NURS 460: Nursing Research
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Syllabus

Course: NURS 460 NURSING RESEARCH

Credit hours: 2

Instructor: Carol E. Smith, RN, PhD
     Office Telephone: 913-588-1667
     Email: csmith@kumc.edu

Prerequisites: Level II courses or consent of instructor

Course Description:

The history of nursing research, terminology, and steps in the research process are explored. Research as a basis for assessment of outcomes of health promotion and health care interventions including therapeutic nursing interventions is emphasized. Research questions relevant to clinical practice are identified. Interpretation of research for use in nursing practice is emphasized. The role of theory and ethical issues involved in the conduct of research is addressed.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe the steps in the research process.
  2. Identify potential research questions related to nursing and interdisciplinary health care.
  3. Identify major types of research methodology and the role of theory in each.
  4. Discuss examples of outcomes research to assess health promotion and health care interventions including therapeutic nursing interventions.
  5. Discuss ethical issues related to research studies.
  6. Use critical thinking to examine outcomes research relevant to health care promotion and health interventions.

Course Content:

  1. Introduction/history of nursing research
  2. Identifying nursing research problems/ review of the literature
  3. Theoretical or conceptual framework/hypotheses and research questions
  4. Sampling/ ethical issues
  5. Quantitative research designs
  6. Qualitative research
  7. Outcomes research: examples
  8. Levels of measurement/validity and reliability
  9. Data collection methods
  10. Data analysis
  11. Analysis of research articles using selected criteria
  12. Utilization of nursing research/research-based nursing practice

Methodology:

  1. Internet Activities, including the "interactive lectures"
  2. Online Discussion, required for each module
  3. Online submission of research critique

Evaluation of learning outcomes:

  • Do all readings and learning activities including quizzes
  • Critique of Research Article using selected criteria
  • Individual learning activities and online discussion

Grading Policy:

Module learning activities and Required Assignments (70%):

  • Each module has unit purpose, research terminology and textbook chapter reading required.
  • Required interactive assignments including: 20%
  • Study Questions = 20%
  • On-Line Discussions = 10%
  • Quizzes = 20% 
  • Percentage (30%) of NRSG 460 Research Grade from your Critique Assignments:
    • Research Critique Summary = 15%
    • Discussion online of article reviewed = 15%

All required assignments must be completed.  Remember the learning activities, research critique and online discussion assist you in achievement of course objectives with emphases on: critical thinking to examine relevant research outcomes for use in practice.

Grading Scale:

90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
< 60% = F

Evaluation/Grading Criteria  as in Student Handbook:

This course is graded on a letter-grade basis and must be completed with C or better to count toward the degree.

Exams:

The learning quizzes cover information obtained in the chapters of the text and content of the discussions and readings.  There is a summary at the end of each chapter as well as study questions online.  It is helpful to read the summary and review the study questions prior to reading the chapter to help focus on the key content of each chapter.

Analysis of research article:

Use this guide for critiquing a research article.  Also read in the text for this information.

Required Text:

Nieswiadomy, R. N. (1998). Foundations of Nursing Research (3rd ed.). Norwalk, Conn.: Appleton & Lange. (Textbook)

Textbooks: Click HERE to go to the bookstore internet window for ordering.  Note: This will open in a new window.   When finished, close the new internet window (go to File, and select "Close") NURS 460 should still be here.

Helpful Internet Sites to Use:

  • Dykes Library
  • Online Journals - a good place to go to look for research articles to critique.

    Access to the library's electronic journals and IP restricted databases is available to current KUMC faculty, students, staff and eligible users.  Remote access can be attained two ways; KUMC On-Line or the KUMC proxy server.

    Instructions for remote access of the library's electronic materials is now included in the Introduction to Web-based Learning module.  The instructions are at http://classes.kumc.edu/general/wbmodule/anatomy_remote_access.htm. Within the module you can get to this page through the Skill Session page and the Anatomy of a Course page.  The directions are also included into the standardized help page.

Profits Statement:

I pledge that I will not give, receive, or tolerate unauthorized aid, nor will I abuse academic resources while I am a member of this academic community.

PROFITS - View the presentation, then sign and mail in the PROFITS Pledge (if you have not already done so).

Disability Statement:

Any student in this course who needs an accommodation because of a disability in order to complete the course requirements should contact the instructor or the ADA/504 Coordinator (913-588-7813, TDD 913-588-7963).

Behavioral expectations in NURS 460:

  1. In general, unless specified, all work in this course is to be completed alone.
  2. General consultation with others may be acceptable as long as it does not result in a substantive contribution to the course assignment.  When in doubt, check with the professor.
  3. The instructor expects you to uphold the traditional expectations for research and scholarly work, i.e., ethical interactions with one another or research participants, appropriate use and crediting of sources in all written materials, appropriate protections of confidential and anonymous data, etc.
  4. Plagiarizing, the presentation of the words or ideas of another person without proper citation or attribution is not acceptable.
  5. Members of a designated group are responsible for assuring that all students whose names appear on the assignment contributed to the project.
  6. I encourage you to seek additional feedback regarding writing style, APA style, and clarity of papers from other students, professional colleagues, or staff of the Student Services Department, Student Center.

The following are unacceptable behaviors in any research:

  1. Failing to protect the confidentiality of data.
  2. Revealing the identity of research subjects, unless negotiated with said participant.
  3. Violating the integrity of a study by influencing the sampling process for personal convenience or preference.
  4. Violating individual rights by coercing potential subjects to participate in a research study.
  5. Disclosing codes for access to computer files of data sets.
  6. Changing or fabricating data or research results.
 

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