Clinical Nursing Research

Abstract

THE BULK of nursing research in the past has been concerned with the study of the people doing nursing and the bureaucratic systems within which nursing takes place. Gradually the realization has grown that what is needed is more study of the process of nursing itself. This includes a study of what individuals are like in health and illness and how they respond to the stress of illness, changes in their way of life, and modifications of family structure. It includes as well an appraisal of nursing action in its attempt to modify these stresses and help individuals move toward health.1 Clinical nursing research is the way in which nurse-researchers study these processes trying to build a theoretical framework on which to base nursing actions. There are many difficulties involved in identifying problems for study and in planning this research. In this paper a look will be taken at specific problems in carrying out clinical nursing research.