important Advice
Avoid fake/predatory journals. Some nursing professionals warn against journals that charge
unfair fees or have poor standards.
My Honest Suggestion for You
If you are a BSN / Nursing student, start with:
1. BMC Nursing
2. SAGE Open Nursing
3. Local Pakistan university journals
4. Nursing education journals
If you tell me:
1. Your topic
2. Student or staff nurse
3. Need free journal or paid
4. Scopus required or not
…I can suggest best nursing journals for YOU and even help write your paper.
Write Paper Format Title Abstract Introduction Literature Review Methodology Results
Discussion Conclusion References examples detailed this above
Research Paper Format (Nursing) – Detailed
Example
Topic Example:
Effect of Hand Hygiene Education on Infection Control Among Nurses
1. Title
A good title should be clear, specific, and concise.
Example:
Effect of Hand Hygiene Education on Infection Control Practices Among Staff Nurses in a
Tertiary Care Hospital
2. Abstract
A short summary of the whole paper (150–250 words).
Example:
This study aimed to assess the effect of hand hygiene education on infection control practices
among staff nurses in a tertiary care hospital. A quantitative pre-test and post-test design was
used. Fifty nurses participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire
and observation checklist. After educational intervention, nurses showed significant
improvement in hand hygiene knowledge and compliance. The study concluded that regular
hand hygiene training improves infection prevention practices among nurses.
3. Introduction
Explain background, problem, and purpose.
Example:
Hospital-acquired infections are a major health problem worldwide. Nurses play an important
role in preventing infections through proper hand hygiene. However, poor compliance with
handwashing guidelines increases risk of disease transmission. Therefore, this study was
conducted to determine whether hand hygiene education can improve infection control practices
among nurses.
4. Literature Review
Discuss previous studies related to your topic.
Example:
According to WHO (2021), proper hand hygiene reduces healthcare-associated infections by
50%. A study by Ahmed et al. (2020) found that nurses who received hand hygiene training had
better compliance rates. Khan (2019) reported lack of awareness and heavy workload as barriers
to hand hygiene among hospital staff.
5. Methodology
Explain how study was done.
Example:
Research Design: Quantitative pre-test post-test design
Setting: Civil Hospital Karachi
Sample Size: 50 staff nurses
Sampling Technique: Convenience sampling
Data Collection Tool: Questionnaire and observation checklist
Duration: 4 weeks
Data Analysis: SPSS version 25
6. Results
Present findings with numbers.
Example:
Before training, only 40% nurses followed proper hand hygiene steps.
After training, compliance increased to 82%.
Mean knowledge score improved from 6/10 to 9/10.
Statistical test showed significant improvement (p < 0.05).
7. Discussion
Interpret results and compare with studies.
Example:
The findings show that hand hygiene education significantly improved nurses’ knowledge and
practice. Similar findings were reported by Ahmed et al. (2020), who found educational sessions
increase compliance. Regular training programs can strengthen infection control standards in
hospitals.
8. Conclusion
Summarize final outcome.
Example:
The study concluded that hand hygiene education is effective in improving infection control
practices among nurses. Hospitals should organize regular training sessions to reduce hospital-
acquired infections.
9. References
Use proper citation style.
Example (APA Style):
World Health Organization. (2021). Hand hygiene guidelines. Geneva: WHO.
Ahmed, S., Ali, R., & Khan, M. (2020). Impact of hand hygiene training among nurses.
Journal of Nursing Practice, 10(2), 45–50.
Khan, T. (2019). Barriers to hand hygiene in hospitals. Pakistan Nursing Journal, 5(1),
12–18.
Tips for Your Nursing Paper
Choose easy topics like:
Diabetes patient education
Stress among nurses
Medication errors
Infection control
ICU nursing care
Patient satisfaction
Research Paper Format (Nursing) – ICU
Nursing Care Example
Topic:
Effectiveness of ICU Nursing Care on Recovery of Critically Ill Patients
1. Title
Impact of Quality ICU Nursing Care on Recovery Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients in a
Tertiary Care Hospital
2. Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ICU nursing care on the recovery outcomes of
critically ill patients. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses play a vital role in monitoring, medication
administration, infection prevention, and emotional support. A quantitative descriptive study was
conducted in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected from 40 ICU nurses and 60
patient records using questionnaires and observation checklists. Results showed that patients
receiving high-quality nursing care had shorter ICU stays, fewer complications, and better
recovery outcomes. The study concluded that effective ICU nursing care significantly improves
patient recovery and safety.
3. Introduction
The Intensive Care Unit is a specialized department where critically ill patients receive close
monitoring and advanced treatment. ICU nurses are essential members of the healthcare team
and provide continuous patient assessment, medication management, ventilator care, and
emergency interventions. Proper ICU nursing care can reduce complications, improve patient
recovery, and lower mortality rates. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the impact of
ICU nursing care on patient outcomes.
4. Literature Review
According to the World Health Organization (2022), quality nursing care is essential for patient
safety in critical care units. Smith et al. (2021) found that adequate nurse-to-patient ratios in ICU
reduce mortality and infection rates. Ahmed and Khan (2020) reported that continuous
monitoring by ICU nurses improves early detection of complications. Previous studies
emphasize that skilled ICU nursing care improves patient outcomes and satisfaction.
5. Methodology
Research Design: Quantitative descriptive study
Setting: ICU of Civil Hospital Karachi
Population: ICU nurses and critically ill patients
Sample Size: 40 ICU nurses and 60 patient records
Sampling Technique: Convenience sampling
Data Collection Tools: Questionnaire, observation checklist, patient records
Duration: 6 weeks
Data Analysis: SPSS version 25 using percentages and charts
6. Results
78% of nurses performed regular patient monitoring every hour.
85% followed infection control protocols properly.
Patients under better nursing care had 25% shorter ICU stay.
70% of patients showed faster recovery with consistent nursing interventions.
Complication rates were lower in patients receiving high-quality care.
7. Discussion
The study findings indicate that effective ICU nursing care improves patient recovery and
reduces complications. Continuous monitoring and timely interventions help detect emergencies
early. These findings are consistent with Smith et al. (2021), who found better nurse staffing
lowers ICU mortality. Proper infection control and medication management also contributed to
improved outcomes.
8. Conclusion
The study concluded that ICU nursing care has a significant positive effect on the recovery of
critically ill patients. Skilled nursing interventions, close monitoring, and infection prevention
are key factors in improving patient outcomes. Hospitals should provide regular ICU training and
adequate staffing.
9. References
World Health Organization. (2022). Patient safety in critical care units. Geneva: WHO.
Smith, J., Brown, L., & Ali, M. (2021). Nurse staffing and ICU outcomes. Critical Care
Nursing Journal, 15(2), 55–62.
Ahmed, R., & Khan, S. (2020). Role of ICU nurses in complication prevention. Journal
of Nursing Practice, 8(1), 20–27.