CONNECTING THE RESEARCH AND NURSING PROCESSES - MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN BACCALAUREATE STUDENTS ATTITUDES AND ABILITIES

Student nurses are often intimidated by the research process. They als o frequently have negative attitudes about working with the elderly, e specially in long-term care settings. This article describes a clinica l project designed to help students improve their attitudes, knowledge , and skills toward research and care of the elderly by connecting the research process and the nursing process. Students implement research -based clinical practice in a long-term care setting. Student evaluati ons indicate that project goals are achieved. Nursing staff evaluation data indicate that they find student projects interesting and useful in updating resident care plans.