A Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Fellowship Program in a Magnet®-designated pediatric medical center.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To describe the structure and outcomes related to a nursing research and evidence-based practice fellowship program in a Magnet®-designated pediatric medical center and explore perceptions of knowledge, skills, and barriers to evidence-based practice and research. BACKGROUND: The Magnet® Recognition Program is a model for nursing excellence that promotes nursing research and evidence-based practice. Studies show that nurses need assistance in overcoming common barriers to scholarly inquiry, including knowledge and skills, confidence, scarce time, and financial support. The fellowship program was developed to reinforce institutional goals related to nursing scholarship and Magnet® designation. METHODS: A pre-test post-test repeated measures study assessed fellowship program outcomes immediately before, after, and at one year post program completion. Data collected included descriptive data related to the fellowship program participants and projects. The 49-item Developing Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire survey evaluated evidenced-based practice knowledge and skills. RESULTS: Over a 5-year period, 22 (+2 pilot) participants graduated from the fellowship program with a total of 9 completed projects (+1 pilot) and 1 ongoing study. The fellowship program helped to overcome some common obstacles related to skill and confidence in using research evidence and completing scholarly projects. Many improvements were sustained over time. The greatest barrier to nursing inquiry, time, needs continued attention, as this was reported as an enduring limitation to nursing scholarship. CONCLUSION: The fellowship program reinforced and enhanced the organizational commitment to building and sustaining a passion for clinical inquiry through research and evidence-based practice, supporting the requirements of a Magnet®-designated hospital. Continued support is needed to garner nursing success.