Research Versus Problem Solving, Coursework Example

Introduction

The nursing profession supports the continued growth and development of research and related principles to advance practice objectives and quality of care. Patients benefit from expanded research protocols that address and solve important problems that impact patients across many populations. It is necessary to consider the different research principles and alternatives that are available to support the continued growth and development of nursing practice as a science. Nursing research, direct patient care, and problem solving must be integrated in a cohesive manner in order to accomplish the desired objectives and to promote consistent and achievable outcomes. Nurses at all levels of experience should become involved in the research process and identify new and existing goals that must be achieved to ensure that patient care quality is subjected to continuous improvement to promote greater quality of life for all patients.

Analysis

Nurses must utilize the resources that are available, combined with practical experience, in order to identify problems that require research-based solutions and outcomes. The utilization of evidence-based scenarios are critical to the success of nursing practice objectives and in supporting the advancement of knowledge within the nursing profession. However, a number of different research methods should be considered to enable nurses to identify problems and develop methods to solve these concerns in an effective and efficient manner that will improve patient outcomes (Burns and Grove, 2010). In this context, it is important to identify areas where growth and development might be observed that will also have a positive impact on patient care and wellbeing by using realistic and practical evidence to support the chosen problem solving techniques (Burns and Grove, 2010). Solving problems in the nursing work environment requires a level of detail and understanding that is acquired over time; therefore, those with greater levels of experience should demonstrate leadership in this capacity to support and guide nurses with lower levels of experience in research (Burns and Grove, 2010).

Nursing and research must also establish cohesive and appropriate research questions upon which hypotheses and methodologies are identified (Wood and Kerr, 2010). From this perspective, nurses must develop research questions that will have a true impact on nursing practice, along with methodologies that will not only be appropriate but also efficient in addressing the problem without delays (Wood and Kerr, 2010). All steps of the research process require a level of focus and commitment that nurses must demonstrate using their practical experience and other factors to ensure that the desired results are achieved that may be applicable to future studies (Wood and Kerr, 2010). Therefore, the integration of nursing research with practical proficiency and know-how is critical in achieving a successful research problem-solving strategy (Wood and Kerr, 2010). Furthermore, ethical principles and other factors must be considered in order to conduct research effectively and exhibit strong and reasonable responsibility throughout the research process (Wood and Kerr, 2010).

In the process of nursing research and problem solving, nursing theories and historical data must also be considered as a means of framing problems and identifying reasonable hypotheses and feasible solutions (Meleis, 2011). Nursing care and treatment also adheres to these principles; therefore, it is expected that nurses will integrate practice methods and tasks into their roles as researchers in an active and engaging manner (Meleis, 2011). Research may be intimidating to some nurses; therefore, it is important to recognize the value of practical experience and how it might be useful in shaping research questions and methodologies to identify possible solutions (Meleis, 2011). Nursing practice must incorporate research-based principles and core values in order to ensure that all possible outcomes are explored to facilitate positive health and wellbeing for all patients, all of which must demonstrate ethically appropriate and responsible decision making (Meleis, 2011).

Finally, utilizing evidence-based principles to identify problems and develop solutions is a critical component of modern nursing research practice (Abbott et.al, 2013). Evidence-based practice offers a contemporary examination into the key factors that contribute to the application of research-based principles to solve problems (Abbott et.al, 2013). Once research projects have been completed, it is the responsibility of nurses to utilize this information in a practical setting in order to advance clinical practice objectives to the next level (Abbott et.al, 2013). This process requires a greater understanding of the research process for the clinical nurse, as well as the ability to apply research and related evidence to common and relevant clinical nursing situations (Abbott et.al, 2013). Each of these factors is critical in supporting the continued growth and development of clinical nursing practice to enable nurses to move to the next level and provide greater quality of care to all patients (Abbott et.al, 2013).

Conclusion

Nursing research and its integration into clinical practice is a complex process that requires an effective understanding of the key principles and strategies in conducting research. It is important for nurses to gain greater involvement in the research process because it provides many potential benefits in advancing practice objectives and in establishing a more cohesive approach to nursing care and treatment. Nurses must identify problems and develop solutions to support quality of care and the ability to expand knowledge to improve the nursing profession as a whole. Research accomplishes these objectives and has a positive and lasting impact on patient care and related outcomes.

References

Abbott, P., Mc Sherry, R., and Simmons, M. (2013). Evidence-informed nursing: a guide for clinical nurses. Routledge.

Burns, N., and Grove, S.K. (2010). Understanding nursing research: building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Meleis, A.I. (2011). Theoretical nursing: development and process. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Wood, M.J., and Ross-Kerr, J. (2010). Basic steps in planning nursing research: from question to proposal. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.