In a world where there is so much to be done. I felt strongly impressed that there must be something for me to do.
-Dorothea Dix
Synopsis
In the last few decades, nursing knowledge has grown at a rapid pace, and nursing has attempted to examine the issues surrounding the use of research in practice (Dunn et al., 1998). The number of nurses with advanced education is increasing. With an increase in education, comes an increase in research. Because research-based practice leads to improved patient outcomes (Haynes, 1995); it is imperative that nursing research actively influence the practices of nurses in the clinical setting. With this knowledge of improved patient outcomes, one must wonder why nurses are not utilizing research findings in practice. Who better to elevate the profession of nursing than nurses? Elevation of professional nursing can occur with the dissemination of research knowledge. The perceptions of and barriers to nursing research in practice must be examined. Understanding why the problem is present is imperative in discovering a workable solution.
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