GHS4546S

Nursing research

Associate Professor A Barnett (Gippsland)/Ms L Watson (Hong Kong)/Ms M Birks (Malaysia and Singapore)

6 points · 4 hours per week · First semester · Gippsland/distance

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be expected to recognise the importance of nursing research to the profession of nursing; discuss the possible application of research to the practice of nursing; identify a range of nursing problems that could be investigated by research; apply selected findings of nursing and other health related research to improve their practice; share findings with colleagues; outline the strengths and weaknesses of the major research methodologies utilised in nursing research; understand and perform statistical tests at an introductory level; demonstrate the ability to design, develop and write a research proposal; and demonstrate an appreciation of the ethical issues involved in the research process.

Synopsis The purpose of this subject is to demonstrate that nursing practice is and can be shaped by research. Emphasis is placed on the belief that investigative skills of all nurses are an integral part of their professional repertoire and that theoretical and clinical sensitivity starts with the ability to raise important and meaningful questions in the course of giving nursing care. There is an expectation that nurses are able to critically appraise research findings, and utilise the benefits or discard the inadequate research for the betterment of the health care consumer.

Assessment Assignments and examination: 100%

Prescribed texts

Burns N and Grove S K The practice of nursing research: Conduct, critique and utilisation 3rd edn, Saunders, 1997

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