The main purpose of nursing research is to improve what?

The main purpose of nursing research is to improve nursing practice. This focus is essential because nursing research generates evidence that informs clinical decision-making, enhances patient care, and promotes best practices in nursing. By conducting research, nurses can identify effective interventions, understand the impact of nursing on patient outcomes, and contribute to the development of new methodologies that enhance the overall quality of care delivered to patients.

While nursing education, healthcare costs, and patient satisfaction are important aspects influenced by nursing research, they are not the primary focus. Nursing practice serves as the foundation upon which these other elements are built. Improvements in nursing practice ultimately lead to better education for nurses, more efficient healthcare delivery that can reduce costs, and increased patient satisfaction, but the driving goal of nursing research is to advance the practice of nursing itself.