Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, and Triangulation Research Simplified.

For the novice nurse researcher, identifying a clinical researchable problem may be simple, but discerning an appropriate research approach may be daunting. What are the differences among quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and triangulation research? Which method is applicable for the study one wants to conduct? This article discusses the two main research traditions (quantitative and qualitative) and the differences and similarities in methods for frontline nurses. It simplifies and clarifies how the reader might enhance the rigor of the research study by using mixed methods or triangulation.

Evidence-Based Practice Implementation: Dependent on Capacity and Capabilities.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the benefits, facilitators, and barriers of implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) into organizational culture.

Background: Implementing EBP leads to higher quality of patient outcome care, improved patient outcomes, and decreased healthcare costs. Nurse leader (NL) influence is essential for successful EBP implementation.

Standardizing Nurse Transition to Practice: An Infrastructure to Support Nursing Excellence.

Nurse residency programs (NRPs) require effective structures and processes to ensure achievement of desired outcomes, including program accreditation, newly licensed nurse retention, and a healthy nursing workforce for the future. A healthcare system created strategic positions of director of nursing workforce transitions and nursing workforce professional development specialists to standardize an NRP across six hospitals and to achieve Practice Transition Accreditation Program accreditation. The positions provide a strong infrastructure to optimize nurse transition to practice.

Preceptor Course Structures and Processes Contributing to Newly Licensed Nurse Outcomes.

Background: This article describes a preceptor program implemented across a health care system with standardized structures and processes that contribute to newly licensed nurse outcomes, including role satisfaction and retention.

Method: A quantitative design used two psychometrically tested instruments with data collected through Internet-based surveys.

Results: Newly licensed nurses' perceptions of their preceptors were consistently favorable.

Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Quality Improvement Simplified.

Is the research process different than evidence-based practice and quality improvement, or is it the same? Scattered evidence and misperceptions regarding research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement make the answer unclear among nurses. This article clarifies and simplifies the three processes for frontline clinical nurses and nurse leaders. The three processes are described and discussed to give the reader standards for differentiating one from the other.

Development and Implementation of a Nurse Residency Program Stakeholder Evaluation.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) annually awards the Program Director of the Year at the ANCC PTAP Symposium. This year the Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs and ANCC PTAP team is ecstatic to announce Dr. Kim Failla, from Sharp HealthCare, as the awardee.

A 1-Year Accredited Nurse Residency Program's Effect on Intent to Leave.

Objective: This article describes the evaluation of a system-wide program to enhance new graduate nurse resident (NGNR) experience, enculturation, and commitment to the organization.

Background: Structured nurse residency programs support NGNR transition to the work environment and increase retention and organizational commitment.

Methods: The study used a descriptive, comparative design measuring NGNR perceptions of affective commitment, job satisfaction, job stress, and other variables over 3 times from baseline to 24 months.

Psychometric Testing of a Nurse Residency Program Stakeholder Evaluation Survey.

This article describes the development and psychometric testing of a 43-item nurse residency program stakeholder evaluation. The valid and reliable survey provides nursing professional development practitioners with insight into opportunities to improve nurse residency program design and educational content. Survey results may also substantiate human and capital resources required for effective programs.

Does Gender Matter in Septic Patient Outcomes?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine potential gender disparities in relation to factors associated with sepsis management among a cohort of patients admitted through an emergency department with a discharge diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock. Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death globally, with significant associated costs. Predictors of survival for those with sepsis-related diagnoses are complex.

Systematic Review of Gender Differences in Sepsis Management and Outcomes.

Purpose: Contributors to disparities in sepsis management have been attributed to genetic susceptibility, differences in clinical presentation, and healthcare delivery. The influence of gender on survival or mortality of patients with sepsis-related diagnoses is unclear. The purpose of the current study was to systematically review published research to identify factors and outcomes associated with sepsis management and outcomes based on gender differences.

Assessing Learning Styles of Graduate Entry Nursing Students as a Classroom Research Activity: A quantitative research study.

Background: A number of studies across different disciplines have investigated students' learning styles. Differences are known to exist between graduate and baccalaureate nursing students. However, few studies have investigated the learning styles of students in graduate entry nursing programs.

Manager and staff perceptions of the manager's leadership style.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to look at manager and staff perceptions of the manager's leadership style and to determine what effect transformational leadership style has on job satisfaction.

Background: Nursing job satisfaction is a critical element in addressing the nursing shortage. Literature supports that job satisfaction is related to nurse manager leadership style.