Is research in the practice setting feasible?

Staff development educators are in key positions to assist staff nurses with practice-oriented research, a necessary part of clinical practice. The first step in developing an environment conducive to practice-oriented research is the establishment of a "working committee" within existing quality assurance or standards committees. As committee chairpersons, staff development educators can help staff nurses recognize the research potential inherent in practice by relating research terminology to the nursing process. Examples of client care problems illustrate how nurses can exert control over their practice and effect positive change.