Research in the field of nursing has a rich history. It began in the mid 1800s during the Crimean War and the nursing practice of Nightingale. Research in nursing was motivated by the challenges that health care delivery faced, such as staffing and the implementation of evidence-based practice. The earliest nursing journals were published in the 1960s. Later in 1983, the ANA Center for Research for Nursing was established (Severinsson, 2012, p. 216).

 

Practitioners began to appreciate more the significance of nursing research in promoting the quality of care. Research has promoted the acquisition of knowledge and skills among nurses, which makes them highly effective practitioners. The academic aspects of nursing form the foundation upon which nursing careers are based (Oermann, Turner & Carman, 2014, p. 58). It is evident from these illustrations that nursing research is highly significant in modern nursing care processes and activities. This paper presents an analytical discussion and review of the significance of nursing research on nursing practice.

 

Nursing research describes the process of systematic and diligent investigation or inquiry on a specific topic or area of practice with the purpose of expanding, refining or validating the existing body of knowledge or coming up with new concepts, theories or facts (Facchiano & Hoffman, 2012, p. 706). It is necessary to note that nursing research must be based on questions or issues that are significant to the practice of nursing. Nurses engage in nursing research with a purpose of authenticating theories and hypotheses in nursing care, and therefore determining the credibility of existing knowledge (Mcdermott, Hathaway & Saunders, 2014, p. 40). This means that nurses can engage in research with a purpose of disapproving existing theory.

 

It is important to study nursing research because it demonstrates the methods of obtaining the knowledge which nurses apply in practice. The significance of nursing research in the implementation of evidence-based practice is also appreciated more by studying concepts and theories related to nursing research (Peterson, Barnason, Riggs & Whiteman, 2014, p. 58). Nurses employ research as part of their professional engagement with a purpose of understanding how to produce knowledge, analyze it and apply it in the health care processes (Hutchinson, East, Stasa & Jackson, 2014, p. 117). It is important to study nursing research because it reveals the opportunities for expansion of knowledge or career development among nurses (Mcdermott, Hathaway & Saunders, 2014, p. 42).

 

 

Lubbe & Roets (2014, p. 58) present qualitative research findings which reveal that the most important aspect of nursing research is to enable nurses to use current and relevant knowledge or literature in health care processes. Facchiano & Hoffman (2012, p. 708) add that nurses should not accept findings merely because they consider them scientific. This is due to the reality that the findings of a study may no longer be applicable in specific settings of nursing care. Schreiber (2013, p. 209) agrees that it is through nursing research that up-to-date data and information is applied in health care and decision making. A review of literature reveals that nursing research provides nurses with an opportunity of asking specific questions which are aimed at gaining new knowledge for overcoming challenges in the care process and improving the efficiency and quality of care (Oermann, Turner & Carman, 2014, p. 62). Through a quantitative research design, researchers reveal that the quality of nursing care should be measured by the level into which research findings are integrated or incorporated in clinical decision-making processes (Peterson, Barnason, Riggs & Whiteman, 2014, p. 63).

 

In accordance to Lamb (2013, p. 34), it is through research that nursing practice is expanded to meet the unique needs of diverse patients. Researchers report that cultural awareness and in-depth understanding of the needs of patients is achieved through nursing research (Hutchinson, East, Stasa & Jackson, 2014, p. 118). It is therefore apparent that the accountability of nurses and justification for their decisions is supported by nursing research findings. Nursing research is important in nursing practice because it depicts the reality of the health care environment, as opposed to what is presented in general health care theory (Bruner, Corbett, Gates & Dupler, 2012, p. 68). This illustrates that nursing research prepares nurses for the challenges that they are likely to face in practice and ways through which they can overcome them. Schaffer, Sandau & Diedrick (2013, p. 1197) argue that it is through a high level of participation in research processes and inquiry that nurses are able to apply scientific knowledge and data appropriately within the health care environment. It is in line with this that nurses are encouraged to participate or take part in research activities (Mcdermott, Hathaway & Saunders, 2014, p. 41).

 

Currey, Considine & Khaw (2011, p. 2278) report findings of case studies across the US which demonstrates that nurses face significant dilemmas and challenges in research processes. This includes dilemmas on the kind of methods, designs, analyzes and statistical evidence to employ in research processes. These challenges are overcome through regular participation in research and applying research findings in practice (Bruner, Corbett, Gates & Dupler, 2012, p. 67). Challenges that emanate from the ever-increasing clinical demands in nursing practice are overcome through active engagement in nursing research (Peterson, Barnason, Riggs & Whiteman, 2014, p. 62). Engagement in research activities is important in nursing practice because it removes the barriers and narrows the distance which exist between practitioners and researchers (Hutchinson, East, Stasa & Jackson, 2014, p. 119). The role of practitioners in research activities is enhanced through evidence-based practice. This is important because the experience of nurse practitioners in health care environment puts them at a position of raising vital questions that are purposed at promoting the quality of care (Mcdermott, Hathaway & Saunders, 2014, p. 40).

 

Lubbe & Roets (2014, p. 63) demonstrate that nursing research is applied in the implementation of evidence-based practice. The barriers which face evidence-based practice are therefore overcome through research processes. Qualitative research findings reveal several challenges and barriers in the implementation of evidence-based practice, which can be overcome through active participation of nurses in research activities. These challenges and barriers include lack of adequate knowledge, misconceptions, lack of resources and time, high patient loads, lack of managerial support and organizational constraints (Bruner, Corbett, Gates & Dupler, 2012, p. 65). When nursing research is given due importance and priority within a health care organization, the barriers of evidence-based practice are overcome (Peterson, Barnason, Riggs & Whiteman, 2014, p. 60).

 

According to Schreiber (2013, p. 210), nursing research is applied in meeting the emerging and changing demands in nursing care. Nursing research therefore enables nurses to changing from traditional procedures and practices and become more relevant to the challenges which face the contemporary health care processes (Smith & Crookes, 2012, p. 2587). The reviewed literature agrees that organizational change and positive influence on nursing practice are achieved when more emphasis is laid on research processes. Educational programs within health care organizations, such as training activities, apply nursing research to meet their objectives. Research literature reveals that health care organizations are increasingly appreciating the importance of training nurses on how to conduct research (Hauck, Winsett & Kuric, 2013, p. 665). This includes educational or training programs on research approaches and methods, which make nurses credible researchers.

 

In my future role as a Family Nurse Practitioner, nursing research will allow me to gain experience, understanding and have adequate knowledge on various aspects of care that will make me relevant and effective care provider in the modern society. Schaffer, Sandau & Diedrick (2013, p. 1198) reveal that nursing research allows nurses to gain experience in describing data and information, explaining it and using it to predict occurrences and apply it in promoting the quality of care. Nursing research will allow me to make objective decisions and choices in my future role as a family Nurse Practitioner. Currey, Considine & Khaw (2011, p. 2279) point out that nursing research allows practitioners to use factual data to make choices rather than personal attitudes, values and beliefs.

 

Since the research process is procedural, my participation in nursing research will allow me to become more effective in conducting credible scientific inquiry, which is applicable in solving problems or challenges that Family Nurse Practitioners face. Engaging in nursing research will also allow me to become effective in critiquing evidence on the nursing care processes involving Family Nurse Practitioners. Nurses are able to evaluate and apply scientific evidence more effectively and objectively when they have practical experience in research processes or activities (Mcdermott, Hathaway & Saunders, 2014, p. 41). Participation in nursing research will allow me to determine the sources of reliable and credible evidence or knowledge to enhance my skills and knowledge as a Family Nurse Practitioners. Hauck, Winsett & Kuric  (2013, p. 668) reveal that nurses should be able to discern credible and relevant sources from unreliable sources so that they apply the most appropriate data in implementing evidence based practice.

 

Eizenberg (2011, p. 38) says that nursing knowledge keeps on expanding and changing in order to meet changing demands in health care, such as the application of technology in nursing care. In line with this assertion, I understand that analyzing the importance and application of nursing research is significant for my professional development. The analysis of nursing research processes is the prerequisite to an understanding of the research process, such as designing research questions, objectives and methods (Hutchinson, East, Stasa & Jackson, 2014, p. 117). My understanding and experience in the application of research evidence in decision making is also promoted by my analysis of the concept of nursing research.

 

Nursing knowledge is based on conceptual analyses of theories and frameworks related to the nursing care processes (Peterson, Barnason, Riggs & Whiteman, 2014, p.59). This depicts why it is important for all nurses to understand the research process and therefore apply it effectively in career growth endeavors. I understand that nursing knowledge is built on previous research findings. This understanding allows me to appreciate and apply scientific literature review in conducting research or achieving a deeper understanding of nursing concepts, theories, models and frameworks.

 

The value of research within the field of nursing is irrefutable. This is due to the reality that it is upon research that nursing theory and practice become relevant, evidence based and therefore credible or reliable. Research is important both to nursing practitioners and patients. The quality of care that nurses provide to their patients is enhanced through the application of current research findings. The body of nursing research knowledge is extensive. Nonetheless, it is necessary for nurses to understand how to analyze research findings and review scientific evidence in the process of determining its applicability in solving specific challenges and problems in the care process. Participation in nursing research by all nurses is recommended because it enhances nursing experience and career development endeavors.

 

Bruner, S., Corbett, C., Gates, B., & Dupler, A. (2012). Clinical Significance As It Relates To Evidence-Based Practice. International Journal of Nursing Knowledge, 23(2), 62-74.

Currey, J., Considine, J., & Khaw, D. (2011). Clinical Nurse Research Consultant: A Clinical and Academic Role to Advance Practice and the Discipline of Nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67(10), 2275-2283

Eizenberg, M. (2011). Implementation of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Nurses' Personal and Professional Factors?. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67(1), 33-42

Facchiano, L., & Hoffman, C. (2012). Evidence-Based Practice For The Busy Nurse Practitioner: Part Three: Critical Appraisal Process. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 24(12), 704-715.

Hauck, S., Winsett, R. P., & Kuric, J. (2013). Leadership Facilitation Strategies to Establish Evidence-Based Practice in an Acute Care Hospital. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 69(3), 664-674

Hutchinson, M., East, L., Stasa, H., & Jackson, D. (2014). Deriving Consensus on the Characteristics of Advanced Practice Nursing. Nursing Research, 63(2), 116-128

Lamb, D. (2013). Research in the First Person: Reflection on the Research Experience Using a Research Journal. Market & Social Research, 21(2), 32-39.

Lubbe, J., & Roets, L. (2014). Nurses' Scope of Practice and the Implication for Quality Nursing Care. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 46(1), 58-64.

Mcdermott, S., Hathaway, K., & Saunders, C. (2014). Developing Good Practice for Clinical Research Nurses. Nursing Standard, 28(26), 40-44.

Oermann, M. H., Turner, K., & Carman, M. (2014). Preparing Quality Improvement, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice Manuscripts. Nursing Economic$, 32(2), 57-69.

Peterson, M. H., Barnason, S., Riggs, L., & Whiteman, K. (2014). Choosing The Best Evidence To Guide Clinical Practice: Application Of AACN Levels Of Evidence. Critical Care Nurse, 34(2), 58-68.

Schaffer, M. A., Sandau, K. E., & Diedrick, L. (2013). Evidence-Based Practice Models for Organizational Change: Overview and Practical Applications. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 69(5), 1197-1209.

Schreiber, J. A. (2013). Beyond Evidence-Based Practice-Achieving Fundamental Changes In Research and Practice. Oncology Nursing Forum, 40(3), 208-210

Severinsson, E. (2012). Research Supervision: Supervisory Style, Research-Related Tasks, Importance and Quality - Part 1. Journal of Nursing Management, 20(2), 215-223.

Smith, K. M., & Crookes, P. A. (2012). The Study of Nursing Care Project: Back to the Future for Contemporary Nursing Research?. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(11), 2586-2593.