National survey of hospital nursing research, part 2: facilitators and hindrances.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the facilitators and hindrances associated with the conduct of registered nurse-led research in US hospitals.

BACKGROUND

Hospital-based nursing research programs are growing in response to increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice. Concerns existed about institutional regulations prohibiting staff nurses' ability to be principal investigators of their research studies.

METHODS

Comments from the Hospital-Based Nursing Research Requirements and Outcomes national survey regarding facilitators and hindrances of conducting nursing research in hospitals were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Comments from 95% of surveys were classified into 24 facilitator and hindrance codes. Both Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals identified the presence of a research mentor as the top facilitator. In non-Magnet hospitals, the top hindrance was a lack of a research mentor as compared with Magnet hospitals, which reported lack of time.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a research mentor is the most important facilitator for hospital nursing research. Findings provide data to inform research program development.