Paper
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
This presentation is part of : Challenging the Status Quo: Impact of Evidence-Based Practice
The Challenge of Clinical Nursing Research
Mary Jane Sauvè, RN, DNSc, Center for Nursing Research, Center for Nursing Research, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
Purpose: This presentation focuses on the challenges associated with the conduct and dissemination of staff nurse initiated clinical nursing research. Neophyte researchers often require extensive support to initiate, complete and disseminate their research. These issues are often compounded when clinical nurses who become involved in research lack the educational preparation that enables them read and critique the current literature.

Setting, Design and Method: The Center for Nursing Research functions within a Magnet designated tertiary teaching hospital. The effectiveness of Center strategies for promoting and supporting clinical research is assessed annually. Measures include number of current ongoing research projects, abstracts and manuscripts accepted, practice changes if any, and hours of consultation.

Concept Targeted: To determine the effectiveness of strategies designed to promote staff nurse involvement in the implementation and dissemination of clinical research, as well as, its impact on nursing practice.

Findings: Clinical nurses involved in research represent a broad spectrum of clinical expertise and diverse educational preparation. In common however, is a strong proclivity for inquiry and an enthusiasm for problem solving. Ten to fifteen ongoing individual or group research studies at various stages are conducted each year. Approximately the same number of abstract are presented at research and nursing specialty conferences. Results have debunked nursing myths, validated current practice and less often have led to changes in unit and/or hospital wide policies or procedures.

Conclusions: A variety of strategies are necessary to assist staff nurses to initiate, complete, and disseminate clinical nursing research.

Implications: The knowledge and skills that are needed to promote evidence-based clinical nursing practice and the advancement of nursing science present a strong argument for making the BSN the entry requirement into nursing practice.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004