Use of research by nurses during their first two years after graduating

This paper reports on a study of research use among nurses two years after graduation, as well as changes over time in research use in relation to changes in working conditions.

The demand for evidence-based practice is widely expressed, and newly graduated nurses should possess the skills to provide high-quality care based on the best knowledge available. The way in which nurses use research during the first few years after graduating is, however, largely unknown.

As part of a national longitudinal survey, nurses reported their extent of instrumental, conceptual and persuasive research use in 2006 (n = 1365) and 2007 (n = 1256). Data were analysed cross-sectionally and prospectively, using variable- and pattern-oriented methods.

Instrumental research was reported most frequently, on about half of the working shifts. Seven profiles of research use were found, showing structural stability over time when compared with results from year 1. Most typically, nurses maintained the same profile over time; moreover, low users tended to become even lower users. Two years after graduation, 54.9% reported overall low use. Changes in working conditions did not explain the decrease in research use.

The results support previous claims of a gap between research and clinical practice. The predominance of overall low users is alarming and requires further research, including investigation of individual and organizational factors, to study their impact on nurses' research use.