More than Just Caring: Understanding Nursing Science

What is Nursing Science?

At Nursing Science Partners (NSP), we’re passionate about bringing expert mentorship in nursing science to the clinical nurses who will use it to transform patient care. But what exactly is nursing science? And why is it so crucial in today’s healthcare landscape? Let's break it down. 

Nursing science refers to the fundamental knowledge, values, and practices that form the scientific foundation for professional nursing. It encompasses the research evidence, nursing theories and paradigms, and specialized skills and practice methods that are unique to the discipline. 

Practically speaking, however, nursing involves more than just nursing science. As an early definition explained, "The discipline encompasses all that nursing is and all that nurses do, overlaps with other disciplines, and is more than the theory and research base. The discipline of nursing requires knowledge and methods other than nursing science, but nursing science is the essence of nursing as a scholarly discipline; without it, there would be no nursing, only care."1 Therefore, nursing science gives the profession its backbone. Without it, nursing risks being reduced to a series of tasks rather than a scientific discipline with its own body of knowledge and professional values.

Nurses rely on the latest evidence to support their practice. This is why nursing science is essential to our profession.

Why Nursing Science Matters

Nursing science is essential for advancing evidence-based practice (EBP) - that is, nursing care that integrates research evidence, clinician expertise, and patient and family values and preferences to guide clinical decision-making. When nurses are knowledgeable about the latest research evidence and best practice guidelines in their specialty area, they are able to adapt their care to meet the individualized needs of every patient. EBP not only enhances the quality and effectiveness of patient care, but also reduces overall healthcare costs and improves nurse engagement and job satisfaction.2

Unfortunately, there’s often a gap between research and practice. This lag in implementing high-quality research findings means that patients may not always receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care. A major barrier to sustained EBP may be a lack of nursing science experts in clinical environments, as many frontline nurses report low EBP knowledge and confidence.3

As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the need for nurses to confidently implement nursing science into their daily practice grows. This isn’t just about improving care for individual patients – it’s about transforming entire systems. By continuously questioning practices, conducting research, and integrating new evidence, nurses can ensure their practice evolves to meet modern challenges.

How Nursing Science Partners Can Help

That’s where Nursing Science Partners comes in. We specialize in helping clinical nurses enhance their nursing science competency through tailored programs, mentorship, and expert guidance. By partnering with us, healthcare organizations can:

• Foster a culture of inquiry that empowers nurses to embrace EBP.

• Equip frontline nurses with the skills and knowledge to integrate the latest evidence into care.

• Support nurse leaders and educators in mentoring staff to drive meaningful change.

Our mission is to bring nursing science expertise directly to the bedside, ensuring every nurse has the tools and confidence to excel. Whether it’s through workshops, consultations, or ongoing education, NSP helps nurses translate research into action.

To ensure that nursing continues to evolve as a dynamic and distinct profession, it’s critical to invest in nursing science. This means providing nurses with the resources, mentorship, and education they need to excel. At NSP, we’re committed to supporting this journey, one nurse at a time.

So the next time you think about nursing, remember: it’s not just caring—it’s science in action.

References:

1. Daly, J., Mitchell, G.J., Toikkanen, T., Millar, B., Zanotti, R., Takahashi, T., Willman, A.M.L., Manhart Barrett, E.A., Cody, W.K. (1997). What is nursing science? An international dialogue. (1997). Nursing Science Quarterly, 10(1), 10–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/089431849701000105

2. Connor, L., Dean, J., McNett, M., Tydings, D. M., Shrout, A., Gorsuch, P. F., Hole, A., Moore, L., Brown, R., Melnyk, B. M., & Gallagher-Ford, L. (2023). Evidence-based practice improves patient outcomes and healthcare system return on investment: Findings from a scoping review. Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing, 20(1), 6–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12621

3. Melnyk, B. M., Gallagher-Ford, L., Zellefrow, C., Tucker, S., Thomas, B., Sinnott, L. T., & Tan, A. (2018). The first U.S. study on nurses' evidence-based practice competencies indicates major deficits that threaten healthcare quality, safety, and patient outcomes. Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing, 15(1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12269