Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

The role of the staff nurse in the research process primarily involves:

1. Testing hypotheses

2. Performing statistical analysis

3. Developing research questions

4. Testing theories

The correct answer is: Developing research questions

The role of the staff nurse in the research process primarily involves developing research questions. Nurses are often on the front lines of patient care and can identify gaps in knowledge or issues that need investigation based on their observations and experiences. By formulating relevant research questions, staff nurses contribute significantly to the research process, shaping the direction of studies that can ultimately improve patient care and outcomes. While testing hypotheses, performing statistical analysis, and testing theories are important aspects of the research process, these tasks are typically carried out by researchers, statisticians, or research teams that may include advanced-degreed professionals. Staff nurses are more likely to engage in developing questions that are rooted in clinical practice, ensuring that the research is relevant and applicable to real-world nursing scenarios. This involvement can drive the research agenda and lead to evidence-based practices that enhance nursing care.