Research utilization among clinical nurse specialists

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore utilization behavior of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) relative to research-based information as distinguished from nonresearch-based information. A nontraditional conceptualization of knowledge utilization as encompassing both cognitive and instrumental application was employed. Twenty-four CNSs were interviewed in a field survey. Results indicated that subjects most frequently use findings conceptually; while on occasion, as illustrated in case examples, they reported using research both conceptually and instrumentally. Only half of the subjects, however, could list explicit criteria for evaluation of the applicability of findings to practice. What is most striking in this study's findings is its congruence with results from other research conducted on various, nonnursing populations.