Publication Date

2005

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Chia-Ling Mao

Second Advisor

Alice Naqvi

Keywords

Advanced Nursing Practice, Research in Practice, Clinical Judgment, Evidence Based Practice, Clinical Guidelines, Clinical Thinking

Abstract

Today in nursing we are driven in the direction of evidence based practices. The nursing profession must continue to encourage nurses to ask "Why" when providing interventions. We must ensure that the interventions provided are both warranted, and the most efficacious intervention achievable. As a profession, we can no longer stand on our methods of practice simply because it is the way we have always practiced. It is a challenge for nursing leaders to implement a culture of evidence based practice, and to promote research utilization. The purpose of this study was to identify nurse's perceptions of barriers and facilitators to utilization of research findings into their nursing practice. The findings from this research are valuable in Nurse Leaders' efforts to improve research utilization in nursing practice, thus improving patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and improving the nurse-patient relationship. The BARRIERS tool created by Funk, and a demographics survey were used for data collection. The target population included all Registered Nurses who are employed at the Veterans Affairs Health Care System in Silicon Valley. There were 102 participants in this study. Nearly half(49%) of the participants were over the age of 51, and nearly 80% of them had obtained a Bachelors degree or higher. In the free text portion of the survey, three distinct themes were identified: 1) Educational Support, 2) Organizational Influence, and 3) Time Factors. Nurses listed the number one barrier to research utilization as "There is insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas", and the primary facilitator was listed as "having the support from administration to participate in research". These are only some of the findings that will provide direction for nursing leaders in the Veterans Affairs setting. Knowing these barriers and facilitators will assist them in promoting evidence based nursing practice.

Download

Included in

Other Nursing Commons

Share

COinS