Nursing research offers a great deal of opportunity for
discovery, innovation and pioneering work in a variety of
healthcare settings. Nurses use research to deliver evidence-
based care that supports quality health outcomes for
patients, families, communities and healthcare institutions.
Nurses may also use research to influence healthcare policy
in direct patient care, within an institution, or even at
community, state and federal levels. Nurses may be involved
in conducting, using and teaching research.
The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) has been in
existence for 30 years, building the scientific foundation for
nursing practice. Using numerous philosophical and theory-
based methods, and varied methodologies, nursing research
centers on the platform to
1
:
• Construct the scientific groundwork for clinical practice
• Prevent disease and disability
• Control and eliminate symptoms triggered by disease
• Augment end-of-life and palliative care
How does one begin to participate in research activities?
One way to start is to look at practice. Is it evidence based?
Is it up to date? When evidence-based content is assimilated
into the workplace regularly as part of everyday practice
and workflow, nurses are encouraged to improve patient
care and outcomes, while decreasing liability. The University
of Iowa has developed evidence-based practice (EBP)
guidelines, which provide fast and uncomplicated access
to care models developed by skilled researchers and are
endorsed by experts.
2
Several years ago, as our institution was on the road to
magnet designation, an opportunity to conduct
research surfaced. What, do research? I was a direct
patient care provider, not a nurse with a doctorate!
What did I know about research? Nevertheless, we
explored the path, evaluating our practice of patient
education. Using the Ask Me 3 principles, initially
developed by the Partnership of Clearer Communication,
we explored these three questions in our practice with heart
failure (HF) patients
3
:
1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do this?
The results were eye opening. Principles were taught, but
the patients did not get it! What was wrong? I taught, but
they did not get it… why? The content was there, however,
something was wrong. The simple, first-time research study
using the Ask Me 3 demonstrated a flawed practice — mine.
I taught, but did not reach the patient where they were at.
Months later, a book, entitled "Real Stories of Nursing
Research: The Quest for Magnet Recognition,"
4
was
published. The book describes how nurses in clinical practice
can conquer anxiety and conduct nursing research that
influences and enhances patient care. Advice from librarians,
statisticians and Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviewers
help coach the reader and make the research experience
easier. The book tackles conquering fears of research and is
an excellent resource for any nurse who is in the beginning
phase of research, or any hospital seeking magnet status. So,
choose a topic and start on the road to inquiry!
References
1. The National Institute of Nursing Research website. https://www.ninr.nih.gov/. Accessed
September 3, 2015.
2. University of Iowa College of nursing website. http://www.nursing.uiowa.edu/excellence/
evidence-based-practice-guidelines. Accessed September 5, 2015.
3. Ask Me 3. National Patient Safety Foundation website. http://www.npsf.org/?page=askme3.
Accessed September 5, 2015.
4. Kirkpatrick-McLaughlin MK, Bulla SA. Real Stories of Nursing Research: The Quest for Magnet
Recognition. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2010.
A A H F N . O R G | 1 9
E D I T O R I A L B O A R D C O L U M N
RESEARCH AT THE BEDSIDE: INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW
Jean M. Mau, DNP, MSN, CAN-BC, CHFN
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL