Nursing research

Abstract

Nursing theory and education are recognised as the main contributors to the development of an accountable and professional nurse in the healthcare environment. Research is also recognised by healthcare professionals as being equally important in influencing practice by informing decisions about the delivery of care to clients and their families. Today's evidence-based nursing practice integrates education, theory, practice and the findings from research to provide quality healthcare. Nurses are also acknowledging the need to develop skills in critically appraising research literature to enable consideration of its application to clinical practice (Schneider et a1 2007). The purpose of this chapter is to enable enrolled nurses (ENs) to develop an appreciation of the significance of research to them as nurse practitioners. It introduces the principles of nursing research, basic components of a research proposal, guidelines to critiquing a research article and an overview of both qualitative and quantitative research.