Knowledge-informed behavior and the nursing culture: a preliminary study

The pilot study reported in this article was undertaken to identify roles that nurses perform in actual practice and factors and behaviors that enable or prevent them from resolving practice problems in a knowledge-informed way. It was theorized that if nursing roles based on actual practice can be described and if behaviors which enhance knowledge-utilization can be identified, nurses can learn to implement the specific activities needed to ensure the full application of professional knowledge in the practice setting. This preliminary study uncovered six intersecting roles assumed by nurses in the practice of their profession and identified nine categories of behavior and their influence on the ability to use knowledge in carrying out each role. The findings provide additional insight into the nursing culture and suggest the need for changes for education and service.