Integrating Research into Practice: How nurses in Wisconsin use research to ensure best practice

Nurse researchers in children's hospitals

Little is known about the role of nurse researchers (NRs) and the structure of nursing research programs in children's hospitals in the United States. This descriptive study obtained survey data from 33 NRs. Data suggest that the NR role is emerging and has both commonalities and unique components when compared with the previous studies of NRs in adult hospitals. Most participants have been in their position for less than 4 years. Conducting research, having staff development related to research, and facilitating evidence-based practice or research were common responsibilities. The structure of nursing research programs impacts both the NRs and the program outcomes.

Barriers to research use in the PACU

To advance the growth of perianesthesia research and promote research-guided patient care, PACU nurses must use research findings in practice. The purpose of this survey was to explore the perceived barriers to research use in a specific PACU setting so that strategies could be planned to improve research use. The greatest perceived barriers related to attributes of the organization. This is an area that nurse leaders can affect by building the infrastructure needed for nurses to develop skill and knowledge related to research use.

Research in the community hospital

Research is an essential component in professional nursing practice. Although nursing research efforts have increased, there is little evidence of a consistent infrastructure within the community hospital to promote research utilization and the conduct of nursing research. There are multiple mechanisms for nurse administrators to support research efforts in the community hospital. We discuss the value of research and research utilization in the community hospital and suggest some practical strategies for nurse administrators to support research efforts.