Establish relationships with academics. New nursing research is being conducted all the time, so you should have some contacts at research centers to get updates when new research is completed.
Acquire research reports from colleges and other research institutions. Nursing research is usually contained in reports and papers, regardless of what type of research it is. In order to implement nursing research, you must read these reports and consult with researchers as to how to interpret them. Establish a relationship where research findings are reported to nursing administrators as soon as they are completed.
Identify the type of research you are working with. Different types of nursing research have different applications. For example, descriptive research can be used to identify pain symptoms, so that the practitioner can know when to administer medicine. Explanatory research can be used to inform new procedures for nurses; experimental research can be used to develop new processes and technologies for the nursing profession. Knowing which type of research you are dealing with will help you implement this research in practice.
Have a weekly session where nurses read research reports and look for ways they can be implemented in the profession. It has been demonstrated that nursing practices at most hospitals tend to be 30 years behind the current state of nursing research. By getting nurses to stay up-to-date with current research, you ensure that your hospital is not lagging in terms of nursing practices.
Distinguish between pure and applied research. Pure research is cutting-edge theoretical material that is not yet applicable to nursing practice. Applied research is practical, usable material that can be implemented and put into practice. Consult with research staff as to the nature of research reports, and ask them which applied findings are conclusive enough to be implemented.
Develop policies and procedures for implementing applied research in practice. Get research staff to recommend procedures for using new nursing technologies and practices in the hospital. Have researchers train nurses in safety procedures for all new technologies and practices. Only implement research that has passed safety tests and/or clinical trials.