and confirmed, it will be converted to nursing
knowledge that can contribute to the knowledge
base of nursing.
Preparing to Initiate a Search
BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING
WITH YOURSELF
Organizing and purposefully attending to self be-
fore undertaking research affirms the intention
and focus of your philosophical perspective. The-
Theoretical frameworks become blueprints
for action.oretical frameworks become blueprints for action.
Frustrations inherent in new methodologies, new
technologies, and virtual information will be less
able to deflect your nursing intention to uncover
and integrate nursing knowledge if you are pre-
pared. Attending to self in ways that are meaningful
will quiet, focus, and center reflective inquiry.
CONNECTING WITH A COMPUTER
If you are new to computer searching of nursing lit-
erature, be prepared to spend many, many hours
searching for information. When first becoming ac-
quainted with the electronic world, be prepared to
accept that you will forget where you are on this
electronic highway. It takes practice and intense
focus to remain on the elusive information trail.
Forgive yourself if you accomplish little, and for-
give the computer if you are “dropped” from a key
theorist Web site and do not remember where it
was. Practice self-care by becoming organized and
Practice self-care by becoming organized
and exercise discipline by remaining within
the parameters of your inquiry.exercise discipline by remaining within the param-
eters of your inquiry.
LINGERING IN THE LIBRARY
You may decide to go to the library and browse the
shelves for ideas and inspiration. Seek the help of
experts before you attempt the impossible and end
up frustrated. Time spent browsing books and
journals because they are interesting, yet irrelevant
to your inquiry, also means that you will be reiniti-
ating your search at another time.AGING IN THE ARCHIVES
If you have identified a specific holding or collec-
tion that you wish to investigate in the library
archives, engage the help of an archivist to clarify
and expedite your search. A “hands-on” search of
archived records involves painstaking handling,
lengthy and careful perusing, and hours of time.
Experiencing the spirit and feel of nursing history
in tangible artifacts is enhanced by an unhurried
examination. In your goal-directed endeavors to
balance time, effort, and outcome, you may prefer
to reserve time restricted activities to an electronic
search.BECOMING ORGANIZED
Becoming organized begins with thinking about
the reason for your search, an estimation of the
time involved, and the identification of the focus
and scope of your inquiry. Following are questions
and suggestions to guide your thoughts:The Reason for Your Search
The reason for your search will influence your
planning. Will your search be preparation for cre-
ation of a manuscript or will it be the beginning of
formal research? Alternately, would you search sim-
ply because you would like to know more about a
theorist or theory to apply to your practice?Estimations of Time Involved
It is critical to decide how much time you realisti-
cally need to invest to successfully accomplish the
search. Consult your planner and count the actual
hours you have available and the days on which
they are available. When is the absolute deadline for
completing the search and for completing all re-
search activities? Fill in blocks of time in your plan-
ner, building in a reserve of time in case you
experience a problem with your computer orHint: If you are a beginning researcher, it is
a good idea to double the amount of time
you estimate you will need.CHAPTER 4 Evaluating Nursing Theory Resources 31