A consideration of contemporary factors influencing professional development in health research.

Numerous contemporary factors, including issues pertaining to continuing education and professional development, influence nursing careers in all areas of health research. This article provides an overview of international trends, practices, and questions that impinge on nurse educators and health researchers. These factors include the status of randomized controlled trials, the influence of evidence-based practice, gaps between research results and patient requirements, and the relationships between available evidence and clinical decision making. Added to this research and evidence environment are government concerns about the relevance and usefulness of health research. Finally, the questions an individual career researcher may ask, specifically regarding specialization versus a broad research agenda, are considered.