Introduction to nursing research

Abstract

Research is one way to acquire knowledge in order to make sense of the world. Research offers a systematic method to confirm existing knowledge and to build new knowledge in a profession or discipline. Nursing research is a means by which nurses may explore and discover new knowledge about issues of particular importance to nursing in order to refine and expand the body of nursing knowledge and advance nursing practice. Nurses use this research in their practice in order to provide quality care that is based on the best and most up to date available evidence (this is known as evidence-based practice or EBP). Although research in nursing was relatively slow to develop, it is playing an increasingly vital role in the practice of nursing in a complex and rapidly changing society.