Building the Research Enterprise in the Academic Environment

Abstract

The preponderance of nursing research conducted in the United States occurs in schools of nursing. Accordingly, a major role for academic leaders in nursing education is the development of a resource base to support and expand the research mission of the nursing program. The intersection of research and practice is also an essential element for assuring the relevance of nursing research and advancing the application of the evidence generated by nursing scientists. The following paper presents an introduction to nursing research in the U.S. with an emphasis on the educational and operational resources needed to maintain a robust research enterprise in schools of nursing. Key supports for this important work are profiled, including federal agencies and programs committed to advancing nursing science and the more widespread engagement of nurses in team-based research. The paper concludes with a look at efforts underway to enhance quality in research-focused doctoral programs and an assessment of critical roles nursing deans and faculty play in championing nursing research and preparing the next generation of nurse scientists.