Integrating nursing research findings into the curriculum: a descriptive study

This descriptive study examined methods used to integrate nursing research findings into associate, baccalaureate, and master's nursing program curricula. Nursing faculty members (N = 420) from 105 programs in the NLN's North Atlantic region were asked, in a mailed survey, to indicate the course objectives and learning activities concerning nursing research findings used in their courses. Completed surveys were returned from 55% (n = 231). Chi-square analyses showed significant differences in all course objectives and most learning activities among faculty. Faculty in baccalaureate and/or master's programs used the objectives and most learning activities concerning nursing research findings more than faculty from the associate degree programs. Overall, however, faculty have made concerted efforts to each nursing research findings using a variety of course objectives and learning activities. Further research is recommended to determine the most effective strategies. Educators are encouraged to provide opportunities for students to use accepted research findings in practice.