RESEARCH
NURS 363: PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICE: RESEARCH AS A FOUNDATION FOR PRACTICE
This course gave me insight into the theories and concepts applied in the scientific investigation of nursing practice. I improved my skills in research and gained more knowledge of various types of nursing literature. I had the opportunity to conduct research seeking evidence for best practices by working in a group and individually. This course was instrumental to me in learning to discover new ways to improve healthcare outcomes and relevant to my nursing practice.
Along with learning research theory, students were grouped for a team project. Every group could pick their topic and collaboratively work on every aspect of the project, from developing a concept map and formulating PICO question to writing about the research examination. After vivid discussions of various issues related to nursing practice, our group decided to work on intravenous catheters and related bloodstream infections.
As a visual learner, one of my first contributions to the team project was the creation of a concept map based on shared ideas on a discussion board. The concept map helped us to frame a PICO question. Then each member individually worked on the literature review table according to their assigned subcategory. Lastly, we shared responsibility for compiling our research in one paper.
Another essential project in this course was an Evidence-Based Poster and presentation. During this individual assignment, I had the opportunity to choose a topic from a given list and review and analyze nursing, medical, and evidence-based practice literature to find the best evidence to support nursing practice and improve patient outcomes. In addition, I recorded my presentation and shared it with my classmates.
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Inspired by my school's Evidence-Based poster, in collaboration with another two nurses, I expanded my research and proposed clinical practice changes within my department. As a team leader, I received approval and implemented my project on nasogastric tube insertion. Our six-month trial was effective and showed 94% success rates in inserting nasogastric tubes. To share our attainment, I presented our project during the hospital's Evidence-Based poster presentation event.
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FUTURE
GOALS
The knowledge and skills I have obtained during this course helped me improve nursing practice and impact patient experience and outcomes. It was very fulfilling to realize that my efforts affected a positive change. I became incredibly passionate about the research and will continue seeking more opportunities.