A survey of practicing nurses' research interests and activities

We conducted a survey of 279 practicing nurses' research attitudes, past and current research activities, and research resources. Levels of practice included staff nurses, nurse managers, and advanced practice nurses. Three factors were identified from a 15-item research attitudes scale: research value, confidence, and perceived support. Significant differences were found for research value and confidence among three levels of clinical practice. Advanced practice nurses reported higher research value and confidence than did staff nurses and nurse managers. Most respondents reported using research findings in practice, but only a small percentage were conducting research. Factors related to research conduct and use differed. Suggestions are offered for methods to increase the value of research by practicing nurses.