• To use research in clinical practice settings, nurses must become familiar with reading research articles. 

• Some nurses feel intimidated by research, and others lack experience reading research reports. 

• As you begin to read research articles:

  • Be patient with yourself

  • Skim reports and then read them thoroughly 

  • Collaborate with someone who has more expertise or experience reading research reports

  • Use your common sense and clinical expertise to critique study designs

  • Have a willingness to learn

• SHARE, INQUIRE :

  • After you have read a research report, share the information with your colleagues.

  • Organize a journal club where you can read and critique research reports with other nurses. 

  • Attend conferences where research is presented and discussed. 

  • Ask questions and get involved in research projects. 

  • All these strategies will help build your confidence in reading research reports and using the findings in your practice setting. 

Questions or Comments Email: Sharonjm@midsouth.rr.com