Nursing 365

NURS 365: Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Prerequisite: Admission to the RN-BSN program, Statistics 130 or 200, Nurs 302, and NURS 332.

Credit Hours: (classroom and clinical): 3 semester hours; lecture

Provides a comprehensive overview of the research process including problem statements, review of literature, methodology, design, sampling, data collection, interpretation of findings and dissemination of findings. The course emphasizes knowledge and skills that are essential for critical evaluation of data-based publications and presentations. This course emphasizes models of Evidence-Based Practice and the knowledge and skills necessary for the clinical evaluations of hierarchies of evidence and change theory which are critical for the evaluation of data based publications and presentations.


Detailed Description of Course


The objectives and content of this Level 2 Course are derived from the School of Nursing’s philosophy and conceptual framework and the AACN Essentials for Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice and facilitate achievement of the School’s program objectives. Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course represent areas covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Current research and advancement in theory and clinical practice also determine content.
    1) Overview of Nursing Research
    2) Conceptualization of Problems
    3) Review of Literature
    4) Problem Statements, Purpose Statements, and Hypotheses
    5) Alternative Research Methods
    6) Qualitative Research Methods
    7) Quantitative Research Methods
    8) Ethical Issues in Research
    9) Sampling
    10) Data Collection
    11) Measurement
    12) Data Analysis
    13) Critical Analysis of Research
    14) Utilization of Research Findings
    15) Evidence-Based Research


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The following strategies will be employed but are not limited to: lecture, discussion, multimedia, case studies, and small group work.


Goals and Objectives of the Course

The objectives and content of this RN-BSN Course are derived from the School of Nursing's philosophy and conceptual framework, and facilitate achievement of the School's program objectives as wella s the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education (AACN). Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course represent content that is requisite for a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Current research and advancement in theory and clinical practice also determine content.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:    
    1) Demonstrate skill using information technologies in preparing to evaluate Evidence-Based Practice based on hierarchies of evidence for a review         of literature. 
    2) Identify the role of the nurse in protecting the rights of animals and humans during the research process.
    3) Outline ethical decision-making that occurs in the planning and implementation of research studies.
    4) Demonstrate knowledge of the steps of the research process and models for applying evidence to clinical practice
    5) Utilize critical thinking to evaluate data-based publications and presentations.
    6) Identify the importance of using research findings throughout one’s nursing career to improve care for individuals and their families.

Topic Outline:
    1) Overview of Nursing Research
    2) Conceptualization of Problems
    3) Review of Literature and Hierarchies of Evidence
    4) Problem Statements, Purpose statement, and hypothesis
    5) Alternative, Qualitative, and Quantitative research methods
    6) Ethical issues in research
    7) Sampling, data collection, and measurement
    8) Data analyis
    9) Critical Analysis of research
    10) Utilization of research findings
    11) Change Theory for Evidence-Based Practice
    12) Evidence-Based Practice with Quality Improvement


Assessment Measures

May include but are not limited to:
    1) Exams; Quizzes
    2) Paper
    3) Project, Individual or Group
    4) Care Plan
    5) Oral Presentations
    6) Class Participation

The course grade is determined by an evaluation of the extent to which the student meets the stated course objectives. Students must have a minimum of 80% (“C”) in theory, measured through testing. Other written work will be included in the final grade after the minimum 80% (“C”) has been attained through testing.


Other Course Information

Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.

Students with Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). The DRO is located in Room 32, Tyler Hall, telephone 540-831-6350. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with me no later than the second week of the semester.

Attendance: For Attendance policies and other course-related requirements, see School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook and Course Description.


Review and Approval

March 1, 2018