title: A roadmap for the novice researcher.
abstract: This article outlines the research process as it applies to nurses in clinical practice. While the topic seems intimidating at first, by questioning clinical practice and maintaining an open mine, nurses can generate the enthusiasm and commitment necessary to conduct their own research. First, a nursing research issue worthy of investigation needs to be identified and thoroughly reviewed in the literature. The nurse next needs to bring together an appropriate research team and develop a formal research proposal. The team then submits the proposal through the organizational structure that grants approval and provides funding. Once the study has been implemented and the data collection is complete, the research team must decide on the best method of disseminating the research findings to nursing colleagues. This last important step helps to expand and build nursing's professional body of knowledge, and ensures that current nursing practice is based on valid research findings.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ouellet
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Elsner
mesh_terms: D015400:Clinical Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010934:Planning Techniques