The capstone project is a scholarly work that is often a requirement of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. Arguments on research capstone projects are that the DNP-prepared graduate will contribute to nursing knowledge by focusing on research grounded in practice. The capstone project is focused on an advanced nursing practice specialty or interprofessional intervention that may benefit a group, population, or community. The population can also be a specific position category such as nurse practitioners, registered nurses, nurse executives, informaticists, and the like. Theory-based nursing is central to advanced nursing practice and defines the DNP. Nursing theory distinguishes the DNP from the medical model because, rather than working with decontextualized pieces of data, nursing practice occurs in the exchanges between patient and nurse. Conceptual models and grand theories are broad in scope and focused on the large nursing arena, while middle range theories are more specific, focused, and narrow.