Which statement describes the role of the nurse in research?

Question

a. Nurses must be prepared at the baccalaureate or higher level of education to have any role in nursing research.
b. Nurses with master's or higher levels of education are solely responsible for applying research to clinical practice.
c. The research role of nurses prepared at both baccalaureate and master's levels of education includes critical appraisal skills.
d. Regardless of the nursing education level, only the nurse with the most comprehensive understanding of statistical methods should interpret research findings.

Answer 1

ANS: C

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A Having a role in nursing research or implementing findings is not limited to nurses with baccalaureate or higher levels of education.
B Nurses with master's or higher levels of education provide leadership to supervise how research findings are applied in the clinical area. However, all levels of nurses can apply research findings to practice.
C To use research in evidence-based practice, the nurse must not necessarily be able to conduct research but should be able to understand and appraise the steps of the research process to read the research literature critically and use it to inform clinical decisions.
D Data analysis is usually conducted by nurses with master's or higher levels of education. However, interpretation of research findings can be performed by any nurse who can critically analyze the research performed.