Registered nurses' self-rated research utilization in relation to their work climate: Using cluster analysis to...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Research utilization is key to evidence-based nursing.
• Registered nurses (RNs) prefer work environments supporting evidence-based practice.
• The link between RNs' research use and perceived work climate is underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between RNs' self-rated research utilization and their perception of the work climate.
• To identify factors influencing research utilization and work climate perceptions.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design.
• Utilized the Creative Climate Questionnaire and specific research utilization measures (instrumental, conceptual, persuasive).
• Employed variable- and pattern-oriented analytical approaches.

Main Results:

• A positive association exists between research utilization and perceived dynamism/liveliness.
• Higher academic degrees (Bachelor's/Master's) correlated with increased instrumental research utilization.
• Younger RNs and those with less experience reported higher scores for playfulness/humor and conflicts.

Conclusions:

• Higher academic education is linked to greater research utilization among RNs.
• Low research users often perceive a lack of dynamism and liveliness, highlighting the need for supportive work climates.
• Creating an environment that encourages reflection, discussion, and supports academic advancement is vital for enhancing research utilization in nursing.