Nursing Research Contributes to an Evidence Based Practice

Nursing research advances the specialized knowledge base of the nursing profession. An evidence based practice is only possible if the registered nurse can read, analyze, and interpret research findings.

The importance of research was recognized by Florence Nightingale herself. By systematically collecting, analyzing and interpreting data she was able to reduce mortality by improving sanitary conditions.

However, even though the first nurse carried out her own research it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that research was conducted specifically with the intent of informing the practice of the nursing profession.

The number of nurses interested in conducting research and developing expertise in this area is increasing. More and more studies are being published in nursing journals that are informing the professional knowledge base of the nursing profession. This is helping to establish evidence based practice in nursing.

Your ability to read studies published in nursing journals as well as analyze, and interpret the findings is tested on the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam.

This ability is a required entry level nursing competency for a registered nurse in Canada and all nurses in Canada are expected to establish an evidence based practice.

Canadian Nursing Journals in Research

Canadian Journal of Nursing Research

Canadian Nurse

Nursing research has provided evidence that:

• ambulating patients quickly after surgery reduces respiratory complications.
• including patients in the decision making process improves compliance with treatment.
• rubbing reddened bony prominences does nothing to prevent the progress of skin breakdown.
• alcohol as a skin disinfectant before subcutaneous administration of insulin may lead to lipodystrophy.
• the ventrogluteal site for intramuscular administration of medication has fewer complications.

Many traditional practices have changed since the time of Florence Nightingale and the constant evolution and improvement of the nursing knowledge base has helped to establish more evidenced based practice in nursing.