CAPSTONE PROJECTS

CAPSTONE PROJECTS

CAPSTONE PROJECTS

CAPSTONE PROJECTS

Arch made with stones

A capstone is literally, “one of the finishing or protective stones that form the top of an exterior masonry wall or building.” The Capstone project is the pinnacle of the University of Colorado Master of Science Palliative Care (MSPC) program and differentiates this program from programs without an integrative/systems project. In MSPC Capstone coursework, students apply what they have learned to real-world problems in their work settings. Students design and implement projects (e.g., evidence-based practice, quality improvement, patient safety, program development or evaluation, ethics or humanities, needs assessment, education, community engagement, research), build presentation skills, develop relationships with faculty mentors, and demonstrate program competencies. Students share results through a professional abstract and poster presentation and may present at a professional PC meeting. 

Master’s students will take two 3-credit courses to complete the Capstone Coursework: PALC 6910 Capstone Project Proposal and PALC 6950 Capstone Project Presentation.


Develop, implement, and evaluate an educational plan that increases palliative care awareness with patients, family caregivers, healthcare providers and professionals, students, consumers, and/or the community-at-large.

CohortStudent NameMentorProject TitleProject Type
2016Kathleen Beaver, MSPC, BSN, RN, CHPN Elizabeth Holman

Pain Management Educational Intervention for Long Term Care Staff in a Rural Facility

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2016Kacey Boyle, MSPC, BSN, RN, CHPNKristin Broadfoot

Whose Job Is It Anyway? Working to Improve Serious Illness Communication Skills across Disciplines

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2019Tristen Dinkel, BSN, RN, CPN, CNRN, MSPCNancy Robertson

Integrating Palliative Care in a Rett Program: An Educational Plan

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2017Brandy Drake, MDJean Abbott

Educational Intervention to Promote Provider Understanding of DNR Orders and Advance Directives

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2016Ellen Fulp, PharmD, MSPC, BCGP; NCShaun Gleason

Student Pharmacist Perceptions of Palliative Care in the Academic Setting 

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2018Nezha HamidJulie Swaney

Determining Oncology Nurses’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Needs about Palliative and Spiritual Care at Hamad Medical Corporation

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2018Misty D. Lahti, RN, BSN, MSPCJean Abbott

Readiness to Engage Advance Care Planning in a Diverse Islamic Community

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Community Engagement
2016Kathleen Lester, MSPC, BS, BSN, RN-BCJean Abbott

Increasing Advance Care Planning in Acute Care Nurses: Have You Had the Conversation?

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2018Evangeline G. MacMillan, RN, BSN, BA, CHPPNNancy English

Primary Palliative Care Communication Skills for Practicing Registered Nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Setting

View PDF of project abstract | View PDF of project poster

Education
2019Dora Mueller, BSN, RN, CHPPN, MSPCKelly Arora

Advance Care Planning Engagement in a Multi-cultural Faith-based Community of largely Latinx origin

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Community Engagement
2020Amber Oakes, BSN, RN, CHPNHareklia Brackett

Conversations Before the Crisis: The Impact of an Educational Intervention on Goals of Care Discussions

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2016Elizabeth Paramore, MSPC, BSN, RNAmos Bailey

Closing the Palliative Care Skills Gap by Providing Palliative Care Seminars for Physician Assistant Students

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2018Misty Roberts, RN, BSN, MSPC CHPNKatie Morrison

Increasing Resiliency Awareness in Palliative Care Clinicians through a Series of Educational Sessions

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education
2021Carri Schnabel, BSN, RNNancy Robertson

Integrating Palliative Care for Oncology Triage Nurses: An Educational Plan

View PDF of project abstract | View PDF of project poster

Education
2018Loren Steinfeldt, BSN, RN, MSPCKelly Arora

Pain Management Clinic Orientation: Developing an Improved Onboarding Process for Newly Hired Nurses

View PDF of project abstract View PDF of project poster

Education