Introduction to Nursing Research 5th Edition by Boswell & Cannon

Why This Book Matters

Nursing students and professionals face a persistent challenge: translating research findings into everyday clinical decisions to improve patient outcomes. Without a solid grasp of evidence-based practice (EBP), nurses risk relying on outdated habits instead of the latest science. Introduction to Nursing Research: Incorporating Evidence-Based Practice directly tackles this problem by equipping readers with the skills to locate, appraise, and apply research in real-world healthcare settings.

Introduction to Nursing Research 5th Edition by Boswell & Cannon at a Glance

This textbook is a comprehensive guide to the research process and evidence-based practice, written specifically for nursing students and practicing clinicians. The Fifth Edition, published by Jones & Bartlett Learning in 2020, reflects current trends in healthcare, including patient safety, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration. It provides a step-by-step framework for understanding research design, ethics, data collection, and implementation of EBP projects.

The book is organized into logical sections that take the reader from the foundations of research to the practical application of evidence in nursing care. Each chapter includes learning objectives, case studies, and review questions to reinforce comprehension and real-world relevance.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is designed for a wide audience within nursing and healthcare:

• Undergraduate nursing students who need a clear introduction to research methods and EBP as part of their core curriculum.
• Graduate students beginning their journey into advanced nursing practice or research.
• Practicing registered nurses seeking to strengthen their ability to critically appraise studies and integrate evidence into daily care.
• Nurse educators looking for a textbook that balances theory with practical application.
• Quality improvement and patient safety teams aiming to ground their initiatives in solid research evidence.

Key Takeaways

This book systematically builds your competence in nursing research and EBP. Here are the core takeaways:

1. The connection between nursing research and evidence-based practice as a foundation for safe, effective care.
2. How to formulate a clear research question using PICO (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format.
3. Ethical principles and regulatory requirements for conducting research with human subjects.
4. Key quantitative and qualitative research designs, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and phenomenological approaches.
5. Methods for sampling, data collection, and measurement reliability and validity.
6. How to critically appraise research articles for quality and applicability.
7. The process of translating research findings into clinical practice guidelines and protocols.
8. Role of quality improvement and evidence-based innovation in nursing.
9. Strategies for overcoming barriers to EBP implementation in healthcare organizations.
10. How to communicate research findings to interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Why This Book Stands Out

While many nursing research textbooks focus heavily on theoretical statistics or dry methodology, Boswell and Cannon’s Fifth Edition excels by emphasizing practical application from the very first chapter. The book weaves EBP concepts throughout rather than relegating them to a single section. It includes up-to-date examples on patient safety, quality improvement, and healthcare policy—areas often missing in competing texts. The reader-friendly writing style, plentiful case studies, and end-of-chapter exercises accelerate learning for students at any level. Compared to older editions or other titles like Polit & Beck’s Nursing Research, this edition offers a more streamlined, clinically focused approach that aligns with modern nursing curricula.

Behind the Book

Carol Boswell, EdD, RN, CNE, ANEF, is a professor and the James R. Dougherty, Jr. Endowed Chair for Nursing at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Her extensive experience in nursing education and research is evident in the book’s pedagogical design. Sharon Cannon, EdD, RN, ANEF, is a professor and regional dean at the same institution. Both authors hold doctoral degrees in education and nursing, bringing deep expertise in how students learn research concepts. Jones & Bartlett Learning is a well-respected academic publisher with a strong catalog in nursing, public health, and healthcare education—ensuring the content meets high scholarly standards.

The Bottom Line

Absolutely. This textbook is not just a classroom requirement—it is a career-long reference for making evidence-based decisions. The Fifth Edition’s focus on current trends like interprofessional collaboration and quality improvement means you are learning skills directly applicable to today’s nursing practice. The book’s well-organized structure, paired with practical tools and ethical guidance, makes it a trusted resource for both students and seasoned nurses. Compared to the 6th edition, this edition offers essentially the same foundational content at a lower cost, making it an excellent value.

Get Your Copy Today

If you are a nursing student or professional who wants to confidently integrate research into your daily care, this book is your essential guide. Order your digital copy now and start building the skills that improve patient outcomes and advance your career. Published by Jones & Bartlett Learning in its trusted Fifth Edition, this is the most practical, current resource available for evidence-based nursing research.