Research skills developed in post-graduation and their translation into clinical nursing practices

Objective: To explore how the development of research skills through postgraduate training is transferred to the use of research in clinical nursing practice. Method: This was a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study developed based on a focus group in October 2021, using an intentional sample of eight postgraduate nurses from a healthcare institution in the region of Baixo Alentejo, Portugal. Bardin’s content analysis was performed to analyze data. The participants and two reviewers legitimized the findings. In addition, the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist were applied to this study to ensure the quality of the research report. Results: From the data analysis, three categories emerged: 1) transfer of research skills to clinical practice, 2) constraints to the development of research, and 3) expectations concerning the development of nursing research. Conclusion: Appreciation of research skills in contexts of practice, team involvement, improvement of nursing care outcomes, greater understanding of the research process, communication of results, and transferring knowledge to the clinic are contributions of research skills acquired in postgraduation training. The findings from this study can contribute to the development of health and nursing education policies.