Special Interest Group Update
In each issue, one of NANN's special interest groups shares information in their area of focus.
Disclaimer: The information presented and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.
Fueling Innovation and Excellence: The Spirit of Inquiry in Neonatal Care
Tosha Harris, DNP APRN NNP-BC
As a faculty member, I frequently encounter student papers that demand my attention for various reasons. Recently, one such moment stood out to me significantly. A particularly profound statement inspired me to choose the spirit of inquiry in neonatal care as the topic for this edition's Special Interest Group (SIG) article.
You might be wondering what the statement was. It highlights that many providers do not have enough time to read research. While the student is correct in pointing out that many clinicians struggle with time constraints, staying informed about research cannot be overlooked. Many healthcare professionals, including nurses, find it challenging to read research due to their demanding workloads, administrative responsibilities, and irregular schedules. The immediate needs of patient care, extensive documentation, and shift work leave little time for activities like reading research articles. Additionally, the sheer volume and complexity of research and limited access to resources in some settings can make staying current with evidence-based practices overwhelming. Fatigue and burnout further reduce motivation and energy to engage with research outside of working hours. Competing priorities often precede reading research. In many cases, healthcare institutions may not provide sufficient support for research engagement, and some practitioners cannot see how research influences their daily practice.
As neonatal care providers, we should be concerned about research and evidence-based practice (EBP) for several critical reasons. Both are essential components of modern healthcare that directly impact patient outcomes, the quality of care, and the advancement of the nursing profession.
Keeps Nursing Practice Current. Healthcare is a rapidly evolving field, and new research is continually emerging. If we do not stay informed about the latest findings, our practice may become outdated, putting patients at risk. EBP encourages us to stay current with the latest scientific advancements and clinical guidelines, ensuring that they are delivering care that aligns with modern standards. This continuous learning is especially important in areas like neonatal care, where the development of new treatments and technologies can significantly alter clinical practices. By engaging with research, nurses ensure their skills and knowledge evolve in line with these changes, fostering personal growth and professional development and improving patient outcomes.
Fosters a Culture of Continuous Improvement. When we embrace research and EBP, they contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within healthcare settings. This culture encourages questioning, reflection, and constantly pursuing better methods and practices. Nurses who participate in research or use EBP are part of a broader movement to advance healthcare, benefiting their patients and the profession.
Ethical Responsibility. We are ethically obligated to provide care based on the best available evidence. As stated in Provision 7 of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics (2015), "the nurse, in all roles and settings, advances the profession through research and scholarly inquiry, professional standards development, and the generation of both nursing and health policy." By engaging with research and EBP, nurses fulfill this ethical duty, ensuring they provide care that is not only compassionate but also evidence-based.
Advancement of the Nursing Profession. Engaging with research and contributing to EBP plays an essential role in advancing the nursing profession. By participating in or conducting research, we can help build the body of knowledge that underpins our practice. This positions nursing as a discipline grounded in science and research, elevating the status of nursing as a respected and evidence-based profession. Your role in this advancement is crucial, and it should be a source of pride and motivation in your daily practice.
Many years ago, my mentor, Dr. Bobby Bellflower, shared with me that every night before bed, she would read one neonatal-focused article. While I can't say that I've consistently done this every night, I make it a point to review the literature regularly. The key is to start your journey of research engagement. How can you begin? Start small but start today! This simple act can empower you to make a significant difference in your practice and patient care.
Your membership with NANN gives you access to each edition of our bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal, Advances in Neonatal Care (ANC). The steady habit of regularly reviewing the literature will, over time, help build a deeper understanding of evidence-based practices, making it easier to apply your new knowledge in the clinical setting. Second, reading regularly fosters critical thinking and reflection, enabling clinicians to evaluate their practices and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, consistent reading can inspire innovation, as exposure to new research encourages us to question current approaches and explore alternative, more effective interventions.
NANN's Research Agenda and Priorities are available for review on the NANN website. The agenda provides direction on current gaps in knowledge, highlighting specific topics where research is needed. Use this information as a roadmap to guide your involvement in meaningful research and evidence-based initiatives. By aligning your projects or clinical inquiries with these priorities, you can focus on areas critical to advancing neonatal care. If you haven't done so, please consider joining the Research Special Interest Group within the myNANN community. Being part of a SIG offers opportunities to network and collaborate with like-minded professionals who are passionate about research and quality improvement.
Making time to read research and becoming involved in evidence-based practice equips you with the tools to make informed decisions that directly impact outcomes in neonatal care. Research fosters personal and professional development and contributes to the broader nursing community, helping to drive progress in the field. Your commitment to staying curious, asking questions, and actively participating in research will shape the future of healthcare, ensuring the best possible care for our patients and their families. Now is the time to prioritize research and become actively involved in shaping the profession you are passionate about.
Reference
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/coe-view-only/