Assignment Question
What steps do you take to locate primary and peer-reviewed research articles when performing a literature search? What resources are available to you to engage in a meaningful and successful literature search? As you have explored throughout this course, Walden University provides vast resources for student support to ensure success in their academic program of study. When it comes to research and using Library resources, several support mechanisms are available to you as well. Taking the first step to think about a research topic or area of interest and filtering that topic using a series of keywords and operations will be a fundamental component for performing a literature search in Walden Library’s databases. While the ultimate goal is to produce a set or results that match your search criteria, you must keep in mind that that the quality of the research articles obtained will likely vary. Thus, you must critically examine and analyze the aims of the research produced and how it aligns, confirms, or negates your topic or area of research. As you develop proficiency in this area, you will discover that you can extract content themes and frameworks to enhance future research and the need to identify additional research support. For this Assignment, consult the Walden Library webinars and resources provided. These resources serve as a general good first step for performing literature searches and engaging with the databases of research available to you. Think about a research topic or area of interest to focus on for this Assignment. Then, search the Walden Library to locate and retrieve peer-reviewed research articles that pertain to your topic or area of interest. 6-paragraph assignment in which you do the following: a 1-pararaph introduction of how you conducted your literature search and the databases consulted in your search in relation to your practice area or area of interest. Be specific and provide examples. a 1-paragraph summary of each of the articles you have selected (a total of 3 paragraphs). 1 paragraph that synthesizes the three articles using a scholarly voice. a final paragraph in which you discuss the differences between summarizing and synthesizing research.
Answer
Introduction
In my quest to deepen my understanding of nursing strategies, I embarked on a comprehensive literature search utilizing Walden University’s library resources. My primary focus was on the intricate realm of organizational readiness for change within healthcare systems. My strategy was founded on Walden Library’s extensive nursing subject research page, and I dived into databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO. I employed a tailored set of keywords such as “organizational readiness,” “healthcare change,” and “implementation strategies” to uncover pertinent articles. The overarching aim was to identify peer-reviewed research that could shed light on organizational readiness within healthcare, particularly in the context of my practice area.
Articles Summary
Shea, C. M., Jacobs, S. R., Esserman, D. A., Bruce, K., & Weiner, B. J. (2014)
This comprehensive article introduces and evaluates a psychometric assessment tool designed for measuring organizational readiness for change. The authors meticulously discuss the development of this innovative measure and explore its reliability and validity as an instrument for evaluating an organization’s preparedness to embrace changes within the healthcare system. Shea et al.’s work significantly advances our understanding of how to assess and measure organizational readiness, providing a structured approach crucial for healthcare organizations seeking to navigate change effectively.
Walden University. (2021). DNP Capstone Resources NURS 8702 and NURS 8703
This invaluable resource serves as a comprehensive guide specifically tailored to students pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. It offers an extensive overview of research methodologies, resources, and evidence-based practices within the nursing domain. This resource is especially pertinent for DNP students engaged in nursing practice, equipping them with the essential knowledge and tools to conduct rigorous research and incorporate evidence-based practices into their work.
Westlake, C. (2012). Practical Tips for Literature Synthesis
Westlake’s article is a treasure trove of practical guidance for literature synthesis in the nursing field. It provides a wealth of strategies and tips for effectively assimilating and analyzing diverse research findings, underscoring the critical importance of proficient literature synthesis in nursing research. The guidance offered by Westlake is instrumental in enhancing the quality of scholarly work, particularly when synthesizing research outcomes within the nursing domain.
Synthesis of Articles
When we synthesize these three articles, a comprehensive perspective on organizational readiness within healthcare systems emerges. Shea et al.’s focus on a novel psychometric tool, combined with the resources provided by Walden University and Westlake’s emphasis on literature synthesis, underlines the critical importance of structured assessments, comprehensive resources, and effective synthesis in the context of implementing and comprehending change within healthcare organizations. The amalgamation of these resources offers a holistic approach for assessing, implementing, and synthesizing research within the nursing field, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and improved nursing practice.
Differences Between Summarizing and Synthesizing Research
Distinguishing between summarizing and synthesizing research is pivotal in scholarly endeavors. Summarizing entails the distillation of key points or primary arguments from individual articles. For instance, summarizing Shea et al. (2014) would involve providing a concise account of their development and evaluation of a psychometric tool for assessing organizational readiness. Conversely, synthesizing research involves the amalgamation of information from multiple sources to generate new insights or interpretations. Utilizing Westlake’s guidance on literature synthesis to combine findings from Shea et al. (2014) and Walden University’s DNP capstone resources (2021) allows for a more comprehensive understanding of organizational readiness assessment within healthcare. This process bridges research methodologies with practical applications, facilitating a deeper and more holistic comprehension of the subject matter.
Conclusion
The exploration of literature search methods within Walden University’s extensive library resources has been instrumental in broadening my understanding of organizational readiness within healthcare systems. Through databases like CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO, I have delved into a wealth of scholarly articles, honing in on the crucial topic of organizational readiness for change. The articles selected—Shea et al.’s psychometric assessment tool, Walden University’s DNP capstone resources, and Westlake’s literature synthesis guidance—have collectively enriched my comprehension of assessing, implementing, and synthesizing research within the nursing domain. The multifaceted nature of healthcare organizations’ preparedness for change has been unveiled through these resources, emphasizing the need for structured assessments, comprehensive scholarly resources, and effective synthesis in the nursing field. Such comprehensive approaches aid in decision-making, foster innovation, and contribute to the improvement of nursing practice within the evolving healthcare landscape.
References
Shea, C. M., Jacobs, S. R., Esserman, D. A., Bruce, K., & Weiner, B. J. (2014). Organizational readiness for implementing change: A psychometric assessment of a new measure. Implementation Science, 9(7), 1–15.
Walden University. (2021). DNP Capstone Resources NURS 8702 and NURS 8703. Office of Research and Doctoral Studies.
Walden University. (n.d.). Subject research: Nursing. Walden Library.
Westlake, C. (2012). Practical tips for literature synthesis. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 26(5), 244–249. doi:10.1097/NUR.0b013e318263d766
Walden University. (n.d.). Using evidence: Synthesis. Writing Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the key steps for conducting a literature search in nursing at Walden University?
Understanding your research topic and refining it with relevant keywords. Exploring databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO available at the Walden Library.
How can Walden University’s library resources assist in a nursing literature search?
The library resources provide access to numerous databases and scholarly articles focused on nursing and healthcare.
What types of articles should I focus on when conducting a nursing literature search?
Journals specializing in nursing, healthcare, and organizational change can offer valuable insights into your research area.
What is the difference between summarizing and synthesizing research articles?
Synthesizing research involves integrating information from multiple sources to generate new insights or interpretations, combining various viewpoints to form a cohesive analysis.