Nurses’ Perception of Research Utilization, Coursework Example

Introduction

A study by McCloskey (2008) addresses the significance of nurses and their perceptions of research utilization as observed in a corporate health system with the type of resources that are available. The study reflects upon the need for a specific set of resources that capture different elements and support research-based initiatives for nurses within a given work environment (McCloskey, 2008). The study also explores the importance of different factors as they influence nurses with different experience and education levels, as nurses with many years of experience are more likely to be accepted for their contributions to the research environment (McCloskey, 2008). This study identifies some of the challenges that nurses face as they attempt to expand research within the work environment, given the limitations regarding resources and the ability to be successful and well-respected in this area of focus (McCloskey, 2008). The study captures the essence of nursing research and its impact on practice settings, experience, knowledge, and support for nurses (McCloskey, 2008).

Analysis

From an evidence-based practice perspective, nurses are critical in identifying best practice solutions in order to achieve greater patient outcomes (McCloskey, 2008). These factors are instrumental in establishing a tone for research in nursing practice, including the level of knowledge that is required to conduct research studies, analyze data, and interpret results effectively (McCloskey, 2008). These contributions are critical in evaluating the potential success of nursing research and its applicability to practice settings (McCloskey, 2008). Research utilization is a particularly challenging process because it includes many different factors that must effectively balance each other in order to achieve the desired outcomes (McCloskey, 2008).

The study employed a quantitative and descriptive design using a survey instrument to evaluate nurses’ perceptions of research and its impact on nursing practice (McCloskey, 2008). The Research Utilization Questionnaire addressed a number of areas, including education and years of work experience (McCloskey, 2008). The study sought to understand whether or not research utilization (the dependent variable) was influenced by such factors as education and level of experience (the independent variables) (McCloskey, 2008). The response rate to the research study was relatively low; however, it provided useful input regarding the perceptions of research within the corporate healthcare environment (McCloskey, 2008). The study results represent a number of key differences between nurse perspectives regarding research as related to education and level of experience (McCloskey, 2008). Generally, those with advanced education are likely to embrace research more openly than those who do not have an advanced degree (McCloskey, 2008). As a result, it is important to demonstrate the value of research and its role in the nursing environment as a means of expanding evidence-based knowledge and practice (McCloskey, 2008).

The utilization of research in nursing practice is generally a challenging phenomenon that has been difficult to embrace from many perspectives (Squires et.al, 2011). When nurses are provided with an environment that supports their continued growth, education, and exploration, it is likely that they will improve their perceptions of research accordingly, and expand their knowledge of research principles (Squires, 2011). However, nurses with a more open and accepting approach to nursing research remain likely to consider the role of research in their practice settings (Squires, 2011). Measuring research utilization is a difficult task because the term itself may be difficult to understand (Estabrooks et.al, 2011). However, this concept becomes easier to understand when there is sufficient and convincing evidence that research has a important role in nursing practice settings (Estabrooks et.al, 2011).

Research utilization in nursing practice remains an important step in the discovery of new challenges and techniques to improve practice settings. Some might argue that there are specific factors that are puzzling to nurses in regards to research, particularly because the role and impact of research on nursing practice is often poorly understood (Matthew-Maich et.al, 2010). Therefore, it is difficult for nurses to recognize the theoretical basis for research and its impact on patient care outcomes, even though these factors influence evidence-based practice in a positive manner (Matthew-Maich et.al, 2010). It is necessary that nurses address these challenges and consider how research utilization might play an important role in shaping patient outcomes, the delivery of care, and the quality of treatment that is provided (Matthew-Maich et.al, 2010). Any stigma that exists against nursing research must be addressed as early as possible in order to accomplish the desired research objectives (Matthew-Maich et.al, 2010).

Conclusion

The article by McCloskey supports the belief that there are significant factors associated with the utilization of research in nursing practice. Education and level of experience are two key measurements that are explored in order to determine how research is integrated into nursing practice, and perceptions often appear to fall within the scope of research as a positive influence on nursing practice for nurses with higher levels of experience and education. These factors are critical in the development of new strategies that are designed to improve patient outcomes and to identify research projects that might be beneficial to nurses and their contributions to the healthcare system. These factors are essential to the delivery of care and to the creation of new ideas and approaches to support research and related outcomes.

References

Estabrooks, C. A., Squires, J. E., Strandberg, E., Nilsson?Kajermo, K., Scott, S. D., Profetto?McGrath, J., … & Wallin, L. (2011). Towards better measures of research utilization: a collaborative study in Canada and Sweden. Journal of advanced nursing, 67(8), 1705-1718.

Matthew?Maich, N., Ploeg, J., Jack, S., & Dobbins, M. (2010). Transformative learning and research utilization in nursing practice: a missing link?. Worldviews on Evidence?Based Nursing, 7(1), 25-35.

McCloskey, D. J. (2008). Nurses’ perceptions of research utilization in a corporate health care system. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 40(1), 39-45.

Squires, J. E., Estabrooks, C. A., Gustavsson, P., & Wallin, L. (2011). Individual determinants of research utilization by nurses: a systematic review update. Implement Sci, 6(1), 1-20.