Questions regarding significance of nursing research

[SCNRN]

Hello all,

I honestly do not know any nurses with a Masters degree (I am a newer nurse) that I can ask these questions to, especially in the time frame that I need, so any help you can give me is greatly appreciated.

I am in an RN to BSN program, currently taking my Research course and the assignment is to interview a Masters prepared nurse (due next week already and class just started this week).

What are your views on the significance of nursing research?

How have you acquired the knowledge that directs your practice?

What are some specific examples of how research has impacted current nursing practice as well as your current practice?

How do you use research in your current practice?

How do you apply the research?

Please include a little background on yourself like how long you have been a nurse, what your educational path has been, and what is your specialty.

THANK YOU!!!!!

[ACute RN]

I have been a RN for 5 years. I graduated from a hospital-based diploma program, completed a RN to BSN program, and will be finished with a MSN in nursing education in 2 months. I have worked in medical/surgical and oncology, both inpatient and outpatient. Also, I teach junior level BSN students in the clinical setting.

What are your views on the significance of nursing research?

I think nursing research is a very important aspect of our profession. It helps to build an evidence-based practice that allows us to provide the best possible care to our patients.

How have you acquired the knowledge that directs your practice?

Through nursing school, of course! I received a basic foundation of knowledge from my diploma program and have learned the rest of what I know through mentors, reading nursing journals, attending conferences, and professional education. Most of this information is based upon current evidence-based practice from nursing research.

What are some specific examples of how research has impacted current nursing practice as well as your current practice?

One prime example is the management of neutropenic fever. We have found, through research, that the timing of initial doses of antibiotics profoundly affects morbidity and mortality. Where I previously worked, our goal was to hang the first antibiotic within 1 hour of admission (either from ER or direct). There is significant evidence that supports this practice and shows that it keeps patients out of septic shock and away from the ICU. As a result, RN's began treating antibiotics like emergency drugs. There was a decrease in the amount of these patients sent to the ICU for sepsis and septic shock as well.

How do you use research in your current practice?

I bring what I have learned to my nurse manager and suggest that we sumbit authorization for a trial on our unit. If it doesn't need the approval of the IRB, it's pretty much a guarantee that she is a go for it. If it requires IRB approval, then we have to involve our research team. If we like the new way... we keep it!

How do you apply the research?

You can apply research in many ways... You can suggest things to a physician... You can approach a situation differently... You can be an advocate for change in your workplace...

[SCNRN]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. :redbeathe