Nursing Essay Examples: Complete Guide to Topics, Structure & Samples 2026
Nursing students: Master 2026 essays with this guide. Learn types (reflective, case study, care plan), standard structure, 15 trending topics like AI ethics and telehealth, and 3 A-grade samples. Checklist for A+ papers + tips to avoid pitfalls. Order custom nursing essay if time’s short – 10% off first order.
Nursing essays challenge students with real-world scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and evidence-based reasoning. In 2026, trends like AI in healthcare and telehealth equity add new layers. This guide provides practical tools: structures from Purdue OWL, topics from AACN trends, and full samples to model your work.
Whether you’re writing a reflective piece on burnout or a care plan for remote patients, follow this step-by-step to score high.
Common Nursing Essay Types
Nursing essays fall into three main categories, each requiring specific approaches.
Reflective Essays (Gibbs or Driscoll Models)
Reflective essays analyze personal experiences using structured models. Gibbs’ cycle (Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, Action) is standard, per Purdue OWL Nursing Writing.
Example prompt: Reflect on a challenging shift.
Case Studies
These dissect patient scenarios, using evidence to recommend interventions. Focus on assessment and outcomes.
Care Plans (ADPIE Model)
ADPIE (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) structures care plans. Common in clinical courses.
Standard Nursing Essay Structure
Use this template for all types:
- Introduction (10-15%): Hook + thesis + overview.
- Body (70-80%): Arguments/evidence/reflection with H3 subheads.
- Conclusion (10-15%): Summary + implications + call to action.
Checklist:
- Thesis clear and arguable?
- 3-5 body paras with citations?
- Transitions smooth?
- Word count balanced?
APA Style Guide for Nursing for formatting.
Top 15 Nursing Essay Topics 2026
| Topic | Type | Sample Thesis |
|---|---|---|
| Telehealth Equity in Rural Care | Case Study | Telehealth bridges gaps but exacerbates inequities without targeted policies. |
| AI Ethics: Bias in Predictive Tools | Reflective | My encounter with biased AI highlighted nurses’ role in ethical oversight. |
| Nurse Burnout Post-Pandemic | Care Plan | A resilience plan using AI monitoring reduces burnout by 25%. |
| Mental Health Nursing in Long COVID | Reflective | Long COVID patients require trauma-informed care models. |
| Health Equity and DEI Initiatives | Case Study | DEI training improves outcomes in diverse populations. |
| Genomics and Personalized Nursing | Care Plan | Genomic testing tailors treatments, demanding nurse education. |
| VR Simulation Training Efficacy | Reflective | VR enhanced my procedural skills beyond traditional methods. |
| Sustainability in Healthcare | Case Study | Green practices cut waste by 30% in nursing units. |
| Nursing Shortages 2026 Solutions | Argumentative | Policy reforms and AI aides address shortages. |
| Ethical Dilemmas in Palliative Telecare | Reflective | Balancing autonomy and tech in end-of-life care. |
| Cultural Competence in Immigrant Care | Case Study | Culturally tailored plans boost compliance. |
| Evidence-Based Practice Barriers | Care Plan | Overcoming barriers via interprofessional teams. |
| Nurse Leadership in AI Adoption | Reflective | Leaders must advocate for ethical AI integration. |
| Climate Change Health Impacts | Case Study | Nurses frontline climate-related illnesses. |
| Remote Patient Monitoring Ethics | Care Plan | RPM improves outcomes but raises privacy concerns. |
Sources: AACN Trends, Herzing Nursing Trends 2026.
Sample 1: Reflective Essay (Gibbs Model) – Nurse Burnout
Title: Reflecting on Burnout During a High-Volume Shift
Introduction: During a 12-hour shift in the ER, I managed 25 patients amid staffing shortages…
(Description: 150 words) What happened: Overflow patients, no breaks.
(Feelings: 100 words) Overwhelmed, frustrated.
(Evaluation: 100 words) Positive: Team support; negative: Error risk.
(Analysis: 150 words) Linked to burnout stats (40% nurses, per ANA).
(Conclusion: 100 words) Learned need for self-care.
(Action Plan: 100 words) Implement wellness checks. Cite OJIN Ethics.
Word count: 800 (full version). Grade: A (strong reflection, evidence).
Sample 2: Case Study – Telehealth Equity
Title: Addressing Equity in Telehealth for Rural Diabetes Patients
Introduction: Case of Mrs. J, 65, rural, limited broadband…
Body: Assessment (HbA1c 9.2), Diagnosis (non-compliance), Planning (RPM device), Implementation, Evaluation (improved to 7.5).
Conclusion: Telehealth works with equity measures. Cite Johns Hopkins Telehealth Guide.
Word count: 750. Grade: A.
Sample 3: Care Plan – AI Ethics Dilemma
Title: Care Plan for Patient with Biased AI Recommendation
ADPIE structure: Assessment (AI flags high-risk erroneously), Diagnosis, etc.
Conclusion: Human override essential.
Cite Nursing Ethics AI.
Word count: 700. Grade: A.
Writing Tips & Common Mistakes
Checklist:
- ✅ Use first-person for reflective only.
- ✅ Cite 5+ sources (APA/AMA).
- ❌ Avoid generalities; use specifics.
- ❌ No plagiarism – run Turnitin.
Common mistake: Weak thesis. Fix: “X intervention improved Y by Z%.”
Related Guides
- 30+ Nursing Essay Topics 2025-2026
- APA Style Essay Guide
- How to Write a Research Paper
- Essay Guarantees
- Pricing
Conclusion & Next Steps
Master nursing essays with these tools. Practice one sample structure today. For personalized help, order from Essays-Panda – experts in nursing, plagiarism-free guarantee.
FAQs:
- Q: Best model for reflective? A: Gibbs.
- Q: 2026 hot topic? A: AI ethics.
Sources: Purdue OWL, AACN, ANA, Herzing.edu, OJIN, Johns Hopkins.
