Discussion Question:

One hallmark of professionalism is self-reflection. The ability to reflect back on your learning will allow you to continue to synthesize new learning with current knowledge. Please review the course objectives in the Syllabus. Reflect upon your learning in this course and describe in detail how you have met each of the course objectives.

Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook. Please reply to at least two classmates. Replies to classmates should be at least 200 words in length.

Syllabus

N494: Essentials of Nursing Research

N494 Essentials of Nursing Research introduces the steps of the research process and the role of research in the practice of professional nursing. The methods and analytical tools required to critically evaluate nursing research literature are emphasized. Quantitative and qualitative approaches are highlighted. The focus of this course is developing the foundations for accessing and analyzing current nursing research literature to enable the professional nurse to apply research to current practice and issues. The skills of using technology to locate research information are developed, and the essential role of databases is explored. An understanding of ethical research practices is explored. This course prepares students to be critical consumers of evidence-based research and serves as a foundation for graduate-level nursing research courses.

Course Goals

By the conclusion of this course, student will be able to:

Articulate the role of research in the development of nursing knowledge and evidence-based practice (PLG 3; UMBO 3, 4, 5)

Describe the basic concepts, techniques, and methodologies underlying the research process and their application in the study of nursing problems. (PLG 3; UMBO 3, 4, 5)

Identify researchable clinical nursing problems with the purpose of improving patient outcomes (PLG 3; UMBO 3, 4, 5)

Use information technology to retrieve hierarchical levels of evidence that addresses clinical questions (PLG 5; UMBO 2, 5)

Utilize effective critical thinking and written communication skills in the critique of research for applicability to nursing practice. (PLG 1; UMBO 1, 4)

Integrate research findings into nursing practice to meet the changing needs of clients and professional nursing. (PLG 4; UMBO 1, 2, 3, 4)

Describe current research priorities in nursing. (PLG 3; UMBO 3, 4, 5)

Identify legal, ethical and cultural considerations in research that involves human subjects. (PLG 2; UMBO 1, 2, 3)