Developing Clinical Research Projects: Novice to Expert

Nurses today are faced with multiple tasks and institutional demands that require continued change in the clinical environment. Because of concerns raised by national and international studies associated with the cost of health care, patient safety factors, and new regulations associated with reimbursement, nurses at the bedside are being asked to improve patient care outcomes. Therefore, most staff nurses lack the skills associated with evidence-based approaches or data-driven results. In fact, most clinicians must be reeducated about their role within the organization and as an active member in gathering data, participating in clinical research forums, or working with multidisciplinary teams to promote new clinical treatments.