Historical Developments in Nursing Research

Historical Developments in Nursing Research and

Nursing Research Utilization

The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with information on historical developments in nursing research and nursing research utilization. The paper will focus on five key developments that have influenced nursing research over the years. Developments covered, will include; the work of Florence Nightingale, the development of educational programs for nursing research, the American Nurses Association (ANA), nursing research funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and the development of the Healthy People 2010.

The first chosen historical development in nursing research is the work of Florence Nightingale. Her work is significant because it marked the beginning of nursing research. Nightingale's main focus was on the on the importance of a healthy environment and the physical and mental well-being of the patient (Burns & Grove, 2003). The work of Florence Nightingale influenced nursing research not only because it marked the beginning, but because of the effect it had on how people view the sick. Nightingale collected and analyzed soldier morbidity and mortality during the Crimean War and changed the attitude of the military and society toward caring for the sick (Burns & Grove, 2003). Because of her work, the military realized that the sick had a right to adequate food, shelter and medical treatment. Mortality was reduced drastically from 43% to 2% (Burns and Grove, 2003). An example of research utilization is that Nightingale made major changes in society from her research. These changes involved testing public water, improving sanitation, starvation prevention, and decreasing morbidity and mortality (Burns & Grove, 2003).

Another key event in nursing research utilization was in 1950's when the American Nurses Association (ANA) started a 5 year research study of nursing functions and activities. This is an important development because the findings from the study were then used to develop statements on the functions, standards, and qualifications of professional nurses (Burns & Grove, 2003). This motivated nursing specialty groups, such as; obstetrics, psychiatric, and medical-surgical, to develop standards of care from their own clinical research. The current nursing practice standards that guide professional nurses are based on the research from the ANA and specialty groups (Burns & Grove, 2003).

A key development in nursing research came about in the 1950s and 1960s. This was the development of research programs being introduced into baccalaureate and masters level nursing schools. The focus at this time was research on nursing and the different roles of nurses (Burns & Grove, 2003). In 1953, Teacher's college at Columbia University in New York established an institute