| Primary Author: | Rebecca Denofer, RN, OCN |
| Co-Principal Investigators/Collaborators: | Pat Skidmore, RN, MS, NE-BC |
| Organization | Rutland Regional Medical Center |
Abstract
Purpose
The Nursing Scholar Program was created to guide nursing research and EBP initiatives within our organization by:
- Promoting nursing research through mentoring and support
- Transforming healthcare through nursing interventions supported by research to improve patient outcomes.
- Enhancing nursing job satisfaction by sparking innovative nursing practice
- Utilizing nursing research experience, leadership and education to improve proficiency that will contribute to strengthening the institutions reputation.
Background
The Nursing Research Council at Rutland Regional Medical Center was developed as part of a shared governance structure to help achieve the promotion of EBP and research. There were small pockets of Evidence Based Practice and Research; however there was a limited knowledge base throughout the division of nursing. A Nursing Scholar Program was created to nurture and support others to take part in transforming care at the bedside through EBP and research.
Problem
How to inspire nurses in a rural Community Hospital to participate in nursing research?
Materials & Methods
The Scholar Program was designed to support nurses to take a lead in research. Selected scholars are provided eighty hours of paid time, and resources that include: Research Council support, access to a Nursing Research Facilitator, Health Science Librarian, statistician and IRB Coordinator. The Iowa Model is our framework for developing projects. Registration fees and travel expenses are provided to promote projects through poster presentations and speaking engagements.
Results
- Six scholars projects since the program’s inception.
- Two completed studies with poster presentations.
- One publication.
- One research symposium presentation.
- Three studies in progress.
- Organization meeting requirements for Magnet Designation
Conclusion
Nursing research has become an integral component of professional practice in our rural Community Hospital since the inception of our Nursing Scholar Program. Talented, dedicated nurses are now engaged in research as a result of these successful strategies.
Bibliography
Evidence Based Iowa Model
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Nursing Research Facilitator, Jean Cody
© Improvement Science Research Network, 2012
The ISRN published this as received and with permission from the author(s).