1. Define nursing research?

According to Polit and Hungler, it is a systematic search for knowledge about issues of importance
to nursing. While Henderson defines it as a study of the problems in practice relating to the effects of
nursing.
[PPT]Nursing Research Definitions

2. What is the importance of nursing research?

It is a vital component to the health care field. Nursing research helps implement new changes in
the lifelong care of individuals and is used to develop treatments that provide the most optimum
level of care. Nursing research encompasses a holistic approach and views the treatment of the
patient, family members, and caregiver as whole. By developing healing methods that focus the
whole community involved in the patient's care, there is a greater level of effectiveness when new
techniques are implemented. By utilizing this holistic approach, enhance quality of care and the
patient will receive the best care. Nursing research strengthen the profession by generating
knowledge through scientific studies. Through evidence-based nursing, cost- effective care can be
rendered to clients. Research results will help to provide answers to guide practitioner in the
decision-making process. It enables the administrator to take prompt decisions on health-related
problems. It is essential for molding attitudes, intellectual competencies and technical skills.

https://www.slideshare.net/aneez103/historical-evolution-of-nursing-research
www.researchinfoonline.com/nursing-research.html

3. What are the roles of nurses in research?

The research nurse’s job is complex, varied and interesting. Although the principal investigator (PI)
has ultimate responsibility for any study, it is often research nurses who coordinate its day-to-day
management. This means leadership and organizational skills and a flexible and adaptable approach
are vital. Since the nurses may at times work alone, they also need to be able to prioritize and to
make decisions. As Poston and Buescher explain, research nurses are at the fulcrum of clinical trials.
They not only need a comprehensive understanding of the specialty in which they are working, but
also an extensive knowledge of the research process and research-related legislation. In addition,
they need a variety of computer-based skills, especially in the use of word processing, spreadsheets,
database and presentation software, and the ability to undertake internet searches. The many duties
of a research nurse include preparing trial protocols and other trial-related documentation,
submitting study proposals for regulatory approval, and coordinating the initiation, management and
completion of the research. Ensuring patients give fully informed consent before being enrolled to
trials is fundamental to the role. This encapsulates screening for potential participants at outpatient
clinics and multidisciplinary team meetings, making sure patients are given all the information they
need and that they fully understand the purpose of the study, any potential risks and benefits and
what will happen to them if they agree to participate. It must also be made clear to patients that
they do not have to participate and are free to withdraw at any time without it affecting their
treatment or care in any way. For this, nurses need an ability to give clear explanations, along with
excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Research nurses may also act as teachers, mentors
and advisors to other health professionals, or to give presentations at conferences and other
meetings.

https://www.nursingtimes.net/roles/nurse-educators/the-role-of-the-research-
nurse/5029014.article
4. Describe the evolution of nursing research.
Nursing research first begun during the time of Florence Nightingale, described her early interest
in environmental factors that promote physical and emotional well-being.
During the 1940s, government-initiated studies of nursing education continued, spurred on by the
high demand for nursing personnel during World War II. An increase in the number of nurses with
advanced degrees, the establishment of a research center at the Walter Reed Army Institution of
Research, increased availability of funding and the inception of the American Nurses' Foundation-
which is devoted to the promotion of nursing research-provided impetus to nursing during this
period.
In the 1960s, nursing leaders began to express concern about the dearth of research in nursing
practice.
By the 1970s, the growing number of nursing studies and discussions of theoretical and
contextual issues created the need for additional communication outlets. During the 1970s, there
was a change in emphasis in nursing research from areas such as teaching and nurses themselves
to improvements in client care- signifying a growing awareness by nurses of the need for an
evidence base from which to practice.
During the 1970s, there was a change in emphasis in nursing research from areas such as teaching
and nurses themselves to improvements in client care. Nursing research also expanded
internationally.
The 1980s brought nursing research to a new level of development. More attention was paid to
the types of questions being asked, the methods of collecting and analyzing information being
used, the linking of research to theory and the utilization of research findings in practice.
Nursing science came into its maturity in the United States during the 1990s. Funding for nursing
research has also grown.  Several journals were established in the 1990s.

https://www.slideshare.net/aneez103/historical-evolution-of-nursing-research

5. Identify the purposes of nursing research.

a.) to increase knowledge in the field, thus laying the basic foundations for the practice of patient
care.
b.) to build up evidence for such practice
c.) to contribute to the attention of the population’s need for health, quality of life and wellbeing
d.) to guide efficiency in health and nursing services, ensuring quality and cost-benefit
e.) to generate the knowledge that guides educational and regulatory policies in the nursing
profession

https://www.slideshare.net/aneez103/historical-evolution-of-nursing-research