Knowledge Gained Of A Personal Reflection Paper

Parahoo, K (2014). Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues. 3rd ed. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillian . p122 - 123.

A1. The nursing profession has evolved significantly over the decades. One of the factors that have greatly influenced these changes has been the involvement of nurses in the development of theories and data base needed to support the advancement of our profession. In the last half of the twentieth century, nurse researchers (1950s) and nurse theorists (1960s and 1970s) greatly contributed to the expanding body of nursing knowledge with their studies of nursing practice and the development of nursing models and theories (American Nurses Association, 2010, p. 16). Like in any other research activity, a special set of

“Applied Nursing Research presents original, peer-reviewed research findings clearly and directly for clinical applications in all nursing specialties” (Applied Nursing Research, n.d., p. 1).

Discovering new information applicable to the field of nursing begins by asking a focused clinical research question. According to Stone (2002), asking the appropriate question is essential for the research process that follows. Although there are countless nursing problems that are worth investigating, it is imperative to narrow the focus of the problems so they can be empirically tested (Adams, 2012). Personal clinical experience, professional literature, previous research, and current nursing theories are a few examples of sources where research questions can be identified (Adams, 2012). The purpose of this paper is to explain the connection between research and evidence-based practice, discuss how

Nursing improves when Evidence Based Research findings can be utilized and implemented by nurses in their daily practice. J. Dracup (2006) stated what some nurses had identified as barriers to Evidence Based Research, namely: “accessibility of research findings, anticipated outcomes of using research, organizational support to use research, and support from others to use research.” Dracup believed that “evidence-based practice must include an assessment of the available resources” since the cost of implementation is yet another barrier and “will not be adopted if resources are insufficient to incorporate them into the daily routine” nursing care. G. Mitchell (1999) raised “ the lack of sufficient meaningful research” as an additional barrier.

In addition to the basic nursing practice education the baccalaureate nursing practice incorporates the roles of assessing, critical thinking, communication, providing care, teaching and leading. (Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy) There is an additional model of nursing research and management. This additional model prepares the baccalaureate level nurse for a broader scope of practice and enhances the student’s professional development. This research assists them in improving the quality of care that is given to the

According to Gale and Schaffer (2009) explains that nursing comprises autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, well or sick and in all settings. Nurses promote health, prevent illnesses and care for the sick and disabled people. Other roles of nurses include promotion of a safe environment, participation in shaping health policies, research and system management (Gale & Schaffer, 2009). Research is important in nursing because it validates and refines exiting knowledge and generates new knowledge. According to Newhouse (2007) nursing research helps build an evidence-based practice for nursing. EBP in turn contributes evidence to the effective care of patients. Studies have supported the conclusion that patient outcomes are substantially improved when health care is based on evidence from well-defined studies versus tradition or clinical expertise and opinions alone. The ultimate goal of nursing is therefore an evidence-based practice that promotes quality, cost effective outcomes for patients, families, healthcare providers and the healthcare system (Closson, 2005; Salbach, Jaglal, Korner-Bitensky, Rappolt & Davis, 2007). EBP evolves from the integration of the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient needs and values (Aarons, Wells, Zagursky, Fettes & Palinkas,

Burn, N and Groves, S.K (2005) The Practice of Nursing Research. (6th edition), Elservier, Missouri 63146

The John Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model describes how practice, education and research are the foundation for professional nursing. Practice is first, nurses need to question the basis of their practice and utilize an evidenced based approach to validate or change their current practice. Next is education, nurses’ education is basic in the beginning however with ongoing education nurses are able to gain new knowledge and skills throughout their careers. Finally is research, research generates new information for the nursing profession and allows for improvement of practice based on scientific evidence and research. (Dearholt & Dang 2012, p. 34-40).

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) outlines fundamental essentials for the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) student to further develop and advance the nursing profession. DNP Essential III, Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice, focuses on the importance of translating research into clinical practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2006). Evidence-based practice is the hallmark goal of research studies and DNP graduates are in a position to assist in the generation of new knowledge and affect evidence-based practice (EBP) from the practice arena (Chism, 2013). In order for research to be translated into practice, the data collected, analyzed and interpreted needs to be the result of proper use and translation of the statistics utilized throughout studies.

In order to do this, we need to understand how the research process works, so we can better understand the results. Conducting evidence-based practice or promoting evidence-based practice is important for the graduate level nurse, in my opinion. Providing the best evidence for clinical decisions is essential in delivering appropriate patient interventions.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduates function in the role of transferring the knowledge to practice. This article reports on the development of a DNP-level EBP course to help students evaluate and apply research findings to clinical practice. (Moore, E. R., & Watters, R., 2013). The DNP

Nursing research has been a part of nursing practice for many years, consisting of both qualitative and quantitative research; it is essential in guiding nursing practice. Many nurses have a baseline understanding of research in general, but it is important for the researcher to understand their own values and beliefs when determining the type of research they will be performing. By understanding the differences between epistemology, methodology, and methods, the researcher can confidently conduct a valid research project.

Houser, J. (2012). Nursing research: reading, using, and creating evidence. (2nd ed.). Boston: Jones & Bartlett.

Furthering nursing research is essential, as it forms the basis for evidence-based practice in healthcare today. With this in mind, developing the skills to critically appraise research articles is of the utmost importance in order to determine the relevance of research findings for clinical practice. As I pursue a doctorate degree in nursing practice, I am reminded of the necessity of these skills. Thus, in the following paragraphs, I will reflect on the research goals I developed at the beginning of the Critique and Design of Nursing Research course, and will discuss my views on the role of the graduate nurse in regard to