Conducting Nursing Research -Part
2
Depending on the time frame of a research project, the unit’s
interest and participation may be like a roller coaster.
Keeping nursing projects in a short time-frame will help
maintain interest and attention. Results will be seen faster
and self-satisfaction obtained from completing a task and
seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. At times, staff may
perceive they are doing someone else’s work, instead of having
the attitude that they are part of the nursing process.
Encouragement for a job well-done must be expressed to keep
everyone on the road to success and achievement.
Repetitive education must be done over and over again so
accurate, detailed information can be obtained. Some key
personnel may not have cared for a potential research
participant for an extended period of time, and may need to be
updated and reeducated on the process. This is why it is always
good to have a permanent fixture, through bulletin boards and
videos, accessible to the key members if needed.
Finding time and energy to review the nursing process becomes
an obstacle at times for the investigators. Staffing concerns
and providing a safe environment for the patients are top
priority. To spend time analyzing data may become second
priority in situations where patient care becomes affected.
Recommendations to improve Interest and Participation
for Nursing Research
To promote nursing research, a continuous positive attitude
must be displayed by all research team participants. Promoting
the need to read, critique, and apply research to improve each
nurses’ clinical practice. Some activities that can be promoted
with fellow nurses include:
1. Participate in a research journal committee that involves
meeting, reading and critiquing research articles. This may be
part of a specific unit and can discuss future research
possibilities that the nursing staff has been questioning.
2. Institutions of nursing education must emphasize the
importance of evidenced-based nursing practice. Nursing
academies must teach the new era of nurses the importance of
research and has it has an impact on the profession.
3. Attend research presentations. Poster presentations are an
excellent approach to spread word of the hard work that has
been accomplished and the need to apply the evidence-based
findings into clinical practice.
4. Assist in the collection of research information. Becoming a
co-investigator to a research project will not only increase
one’s own knowledge base of the research process, but will
increase one’s professional growth and development.
5. Advocate for continuing educational offerings on the nursing
research process. It is always helpful to review the process of
conducting research to feel more comfortable in implementing
the process.
Incorporating Research Findings
Incorporating research findings into nursing practice is the
primary reason why research is done - to obtain evidence and
validate the nursing care you do! Retaining the nursing
findings without integrating them will not only deny the
advancement and the quality of nursing care, but will provide
an injustice to the nursing profession. You put the time and
energy into collecting and analyzing the data, now take the
time to integrate them!
Conclusion
At the end of the research project, celebrate, party, and
enjoy! Remember to observe the effort the nursing members have
taken to advance the nursing profession through all the hard
work that has been completed. Lastly, publicize, market, and
present the findings; it is of no use to conduct the project if
you are not going to spread the word on what was
researched!
Cynthia Gallagher, BSN, RN
Geisinger Medical Center
Danville, PA
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Terri Bickert, MSN, RN,
Magnet Coordinator for Geisinger Health System for her
mentorship in conducting nursing research. Your hard work and
dedication to promote the nursing profession does not get
overlooked. To Deb Mensch, MSN, Operations Manager CICU at GHS,
for the time provided to conduct and analyze nursing research
is appreciated. You have given another nurse professional and
personal growth.
by Cynthia Gallagher, BSN,
RN
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