What Type of Research Do Nurses Have to Do?

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Nursing research is required to find and offer evidence that supports nursing practices. Basically, nursing is an area of practice that is based on evidence and nursing research simply rationalizes the nursing interventions. For example, in case of malpractices, the research and evidence and the ones that state whether or not a nurse acted legally and reasonably.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research

The qualitative research is focused on ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology and other parameters that cannot be measured. This type of research will analyze the patients’ and the nurses’ experiences and will be based on what nursing means for a certain individual. The qualitative research makes use of methods such as focus groups, case studies and interviews.

The quantitative research is focused on the measurable outcomes obtained from those delivering or receiving the nursing care. It mainly uses statistics and the randomized controlled trial is the primary research method.

When Science Blends with Nursing

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nursing research is characterized by a rigorous scientific inquiry whose purposes are to positively impact the people’s lives, shape the health policy and advance the nursing practices. Through a holistic perspective, the nurse researchers use a translational, interdisciplinary, and bio behavioral approach to study the communities, families and individuals. The priorities involved by the nursing research are the advancement in qualitative health care and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. At the same time, this practice is striving to demonstrate that professional nursing must be based on research.

The Nursing Research Areas

Nursing research incorporates various areas and domains based on scientific inquiry. These areas are: nursing education research, outcomes and health systems research and clinical research. Nursing education research examines the way the students learn the discipline and practice of nursing. At the same time, it searches for new methods and practices to improve the educational strategies and curriculum, so it can prepare more professional scientists and clinicians.

The outcomes and health systems research is focused on studying the costs, quality and availability of the national and global health care services. Also, it looks for new strategies to improve the appropriateness and effectiveness of the health services and clinical practice provided by the health care professionals, including the nurses.

Finally, the clinical research uses behavioral, biological and various other investigations to offer the scientific basis and responses required for proper care of the individuals. This type of research is practiced in every setting that provides nursing services.

Nurse Researchers

Nursing research is normally conducted by professionals known as nurse researchers. These scientists will examine and provide the results to all types of nursing research mentioned above. They will not only report the results and analyze the data, but they will also design the studies.

Nurse researchers may not work directly with the patients, but their profession will still be rewarding, as their findings may directly impact and influence the lives of both the medical staff and the patients. This is a promising career for students willing to exert themselves academically.