Update on nursing research in the West.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Health Services Administration

Background:

• The Western Council of Higher Education in Nursing (WCHEN) is a key organization in advancing nursing.
• WCHEN has undertaken various initiatives to support nursing research and development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the multifaceted work of WCHEN.
• To review the outcomes of WCHEN's regional research and development projects.

Main Methods:

• Review of regional research development projects.
• Analysis of regional conferences and compilation of research instruments.
• Examination of the establishment of an ethnic nurses' organization.
• Discussion of research replication via patient teaching projects.

Main Results:

• WCHEN facilitated the development of research instruments and fostered collaboration.
• Regional projects led to the establishment of an ethnic nurses' organization.
• Research findings were replicated through patient teaching initiatives.

Conclusions:

• WCHEN's initiatives have significantly contributed to the advancement of nursing research and practice.
• The commission's work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and professional development.
• Collaboration and resource sharing are vital for nursing research progress.