Changes in nurse education and the facilitation of nursing research: an exploratory study1

This study is concerned with exploring nurses' attitudes and knowledge of nursing research, together with their perception of research priorities. A sample was drawn from five nursing groups, these being Assistant Directors of Nursing Services (ADNS), Ward Sisters, Student Nurses undertaking a conventional educational programme, students undertaking the Diploma in Professional Studies in Nursing Course (DPSN) and student nurses undertaking an ENB pilot scheme in general nursing.

Whilst the results suggest that all groups held favourable attitudes towards nursing research, significant differences emerged with respect to knowledge of such research and perception of research priorities. Of particular interest are the differences observed in comparing the nursing groups who have had experience of higher education with those who have not. The former generally had more positive attitudes, a better knowledge base and clearer priorities for nursing research. Given that many countries now provide nurse education in such centres and that nurse education in the United Kingdom is steadily moving in this direction, the results are important in suggesting some of the benefits which can accrue from collaboration between schools of nursing and centres of higher education.