Following an initial attempt to attain MAGNET certification, a group of nursing leaders in a large health care system in the mid Atlantic region collaborated with a small group of university-based nursing professors to develop a survey to gauge nursing job enjoyment within the system.  The survey was undertaken in an attempt to better understand the prevailing practice environment with the hopes of making changes to facilitate participatory nursing practice.  The survey tool was developed using three validated scales used in previously published nursing research. 

This presentation focuses on the process of coming together to develop and carry out the research.  Discussion of how the group overcome organizational constraints and melded diverse interests within the group will be applicable to any complex healthcare organization and any geographic setting.  The clinical group consisted of novices in nursing research while the nursing professors were more experienced, leading to professional development and new insights into care at the point of service. 

The research was grant funded by Sigma Theta Tau International, and a paper is being prepared for publication.