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Nursing Research in Practice
Past experience
Describe your experience in the utilization of nursing research in your clinical practice.
Submission Instructions:
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 relevant academic sources published within the last 5 years.
- Paragraph form, no numbering or bullet points.
- Proper APA format with in text citations and reference list in APA with accurate DOI numbers.
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Nursing Research in Practice
Utilization of Nursing Research in Clinical Practice
Throughout my nursing practice, the integration of nursing research has played a transformative role in improving patient outcomes, informing decision-making, and fostering a culture of evidence-based care. Early in my career, I understood the importance of following policies and procedures, but it was not until I was more exposed to nursing literature and scholarly inquiry that I began to appreciate the deeper value of research. The systematic application of evidence into clinical settings shifted how I approached patient care—from simply “doing” to critically thinking and adapting care based on emerging best practices.
One example of how nursing research influenced my clinical decision-making involved pressure injury prevention. Our unit implemented new guidelines emphasizing the use of sacral foam dressings for high-risk patients. At first, this change appeared to be yet another protocol update. However, after reading a study by Gaspar et al. (2020) in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, which found that multilayer foam dressings significantly reduced the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in immobile patients, I developed a clearer understanding of the science behind the intervention. This led me to monitor not only dressing application but also repositioning patterns and moisture management more critically. Understanding the “why” empowered me to become an advocate for early skin assessments and increased staff adherence to prevention strategies.
Another area where nursing research shaped my clinical approach was in the management of patients with sepsis. Several years ago, our hospital adopted the Surviving Sepsis Campaign’s hour-1 bundle. Initially, the steps felt rigid and overly procedural. However, after attending a journal club discussion of a landmark study by Evans et al. (2021), which showed that early administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and aggressive fluid resuscitation within the first hour of suspected sepsis significantly reduced mortality, my attitude toward the protocol changed. I became more vigilant in recognizing early signs of sepsis and contributed more proactively to rapid response interventions. Nursing research provided not only a rationale but a sense of urgency and accountability that improved my situational awareness and teamwork.
More broadly, nursing research has taught me to value reflective practice and continuous learning. I now regularly consult databases like CINAHL and PubMed when I encounter unfamiliar diagnoses, treatments, or care dilemmas. For example, I recently explored literature on trauma-informed care while preparing for a new role in psychiatric nursing. Research by Wilson et al. (2020) emphasized the necessity of recognizing patient trauma histories and avoiding re-traumatization during care delivery. Applying those insights has deepened my empathy, improved patient communication, and reduced incidences of patient agitation during assessments.
Overall, the utilization of nursing research in clinical practice has enabled me to move beyond task-oriented care to evidence-informed nursing. It has improved my confidence, enriched my clinical judgment, and allowed me to contribute to a safer, more patient-centered environment. Engaging with nursing research continues to inspire me to question assumptions, test new ideas, and become part of the broader conversation driving improvements in healthcare delivery.
References
Evans, L., Rhodes, A., Alhazzani, W., Antonelli, M., Coopersmith, C. M., French, C., … & Levy, M. M. (2021). Surviving sepsis campaign: International guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock 2021. Intensive Care Medicine, 47(11), 1181–1247. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-021-06506-y
Gaspar, S. G., Martinez-Jimenez, M. D. C., Sanz-Muñoz, C., & Garcia-Vivar, C. (2020). Effectiveness of prophylactic sacral dressings in preventing pressure injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 47(4), 345–352. https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000662
Wilson, C., Pence, D. M., & Conradi, L. (2020). Trauma-informed care: A paradigm shift in nursing practice. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(10), 20–26. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20200914-01