Focusing research priorities in schools of nursing

Schools of nursing are facing the challenge of shrinking resources simultaneously with the public's cry for more nursing manpower. This challenge compounds the difficult decisions all schools must make regarding the allocation of precious resources. One element critical to the future of the profession is the growth of its knowledge base through research, but it is essential to ensure that the research programs developed and encouraged in the school reflect its culture and values and contribute to the mission of the sponsoring institution and the profession. The purpose of this article is to describe a process for articulating a school of nursing's research focus and its congruence with the school's culture. The process outlined includes a discussion of the role of the school's leadership, how faculty can become engaged, and criteria used to identify a school's research niche. Additionally, an example of one school's final articulation of research focus is provided. Schools of nursing that support research should examine that enterprise in light of their mission. The first step should be a formal articulation of how the research conducted in the school supports the school's mission.