Journal reading practices of RNs in NSW public hospitals

Eight hundred and ninety-seven registered nurses working in NSW public hospitals were surveyed on their use of professional journals. Fifty per cent of participants were found to be regular readers, 30% occasional and 20% infrequent readers. Journals were most likely to be read when they were available at ward or departmental level. Ten per cent of participants reported that they frequently incorporated research findings into their practice and 44% that they never did so. The implications of these findings for the development of nursing as a profession are discussed.