What Is the Importance of Research in Nursing?

Nursing is a rewarding profession and students must know what are the important factors that contribute to making it important. Well, the first and most crucial is research.

Students often wonder what’s the purpose of research when their main skill is to understand medical concepts and look after patients. So let me tell you that nurses have to dig into patient’s medical history and other relevant information that can be helpful in their process.

This is when their research skills matter the most. Also, this is an evolving career so specialized nurses have to keep themselves aware of the new diseases, and patient care strategies, and improve their skills and knowledge.

What is Nursing Research?

Research in nursing is not like the ordinary one. Solid and accurate research helps nurses to advance their knowledge.

The primary purpose of nursing research is to create science that informs nursing practice, allowing nurses to provide the best care to their patients. (Source Mayo Clinic).

The results of these can also help to improve the healthcare policies and contribute to improving the patient’s care system.

It is important and applicable in different areas of healthcare. For example, an ICU nurse might have to gather patient information to make effective healthcare plans and strategies.

Types of Research in Nursing

There are different types of research in nursing, these are:

● Qualitative method: This involves non-numerical data such as thoughts and perceptions to look after a situation. Students have to listen and observe what people feel and think. Based on this knowledge, the results are created.

● Quantitative method: this completely relies on numerical data such as stats, numbers, and other forms of data. For example, age, weight, temperature, etc are checked on a patient to make a nursing plan.

These are only the two important and most used research methods. However, the list doesn’t stop here. You can also use the correlation method, evidence-based practice, and descriptive methods.

Moreover, it’s important to highlight that students also have to write research papers during their academia. Yes, it can be hard but there’s no need to worry. Pupils can seek cheap nursing assignment help and get their guidance. These experts can write and also provide feedback to students in no time.

Do you know that there are five research lenses that are super helpful for students? Yes, that’s true. Are you ready to find out? Let’s go!

The 5 Nursing Research Lenses

As per the National Institute of Nursing Research (NNH), this organization focuses on five important research lenses. These are:

1. Health Equity

2. Social determinants of health

3. Population and Community Health

4. Prevention and health promotion

5. Systems and models of care

Now you might be wondering about their purpose and importance. Well, by using these five lenses, there are higher chances of getting positive results for patient care. Many patients require complex and extensive care depending on the conditions. Therefore, it’s important to use these lenses to make the most of your in-hand experience.

Students often ask "Why research is important in nursing when it's mainly based on practical experience?" Well, you must know that it will be an important part of each step of the career. So keep reading the section below to find out!

What is the Importance of Research in Nursing?

Research is important for a number of reasons in the nursing profession. Below is the breakdown of some of the crucial reasons:

Improve Healthcare Practices

Nurses might encounter some situations where a patient’s expectations increase and the situation gets complex (can be a new disease). So what can a nurse do in such situations? This is when research helps. By analyzing and evaluating the current condition and going through previous records it gets easier to make a medical plan and start medication.

Moreover, some things might not be goals per the plan so performing research (again) to improvise the strategies.

Knowledge About Recent Trends

I don’t think that anyone would be unaware of the growing technology and AI advancements, right? These can be helpful for a nurse to make it to the best and better outcomes. However, it’s crucial to completely understand the use of these machines and software.

You might know that making perfect decision is a must in nursing.However, read the next point of this guide to find out!

Decision-Making Skills

As a working nurse, one must possess decision-making skills. Whether it’s clinical, medical, or management, decisions in the healthcare system have to be taken quickly. Not only this but there is little to zero room for mistakes.

Therefore, a good understanding of research methods helps nurses to access available evidence.

Applicable to Nursing Positions

Excellent research skills can open gates to different nursing roles. They can pursue their career in clinical research, healthcare administration, academia, and other major positions. Be it patient care or teaching nursing students, research is crucial.

And we're almost at the end of this guide. Now, we will learn some important steps to build nursing research skills. Are you excited to find out? Read the section below!

How to Build Nursing Research Skills

We have understood several important elements of gathering information. But now you might be wondering how can I build nursing research skills. Well, the answer is actually simple. Follow the given steps to find out:

1. Evidence-based practice: review and implement research in your daily routine tasks. This helps nurses stay up-to-date and understand the proper use of evidence-based practice in clinical practice. So read case studies and journals to get better information and make the most of it.

2. Formal education: It’s super important to enroll in a postgraduate degree. Throughout the program, you will get the chance to take part in different projects involving research. From formulating hypotheses to integrating learning, students get a chance to learn more about research and get ready to step into their professional careers.

3. Take part in research projects: students must take part in different research-based projects that can help to improve and learn practical knowledge.

Final Words

Research in nursing holds great importance. Students who are currently enrolled in any nursing degree must understand and start working to learn/polish their research skills in no time. In this guide, we have discussed the research methods, importance, lenses, and some steps to build these skills effectively. So read this blog carefully to make the most of your learning experience. I’m sure you will ace your academia and also rock your upcoming professional career.