What is the importance of research in nursing?

The future for Australian nurses is rich with opportunity, with demand for skilled professionals running high and projected to increase.

According to the Australian Government’s Nursing Supply and Demand Study, an additional 80,000 nurses will be needed by 2035. As healthcare evolves, research is an important and often overlooked tool for nurses who want to make a lasting impact on patient care and improve the future of nursing.

Research in nursing isn’t just about academic inquiry; it directly improves the quality of care, informs healthcare policies and enhances clinical practices. The ability to understand and conduct research in the realm of healthcare empowers nurses to step into leadership roles and drive meaningful, transformative change across the industry.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of research in nursing and outline its practical applications. We’ll also discuss how developing research skills can help nurses differentiate their careers and influence transformation in a healthcare system that needs it.

What is research in nursing?

Research in nursing refers to the systemic investigation of clinical practices, patient care and healthcare outcomes to inform practice. It involves developing hypotheses, gathering evidence, synthesising and analysing qualitative and quantitative data, and applying the findings to improve individual patient care and broader healthcare policies.

Research can be applied in various ways across different nursing roles. An intensive care unit (ICU) nurse might conduct research on the effectiveness of different pain management strategies for critical patients, and a nurse manager in a surgical ward may use research practices to investigate infection control measures.

Crucially, research allows nurses to move beyond anecdotal experience and apply scientifically supported methods in their practice to improve care and overall patient outcomes. As leadership in nursing becomes increasingly important and data-led, the role of research in this sector stands to gain even more value.

What is the importance of research in nursing?

Research is critical in nursing for a number of key reasons. It underpins the continuous improvement of patient care, supports nurses in staying up-to-date with new healthcare developments, and enables them to make informed and effective decisions in their practice.

Below are reasons why research in nursing is important. 

Shape and improve care practices

As patient expectations rise and healthcare delivery becomes more complex, research empowers nurses to meet demand with evidence-backed solutions. Research heavily informs best practices in patient care.

By conducting and applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, nurses can identify the most effective treatment methods, improve patient recovery rates and refine care processes. Clinical research, for example, has been instrumental in areas like pain management, infection control and patient safety — enabling nurses to provide care based on proven outcomes, rather than relying on intuition alone.

Stay up to date with emerging trends

Advancements in tech have been outpacing most industries for decades, and healthcare is no exception. With the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies, the pace of change continues to be rapid. Nursing has the potential to benefit enormously from these innovations, but skilled professionals are needed to guide their proper integration.

Emerging trends extend beyond technology. Shifts in management expectations, evolving employee needs and advancements in nursing knowledge all play a role in shaping modern healthcare. Research is essential for nurses to stay ahead of these changes and remain informed about new treatments, care strategies and patient management techniques.

Whether it’s integrating digital health technologies or adopting innovative care models, strong research skills enable nurses to critically evaluate new trends and incorporate them effectively into their practice. This adaptability is crucial as healthcare becomes more reliant on data and technology.

Improved critical thinking and decision-making

Research sharpens a nurse’s ability to think critically and make informed decisions. Whether in roles across medical, clinical or management settings, decisions in healthcare often need to be made quickly. Having a strong understanding of research methods allows nurses to assess the available evidence and make the best possible choice for their patients.

This enhanced and data-driven decision-making is critical for providing high-quality care to patients, particularly in high-pressure or emergency situations.

For nurses pursuing leadership or advanced practice career paths, the ability to analyse data, synthesise evidence and apply research findings is important. Subjects like JCU Online’s Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare in the Master of Nursing degree provide nurses with the tools to critically appraise research and make evidence-based decisions that improve patient outcomes. 

Applicable to a range of nursing roles

Research skills can open doors to a wide range of career paths for nurses. They may pursue roles in areas such as academia, clinical research, healthcare administration or leadership.

For those aiming to take on leadership roles, research provides the foundation for making informed decisions that impact practice. Likewise, nurses with an interest in teaching can use their research knowledge to contribute to the education and training of future nurses, helping to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

JCU Online’s Master of Nursing offers three in-demand specialisations: Leadership and Management, Advanced Practice, and Education. Each major allows nurses to cultivate research expertise, equipping them to step into senior roles where they can influence healthcare policies and practices. 

How can nurses build their research skills?

Cultivating strong research skills is one of the best ways future-focused nurses can establish a competitive advantage in the industry and equip themselves to help shape it. 

There are a number of practical ways nurses can develop these skills, including:

• Engage in evidence-based practice: Review and integrate the latest nursing research wherever possible in daily work. This helps nurses stay current and understand how evidence-based practices are applied in clinical settings. Reading journals and case studies is also a great way for nurses to familiarise themselves with and recognise high-quality research and how it can inform patient care.
• Pursue formal education: Enrolling a postgraduate degree is an effective way to hone the type of research skills that will set you apart. Core subjects like Qualitative Research in Healthcare and Quantitative Research in Healthcare equip students with the skills to conduct evidence-based research, from formulating questions to developing hypotheses, interpreting data, evaluating results and integrating learnings in a practical setting.
• Participate in clinical research projects: Many healthcare organisations encourage staff to participate in research projects. Getting involved provides hands-on experience in designing studies, collecting data and evaluating outcomes – all of which are invaluable skills for nurses interested in advancing their careers.
• Collaborate with research teams: Working with interdisciplinary research teams can broaden your perspective as a nurse and deepen your understanding of healthcare challenges. It also provides the opportunity to contribute to larger-scale studies, and learn from more experienced researchers to further develop your own expertise. 

Take your nursing career to the next level

With healthcare's increasing complexity and rapid evolution, the need for nurses with strong research skills is also increasing.

Ranked among the top 25 universities in Australia, JCU Online offers students the opportunity to gain a highly regarded qualification while connecting with industry leaders, experienced nurse academics and specialists. 

JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. The course - delivered 100% online with personalised support - will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care.

As a student of the Master of Nursing, you will benefit from the course content informed by the latest approaches to high-quality, innovative and cost-effective nurse leadership and care, supported by our strong partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers throughout Australia. 

Find out how JCU Online's Master of Nursing can help create a rewarding career pathway and stay ahead. Speak to one of our Student Enrolment Advisors today on 1300 535 919.