About Us
About the Center for Nursing Science
Mission
The Center for Nursing Science promotes the advancement of nursing science and practice through clinical inquiry by leading, facilitating, and mentoring nurses and clinicians in evidence-based practice, evidence implementation, research, and innovation.
History
The Center for Nursing Science began with a commitment made at UC Davis Health in 1991 to encourage scientific inquiry and build a culture that uses evidence to change practice at the bedside. Founded as the Center for Nursing Research, it was created to help nurses use and conduct research within their own practice settings. The model for integrating research into practice developed here in 1992 still guides the work today.
In 2017, the center was renamed the Center for Nursing Science to reflect the breadth of its work: original research, evidence-based practice (EBP), evidence implementation, innovation, and knowledge dissemination.
Today, the center serves nurses and clinicians throughout UC Davis Health with consultation, mentorship, educational programming, and direct support for clinical inquiry projects of every kind. No formal research background is needed. A clear question and a willingness to pursue it are enough to start.
Our Strategic Foci
The center’s work is organized around five focal areas, each designed to strengthen nursing inquiry at UC Davis Health and advance outcomes for patients, families, nurses, and the health system.
- Nurse-Led Research: Leading and supporting nurses in designing and conducting original research that generates new knowledge.
- Evidence Translation, EBP, and Policy: Translating evidence into clinical practice, policy, and decision-making through nurse-led evidence-based practice.
- Research Infrastructure and Access: Facilitating clinical trial participation, IRB access, and consultation to reduce barriers to inquiry across all settings.
- Scholarship and Dissemination: Supporting nurses in publishing, presenting, and engaging professionally to share knowledge and advance the field.
- Professional Practice and Governance: Strengthening nursing governance infrastructure, research and evidence-based practice-focused nursing excellence, and the annual nursing conference.