Nursing research

Nursing research is the term used to describe the evidence used to support nursing practice. Nursing research supports all of these priorities because it focuses on individual behaviors and choices that people can make every day to prevent illnesses and injury.
Nursing research falls largely into two areas:

1. Quantitative research, is based in the paradigm of logical positivism and is focused upon outcomes for clients that are measurable, generally using statistics. The dominant research method is the randomised controlled trial.
2. Qualitative research, is based in the paradigm of phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography and others, and examines the experience of those receiving or delivering the nursing care, focusing, in particular, on the meaning that it holds for the individual. The research methods most commonly used are interviews, case studies, focus groups and ethnography.

The Nurse's role in Research

• Identify clinical problems suitable for nursing research.
• Participate in data collection.
• participate in a unit, organizzation or community research committee or program.
• Share research activities with others.
• Conduct independent or collaborative research.
• Critique research for application on practice.
• Use research findings in the development of policies, procedures and guidelines for client care.