Navigating Scientific Literature: Opportunities for Impact

FEATURED ARTICLE | AUGUST 30, 2016 | BY JESSICA CASTNER, PHD, RN, FAEN

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Nurse researchers and students are amazing investigators. By learning how to conduct literature reviews – searching, selecting, analyzing and integrating scientific findings – they help health care providers base their practice on the best evidence and show scientists where more research is needed. And, the reviews are a great opportunity for students to nourish their specific interests. 

Here are four examples of some award-winning reviews spearheaded by ambitious nursing students pursuing their passions – and making real world impact.

One size does not fit all.

These projects are not just scholarly publications and presentations, as they translate into a foundation that provides the ability to lead innovations and improvements in nursing practice. In each of these projects, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. When there is a great deal of information available, a traditional systematic review enables students to piece together the findings and make recommendations for research and practice. When there is not yet a well-formed intervention, the students may conduct what is called an integrated or scoping review to garner a thorough sense of the scientific landscape.

With great pride, we witness nursing students transform this foundational process into profound impacts as they lead change and advance health in their research and practice.