Characteristics of Nursing Research

1. It involves the gathering of new and existing data from new sources or first-hand information.
2. It is directed toward the solution of the problem.
3. It is analytical. It is characterized by carefully designed procedures in collecting data and rigorous analysis in interpreting them.
4. It emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles, and theories that may be helpful in predicting future occurrence.
5. It requires expertise. The researcher must be adequately prepared to undertake such behavior.
6. It is empirical. It is based on direct experience and demands accurate observation and description of what is being studied.
7. It strives to be logical, applying every possible test to validate the procedures being employed so that the researcher has confidence in the results.
8. It is honest and characterized by patient and unhurried activities.
9. It can be replicated to enable the researcher to achieve valid and comprehensive results.
10. It requires innovative approaches.
11. It is carefully recorded and reported.

Characteristics of Nurse Researchers

1. Intellectual curiosity – The nurse researcher undertake inquiry and serious thinking about situations and problems affecting nurses and nursing.
2. Creative thinking – Coupled with the ability to go beyond what already exist and develop various ways of doing things.
3. Critical thinking – Clinical expertise and a working knowledge of the scientific problem-solving technique help to a great extent in formalizing the study.
4. Ability to relate their study to known theory – Through scholarly thinking and to articulate this in precise and organized manner.
5. Patience and discipline to see the study.
6. Intellectual honesty – Researchers are honest in collecting, analyzing, and reporting data.

Purpose of Nursing Research

1. Provide a scientific basis for the nursing profession.
2. Develop and evaluate new techniques for delivering patient care that is vital to patient’s health needs.
3. Develop tools for assessing the effectiveness of nursing interventions.
4. Provide solutions to problems concerning health maintenance, health delivery and health care.
5. Help determine the areas of need relative to nursing practices such as patient-teaching and nurse-patient relationships.
6. Develop and evaluate alternative approaches to nursing education that would enable that student to gain broad knowledge and specialized skills for safe practice.
7. To prepare oneself to be a diligent practitioner of research.