Welcome from the Director
I have often been asked, “Why is nursing research important?” When I became a registered nurse three decades ago, the focus of our profession was primarily clinical. But our roles have evolved; and we are now considered respected members of the health care team. Research has been the catalyst for many of the positive changes that we have seen in nursing. Previous United States Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona (a physician and former nurse) noted, “…it’s always good to have a nurse in your corner!” He stated that the important work of nurses is supported by scientifically significant findings. “Because of nursing research, there is greater recognition of the importance of nursing in the care of the patient.” Admiral Carmona reflected on the impact of research in shaping “the future of nursing, and…the future of life.” He encouraged us to “Be bold, embrace the unknown, decipher life’s mysteries. . . but let the world [we] serve experience [our] awesome feats as [we] compassionately shape the future of nursing!” Scientific inquiry, planned and conducted by nurses, is vital to healthcare. We are poised to make positive differences in the lives of our stakeholders; patients, their loved ones, the community and our fellow health care providers. It has been demonstrated time and time again that data obtained through sound research methods provides the necessary foundation for best practices (evidence-based nursing). It is imperative that we continue to add to the body of nursing knowledge; with our findings substantiated through rigorously-planned research endeavors. Nurse-led research is vital; we must continue to be catalysts in the development of science that enhances the lives of our fellow citizens around the globe. Nursing Research at the Seton Family of Hospitals is…ON THE MOVE!!! Nurses make a positive difference everyday! Together, we can continue to shape the future of nursing and healthcare...through the planning, implementation and dissemination of quality research studies.
Reference: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/news/speeches/ninr09102003.htm
Kenn M. Kirksey, RN, PhD is the director of nursing research for the Seton Family of Hospitals. Prior to joining Seton, Kenn served in a similar capacity at Harris County Hospital District in Houston. Previously, he was tenured professor of nursing, served as graduate and research coordinator at several universities in Texas and California, and taught acute/critical care and research for two decades. Dr. Kirksey’s own program of research is in the area of symptom management for persons living with HIV disease. His particular focus has been with persons experiencing lipodystrophy (body fat changes often associated with antiretroviral therapy). Kenn’s work, conducted in partnership with nurse scientists from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America (under the auspices of the International HIV/AIDS Nursing Research Network, based at the University of California, San Francisco) has resulted in dozens of publications in national peer-reviewed journals and scientific presentations at many world-wide conferences.
Eduardo C. Chavez, RN, BSN, BS is senior project coordinator in The Center for Nursing Research. Prior to joining the CNR, he worked as a staff nurse II at University Medical Center Brackenridge. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay for 27 months, and has had extensive experience working in behavioral research settings as a technician and research assistant. Eduardo has applied to the PhD in nursing program at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. He anticipates beginning his studies in fall 2009. Mr. Chavez currently serves as principal investigator on a project to identify predictors of registered nurse participation in conducting research.
The Center for Nursing Research
The Center for Nursing Research (CNR) was created in spring 2008. A team, led by Dr. Kirksey and LeeAnn Christie (chair, Nursing Research Council), created a Strategic Vision to guide nursing research and evidence-based practice initiatives through 2012. Our vision statement parallels the mission and values of the Seton Family of Hospitals (dedication, reverence, wisdom, integrity, service to the poor, and creativity) as we endeavor to be one of the nation’s top healthcare systems through the creation and dissemination of nursing research, utilize evidence-based practice to guide and promote excellence in nursing care, and commit to educating the next generation of nurse scientists.
Research, scholarship, and creativity are core components of the CNR. Strategies that guide our work include:
- Providing superior educational opportunities
- Enhancing health-related quality of life through development, acquisition, and application of knowledge
- Generating and using empirical data to develop informed nursing policies and practice
- Developing a dynamic nursing culture that is embraced and respected, both internally and externally
- Fostering excellence in practice and continuity of care
- Synchronizing best practices throughout the Seton Family of Hospitals that lead to quality outcomes
The seven goals that were developed include: 1) Identifying nursing research priorities; 2) Strengthening research climate & infrastructure; 3) Implementing quality nurse-led research studies; 4) Promoting interdisciplinary & collaborative research partnerships; 5) Providing education regarding research methodology, critical thinking strategies and evidence-based practice; 6) Utilizing scientific knowledge to advance quality of care; and 7) Increasing research visibility throughout the Seton Family of Hospitals and scientific community-at-large.
The CNR is currently supporting the development and implementation of over 25 nurse-led studies. Scientific initiatives are being conducted in conjunction with partners from several prestigious universities (e.g., Yale University; University of California, San Francisco; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; University of Texas at Austin; and Johns Hopkins University).
UMCB, Venous Access
Nursing Research Fellowship
October 30, 2007 was a historic day for Seton Family of Hospitals as we launched a research partnership with The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing (UT). The initiative was formed to:
- Support Seton nurses (both direct care providers and nurse administrators) in establishing basic research competence;
- Provide consultation on research design, proposal and grant development, and the approval process for human subjects protection;
- Provide support with data management, statistical analysis, and editing manuscripts/research abstracts; and
- Assist in procurement of research funding from external sources.
The 15-week course is taught by UT faculty, in collaboration with the Seton Nursing Leadership team. Dr. Kenn Kirksey, Seton director of nursing research, is also available for consultation with research fellows regarding all aspects of scientific inquiry, including: methodology, procurement of valid and reliable instruments for data collection, preparation of institutional review board (IRB) applications, and statistical analyses. Seton Family of Hospitals has two librarians available (at University Medical Center Brackenridge and Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas) to assist nursing staff in locating references and other necessary resources.
At the completion of the course, it is anticipated that fellows have the basic research knowledge to complete the IRB application, engage in data collection, and publish study results (e.g., Network Nursing News and national, peer-reviewed journals).
Nursing Research/Evidence-Based Practice Seminars
Seminars addressing a variety of research and evidence-based practice (EBP) topics are offered monthly at the four Magnet-designated hospitals. Classes are also presented at non-Magnet sites, as requested. Examples of topics include: introduction to basic research principles; grant writing; & manuscript and research proposal preparation.
Nursing Research Council
The purpose of the Nursing Research Council (NRC) is to provide a defined infrastructure to support nursing research, advance nursing practice and further the implementation of evidence-based practice. The council provides support for nurses to identify and investigate nursing problems, conduct scientific inquiry, analyze and evaluate data, and implement and apply research findings. The NRC assesses nurses’ challenges and barriers to initiating, conducting and participating in research. At monthly meetings, initiatives are discussed and reviewed in an effort to raise awareness among staff nurses of the importance of evidence-based practice and research.
LeeAnn Christie, BSN, RN, CCRN is chair of the NRC and is employed as research coordinator in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas. She has been a champion for nursing research activities for several years and brings a wealth of experience to her new role. LeeAnn currently serves as principal investigator on four nurse-led initiatives at DCMCCT. Her scientific foci include: predictors of staffing patterns; reducing catheter-related blood stream infections; and utilization of nurse practitioners in an intensive care setting to enhance client outcomes.
Nursing Grand Rounds
In 2007, the inaugural Nursing Grand Round lecture was presented by Marthe J. Moseley, PhD, RN, CCRN, CCNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Critical Care at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. The presentation was co-sponsored by the Nursing Research Council at Seton and the Epsilon Theta chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. The goals of Nursing Grand Rounds are to provide nurses with exposure to leading nurse scholars and to present information that supports initiatives in our nursing strategic plan. In addition to Seton nurses, nursing faculty, students and community nurses are invited to attend.
Seton is proud to have four hospitals – the only hospitals in Central Texas - that have earned the