Nurse Scientists Research Articles

Elements Supporting Translation of Evidence Into Practice: A Model for Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Scientist Collaboration.

To present evidence-based elements supporting the synergistic relationship between nurse scientists and clinical nurse specialists to improve the translation of evidence into practice. Using best-practice elements to support the improvement of evidence-based translation, we define the roles and synergies between nurse scientists and clinical nurse specialists within clinical environments. Five themes were identified in the literature review:● Although clinical nurse specialists and nurse scientists differ in focus and competencies, they are in key positions to collaborate to meet healthcare demands.● Clinical nurse specialists are well-equipped to implement the science developed by nurse scientists.● To meet the increased demands and complexity of the healthcare system and patient needs, organizational leadership must lend support to clinical nurse specialists and nurse scientist collaboration.● Clinical nurse specialists are well-positioned to foster interprofessional partnerships and generate opportunities for evidence-based project initiatives across healthcare disciplines.● Clinical nurse specialists should utilize professional models to inform practice to improve the review, translation, and implementation of research into practice. Projects conducted using a collaborative structure had a system-level impact and long-term sustainability capabilities. Additionally, projects were more likely to be disseminated by clinical nurse specialists within a formal structure.

Nurse Scientists.

These nurses bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.

A guide to understanding big data for the nurse scientist: A discursive paper.

Big data refers to extremely large data generated at high volume, velocity, variety, and veracity. The nurse scientist is uniquely positioned to leverage big data to suggest novel hypotheses on patient care and the healthcare system. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introductory guide to understanding the use and capability of big data for nurse scientists. Herein, we discuss the practical, ethical, social, and educational implications of using big data in nursing research. Some practical challenges with the use of big data include data accessibility, data quality, missing data, variable data standards, fragmentation of health data, and software considerations. Opposing ethical positions arise with the use of big data, and arguments for and against the use of big data are underpinned by concerns about confidentiality, anonymity, and autonomy. The use of big data has health equity dimensions and addressing equity in data is an ethical imperative. There is a need to incorporate competencies needed to leverage big data for nursing research into advanced nursing educational curricula. Nursing science has a great opportunity to evolve and embrace the potential of big data. Nurse scientists should not be spectators but collaborators and drivers of policy change to better leverage and harness the potential of big data.

Exploring the Roles, Functions, and Work Experiences of Nurse Scientists in the Veterans Health Administration.

The aim of this project was to describe nurse scientists' roles, functions, and work experiences in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Nurse scientists play a critical role in shaping the culture of clinical inquiry and closing the gap between knowledge and practice. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect information on sociodemographics, workload, research, clinical practice, education, and time/effort. Data were examined using descriptive statistics and χ2 analyses. One hundred forty-four nurse scientists completed the survey. These nurse scientists serve dynamic and critical roles in conducting research, implementing evidence-based practice, and reforming policy. Research effort was limited due to workload and infrastructure constraints. Better research infrastructure was associated with higher research productivity and funding. This survey highlights the needs and challenges nurse scientists experience in conducting research and advancing VHA's mission. Given the national shortage of PhD-prepared nurses, long-term strategies are needed to attract, hire, and retain nurse scientists in healthcare systems.

Training Future Nurse Scientists to Become Peer Reviewers

Training Future Nurse Scientists to Become Peer Reviewers

Supporting the Future Pipeline of Nurse Scientists

Supporting the Future Pipeline of Nurse Scientists

Using Delphi method to address factors contributing to aggressive behaviour in mental health settings.

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT?: Nurses' perspectives and consensus on the possible key factors contributing to aggression at inpatient units can be summarized into patients' related factors, staff related factors and environment related factors. Results of the possible factors contributing to aggression at inpatient units reflect the complicated nature of this problem. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: Perspectives of nurses as frontline mental health professionals on factors contributing to aggression as one of the psychiatric emergencies were considered through an iterative process. This approach gave nurses an opportunity to revisit their own views in each round to provide an in-depth reflection in the light of the contribution of others. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH NURSING PRACTICE?: Nursing curricula should focus on nurses' communication skills and emotion regulation training. An open dialogue between nurses and people with mental health issues should be initiated to discuss the possible key factors contributing to aggressive behaviour at inpatient units from both standpoints. Mental health nurses' turnover at inpatient settings could be targeted through the design and implementation of aggression prevention protocols ABSTRACT: Introduction Aggression at inpatient units is a universal problem leading to hazardous outcomes. Aim To generate group consensus about factors contributing to aggressive behaviour among patients with mental health issues at inpatient units. Methods Nurses working at inpatient psychiatric departments were approached, and purposive sampling was employed to implement Delphi technique. A total of three Delphi rounds were conducted online. The average percent of majority opinions method was followed to measure consensus in which questions with a cut-off rate below 69.7% were included in the next round. Results Twenty-one nurse experts with different skills participated in this study. Consensus increased among nurse experts across rounds for the following items: Patients' misinterpretation of the attitude of the healthcare providers, severity of mental health issues, attitude and communication style of the healthcare providers, nurses limited emotional regulation capacity and the inadequate staff-patient ratio in psychiatric wards. Discussion The complicated nature of aggressive behaviour displayed by people with mental health issues is reflected on the results of the current study; patients' related factors, staff related factors and environment related factors constitute interacting facets for this issue. Implications for Mental Health Nurses Nurse scientists could use insights derived from this study to design studies aiming at assessment and management of aggression at inpatient units guided by implementation science frameworks. Additionally, open dialogues between nurses and people with mental health issues could be initiated about factors contributing to aggression at inpatient units. Mental health nursing training should focus on nurses' communication and emotion regulation skills.

Looking back to move forward: Creating a blueprint for success for nurse scientists in the Veterans Health Administration

AimThe purpose of this manuscript is to report the findings of a qualitative content analysis of interviews with VA Nurse Scientists about work life experiences, barriers, and facilitators across the enterprise. BackgroundThe VA enterprise is widely variable in terms of size, services, research activity, and budget. For this reason, the roles of nurses with a research-focused doctorate are also quite diverse. MethodsWe purposively sampled 18 PhD prepared Nurse Scientists based on a variety geographic locations, titles, and years in the field and who conduct research. We conducted semi-structured interviews over the virtual platform, WebEx. Interviews, averaging 1 h in length, were conducted between April and May 2021. We analyzed interviews using deductive and inductive content analysis. ResultsWe found five key factors affecting VA Nurse Scientists. Each factor emerged as an important issue influencing whether Nurse Scientists reported being successful, supported, and productive in their research. These include having: 1) mentorship, 2) supportive leadership 3) available resources, 4) respect and understanding from clinical and research colleagues who understand a Nurse Scientist's role in research, and 5) a career pathway. ConclusionsVA Nurse Scientists are leaders and innovators who generate evidence to improve health outcomes and promote equity in health and health care of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Results from this project suggest that many Nurse Scientists need additional mentorship, resources, and networks to advance their development, increase their funding success, and maximize the impact of their role, ultimately enhancing care of Veterans and their families.

The Role of the Nurse Scientist and Nursing Research Within a National Integrated Health Care System.

Nursing research provides knowledge that advances nursing science, practice, and health care with the vision to optimize the health and well-being of the population. In a medical center setting or health care organization, nurse scientists are needed to demonstrate new knowledge, innovation, and scholarship. Nursing research in health care organizations or medical centers are led mainly by nurse leaders with a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). The purpose of this report is to provide examples of the role nurse scientists and nursing research plays nationally in Kaiser Permanente, an integrated health care system. In addition, this report will: (1) define the term "research" in the clinical setting and the role of the nurse research scientist in an integrated health care system and impact on the Magnet® Designation journey, and (2) discuss strategies for a successful role as a nurse research scientist in an integrated healthcare system.

Incorporating Omics and Precision Health in a Nursing PhD Program: The Perspectives of Student Nurse Scientists.

To engage in innovative and novel precision health and omics research, nurse scientists need to be knowledgeable about the genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors that impact health outcomes. This article illustrates the benefits of a nursing omics PhD curriculum at a state university. The purpose is to provide students' perspectives and research interests that were inspired by the omics and precision health curriculum. Exposing these early-career PhD nursing student scientists to omics and precision health engaged them to think broadly about the potential to generate original nurse-led research.

Maximizing Nurse Scientist Role Potential in Health Care Organizations.

Before Magnet designation, nurse scientists functioned primarily in academia. The Magnet model's emphasis on new knowledge required that health care organizations demonstrate knowledge generation to achieve and sustain designation. The nurse scientist role definition and function within health care organizations continues to evolve, which contributes to a lack of clarity about who and how nurses generate new knowledge. The purpose of this scoping review was to (1) identify nurse scientist role components in the context of 2 theoretical models (Thompson's Knowledge Brokering Model and Edward's Research Appreciation, Accessibility, and Application Model), (2) explore the strengths and barriers associated with existing nurse scientist practice models in US health care organizations, and (3) describe a unique, expanded practice model applied within Stanford Health Care's Office of Research and its implications for building new knowledge and innovation capacity with recommendations for ongoing role development.

Illuminating the Contributions of African American Nurse Scientists Despite Structural Racism Barriers: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Illuminating the Contributions of African American Nurse Scientists Despite Structural Racism Barriers: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Moving the needle further and faster: Policy and leadership opportunities to support early career nurse faculty and build resilience in establishing and growing their programs of research

Nurse scientists play a critical role in advancing the nursing field and improving health, but early career faculty can enter the academic ranks with little training in how to effectively establish, manage, and grow a program of research (POR) or weather the storms that accompany a research-intensive academic path. This can lead many nurse scientists to leave academic positions or even abandon their POR altogether. This is problematic at a societal level because nurse scientists bring a unique and valuable holistic perspective to scientific inquiry and an orientation towards community-based work, team science, intersectionality, and participatory approaches essential to address urgent health challenges. To enhance the impact of nurse scientists as a collective on academic research and human health, more attention should be given to the concept of resilience in the context of a research-focused career and the necessary structural changes that effectively support early career faculty in establishing thriving PORs. This article offers considerations relevant to administrative leaders, policymakers, and established faculty, at both the institutional and disciplinary level, to support early career faculty in establishing PORs that take root and flourish.

Promoting Holistic Care in Familial Hypercholesterolemia: The Case for Family-Centered Science.

Promoting Holistic Care in Familial Hypercholesterolemia: The Case for Family-Centered Science.

PhD-Prepared Nurses' Areas of Inquiry.

Nursing science is heavily dependent on nurse scientists with adequate funding. Nurse scientists should be aware of organizations' research agendas and, to the extent possible, align research with stated research priorities. Current information on the demographics of nurse scientists, their projects, and the alignment to known priorities is illusive. To describe areas of inquiry pursued by PhD-prepared nurses and congruence with the research agendas of nursing organizations. A descriptive, exploratory approach was undertaken with PhD-prepared nurse scientists to gather data about their PhD program, dissertation topic, current work status, productivity, and future recommendations. Key findings were that dissertation topics were broad and aligned with research priorities. Elements influencing research productivity are described. Understanding current nursing science stewardship and intentionally strategizing for the future of research, academia, and clinical practice will enhance our ability to tailor PhD programs accordingly.

Disciplinary Maturity in Moving From Nurse Scientist to Nursing Scientist.

In this article, I discuss a provocative recommendation by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing for research doctorate education as it relates to nursing education and the broader question whether nursing scientists should be nurse scientists. I use tools from the tradition of analytic philosophy to examine issues and language underlying this discussion about nursing science, knowledge, and practice. I draw some conclusions based on my review of the association's documents and from philosophical perspectives on nursing science and practice.

Validation of Self-Reported Attachment Classification Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Parents of Young Children.

The Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) was developed to measure individual differences in insecure adult attachment and was suitable for populations that may have minimal or no experience in romantic relationships. The measure was previously validated on homogenous populations. The purpose of this study was to verify construct validity and internal consistency of the ASQ among an ethnically and racially diverse sample of caregivers of young children ages birth to 3 years. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined the psychometric properties of the ASQ. A racially and ethnically diverse sample of caregivers of young children (birth to 3 years old) completed the 40-item measure. Factor analyses and internal consistency analyses were conducted. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the previously published factor structures were not a good fit for this diverse sample. Exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation revealed a four-factor solution among 16 items, including relationship anxiety, relationships as secondary, discomfort with closeness, and relationship distrust. Adequate internal consistency was noted for the factors, and structural invariance was confirmed across Hispanic and non-Hispanic ethnicities. Nurse scientists and practitioners should take caution when using or developing indices based on previous research. There should be consideration of structural stability and replication across the intended population.

Illuminating the Contributions of African American Nurse Scientists Despite Structural Racism Barriers: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

A qualitative descriptive approach examined African American nurse scientists' (AANSs') experiences with African American research participants despite obstacles of structural racism. Fourteen nurse scientists participated in semistructured interviews that provided data for the thematic analysis. Major themes included barriers to overcome as doctoral students, cultural experiences with structural racism, designers of culturally sensitive research, and humanitarian respect and relationship depth. This is the first research study to illuminate the contributions of AANSs who lead research in health disparities. Therefore, nursing leadership needs to illuminate AANSs' contributions, increase nurse diversification, and dismantle structural racism that creates obstacles that ultimately impact population health.

Antiracist symptom science: A call to action and path forward

Nurse scientists recognize the experience of racism as a driving force behind health. However, symptom science, a pillar of nursing, has rarely considered contributions of racism. Our objective is to describe findings within symptom science research related to racial disparities and/or experiences of racism and to promote antiracist symptom science within nursing research. In this manuscript, we use an antiracist lens to review a predominant symptom science theory and literature in three areas of symptom science research—oncology, mental health, and perinatal health. Finally, we make recommendations for increasing antiracist research in symptom science by altering (a) research questions, (b) recruitment methods, (c) study design, (d) data analysis, and (e) dissemination of findings. Traditionally, symptom science focuses on individual level factors rather than broader contexts driving symptom experience and management. We urge symptom science researchers to embrace antiracism by designing research with the specific intent of dismantling racism at multiple levels.

Variability in qualifications for principal investigator status in research studies by nurses: A call for clarification

PurposeTo describe existing guidance for qualifications of principal investigator s (PI s) of human subjects research and explore how they are operationalized for pediatric nurse scientists and clinical nurses in children's hospitals. Design and methodsAfter reviewing federal regulations, accreditation guidelines, and the literature, a convenience sample of members of the National Pediatric Nurse Scientist Collaborative (NPNSC). Participants completed a 33-item survey that included questions about Institutional Review Board (IRB), guidelines, and policies for PI status at their affiliated children's hospitals. ResultsThe survey was electronically disseminated to 179 members of NPNSC through the Collaborative's listserv. Of the 39 members who responded, 90% hold a PhD and 80% practice in a free-standing children's hospital, nearly all of which (93%) are recognized as Magnet® hospitals. While the majority of respondents indicated that nurse scientists and other nurses were allowed to be PIs of research studies, educational requirements for PI status varied, with 3% requiring a PhD, 15% a baccalaureate degree, and 10% a graduate degree. 54% of respondents reported there was no degree requirement for PI status; however15% reported that even doctorally prepared nurse scientists cannot serve as PIs of research studies at their affiliated children’'s hospitals. ConclusionsThe survey identified substantial variability in requirements for PI status and potential barriers to pediatric nurses conducting independent research as PIs at children's hospitals. Practice implicationsOperationalizing existing guidance will expand inclusion of nurse scientist expertise in human subjects research.