Oncology Nurses’ Attitudes and Engagement in Nursing Research

Objectives: To assess nurses’ attitudes and perceptions about research.

Sample & Setting: 623 RNs at a National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center in the midwestern United States.

Methods & Variables: This study used a cross-sectional, descriptive survey to describe nurses’ attitudes toward nursing research, perceptions of the research environment, and research involvement.

Results: Nurses’ attitudes toward research were generally more positive than negative. Results suggested that the biggest obstacle to nurses participating in research is time.

Implications for Nursing: Understanding oncology nurses’ attitudes toward research and the research environment is vital for the future of patient outcomes research. Results from this study inform strategic goals for increasing nursing research capacity, including the use of research teams and access to research mentors and resources, as well as nursing research fellowship programs.