Areas of opportunity and the nursing researcher’s role

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of this essay is to reflect on the importance of the researcher’s role in uncovering areas of opportunity for nursing students and professionals. When settling on a research topic, a researcher in the field of nursing must consider certain factors, such as the constant observation of phenomena, the feasibility of completing the study, and the study's usefulness for society at large. Development. While the literature reveals little interest in expanding the nursing discipline’s scientific knowledge base, nursing researchers can help develop their field in various ways. These opportunities include not just offering changes and alternatives targeted at medical intervention, but also applying theoretical and practical knowledge to the development of medical technology—thereby giving nurses active roles on multidisciplinary health teams 2 Conclusions. Nursing researchers have at their disposal a wide array of possible research topics involving not only healthcare but also other aspects of the nursing profession. Therefore, the generation of high-impact scientific knowledge represents an important opportunity for nursing professionals as they strive to improve their professional practice and, along with that, the quality of Mexico’s healthcare system.