Internet Learning Accomplishments
Example 1: Synthesize Advanced Knowledge
In doing my research utilization project, I read many research articles on the prevalence and prevention of STDs [Sexually Transmitted Diseases]. This topic obviously includes knowledge from many disciplines (sociology, public health, psychology, social work), and I feel I was able to gain and use much of this information in my paper. It will also benefit me tremendously in my future work as a [Nurse Practitioner]. I have always had a desire to work with the Hispanic population [and so I will narrow the research focus to that culture]. I feel that it is important for us as nurses to take advantage of the opportunities to further our knowledge base in other disciplines because it can only enhance our own practice.
Example 2: Supply Nursing Therapeutics
I think that the research article I read regarding the use of the nurse specialist in C-section post-partum care and early discharge represents a good example of the application of nursing therapeutics and how advanced practice nursing can provide equally good care which is more affordable, and may even result in increased satisfaction. The nurse specialist was able to deal effectively with the changes that the patient went through, both externally (such as the change from the hospital environment to the home environment) and internally . In reading and in providing us with research such as this article, we can see what a difference advanced practice nurses are making in the world today. The research provides good, sound advice of their safety and efficacy in practice.
Example 3: Integrate Ethical, Legal, Economic and Culture.
In writing my research utilization paper, I was able to discover some of the differences in Hispanic culture in terms of acculturation levels and specific nationalities. Even after getting a degree in Spanish, I never really took into consideration the different perspectives which individuals from various countries have in regards to sexual behavior. I am guilty in fact that I too had basically considered and treated Hispanics as one ethnic group, when in reality they make up many. This is an example of how we as nurses, need to be culturally sensitive and respectful of the values, beliefs and differences of people from various cultural backgrounds. In addition to the cultural differences, the research on this topic has also addressed some of the economic problems, legal and ethical problems (such as illegal immigration and deportation) which nurses and society as a whole must deal with, and will probably continue to deal with for many years to come.
Example 4: Demonstrate Professional Values
I have gained an appreciation for research which I never had before. I can see the importance of having a knowledge of how to critique, learn, and apply research findings in order to better my own personal practice. When I am a nurse practitioner and I need to gain knowledge regarding some aspect of a patient's disease process or treatment, I feel that I will be able to look at research findings regarding this particular disease and be able to glean what I know, and I will be able to determine if the research is soundly based. I have gained knowledge of what makes good, strong research (internal and external validity, reliability of instruments, generalizability, etc.). I remember really disliking my research class as an undergraduate, but I can honestly say I got a lot out of this class and to my great surprise, I truly enjoyed it.
Example 5: Collaborate with Colleagues
While I did not actually present my research utilization paper to the health department, my plan was to incorporate administration, nursing staff, social workers, and auxiliary staff in the utilization of my plan to improve the care of Hispanic women. In doing so, I would have had to work with personnel in gaining support of my plan.
Example 6: Generate Research Questions
As mentioned in my research paper, one of the problems existing in our health care system is the lack of information on prevention. I found very little information, and practically no experimental research on types and effectiveness of different prevention methods. I think prevention must be looked at more closely and I think that eventually it will have to be as cost-effectiveness in health care becomes ever more important. Due to the fact that the generalizability of my research findings were basically limited to impoverished Hispanic women from various socioeconomic levels. I think that research can be discriminatory at times (especially in the case of my research) in that what was found was basically what the researcher had expected to find (researcher bias).
Example 7: Influence health policy
Both research articles with which we critiqued (regarding SCU vs ICU units, and the use of nurse specialists) propose alternatives to the traditional health care systems and reflect its changing values system and focus. Both articles looked at how we can keep costs under control without reducing quality of care by having clinical specialist case manage. This kind of research will probably have the greatest support (at least from an administrative point of view) because it offers solutions to some of the problems we are currently facing in maintaining effective cost-containment. Personally, I have spoken to one family physician about how cost-effective the use of FNPs can be, and I think that in discussing this with him, he is more receptive to the thought of hiring one currently. Reading the Research in Practice sections of journals gave me brief descriptions of research benefits that can be conveyed to policy makers. For example on the topic of complication rates comparing 24 hour hospital stays following birth versus discharge when medically deemed appropriate.
