Capacity-building and careers in nursing research: Rationale and context

This paper aims to review and provide a brief critique of the modern health service in the UK, highlighting the need for nursing to develop a genuine culture of research that can enable the profession to deliver research-oriented practice. The need to develop careers in nursing in order to provide evidence-based practice and appropriate care to patients is discussed within the context of current policy drives and professional aspirations. It is argued that not only will this raise the overall standard of care, but also will develop the level of professional knowledge, credibility and accountability of practitioners. Links between research, clinical governance and evidence-based practice are made, and the wider implications for the position of nursing within healthcare services are discussed.