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The UVAHS Professional Nursing Staff Organization The Research Mentor Model |
About the Research Mentor Model
The first step in the development of the Nursing Research Program was to select ‘Research Mentors.' Of critical importance is the ability of these Research Mentors to adapt research methods to methods appropriate to clinical settings. Development of the Mentors' knowledge and skills in guiding unit-based research teams is the role of Program Director Suzi Burns and consultant Dr. Marianne Chulay, and is a major focus of the early implementation phase of the PNSO Research Program.
Research Mentors guide clinical nursing teams using the traditional group facilitation skills of brainstorming, identifying group norms, and identifying common and important patient care issues or problems. Research Mentors guide the identification of the problem and all subsequent research steps. Formal educational sessions are used to teach the Mentors these skills. Perhaps most effective is the individual coaching and guiding offered by Research Mentors. For example, prior to unit team meetings, Research Mentors meet individually with Ms Burns, who helps them practice needed skills. Debriefing follows the meetings and plans for the next session. In this way. Research Mentors are taught step-by-step how to mentor others in the research process. Furthermore, the process assures success.
The Model In Action
Selection of the first group of designated Research Mentors was competitive and support of their Nurse Managers and Administrators was required. Research Mentors were guided by Ms Burns and Dr. Chulay throughout the research process. The first tier implementation of six Research Mentors began in September 2004 with Dr. Chulay. The second tier, with 12 Research Mentors, began mid-January 2005, led by Ms Burns. A new round of Research Mentors was selected in March 2006.
Each Research Mentor developed a clinical research study. Research Mentors then assisted unit-based research teams to develop a research protocol, navigate institutional review groups, carry out data collection, analyze data, and report findings to internal and external professional audiences.
The PNSO is proud of the impressive achievements of the Research Program in its inaugural year. It has strengthened the institutional milieu that encourages and supports clinical inquiry and evidence-based nursing practice. Throughout 2005, 16 Research Mentors guided 130 nurses in 18 research studies to examine important clinical issues. At year's end the studies were in varying stages of completion; some have been adopted into practice and many have been accepted for presentation in professional nursing conferences. Congratulations, Research Mentors and Research Teams!
