Graduate programs at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing are designed to enlarge students' knowledge of research and its relevance to their particular types of practice and to enhance students' precision in using the scientific approach to identify phenomena of concern and to solve nursing and health care problems. (Author)

Because competency in information literacy was considered important for future evidence-based practice, instructional modules on information literacy were integrated into five core nursing master's courses complemented by a web-based tutorial. Students' information literacy competencies were assessed at entry and 1-year intervals. (Contains 31…

Asserts that the craft knowledge of skilled teachers must be shared to help nursing students become competent, committed qualitative researchers. Strategies to develop a qualitative eye, deal with challenges such as ethical conduct, inform approaches to fieldwork, and extend capacity and confidence to interpret data, play with ideas, analyze…

A survey of 126 nurse educators in English nursing colleges found that 76% had studied research methods but few are involved in research activity outside formal academic courses. Age and length of teaching service were related to attitudes toward research. (SK)

The Approaches to Study Inventory was completed by 316 of a sample of 473 Australian nursing students. Construct validation supported two orientations to study: meaning (deep learning) and reproducing (surface learning). Lack of change in orientation from the first to the third year suggests a need to nurture deep-level learning. (SK)

Nursing is facing such major issues as health care restructuring, managed care, quality indicators, accountability, and community/global perspectives. Shaping the preferred future of the field requires a proactive, conscious decision to change and develop nontraditional approaches to research, education, management, and services. (SK)

On-campus and distance nursing students conducted research projects and presented student posters (Year 1) and research papers (Year 2). Evaluations by on-site (n=55) and off-site students (n=93) indicated that students valued their active participation in the research process and the opportunity to present their work. There was a clear preference…

In Ireland, 110 nursing students identified sources of stress in clinical and academic experiences. Factor analysis revealed five primary sources: academics, relationships with teaching staff, relationships in clinical experience, financial constraints, and death of patients. Support and counseling provision were recommended. (SK)

This position statement of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing outlines common elements of research-focused doctoral programs and the indicators for resources, students, and evaluation. It reviews the status of nursing doctoral education, including recent survey data. (SK)

Preceptors' leadership characteristics influence nursing students' clinical experience. Preceptors' leadership styles can be assessed with the Myers Briggs Type Indicator or Hersey and Blanchard's Leader Behavior Analysis II instrument, which identifies four styles based on situational leadership. (Contains 25 references.) (SK)

The history of doctoral education for nurses is reviewed with emphasis on the nurse scientist training model. Recommendations are made for cross-disciplinary training and greater research emphasis on fundamental processes to understand human ecology in health and illness. (Author/SK)

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test was administered at the beginning and end of bachelor of science in nursing programs for the years 1988-1991 (approximately 113 students). No significant differences in scores from entry to graduation were apparent, except for the 1991 graduates. (SK)

A survey of baccalaureate nursing programs (n=247) to determine their responses and reactions to applicants and students with disabilities revealed that programs provide an extensive array of special services and indicated a high level of student satisfaction with the services provided. (JOW)

Compared to 2 earlier studies in which fewer than 5% of subjects had nursing master's degrees, a study in which 49% of 157 were master's-prepared nurses found the overall extent of dissemination and use of research findings was similar. However, master's-prepared nurses made more use of research findings than bachelor's-degree nurses. (SK)

A descriptive correlational study looked at the concerns of nursing students (n=245) as they began their nursing education program. Among the most stressful areas cited were academic work, long hours of study, lack of sufficient clinical knowledge and experience to complete the task, and relationship with faculty. (JOW)