“Research that’s not published is considered incomplete, so we’re
presenting our findings locally and nationally to help others understand
animal-assisted therapy,”Walden said.
Nurses in the Research Scholars Program spend 18 months learning to conduct clinical
research projects, such as the animal-assisted therapy project. Thirteen nurses and two
physician assistants were accepted into the program’s 2012-2013 Research Scholars class.
Participants spend four to eight hours attending weekly classes and conducting research
studies in addition to their regular nursing activities. The classes include staff from
throughout the hospital who have at least a bachelor’s degree and are interested in
research and how it can improve the practice of nursing.
“Research is highly valued in hospitals today,”Walden said. “It’s especially
valuable to those trying to obtain Magnet status, since one of the main
criteria is the ability to use research to generate evidence and translate it
into clinical practice.”
Magnet status is an award given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
to hospitals that meet a set of criteria which measures the strength and quality of their
nursing. High on Walden’s list of goals is continuing to build research relationships
between the nursing staff and physicians.
“Research used to primarily involve working on
independent projects,”
Walden said.
“But more and
more, research necessitates collaboration on
multidisciplinary teams. Everyone brings a unique
experience and distinct skill set to the table to study
a par ticular phenomenon and thoroughly examine it.
Ultimately, it’s the patients who will benefit from
our research.”
Patients like young Trae.
“Before his stroke,Trae was a football player and a basketball player at his
junior high school,”Victoria said. “He played point guard. Even though he
couldn’t remember much after the stroke, he could tell people exactly
what position he played. So it’s wonderful to see him be able to throw a
ball again.”
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