This document defines nursing research and outlines its importance and impact. Nursing research is a scientific process that validates existing knowledge and generates new knowledge to influence nursing practice. It is based on evidence and used to improve patient outcomes, validate methods, and can influence insurance reimbursement. Reading research articles allows nurses to draw their own conclusions about quality and usefulness to inform decisions and incorporate evidence into practice. When analyzing research, its methodology, results, limitations and consistency across studies must be evaluated to determine if findings can reliably guide practice.