Cooperation and collaboration for clinical nursing research. The Akron-Canton Clinical Nursing Research Network

Nursing research suffers from an image of being an academic exercise even though it is essential for the growth and improvement of professional practice. With the current emphasis on redesign and cost containment, nurses need to come to the planning table with information and data to assist in decision making and to keep the nursing perspective in patient care. There are barriers to conducting nursing research, but a group approach, through a regional clinical nursing research network, provides the support and resources for an active research program.