Nursing is a demanding and rewarding profession that offers opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
Conducting research is an important part of nursing programs for various reasons. It helps nurses to keep up to date with the latest developments in their field, and it allows them to contribute to the body of knowledge that is used to inform nursing practice.
Research in nursing programs gives nurses the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge, which can be used to improve patient care. From new treatments to preventative care protocols, the findings of research studies help shape the way that nurses practice.
What is nursing research?
Nursing research is the process of gathering information about the patient population and how their health relates to a particular disease, illness or condition. Nurses who want to become experts in their field will often spend years with their head in textbooks or computer screens.
For travel nurses, conducting research offers the opportunity to learn about new areas and populations. When researching a particular area or community, you learn about the availability of healthcare services and the health concerns that impact the local community.
The future of nursing research for online programs
The future of nursing research is bright, with the number of nursing project opportunities increasing every year. There has never been a better time to be an aspiring researcher in nursing through online schools, as you can now gain access to a range of opportunities that will help you develop your skills.
For instance, pursuing a DNP from Wilkes University will give you a chance to develop new skills and knowledge, which you may be able to use to improve patient care. From new treatments to preventative care protocols, the findings of research studies here will help shape the way that you practice as a nurse.
Scientific inquiry in research
Although doctors and nurses work independently, most of the scientific research in nursing is done together.
According to the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing), there are three key classifications of research:
- Nursing education research: Nursing education research is a field of inquiry that examines all aspects of nursing education. This includes the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs and initiatives for nurses, with the ultimate goal to improve the quality of nursing education and ensure that nurses are best prepared to meet the challenges of the health care system.
- Clinical research: Clinical research in nursing is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that focuses on the improvement of health care by studying the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of interventions. Its goals are to promote optimal care, reduce the risk of harmful care, and improve patient outcomes.
- Health systems and outcomes research: Health systems and outcomes research is a field of inquiry that focuses on the study of health systems, health care outcomes, and patient-centered outcomes relevant to nursing.
Significance of nursing research
In order to provide the best possible care, nurses must keep up with the latest research and treatments. All nurses should be able to conduct research as a routine part of their practice and be able to interpret results in a meaningful way, regardless of what area of nursing they practice.