From the data collected it became evident that RNs have
definite perceptions of what enabled their engagement
with research. These were seen to be the education they
had received, being provided with support, having research
experience and seeing the personal benefit of engaging in
research.
Research education at either a pre-service or postgraduate
level was seen to enable engagement with nursing
research. Six of the ten participants felt that a basic understanding
of nursing research had been provided through
pre-service education, as explained:
‘‘I feel that my education has given me a good grounding’’.
(Participant 1)
However, some participants felt that their research
knowledge and skills increased only after further education
in research in addition to that received during their
undergraduate studies. One participant explained: