the different roles nurses undertake and how these
roles differ. Through clinical research the factors
that determine behaviour and interaction can be
made transparent and provide further insight into
the consistency of practice. Professional research
needs to foster greater collaboration with consumers.
By learning what it is that consumers consider
important nurses can learn new ways of being in
step with patient need and expectation. Such a research
approach will bring about a deeper and
more engaging care partnership with consumers.
Organisational management research needs to
deconstruct the context of care and, in particular,
the dimensions of policy adherence. Shifting contexts
of care, such as patient over-crowding can
compromise policy adherence and lead to aggression,
violence and bullying in the workplace (Jones
and Cheek, 2003; Jones and Lyneham, 2000; Lyneham,
2000). Organisational management research
can inform strategic policy development so that
policies generate greater relevance within practice
and accommodate changing contexts of care.
Responsible nursing practice needs to be anchored
in best evidence as this adds to the knowledge
of the discipline, contributes towards
greater consistency within practice and improves
patient outcomes.