Study: Building science to guide nursing leadership

A study found academic-practice partnerships, proficiency in implementation science and attention to dissemination of research findings could improve the field of Nursing Administration and Leadership Science (NALS) research and evidence-based leadership decision-making. The study was funded by the AONL Foundation for Nursing Leadership Research and Education. Published in the October supplement issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA), the study evaluated survey responses of members of AONL and the Association of Leadership Science in Nursing. The three major areas with limited evidence to guide nursing practice are quantifying the impact of nursing service; staffing models for point-of-care services; and nursing leadership development. Challenges to conducting NALS research included having personnel with research competencies, time limitations, a lack of leadership support, methodological challenges and funding. The October supplement of JONA offers open access articles of interest to nursing leaders.