Strategies for promoting research participation among nurses employed as academics in the university sector

This article documents the process of developing a research culture and enhancing research participation among nurses employed within the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Sydney. It outlines strategies and lessons learned by the researchers in order to provide information useful for others wishing to enhance research productivity. When the Institute of Nursing Studies at the Sydney College of Advanced Education amalgamated with the University of Sydney, the university sector added new dimensions to the job responsibilities of nurse academics. In particular, active research participation became an integral part of academic duties. Previously, relatively few members of academic staff were actively involved in research. This article reports the strategies implemented to promote research. The first step was conduct of an academic staff research needs analysis. Results from this project were used to design a research promotion strategy. A follow-up survey was conducted 2 years later in order to determine level of research skills and participation within faculty staff. Results indicate a substantial change in perceived research skills and confidence.