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Inside best practice: From inception to success

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, May 24, 2010

Editor’s note: The following is from an article by Suzanne M Burns, RN, MSN, ACNP, CCRN, FAAN, FCCM, FAANP, professor of nursing, APN 2, and director of the PNSO Research Program with the University of Virginia Health System.

In 2004, our Professional Nursing Staff Organization (PNSO) sought to develop a formal, robust, and sustainable clinical research program for nurses at the University of Virginia Health System. We recognized that to make research part of what we do, we needed to provide nurses with the tools to effectively innovate practice by conducting studies on topics important to them. In doing so, we believed we would further strengthen our evidence-based practice culture.

Although some suggest that conducting research studies is beyond the realm of bedside clinicians, we believe the opposite. Because essential questions emerge from practice, bedside nurses are perfectly positioned to both ask and answer the questions. To that end, we sought to develop a program for practicing clinicians that was rigorous yet practical. This thriving program is now in its fifth year.

Central to the program’s success is that it is led by a research director who understands the clinical environment, has successfully done clinical research, and who is a recognized mentor of clinicians. The key program components include concrete support of projects (i.e., unit and administrative support), mentorship and guidance of the research clinicians by the director, and a practical method that guides the clinicians through the research process from inception to completion (including presentations and publications) one-step at a time.

Source: This excerpt is from the May issue of HCPro’s Advisor to the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®. Don’t have a subscription? Take a look at the benefits of becoming a member of HCPro’s Resource Center for the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®.

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