34817 Research Planning: Design and Methods

Course overview

Discusses the purpose of research design; the purpose of research methods; the conceptual framework for research, research plan components, and critique of research plan considerations. Research in nursing has a great impact on current and future professional nursing practice. Baccalaureate programs in the US expose students to evidence-based nursing practice throughout their education; however, the amount of time allocated for nursing research is limited, despite its influence on current and future nursing care. The role of nurses has continued to evolve, and nursing research is a field that is growing, allowing nursing professionals to contribute a wide array of experiences and skills to the art and science of nursing care. Research is used to provide evidence-based care in order to promote quality health outcomes, and it is also used to shape policy within healthcare organizations and at the local, state and federal levels. Nursing research must be committed to the ethical standards upheld in the nursing profession, and nurse researchers must design, conduct and report research in a like manner. By further educating nurses regarding the process of research planning, nurses will be enabled to strengthen the profession’s contribution to shape health policy, advance nursing practice, and improve the health of the public.