Caroline Shuldham: Why it’s vital for nurses to engage in research

Whether you are interested in a career in research, or just want to do a one-off project, taking part in collaborative research programmes will enhance your skills and your contribution to delivering quality patient care, says Caroline Shuldham

Nurses often aspire to ‘do some research’, and consider doing a small project, sometimes as part of an education programme. But like many other initiatives, greater success can be achieved through collaboration and working in teams.

Research findings form an important part of delivering excellent patient care. Although sometimes considered an academic activity, research draws on many skills – not only do researchers need to know their field, and have critical thinking, analytical, design and interpretation skills, they have to manage the many practical issues that are encountered when carrying out research.

The best approach

This includes organising studies and recruiting