Learn how to evaluate and apply research with the #1 nursing research book! Understanding Nursing Research: Building an Evidence-Based Practice is known for its authoritative content, a time-tested step-by-step approach, and abundant use of research examples. With improved clarity and readability, the new edition strengthens its focus on evidence-based practice to better demonstrate how the steps of the research process relate to evidence-based nursing. Written by two of the leaders in the field of nursing research, Nancy Burns and Susan K. Grove, this full-color text offers unique insights into understanding, appraising, and applying published research to evidence-based practice.

"This would be excellent for student nurses, nurses new to research or any nurse with an interest in research." Reviewed by: Helen Reeves, St Giles Walsall Hospice on behalf of Nursing Times, December 2015



Authoritative content is written by two of the true pioneers in nursing research, who offer unique, first-hand insights into the field.
Research examples provide practice in working with published studies, with many of the examples including Critical Appraisal and Implications for Practice sections.
Clear, step-by-step organization introduces the research process and demonstrates how this systematic framework relates to evidence-based practice.
Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice helps you develop skills in studying and appraising published research, so you are prepared for your role in working with research evidence.
Critical Appraisal Guidelines boxes provide step-by-step guidance in appraising published research studies.
Emphasis on critical appraisal versus critique reflects contemporary usage in nursing research and evidence-based practice.
Balanced coverage of qualitative research prepares you to approach research questions and clinical questions with an unbiased view of the researcher's methodology.
Presentation of two different appraisal processes covers both the traditional in-depth critical appraisal process that prepares you for graduate-level work in research, and the concise, practice-focused research appraisal process that equips you for quick and accurate evaluation of the applicability of research findings to clinical practice.



NEW! Redesigned research example format includes research examples have been thoroughly redesigned with a clear hierarchy of subcategories.
NEW! Improved focus on need-to-know content and greater use of bulleting, creative illustrations, and tables, employs a more consistent, streamlined approach from chapter to chapter.
NEW! Updated research examples ensure you are learning through the most clinically relevant topics and studies.
NEW! Detailed directions on how to critically appraise research syntheses - such as systematic reviews, meta-analyses, meta-syntheses, and mixed-methods systematic reviews - increase your understanding of the types of research syntheses conducted in nursing and how to determine the quality of these syntheses and the relevance of their findings for practice.
NEW! A unique emphasis on QSEN, aided by the input of a QSEN consultant, increases the book's relevance to national curriculum standards and promotes the safe practice of nursing by using the most current research.
NEW! Chapter on the Enhanced Literature Review provides guidelines for structure of reviews written for different purposes.
NEW! More practically focused chapter on Outcomes Research better addresses the trending topic of outcomes research.
NEW! Expanded coverage of mixed-methods research and translational research responds to the growing emphasis on these research emphases.
NEW! Expanded coverage of cultural competency and cultural validity provides valuable information for providing care to diverse populations and understanding the validity of research instruments in various cultures.
NEW! Quick-reference tools include a Brief Table of Contents, a new Levels of Knowledge illustration, and other evidence-based practice information inside the front cover. A Research Designs and Statistical Analysis Techniques Reference and a new Key to Statistical Symbols are located inside the back cover.
NEW! Enhanced illustration program incorporates re-colorized illustrations and additional full-color illustrations in each chapter.
NEW! Additional design enhancements include a special 1-column adaptation of the RN Design standard, table row separators, and newly designed chapter openers.