title: Research in practice: rhetoric or reality?
abstract: 'Research' has become a fashionable word in nursing circles, but doubts remain about whether nursing is justified in calling itself a research-based profession. The author examines the rhetoric surrounding the word, before citing examples of how research is affecting nursing practice. More work is needed to ensure the gap is closed between talking about research and using it, but nurses should not lose sight of the ultimate aim of research--to enhance the primary vocation of caring.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care; D015399:Nursing Research; D012107:Research Design