Empowering Cardiovascular Nurses to Engage in Clinical Research

February 18, 2025|Diana Baptiste

Thank you to Brenda Owusu, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC and Diana Baptiste, DNP, RN, FPCNA, FAAN for this article on empowering cardiovascular nurses to engage in clinical research.

Clinical research plays a crucial role in the progress of cardiovascular health, the development of groundbreaking treatments, practice guidelines, and the improvement of preventive care strategies.1,2 Cardiovascular nurses are in an ideal position to make significant contributions to clinical research. However, many of them encounter obstacles that prevent their participation. These challenges include limited research experience, time constraints, and a lack of accessible resources.3,4 5

Despite these difficulties, the field of cardiovascular health greatly requires the perspectives of frontline providers who interact with patients daily.1 Nurses who frequently interact with patients and provide consistent care bring a valuable perspective to the research process. Their daily encounters and extensive knowledge of clinical hurdles give nurses a distinct advantage in identifying pertinent and influential research questions.1-4 Encouraging nurses to engage in research is essential for bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical practice and, ultimately, will improve patient care by applying evidence-based practices.1

Overcoming Barriers to Research Participation

Addressing common barriers to participation is crucial to effectively engage cardiovascular nurses in research. One of the first steps is to offer accessible education and mentorship. Healthcare institutions can encourage nurses to pursue research-related coursework, attend specialized workshops, and connect with experienced mentors.1,4,5 These educational opportunities help build the skills necessary to conduct research, from study design to data analysis, while boosting nurses’ confidence to contribute to the research landscape. Nurses enrolled in advanced degree programs who participate in research projects gain valuable hands-on experience that directly informs clinical practice.4,5

Collaboration is a powerful strategy for overcoming the challenges of initiating research. Forming interdisciplinary research teams where nurses work alongside physicians, researchers, and other healthcare professionals creates a supportive environment for those new to research.5-7 Cardiovascular nurses can establish networks, mentorships, and collaborations through their involvement in professional organizations. Engaging with collaborative teams enhances opportunities for research involvement and fosters interdisciplinary partnerships, promoting the exchange of ideas and the sharing of resources.5,7,8 In these collaborative settings, nurses can develop skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting, enhancing their clinical expertise and opening new career pathways focused on research.5 These partnerships demystify the research process and emphasize that nurses are integral members of research teams, not just supporting staff.5,8

Building a Culture of Inquiry

Access to research resources is another common challenge. Hospitals, healthcare systems, and professional organizations, such as the Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association, make a significant difference by offering grants, access to research databases, library resources, and publication support.6,9  Such resources enable nurses to transform their clinical observations and ideas into research projects and, eventually, into published studies that influence the cardiovascular field.5 By providing these tools, research becomes a natural extension of clinical practice, rather than an additional workload.3,6,9

Fostering a culture of inquiry within clinical settings can further encourage cardiovascular nurses to engage in research and also introduce an environment that values and recognizes research contributions and promotes curiosity and a proactive attitude toward finding solutions to clinical problems.6 This culture shift can be achieved through simple measures, like acknowledging research efforts during team meetings, celebrating research achievements, and creating nurse-led research committees. These initiatives motivate individual nurses and establish a collective sense of responsibility for advancing the profession through research.3

The Impact of Nurse-Led Research on Cardiovascular Health

The benefits of nurse-led research in cardiovascular care cannot be overstated. Studies focusing on patient education, adherence to preventative strategies, lifestyle modifications, and patient outcomes have the potential to reshape cardiovascular care in practical, cost-effective, and patient-relevant ways.3 For example, nurse-led research can identify the most effective ways to communicate lifestyle changes to patients with cardiovascular risk factors, leading to better adherence and improved health outcomes. It can also highlight gaps in patient understanding or barriers to care, paving the way for targeted interventions that enhance the quality of care. 1,2,5 Empowering cardiovascular nurses to participate in research enhances the scientific knowledge base while driving meaningful, evidence-based improvements in patient care.2,4,6 By participating in research, nurses strengthen their clinical practice and position themselves as leaders in cardiovascular health, advocating for the best possible outcomes for their patients.1

Strengthening the Future of Cardiovascular Nursing

Participating in clinical research is a demanding yet fulfilling pursuit. It requires dedication, curiosity, and perseverance, but the potential rewards for patient care and professional development are immense.1,3,4,9  With the right support, cardiovascular nurses at all levels– students, experienced nurses, academics, or advanced practice registered nurses –can play a pivotal role in advancing cardiovascular research. Their involvement not only enhances their clinical skills but also positions them as vital contributors to the future of cardiovascular care.4  

Empowering CV nurses to engage in clinical research strengthens the entire nursing profession.1-4,6 It reaffirms the role of nurses as critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and advocates for high-quality care. By embracing research, nurses take an active role in shaping the future of cardiovascular health, ensuring that care remains patient-centered, innovative, and grounded in the best available evidence.3,4 As we move forward, the contributions of nurses in clinical research will be indispensable for driving advancements, enhancing patient outcomes, and solidifying the role of nursing as a cornerstone of healthcare innovation and excellence.

Elevating Cardiovascular Nursing Through Research and Innovation

Clinical research must actively engage cardiovascular nurses to increase their participation in research efforts. This is more than a professional development opportunity; it’s an investment in the future of cardiovascular care. By addressing barriers to participation and fostering a culture of curiosity and collaboration, the nursing profession can bridge the gap between clinical practice and research, ensuring that care remains innovative, evidence-based, and patient-centered. Cardiovascular nurses are and will continue to be, leaders in healthcare, and their contributions to research will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of patient care.

References

  1. Shan Y, Chen J, Zhou S, Wen G. Nursing Interventions and Care Strategies for Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Galen Medical Journal. 2023;12:1.
  2. Elkind MSV, Arnett DK, Benjamin IJ, et al. The American Heart Association at 100: a century of scientific progress and the future of cardiovascular science: a Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2024;149(12):e964-e985.
  3. Hayman LL, Berra K, Fletcher BJ, Houston Miller N. The role of nurses in promoting cardiovascular health worldwide: the global cardiovascular nursing leadership forum. American College of Cardiology Foundation Washington, DC; 2015. p. 864-866.
  4. King O, West E, Lee S, et al. Research education and training for nurses and allied health professionals: a systematic scoping review. BMC Medical Education. 2022;22(1):385.
  5. Whalen M, Baptiste D-L, Maliszewski B. Increasing nursing scholarship through dedicated human resources: Creating a culture of nursing inquiry. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration. 2020;50(2):90-94.
  6. Carter EJ, Rivera RR, Gallagher KA, Cato KD. Targeted interventions to advance a culture of inquiry at a large, multicampus hospital among nurses. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration. 2018;48(1):18-24.
  7. Flaubert JL, Le Menestrel S, Williams DR, Wakefield MK, National Academies of Sciences E, Medicine. Educating Nurses for the Future. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. National Academies Press (US); 2021.
  8. Bansal S, Mahendiratta S, Kumar S, Sarma P, Prakash A, Medhi B. Collaborative research in modern era: Need and challenges. Indian J Pharmacol. May-Jun 2019;51(3):137-139. doi:10.4103/ijp.IJP_394_19
  9. Brunt BA, Morris MM. Nursing professional development evidence-based practice. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.

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