Level of nursing competence in research

Abstract

Research is a basic function of nursing. In Mexico this function has been gradually developed by integrating initially the training processes as a tool for the approach to knowledge. Today there is a movement of greater awareness towards the development of a research culture in nursing. The research previously was hampered by the lack of experience and basic knowledge given in the scientific method. The level of mastery that nurses can achieve in the daily work will go according to their preparation in this field.

The identified levels of beginner, competent, skillful and expert, applied to the process and requirements of the research and to the conceptual bases of the discipline allow to clearly distinguish the levels of competence. This article describes the competencies, roles, interventions and activities of each member, according to their training. Investigating is an integral process that requires knowing, describing and explaining reality; but, in addition, able to predict causes and effects that allow to modify that reality. Research is fundamental for the development of nursing and for this reason there must be a need to transform reality, have an academic education, gradually develop research lines and do group studies. This will address the challenge to sustain the practice in the theory derived from research.