Nursing Knowledge Resources Emily Mwembu University of Phoenix NUR/513 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Carolyn Jaffe June 09, 2010 Nursing Knowledge Resources The purpose of this paper is to discuss Nursing Knowledge Resources benefits of nursing research and evidence based practice. Nursing knowledge is obtained through, observation, traditions, personal experiences, authority and mentorship (Burns, 2009, p. 10). Nursing resources are significant in promoting health, optimizing health outcomes and, improving the delivery of quality healthcare.
Knowledge of resources by clinicians will benefit individuals, families and, the community. From Florence Nightingale, to present-day nursing, clinicians and theorists, nursing knowledge has expanded and continues to grow through experience and observation (Fitzpatrick & Whall, 2005, p. 1). In addition to improving health, the resources are used in nursing research, evidenced-based practice, knowledge needs of the nursing community and healthcare providers. Some institutions and organizations are instrumental in promoting and supporting nursing research.
The resources provided by these institutes are not only beneficial to the nursing community, but also to patients, caregivers and, other professionals in the medical field. They contribute to the acquisition of general knowledge via journals and websites. An example to these institutes are, Joann Briggs Institute (JBI), Agency for healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). Joanna Briggs Institute JBI is an international organization based in The University of Adelaide, Australia and is recognized globally as a leader in evidence-based healthcare.
The institute specializes in promoting and supporting evidence-based healthcare by providing access to resources for professionals in the medical field. These resources are available to midwives, nurses, clinicians and other healthcare providers, servicing more than 90 countries 54 centers and groups. The Institute collaborates with other entities cross the world and covers a multiple range of health disciplines, contributes to a wide range of activities which enable the Institute to promote and support evidence-based healthcare and improve health outcomes globally (The Joanna Brigss Institute).
The facility provides resources and tools online to its members; patients, residents, families and health care professionals to access evidence based information anytime. The information provided online, is to assist the members in making clinical decisions whenever they need to. In addition, members are provided with free electronic subscriptions to a range of medical journals and journals published by the institute. Access to these free journals enhances the capacity of the staff to more knowledge and awareness on current evidenced practice.
Sigma Theta Tau International This is an honor society of Nursing founded in 1922 by six nurses from the Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, United States of America. The words, Sigma Theta Tau mean “love,” “courage,” and “honor” respectively. The society is a nonprofit organization, with a mission to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to make a difference. Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students, who demonstrate excellence for scholarship (Sigma Theta Tau International).
In addition, invitation is extended to nurse leaders who exhibit exceptional achievements in nursing. Benefits of this organization include monetary contributions to nursing research through grants, nursing scholarships and, monetary awards. In addition STTI sponsors national, international and local conferences to promote the dissemination of research findings. A benefit of being a member is access to peer reviewed articles, for example, “Journal of Research in Nursing and Health”, “Image” and “Western Journal of Nursing Research.
In these journals one can find case studies, continuing education hours and evidence-based articles. The goal of the organization is to increase communication of nursing research findings (Burns, 2009, p. 11). In conclusion, nursing knowledge continues to expand each day with numerous resources accessible for use in improving patient care. Nursing has evolved tremendously from Florence Nightingales’ works on sanitation to present day technology and science. Nursing resources are useful to healthcare providers as they explore new ways and methods of promoting the patients health and improving quality of life.
References Burns, N. (2009). The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence (6 ed. ). : Elsevier inc. []. doi: Retrieved from Burns, N. , & Grove, S. K. (2007). Understanding Nursing Research (4th ed. ). Philadephia, PA: Elsevier Saunders. Fitzpatrick, J. , & Whall, A. (2005). Conceptual Model of Nursing:Analysis and Application (4th ed. ). : Prentice Hall, inc. Sigma Theta Tau International. (n. d. ). Honor Society of Nursing. Retrieved from www. nursingsociety. org The Joanna Brigss Institute. (n. d. ). . Retrieved from www. joannabriggs. edu
