...The Importance of Planning and Design of a Research Project A successful research project significantly enhances the justification and goals when defined as an exact statement. Once this is completed several steps are crucial for writing the research plan and executing the project successfully. A research plan generally consists of two areas: research logistics and research context and concepts. The achievement of the plan and integration of the steps can determine if the project will be successful or fail. Writing the research strategy should begin immediately when ideas are brought forth (Congdon & Dunham, 1999). The importance of a research project is not only noted by the data obtained but how the research balances out previous contributions and investigations to one’s understanding of a wide range of topics or to test a wide range of concepts, ecological theories or problems in management of biodiversity and conservation (Congdon & Dunham, 1999). Research plan and design are the foundational building blocks of a researcher’s proposed research. The plan should incorporate the focus of the research as well as why it is important and how the research will be conducted. A simple outline to follow would include the following questions for the researcher to base his/her plan upon: • What is the specific intent of the research? What are you trying to accomplish? • Why should this research...
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...nurses’ inter-shift handoff reports in acute care hospitals” by Poletick & Holly (2010). The influence of this review on clinical practice is discussed. The article “A systematic review of nurses’ inter-shift handoff reports in acute care hospitals” by Poletick & Holly (2010) provides the systematic review of the handoff reports between and among the nurses which ensure the quality exchange of information for the improved health care service. The continuity of care is the major concern for nurses, and the procedure of patient care transfer should take that into account. The objective of the review was stated clearly and mentioned the appraisal and synthesis of the qualitative evidence related to the nursing handoff report. Moreover, the authors aimed at recommending the improvements which would facilitate and enhance the information transfer. by reviewing the qualitative studies which dealt with the real experience of nurses with their inter-shift handoff reports. As the authors admit, this is likely to contribute to the improvement of the patient care. The conclusion on the potential impact of the article on clinical practice is made. The problem which this article concentrates on is the continuity of care in the inter-shift handoff reports in acute care hospitals. The authors regarded the problem from the point of view of the practicing nurse who works with patients and interacts with other nurses and needs the cooperative environment around...
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...Identifying Barriers to Pain Management in Long-Term Care Nursing research is critical to the nursing profession and is important for promoting optimal nursing care based on the latest research findings. Critiquing research reports is important because it promotes a complete examination of the study that allows the critique to judge its strengths, weaknesses, logical relationships, meanings, and significance of the findings. The purpose of this paper is to provide an objective critique of the research report “Identifying barriers to pain management in long-term care” with a focus on five dimensions: substantive and theoretical dimension, methodological dimension, ethical dimension, interpretive dimension, and presentation and stylistic dimension. Title The title of this report was appropriate and clear. It communicated the research problem (identifying barriers to pain management) and the study population (long term care residents).The information was conveyed in only nine words communicating the independent variable (the barriers), the dependent variable (pain management), and the study population (residents with chronic pain in long term care facilities). It could be argued that something about the health-related quality of life should have been included in the title making it a little bit longer but more explicit. Abstract The abstract written with subheadings was excellent, summarizing the major features of the study. It presented the aim of the study, the methods...
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... School of Health Sciences Division of Nursing CRITIGUE OF PROFESSIONAL VALUES The researchers were trying to address the professional values of RN-BSN students in completion of their education. The authors clearly stated the problem throughout the research study. The problem is very important and impacts the nursing practice today. The article explains how the RN-BSN professional values are being perceived in nursing practice today. The continuation education on professional values must be continued after BSN completion. The importance is necessary for nurses to continue with instilling the professional values throughout their career. This article is easily researched on line and anyone can access it for reading purposes. The purpose of the research was to explain few questions about the differences in the perception of professional values correspond with nurses who are currently practicing. If the differences do exist, the question would be are the differences related to educational background or other factors professional values. The purpose of the study is explained clearly throughout the article and background information was provided by the authors from previous similar studies which supported their conclusions. They research concept of the Professional Values: The Case for RN-BSN Completion Educations was conceptually defined in the study report. The purpose...
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...Nursing Research Nursing is often incorrectly regarded as a subset of the medical profession; in reality, the profession of Nursing is a unique, distinct science with its own knowledge base and skillset. In accordance with the requirements of a scientific profession, there is a need for scholarly inquiry and nursing research in order to maintain autonomy and distinction of the Nursing perspective separate from other disciplines. An editorial published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship noted that “the distinguishing feature of a profession is how its practitioners use knowledge to make a difference” (Hegyvary, 2007). The evidence generated by Nursing scholars influences global health initiatives and policy worldwide. The need for field wide scholarly inquiry, the application of rigorous scientific standards to research, and the importance of stringent ethical and legal protection for research subjects has been the subject of numerous articles, books, and papers. The Nursing Profession has a responsibility to engage in scholarly research for many reasons that will be discussed in depth within this paper. Importance of Nursing Research to the Nursing Profession As noted in the introduction, in order to maintain its status as a unique, autonomous profession, Nursing as a field must continually refine and expand its scientific knowledge base. The AACN position statement summarizes the importance of research to the profession by stating “The essence of a discipline is...
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...RESEARCH PROPOSAL Identification of Research Topic Over the past five years while working in a residential care home for people with dementia, the researcher has observed that incidents of violence and aggression both physical and verbal towards health care staff happened regularly. The incidents of aggression affected staff mentally and physically but the majority of incidents went unreported. The nursing staff, registered nurses and nursing assistants in this environment both acknowledged the seriousness of this on-going problem to them. However the reluctance to report the aggression is because they considered the aggression to be part of the job despite them acknowledging it as a problem. England is an ageing society and as the population ages, health care providers, government, communities and families are faced with the burden of caring for people with dementia (Cubit, 2010). According to Access Economics (2005), dementia is becoming increasingly predominant to the aging population worldwide. A survey of over 15000 care homes in England and Wales found that 78% of residents were cognitively impaired (Bowman et al, 2004). In addition the Alzheimer`s Society (2007) reported that there are around 750 000 people in United Kingdom with a dementing illness. A more recent survey by the Alzheimer`s Society (2009) reported that around one third of older people with dementia in UK live in residential home care settings, representing 200 000 individuals. According to Leonard...
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...Running head: RESEARCH CRITIQUE: BLOOD STREAM INFECTIONS Research Critique Tom Jones Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi School of Nursing Nursing Research 5314 Fall 2005 Research Critique Introduction Blood stream infections associated with central venous catheters account for approximately 250,000 infections in the United States annually. The vast majority of these infections are preventable through education on best practice (Coopersmith et al., 2004). Best practice principles include hand washing, maximum sterile precautions, and labeled catheter dressings. Central venous catheters are routinely used in the critical care setting; therefore, posing an increased risk of infection. Furthermore, increases in morbidity, mortality, and cost are a result of blood stream infections from central lines (Warren et al., 2004). Research Problem Blood stream infections increase morbidity, mortality, cost, length of stay; furthermore, the literature shows that many of these infections are preventable. A staff education has proven to be cost effective and proficient in decreasing blood stream infections (Coopersmith, et al., 2004). Warren et al. (2004) states, “The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the utilization of health-care worker education is an important element in programs aimed at the prevention of hospital-acquired infections” (p.1613). A review of the literature explain nurse bedside behavior after education on hand washing...
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...Research Summary and Ethical Considerations Michelle Parker Grand Canyon University Introduction to Nursing Research NRS 433V Nora Bazydlo April 8, 2012 Research Summary and Ethical Considerations The relationship between nurses and families is incredibly intricate. The intricacy of this relationship is shown whether the development is for a few hours in the emergency room or for a longer period of time in an intensive care unit or a skilled nursing unit. To understand the study reviewed for this paper it is important to understand family center care (FCC) and the concepts it enhances. Family care center (FCC) is an approach to the planning, delivery and evaluation of health care that is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among health care providers, patients, and families. It redefines the relationships in health care. It is where practitioners recognize the vital role that families play in ensuring the health and well being of infants, children, adolescents, and family members of all ages. They acknowledge that emotional, social, and developmental supports are integral components of health care. They promote the health and well being of individuals and families and restore dignity and control to them. Shapes policies, programs, facility design, and staff day-to-day interactions. It leads to better health outcomes and wiser allocation of resources, and greater patient and family satisfaction. ("What is patient- and family-centered health care?" 2010, para...
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...JAN REVIEW PAPER Measurement of empathy in nursing research: systematic review Juping Yu & Maggie Kirk Accepted for publication 16 July 2008 Correspondence to M. Kirk: e-mail: mkirk@glam.ac.uk Juping Yu MSc PhD RN Research Fellow Faculty of Health, Sport and Science, University of Glamorgan, Wales, UK Maggie Kirk BSc PhD RN Head of Research/Leader Genomics Policy Unit and Lead Professional Specialist (Nursing Professions) NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre Faculty of Health, Sport and Science, University of Glamorgan, Wales, UK YU J. & KIRK M. (2008) Measurement of empathy in nursing research: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 64(5), 440–454 doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2008.04831.x Abstract Title. Measurement of empathy in nursing research: systematic review. Aim. This paper is a report of a systematic review to identify, critique and synthesize nursing studies of the measurement of empathy in nursing research. Background. The profound impact of empathy on quality nursing care has been recognized. Reported empathy levels among nurses range from low to welldeveloped and there is clearly debate about what constitutes empathy and how it can be measured and improved. Data sources. Searches were made of the CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases, using the terms ‘empathy’, ‘tool’, ‘scale’, ‘measure’, ‘nurse’, and ‘nursing’, singly or in combination to identify literature published in the English language between 1987 and 2007. Methods...
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...|Analysing an Essay Question | 1. Introduction Common criteria of undergraduate essay writing focus on the following requirements: students need to be analytical and critical in their response students need to structure their writing logically students need to be persuasive writers | students need to answer the question | This booklet looks at, how to analyse your essay question. Other Learning Centre booklets in this series deal with the other aspects: • Analytical Writing deals with the difference between analytical and descriptive writing • Planning and Structuring an Essay deals with logical structures • Developing and Supporting an Argument deals with persuasion Expectations of student assignments One of the difficulties experienced by students, particularly in first year, is understanding what standard is expected in essays at tertiary level. As well as this, each subject discipline has its own ways of doing things and its own conventions about essay structure and writing style. For instance, in some subjects it is acceptable to write very personally and put forward your own opinions and feelings on a topic and in others such a personal response would not be appropriate. You need to find out the expectations and conventions...
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...Future of Nursing Health care reform and technology are contributing factors affecting the future of nursing. The need to continue education for higher degree is becoming evident; nurses can no longer use the former mind- set traditional way to perform practice. Nurses need to be more flexible and be willing to incorporate new treatment options into their care. Nurses will continue to be guided by the use of nursing theories to promote quality care. Nurses need to become proactive in their education and in developing their leadership skills to remain competitive in their changing roles (Suhr, 2008). Evidence-Based Practice Historically, evidence based-practice (EBP) was used back to Florence Nightingale’s era and reinforced to current nursing practice. Nurses used to practice based on traditions and experiences by selecting nursing interventions to influence outcomes. Little scientific evidence supported clinical decision and expected outcomes during that time. EBP began to apply quality improvement studies to develop critical pathways and care in the early efforts to study interventions outcome (Mcdonald, 2001). “Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) combines information about the results of well-designed research, clinical expertise, patient concerns and patient preferences. EBP serves as the foundation in the form of a set of values, sources and criteria upon which to gain access to, select and critique knowledge for nursing practice” (Waite & Killian, 2010). Research allows...
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...Quantitative Research Critique: Responsibilities of Public School Nurses Grand Canyon University: NRS433V Quantitative Research Critique: Responsibilities of Public School Nurses Nursing has many roles, allowing for a diverse field to choose from upon graduation. One of those choices is the responsibility of a school nurse and consequently that of the entire population of the public school for which he/she works. School Nurses in New Jersey: A Quantitative Inquiry on Roles and Responsibilities by Cheryl A. Krause-Parello and Kimika Samms will show how those responsibilities have grown as it seeks to further previous research. Disease processes for children have grown more complicated; those children with chronic conditions are more likely to be in schools and that alone shows that nursing responsibilities in schools have changed (healthychildren.org, 2011). This study aims to expand upon the fact the roles and responsibilities of school nurses have increased and allow them a framework to discuss those roles and responsibilities (Krause-Parello & Kimika, 2010). Problem Statement The main issue contained within this study appears to be the increased number of chronically ill students and thus the increased roles and responsibilities of the school nurse (Krause-Parello & Kimika, 2010). Also, in the process of the study, the researchers noted that there were documentation issues making it difficult for the nurses. At least in the New Jersey area, they were...
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...Running head: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY Quantitative Research Study Knowledge Pressure Ulcer Prevention among Nursing Professionals Jeamol Joseph Grand Canyon University NRS-433= Introduction to Nursing Research 24 July, 2011 Quantitative Research Study Nursing research is a process which helps to improve the patient outcomes through a thorough analysis of data collected and making new contributions to the healthcare field. Evidence based nursing is the process by which nurses make clinical decisions using the best available. In quantitative studies researchers identify the problem and collect relevant data from subjects. The researchers plan in advance the steps to be taken and collect data in numerical form. In qualitative studies, researchers collect narrative descriptions. Data is collected and progression takes place as the research is continuing. Nursing research is systematic search to develop evidence on problems of nursing profession. Now days hospitals deliver higher quality care to critical patients .In hospital settings these patients are more susceptible to hospital acquired infections and injuries. All the institutions have used effective strategies to avoid complications that keep their patient’s safety at risk. Quality improving programs and patient safety committees are available in all hospitals to promote patient safety. Pressure ulcer or bed sores are important problem in hospitals and nursing homes. Pressure ulcers prolong the hospital stay...
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...Running head: QUANITATIVE RESEARCH REPORT Quantitative Research Report M. Ellen Kingsley Grand Canyon University NRS-433V May 06, 2011 The Quantitative Research that this student chose is titled; Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Chronically Ill Adults. Physical activity in chronically ill adults is a topic that is very important to study, people, in general, do not realize the importance of exercise and if there is proof that exercise is beneficial to people with long term illnesses then maybe, by nurses, the patients can be persuaded to be involved in more exercise which would improve their health and quality of life, including improving their illnesses without more medications. Nurses provide a lot of client education and also promote health in all of their clients and can improve the health and well-being of their clients that they serve. The main research question in this article is not stated outright. This author believes that the research question would be; what are the health benefits of physical activity in chronically ill adults? Also another question could be added; which strategies and practices are most effective in increasing physical activity in chronic illness. The hypothesis of this study was not stated. This author interprets the hypothesis would be; Physical activity in chronically ill adults will improve health and wellness to these clients. This article discussed the implications of findings that describe the strategies...
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...use for the quantitative nursing critique that is due in week three. It should also be noted that some of sources from this annotated bibliography will also be applicable for the qualitative nursing critique that is due in week five. Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., Ryan, F. (2007), Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 1: Quantitative research. British Journal of Nursing, 16(11), 658-663. This article provides a step-by-step approach to understanding research terminology and provides the nurses with a basis for understanding quantitative research. The article points out that being able to read nursing research is the first step in incorporating evidence based best practices into nursing care. As referred to in the article, each stage of the process must be thoroughly examined and this article walks the inexperienced nurse through the process. Duffy, J. R. (2005). Critically appraising quantitative research. Nursing & Health Sciences, 7(4), 281-283. doi:10.1111/j.1442-2018.2005.00248.x Critical appraisal of quantitative research is important to evidence-based practice. It allows a clinician to determine whether a study is scientifically rigorous. This article describes critical appraisal as a careful process of judging the worth of a quantitative study that guide clinical decisions, as well as a structured approach for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a study. The author describes the process of implementing research appraisal. The author also...
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