Baylor Nursing Research: Turning up the Flame

Saturday, 29 October 2011

Marygrace Leveille, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC
Nursing Research, Baylor Health Care System, Dallas, TX

Learning Objective 1: 1.Describe the steps of the research process at Baylor University Medical Center

Learning Objective 2: 2.Illustrate the types of research projects at Baylor University Medical Center

Setting: Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC), the flagship for Baylor Health Care System (BHCS), is a 1000 bed, private, not-for-profit institution in Dallas Texas which employs approximately 1800 nurses. Magnet designation was awarded in 2004 with one subsequent re-designation.

Infrastructure:  A major shift has occurred over the last 2 years at BUMC as a comprehensive effort has been made to bring nursing research to the forefront. BUMC has hired a PhD prepared nurse scientist to mentor, support and guide frontline nurses through the research process. Staff nurses have access to research and evidence based practice (EBP) classes. All nurses are invited to participate in the monthly Nursing Research Council (NRC) meetings in which the agenda includes review of proposed studies, education, informational updates and celebrations. The NRC has guidelines set by an approved Charter. All nursing research proposals are approved at each facility and at the BHCS level to ensure scholarship and merit of the proposals. In an effort to blend research and nursing practice, all nursing research proposals are grounded by the Professional Practice Model.                                                                      

 Outcomes: BUMC spearheads many interfacility and interdisciplinary studies. BUMC nurses work collaboratively with area schools of nursing and our 13 other facilities to conduct research. BUMC is currently conducting 22 nursing lead studies in addition to 7 projects in proposal development.  Areas of research interest range from moral distress, infant care practices, nursing leadership, nurse/physician collaboration, oxygenation, Q-Based feedings and sepsis. Dissemination of findings is evident in publications, presentations and practice changes. BUMC will participate in the first BHCS Nursing Research and EBP Summit this May.                          

  Implications: BUMC and BHCS are dedicated to the professional growth of frontline nurses and the outcome of Safe Passage for all patients. Implementation of Nursing Research and EBP outcomes are an integral part of a BUMC nurse’s practice.