Applying New Knowledge, Coursework Example

Introduction

Throughout this course, I have acquired new knowledge that will support my continued growth as a nurse and in my future career endeavors. With the use of the textbook, I have become increasingly familiar with the key principles of nursing research and the types of studies that are conducted, such as systematic reviews, meta-synthesis, and integrative reviews (Burns and Grove, 2011). Combined with the knowledge regarding qualitative versus quantitative studies, it is important to recognize the value of these studies and their overall impact on nursing practice. I have learned that the evidence that is derived from many of these studies represents an opportunity to explore new directions in nursing practice that will improve the nursing environment, enable nurses to provide high quality care and treatment, and also demonstrate their knowledge of evidence to improve practice, both now and in the future.

Analysis

With this course, I have obtained greater insight regarding how nurses conduct research and the reasons why research is necessary to begin with. Nursing research is often difficult to conduct without a clear and concise idea that is grounded in theory; furthermore, this process is often prohibitive on the basis of inadequate resources to conduct research projects (Brown et.al, 2010). As a result, it is not always possible to identify possible frameworks that might have a positive impact on nursing-related outcomes and the ability to provide patients with care and treatment that is derived from practical evidence (Brown et.al, 2010). In spite of these limitations, however, nurses must continue to explore the boundaries of research, perhaps on a smaller scale until they are able to obtain the resources that are necessary to apply these skills in larger settings (Brown et.al, 2010). This context supports the identification of smaller-scale research projects for novice researchers, which will build confidence and provide additional insight towards the discovery of new ideas to frame larger research studies in the future (Brown et.al, 2010).

Nursing research is on a continuous mission to improve practice settings and patient wellbeing. Evidence-based practice is one area where many nurses are unfamiliar because some ideas or concepts might not yet be proven effective in large population groups and therefore, many nurses are unwilling to adopt these principles (Majid et.al, 2011). It is necessary for nurses to obtain the proper background and knowledge of evidence-based practice and the research methods that contribute to these studies so that the comfort level associated with research-based concepts is expanded to new levels (Majid et.al, 2011). Research does not live in a vacuum; rather, it is applied to existing practice settings on a regular basis; as a result, it is the responsibility of nurses to recognize the benefits of this knowledge in order to improve practice settings and provide a framework for success in the research environment (Majid et.al, 2011). Increased familiarity with research-based principles, methods, and studies is likely to have a positive impact on nurses and their ability to explore new directions within their careers and improve quality of care (Majid et.al, 2011).

The perception of nursing research and evidence-based practice continues to evolve throughout healthcare environments, and research evidence is gaining a greater level of respect in many organizations (Heiwe et.al, 2011). However, the attitudes and beliefs of many nurses continue to exhibit skepticism regarding nursing research because it is not entirely proven in many circles (Heiwe et.al, 2011). Nonetheless, its application in many environments cannot be denied and must be addressed as a means of evaluating new methods to improve quality of care for patients that is grounded in factual evidence (Heiwe et.al, 2011). A shift in culture, thought, and perception regarding nursing research must be achieved so that nurses are aware of the opportunities that research has to offer in both qualitative and quantitative studies, along with the misconceptions regarding research that currently exist (Heiwe et.al, 2011). Once nurses recognize the value and power of research as part of their practice settings, they are likely to become more accepting of these opportunities and pursue them not only as a learning tool, but as a means of improving practice, one step at a time (Heiwe et.al, 2011).

Conclusion

This course has provided me with many positive perceptions regarding nursing research and its ability to change the course of nursing practice. In this context, I am more confident with my knowledge regarding research methods, as I have learned many new approaches to practice that I had not recognized in the past. The information provided in the course also supports my ability to be successful in the future in my professional exploration of nursing research. I believe that my knowledge base has been expanded through this course, and I have been provided with a framework for achieving excellence in my own standards of practice, particularly evidence-based practice. I am confident that I will apply the theories that I have learned as a means of expanding my knowledge of research and evidence-based practice in the future. I have also recognized that I possess the ability to expand my clinical decision-making skills using the evidence that is available so that my practice methods are aligned with the needs of my patients. These factors are essential to the discovery of my own research ideas and concepts that might be explored in future studies.  I am more confident in my research knowledge and my ability to incorporate research in some capacity into my future career endeavors. This course enriched my knowledge and provided me with a framework for success that continues to grow as my ideas expand and my practice objectives are identified, and I believe that will make a positive and meaningful contribution to nursing practice in the future.

References

Brown, C. E., Ecoff, L., Kim, S. C., Wickline, M. A., Rose, B., Klimpel, K., & Glaser, D.

(2010). Multi?institutional study of barriers to research utilisation and evidence?based practice among hospital nurses. Journal of clinical nursing, 19(13?14), 1944-1951.

Burns, N., and Grove, S.K. (2011). Understanding Nursing Research, 5^th Edition. Saunders.

Majid, S., Foo, S., Luyt, B., Zhang, X., Theng, Y. L., Chang, Y. K., & Mokhtar, I. A. (2011).

Adopting evidence-based practice in clinical decision making: nurses’ perceptions, knowledge, and barriers. Journal of the Medical Library Association: JMLA, 99(3), 229.

Majid, S., Foo, S., Luyt, B., Zhang, X., Theng, Y. L., Chang, Y. K., & Mokhtar, I. A. (2011).

Adopting evidence-based practice in clinical decision making: nurses’ perceptions, knowledge, and barriers. Journal of the Medical Library Association: JMLA, 99(3), 229.