After reviewing the course textbook, summarize the history of nursing research. Discuss the importance of nursing research as it relates to applying evidence in practice (evidence-based practice).
After reviewing the course textbook, summarize the history of nursing research. Discuss the importance of nursing research as it relates to applying evidence in practice (evidence-based practice).
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Sample Expert Answer
The History of Nursing Research
The history of nursing research began in the mid-19th century with Florence Nightingale. She used data and observation to improve patient outcomes during the Crimean War. Her work showed how evidence could improve health care and nursing practice (de Souza Padilha et al., 2025). In the early 20th century, nurses began to study education and training. Most of the research focused on how to prepare nurses for practice. By the 1950s and 1960s, nursing research expanded to include clinical practice, patient care, and outcomes (de Souza Padilha et al., 2025).
The American Nurses Association supported the growth of nursing research through committees and funding. In the 1980s, the creation of the National Center for Nursing Research within the National Institutes of Health gave more recognition to nursing as a science. This later became the National Institute of Nursing Research. Since then, nursing research has continued to grow, focusing on clinical care, health promotion, disease prevention, and the improvement of health systems. Today, nursing research is global and supports professional practice.
Importance of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Nursing research is important because it creates the knowledge that guides practice. Evidence-based practice (EBP) means using the best research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to make decisions. Research provides the evidence that makes care safer and more effective (McNett et al., 2021). It helps nurses know what interventions work and what does not. Through research, nurses can improve patient outcomes, reduce errors, and increase satisfaction.
EBP also helps reduce costs by avoiding ineffective treatments. Nursing research encourages critical thinking and lifelong learning. It allows nurses to use proven methods instead of tradition or guesswork (McNett et al., 2021). By applying research findings, nurses provide care that is current and reliable. This makes the profession stronger and increases trust from patients and the health care team.
References
de Souza Padilha, M. I. C., & Borenstein, M. S. (2025). Nursing history: Teaching, research and interdisciplinarity. Escola Anna Nery Revista de Enfermagem, 10(3), 532-538. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1414-81452006000300024
McNett, M., Masciola, R., Sievert, D., & Tucker, S. (2021). Advancing evidence‐based practice through implementation science: Critical contributions of doctor of nursing practice‐and doctor of philosophy‐prepared nurses. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 18(2), 93-101. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12496
