Mitchell Knisely, assistant professor, coauthored "Engaging Pain Management Nurses in Research and Evidence-Based Practice" in Pain Management Nursing. 

Introduction

Nurses are often the professionals with whom patients and their families interact when they seek health care, and they can have a significant influence, both individually and collectively, on positive health care outcomes for patients, facilities, and communities. Nursing research and evidence-based practice (EBP) improve nurses’ practice skills, the quality of their care, and their contributions to the profession; therefore, nurses who wish to be effective advocates for high-quality pain care should engage in both of these activities.

In order to achieve American Nurse Credentialing Center Magnet recognition, a facility is required to demonstrate nurses are engaged in the research process and an infrastructure for research and EBP projects (Powers, 2020). Many nurses desire to practice in Magnet-designated facilities or facilities that promote a ‘culture of inquiry’ (Powers, 2020). Basic research courses are often part of nursing prelicensure education; however, exposure to and engagement in EBP and research endeavors should be promoted for practicing nurses to ensure that patients experiencing pain receive nursing care rooted in high-quality current evidence. Nurses continue to need mentorship and support after graduation to maintain the process of critical thinking and questioning that initiate and propel research and EBP projects (Ryan, 2016).

The American Society of Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) Research Committee promotes pain management nurses’ engagement in research and EBP. As members of the Research Committee, we have written this editorial to highlight the differences between research and EBP, foster interest in research and EBP, and discuss opportunities and resources available through ASPMN to support research and EBP.