Nursing

Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice

Welcome

I have often been asked, "Why is nursing research important?" When I became a registered nurse three decades ago, the focus of our profession was primarily clinical. But our roles have evolved; and we are now considered respected members of the health care team. Research has been the catalyst for many of the positive changes that we have seen in nursing. Previous United States Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona (a physician and former nurse) noted, "...it's always good to have a nurse in your corner!" He stated that the important work of nurses is supported by scientifically significant findings. "Because of nursing research, there is greater recognition of the importance of nursing in the care of the patient." Admiral Carmona reflected on the impact of research in shaping "the future of nursing, and... the future of life." He encouraged us to "Be bold, embrace the unknown, decipher life's mysteries. . . but let the world [we] serve experience [our] awesome feats as [we] compassionately shape the future of nursing!" Scientific inquiry, planned and conducted by nurses, is vital to healthcare. We are poised to make positive differences in the lives of our stakeholders; patients, their loved ones, the community and our fellow health care providers. It has been demonstrated time and time again that data obtained through sound research methods provides the necessary foundation for best practices (evidence-based nursing). It is imperative that we continue to add to the body of nursing knowledge; with our findings substantiated through rigorously-planned research endeavors. Nurse-led research is vital; we must continue to be catalysts in the development of science that enhances the lives of our fellow citizens around the globe. Nursing Research at the Seton Family of Hospitals is... ON THE MOVE!!! Nurses make a positive difference everyday! Together, we can continue to shape the future of nursing and healthcare...through the planning, implementation and dissemination of quality research studies.

Reference: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/news/speeches/ninr09102003.htm

Kenn M. Kirksey, RN, PhD is the director of nursing research for the Seton Family of Hospitals. Prior to joining Seton, Kenn served in a similar capacity at Harris County Hospital District in Houston. Previously, he was tenured professor of nursing, served as graduate and research coordinator at several universities in Texas and California, and taught acute/critical care and research for two decades.

Nursing Research Fellowship

The Seton Family of Hospitals Center for Nursing Research and The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing offer collaborative research classes twice each year. The initiative was formed to:

• Support Seton nurses (both direct care providers and nurse administrators) in establishing basic research competence;
• Provide consultation on research design, proposal and grant development, and the approval process for human subjects protection;
• Provide support with data management, statistical analysis, and editing manuscripts/research abstracts; and
• Assist in procurement of research funding from external sources.

Faculty are available for consultation with research fellows regarding all aspects of scientific inquiry, including: methodology, procurement of valid and reliable instruments for data collection, preparation of institutional review board (IRB) applications, and statistical analyses. Seton Family of Hospitals has three librarians available (at Brackenridge Hospital, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, and Seton Medical Center-Austin) to assist nursing staff in locating references and other necessary resources.

At the completion of the course, it is anticipated that fellows have the basic research knowledge to complete the IRB application, engage in data collection, and disseminate study results (e.g., podium/poster presentations and peer-reviewed journals).

Nursing Research/Evidence-Based Practice Seminars

Seminars addressing a variety of research and evidence-based practice (EBP) topics are offered by the Center for Nursing Research and the Clinical Research Department. Examples of topics include: introduction to basic research principles; grant writing; & manuscript and research proposal preparation.

Nursing Research Council

The purpose of the Nursing Research Council (NRC) is to provide a defined infrastructure to support nursing research, advance nursing practice and further the implementation of evidence-based practice. The council provides support for nurses to identify and investigate nursing problems, conduct scientific inquiry, analyze and evaluate data, and implement and apply research findings. The NRC assesses nurses' challenges and barriers to initiating, conducting and participating in research. At monthly meetings, initiatives are discussed and reviewed in an effort to raise awareness among staff nurses of the importance of evidence-based practice and research.

Nursing Grand Rounds

In 2007, the inaugural Nursing Grand Round lecture was presented by Marthe J. Moseley, PhD, RN, CCRN, CCNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Critical Care at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. The presentation was co-sponsored by the Nursing Research Council at Seton and the Epsilon Theta chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. In April 2008, nurse scientist Marcia Ryder, presented information on biofilm and in May 2008, Ascension Health Vice President of Clinical Excellence operations and system Chief Nursing Officer Ann Hendrich, gave an update on her time and motion research. The goals of Nursing Grand Rounds are to provide nurses with exposure to leading nurse scholars and to present information that supports initiatives in our nursing strategic plan. In addition to Seton nurses, nursing faculty, students and community nurses are invited to attend. Nursing Grand Rounds will continue on a quarterly basis in 2008.