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A conversation with Dr. Dorothy Pringle, RN

I attended the College of Nursing Research Day, March 30, 2004 in Saskatoon and had the pleasure of discussing leadership and the importance of nursing research with Dorothy Pringle, RN. Her opening address at the event provided an encouraging update on the current state of nursing research but also an insightful plea for continued, expanded and coordinated research.

Dorothy is passionate about the importance of nursing research 'because nurses are where people who are getting health care are.' The relevant questions that we need to answer, she explained, come from those patient experiences. Research 'pulls back from practice until you understand patient care'. We often don't know enough cind need to do background work. 'Research answers questions relevant to nursing practice.'

Nursing research in Canada is better then ever before. 'We have never had such well prepared researchers' she explained, 'but their work reveals how much more is needed.' A coordinated approach is essential to have the necessary impact. Nursing research is increasingly valued within the health care sector. Dorothy describes Saskatchewan as 'the major hub for gerontological research in the country' citing several exceptional researchers. Dorothy is an advocate for steering our student nurses in the direction of research as a career aspiration.

'Research becomes the evidence for best practice and evidence based practice. Best practice is how you get research into practice.'

Dorothy Pringle, RN, BScN, MS, PhD is a Professor of Nursing at the University of Toronto since 1988, serving as Dean of Nursing from 1988-1999. Her clinical and research interests are in the care of disabled and impaired older people in the community and in the assistance required by family caregivers. She has published more than 20 articles and book chapters, and presented at more than 100 scientific conferences. She has delivered many keynote addresses on topics related to the healthcare system and nursing's role, health services for the elderly and their family members, and nursing education and research.

She received the prestigious Jeanne Mance award from the Canadian Nurses Association recognizing her outstanding leadership in the nursing. She holds several honorary doctorates and Ontario has distinguished her with an Honorary Doctor of Science. A mentor to many students and capacity builder Dr. Pringle has an illustrious career as a nurse researcher and academic administrator. As Dean of Nursing at the University of Toronto, she was instrumental in launching the first doctoral program in Nursing in Ontario and the second in Canada.

by Susan Smith Brazill, Director of Policy and Communications

Copyright Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association Jun/Jul 2004
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved

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