A research-based practice model in a hospital setting.

Nursing exists for the purpose of rendering patient care. If nurses are to provide cost-effective, quality care, they must become involved in nursing research that is related to patient care outcomes. Having a nursing research department in the hospital setting will offer the resources to enable nursing staff to meet the challenge. The nurse executive plays a vital role in initiating nursing research programs. The author highlights the critical factors that made it possible to initiate and support the development of a nursing research department in a community medical center.