Nursing Research Program
For Further Information:
Background
The purpose of the PNSO Nursing Research Program is to develop basic research skills in staff nurses while, at the same time, generating new knowledge for the profession. The goals of the Nursing Research Program are to:
- develop a research-based nursing culture by training selected clinicians as research mentors;
- develop an infrastructure that supports the evolution and growth of a nursing research program and nurses who do clinical research;
- improve nursing practice by disseminating the results of the studies; and
- recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of nurse researchers.
Outcomes
The PNSO tracks and applauds outcomes of the Nursing Research Program which influence practice changes at UVAHS. We also celebrate the many contributions to national and international nursing practice achieved by publication of our clinicians' findings.
Outcomes of unit-based research programs go well beyond the expansion of the number of research projects being conducted within the nursing department. Clinicians who are involved in a unit-based research project:
- expand their skills in clinical inquiry, writing, communication, and formal presentations;
- increase their clinical knowledge and move beyond competence in their specialty area of practice;
- experience what it means to be a professional nurse and to take responsibility for their nursing practice; and
- gain a high level of recognition for their research efforts.
Managerial and administrative outcomes associated with the unit-based research model include:
- improved patient outcomes and cost savings;
- a high level of research productivity, ensuring compliance with research standards of nursing organizations;
- increased regional and national visibility of the practice area and the Health System, leading to increased recruitment of nurses to the facility; and
- reductions in staff turnover.
