Introduction to the Research Approach in Nursing

Building on earlier content in critical thinking and the scientific process, this course will expand students' knowledge by providing an introduction to the research methodology essential to providing evidence based nursing care. Students will develop the knowledge and skills crucial to extrapolating evidence, including up to date electronic resources, from nursing and related sciences to research-based nursing care. Students will acquire the basic competencies necessary to read, evaluate and interpret findings of nursing research studies. They will also begin to explore ways to incorporate research findings into professional nursing practice; students will be expected to continue to refine their competencies in later courses as they utilize research findings in specific clinical applications. Thus, consistent with professional standards, students will become consumers of research who critically evaluate and base their nursing care on evidence.