nursing

Scholarship and the Doctorally Prepared Nurse

Scholarship is a defining characteristic of both the DNP and the PhD. The ability to read, interpret, synthesize, and apply research to improve patient care is at the heart and soul of the DNP, a practice doctorate. DNP-prepared nurses are expected to engage in evidence-based practices and collaborate with colleagues who conduct cutting-edge research. Likewise, PhD-prepared nurses must be well versed in the literature and engage in critical thinking as they evaluate others’ research and conduct their own.

This week, you explore the various resources provided by Walden University to assist you in becoming a critical and scholarly reader, thinker, and writer. Among the tools for your use are the extensive Walden Library holdings. You receive guidance on accessing and searching academic journals to locate peer-reviewed primary research articles. You also explore strategies for appraising research. In addition, you are introduced to Walden University’s Institutional Review Board, which helps to ensure that students adhere to established ethical and legal guidelines when conducting research.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Utilize Walden Library databases and resources to access, search, and download peer-reviewed primary research articles

Distinguish between summarizing a research article and synthesizing the research

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Walden Library. (2014). Publication Comparison Chart. Retrieved from: http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/peerreviewvsscholarly

This guide discusses three main publication types that you will encounter in the Walden Library: scholarly journals, trade publications, and popular magazines. It contains information about these publication types and a chart comparing their purpose, content, audience, etc.

Eaton, S. E. (2010). Reading strategies: Differences between summarizing and synthesizing [Blog post]. Literacy, Languages and Leadership. Retrieved

http://drsaraheaton.wordpress.com/2010/09/29/reading-strategies-differneces-between-summarizing-and-synthesizing/

The author proposes that critical reading must include using critical thinking to create “new” information and insights from this information.

Institutional Review Board for Ethical Standards in Research: IRB Office Hours and meetings. Retrieved January 15, 2014, from http://researchcenter.waldenu.edu/Institutional-Review-Board-for-Ethical-Standards-in-Research.htm

This The Walden online tutorial at the bottom of this page provides information on Walden’s Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). These boards are responsible for ensuring that all Walden research studies meet specific ethical and legal criteria.

Walden University Library. (2014). Webinar archives. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/webinararchives

Introduction to the Walden Library

Evaluating Online Resources

An Introduction to Evidence-Based Searching

The Walden Library webinars provide relevant information on accessing and evaluating scholarly sources. The information on retrieving evidence-based practice sources is especially pertinent to the DNP student.

Walden University. (2011). Student publications: Code of conduct. Retrieved from http://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=155&navoid=51011

This link provides you with Student Conduct and Responsibility guidelines to help you develop a better understanding of Walden University’s expectations.

Document: Stages in Critical Reading of Research Articles (PDF)

This chart describes the purpose of and questions for six stages of critically reading research articles. Focus on the many activities and questions that make up the critical-reading process. Begin to consider the journal articles and books you read in terms of these criteria.

Document: Introduction to Scholarly Writing: Plagiarism and Academic Integrity (PDF)

This document supplements the information on plagiarism and academic integrity presented in the related video program.

Document: Introduction to Scholarly Writing: Tips for Success (PDF)

This document, which accompanies the video program of the same title, provides resources for improving your scholarly writing and critical-thinking skills.

Document: Common APA Style and Formatting Challenges (PDF)

This document can be used as a quick reference guide for proper APA style and formatting.

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012b). Introduction to scholarly writing: Finding a scholarly voice[Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.

This media program discusses the importance of writing with a scholarly voice, distinguishing between a voice that is effective and one that is not, and identifying what is needed to develop your own scholarly voice.

Accessible player

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012c). Introduction to scholarly writing: Plagiarism and academic integrity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

Scholarly writing requires ethical practice in every phase and form of the process, from the drafting of a course paper to the completion of a capstone project. Academic integrity is foundational to all teaching and learning at Walden University. As a Walden student, you are required to follow the guidelines of academic integrity as set forth in the Walden Catalog. This media program helps you to do so.

Accessible player

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012d). Introduction to scholarly writing: Purpose, audience, and evidence [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

Key concepts related to scholarly writing are introduced in this media program.

Accessible player

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012e). Introduction to scholarly writing: Tips for success [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 3 minutes.

This media program presents tips for becoming a scholarly writer, including how to identify fears related to scholarly writing and connect with resources to improve writing skills.