Running head: REVIEW

Review of References Patricia M Adams Ferris State University

REVIEW Abstract The profession of nursing relies on a unique body of knowledge to be considered a profession. Research is vital to the development and expansion of nursing knowledge, improved quality of care, improved outcomes and the advances of nursing as a profession. Credible trustworthy

research in nursing can be identified by review of the references. Evaluation of references is one way to determine the credibility of nursing research. Credibility denotes the trustworthiness of knowledge and validation of the researchers views, interpretations and representation of the data (Cope, 2014). Identification of credible sources and nursing research add to the unique body of nursing knowledge. Quality and safety in nursing improve in patient-centered environments with the integration of evidence-based practice. The professional standing of nursing will continue to gain respect as scientific advances in the discipline continue.

REVIEW Review of References Nursing relies on a scientific body of knowledge to be considered a profession (Chitty & Black, 2011). The foundation of nursing knowledge grows as research and evidence related to nursing expand (Ferris State University, 2014). Review of study references contribute to the validation of nursing studies. The purpose of this paper is to identify what constitutes credible references and to explain the significance of nursing research on the practice of nursing. Credibility Nursing research is the collective body of knowledge that provides evidence to validate and advance nursing practice. According to Nieswiadomy (2012), nursing research can be

defined as the systematic, objective process of analyzing phenomena of importance to nursing (p.3). Nursing research focuses on concepts related to nursing and the profession of nursing. Many nursing research studies are based upon questions asked by nurses in the clinical area. Expert opinion, in itself, is not enough to validate current practice trends; therefore further study is necessary. Applied nursing research is based on this concept and involves gathering evidence and generating knowledge to improve current practice (Nieswiadomy, 2012). Incorporation of scientific evidence into practice is known as evidence-based practice (EBP) (Nieswiadomy, 2012). Nursing research can also be considered basic, adding to the unique body of nursing knowledge (Nieswiadomy, 2012). The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) describes nursing research as building upon the scientific body of knowledge to prevent illness while managing symptoms and enhancing end of life care (n.d.). Nursing research, both basic and applied, is vital to the development and expansion of nursing knowledge, improved quality of care, improved outcomes and exemplary professional practice.

REVIEW Credible sources of information are reliable, accurate and trustworthy. Evaluation of references is one way to determine the credibility of the research. Credibility denotes the trustworthiness of knowledge and validation of researchers views, interpretations and representation of the data (Cope, 2014). Article critique can be used to evaluate scholarly articles. Utilization of the LEARN guidelines (look back, elaborate, analyze, revise and new trial) is a scholarly method of article critique that, when used by nurses, can improve professionalism, collaboration and theoretical base for practice (Ferris State University, 2014).

When evaluating credibility, one must look at several factors: the author, journal, journal impact factor, literature review, population studied, significance to nursing as well as the clinical significance of the study (Ferris State University, 2014). Scholarly nursing knowledge can be found in peer-reviewed or refereed journals. Peer-reviewed articles are written by experts in their field and reviewed by a panel of subject experts (Nieswiadomy, 2012). Journal impact factor is an important rating for source credibility. The impact factor of a journal is a number that is given to a journal that represents the citation frequency and is often associated with quality and influence of the journal; a higher number represents higher quality (Nieswiadomy, 2012 p. 265). Credible scholarly articles provide evidence that is vital to EBP and the expansion of nursing knowledge. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has a grading system for the levels of evidence to assist in appraisal and assessment of the quality of evidence (Armola et. al, 2009). Levels of evidence are beneficial in verifying credibility of published studies. Utilization of a level of evidence rating for research studies helps weigh the significance and worthiness of that evidence when integrating it into practice.

REVIEW Article One This article was published by a highly credentialed, expert nurse in a peer-reviewed journal (Cooney, 2006) with an impact factor of 0.89 (Bioxbio, 2013). Determination of the

peer-review status of this journal was found on the AACN journal website on the instructions for authors page (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 2014). In looking back at this article, it appears to have borrowed knowledge from other disciplines therefore it would not be considered true nursing research, but the sharing of knowledge for the purpose of educating nurses. The literature search for this AACN level E article indicates peer-reviewed clinical studies, mostly from non-nursing sources, were used for information gathering (Armola et al., 2009). The content of the article is valuable to nursing as a way to enhance awareness of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the clinical setting. This article may have been more valuable to the profession of nursing if it included nursing research related to the subject matter contributing to the unique body of nursing knowledge. Article Two Article two is a qualitative analysis nursing research study (Decker et. al, 2007) published in an easily recognizable peer-reviewed journal with an impact factor of 1.473 (Preventative Cardiovasuclar Nurses Association, 2014). This article contains the steps of the research process; utilizes a conceptual framework as a model; and contains background information, an objective, a purpose statement, ethical approval and recommendations for nursing practice improvement. The literature review included twenty relevant sources with at least five nursing references. This AACN level A study (Armola et al., 2009) was written by a group of people who are highly educated including PhDs and an MD. The primary investigator is a registered nurse with a PhD. This study adds to the unique body of nursing knowledge by including patient

REVIEW perception in a well-designed research study in effort to improve patient-centered care. As Cronenwett et. al (2007) point out, delivery of high quality care includes both EBP as well as patient preferences and both must be used to achieve patient-centered care. Although this study has limitations related to the sample of the study, it does suggest further research on the subject. This research study added to the unique body of nursing knowledge by meeting its objective to provide evidence that suggests that patient-centered care improves patient satisfaction and quality outcomes. Significance to Nursing For nursing to be respected as a profession, it must meet the criteria of a profession. In addition to providing a service to society, nursing must have: a unique body of knowledge,

specialized education, accountability, autonomy and a set of ethical standards to be considered a profession (Chitty & Black, 2011). Research related to nursing increases the professional standing by contributing to the unique body of knowledge. Instead of borrowing knowledge from other disciplines, as nursing has done in the past, building a body of knowledge advances and distinguishes it as a reputable profession (Nieswiadomy, 2012). As nursing research builds upon the body of knowledge, the profession of nursing will continue to advance. The promotion of quality and safety in nursing can be improved by the implementation of EBP by collaborative teamwork in a patient-centered care setting. White and OSullivan (2012) describe how integration of EBP contributes to collaboration with other members of the healthcare team to improve outcomes by facilitating quality improvement measures. The Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies of quality, safe nursing care includes patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety and informatics (Cronenwett et al., 2007, p.122). Evidence-based practice

REVIEW not only influences practice changes, it validates best practice standards. Using EBP as a basis for practice and policy changes enhances nursing practice through changes as supported by current evidence. In the clinical setting, a culture of safety based on evidence reduces patient falls, helps prevent pressure ulcers and decreases sepsis. Barcode medication scanning in hospitals is another example of how changes related to quality of care, based on evidence, increase safety and improves outcomes by reducing medication errors. Evidence-based practice and patient perception contribute to the improved quality of

nursing care. Incorporation of EBP leads to changes and advances in clinical decisions based on evidence utilizing expert opinion and including patient preference (Nieswiadomy, 2012). Tradition, clinical experience and logical reasoning are valuable aspects of the practice of nursing, however, evidence gained through research scientifically validates best practice and improved outcomes. According to Cronenwett et. al (2007), nursing research contributes to the identification of issues related to patient care. Utilization of this evidence helps identify improvements to practice, closing gaps in patient care. In the Decker (2007) study, patient perception was included as part of the objective to optimize outcomes. For nursing, patient perception is valuable to improved quality of care. Although qualitative research may not have a high level of evidence in scientific studies, it is what makes nursing different from other disciplines. Inclusion of patient perception and satisfaction are vital to process changes in nursing practice. Improved quality of care contributes to excellence in nursing practice. The role of research in nursing continues to have increased significance as the profession expands its scientific knowledge base and reputation as a profession (Nieswiadomy, 2012). As nursing research and publication of nursing studies increases, nursing will achieve a higher level of professionalism both on a social level, as well as through its contribution to the impact factors

REVIEW of nursing journals. With an increased credibility, nursing studies will influence the future of nursing and continue to expand the unique body of knowledge that holds the foundation of the profession. Conclusion As the profession of nursing continues to grow, professionalism, collaboration and the theoretical base for practice will ensue. Credible research and EBP are key components to the validation of nursing practice and advancement of nursing as a profession. As a profession, it is essential to have credible, current, relevant research applied to nursing practice in an effort to promote a culture of safety, improved of quality of care and patient outcomes.

REVIEW References American Association of Critical-Care Nurses [AACN] (2014). Critical Care Nurse. Retrieved from http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/ Armola R.R., Bourgault, A.M., Halm, M. A., Board, R.M., Bucher, L., Harrington, L., Medina, J. (2009). AACN levels of evidence: Whats new? Critical Care Nurse, 29(4), 70-73. doi:10.4037/ccn2009969 Bioxbio (2013) Retrieved from: http://www.bioxbio.com/if/html/CRIT-CARE-NURSE.html Cooney, M. F. (2006). Heparin-Induced thrombocytopenia advances in diagnosis and treatment. Critical Care Nurse, 26(6), 3036. Retrieved from http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/ Chitty, K. K., & Black, B.P. (2011). Professional nursing concepts & challenges (6th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Saunders. Cope, D. G. (2014). Methods and meanings: Credibility and trustworthiness of qualitative research. Oncology Nursing Forum, 44(1). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24368242 Cronenwett, L., Sherwood, G., Barnsteiner, J., Disch, J., Johnson, J., Mitchell, P., Warren, J. (2007). Quality and safety education for nurses. Nursing Outlook, 55(3), 122131. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2007.02.006 Decker, C., Garavalia, L., Chen, C., Buchanan, D. M.,Nugent, K., Shipman, A., & Spertus, J.A. (2007). Acute myocardial infarction patients needs over the course of treatment and recovery. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, (22)6, 459-465. Retrieved from http://journals.lww.com/jcnjournal/pages/default.aspx Ferris State University [FSU] (2014), NURS 350 Research in nursing. Syllabus. Retrieved from College of Health Professions, School of Nursing, Singleterry, L., Big Rapids, Michigan

REVIEW National Institute of Nursing Research (n.d), NIH Almanac, Betheseda. Retrieved from http://www.nih.gov/about/almanac/organization/NINR.htm

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Nieswiadomy, R. M. (2012). Foundations of nursing research. Upper Saddle River. NJ: Pearson. Preventative Cardiovasuclar Nurses Association [PCNA] (2014). Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. Retrieved from http://journals.lww.com/jcnjournal/pages/default.aspx White, K. M. & OSullivan, A. (2012). The essential guide to nursing practice: applying ANAs scope and standards in practice and education. Silver Spring, MD: Nursebooks.