Nurses from the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research were among the researchers selected to highlight their studies at the TriService Nursing Research Program Research and Evidence-Based Dissemination Course in San Antonio, Texas, Aug. 31 - Sept. 3.

The three-and-a-half day Department of Defense-approved course is a continuing nursing education activity that included presentations by military nursing leaders, clinical experts, and military researchers and scientists.

"It is the premier opportunity for nurses across the DOD to network and share research and evidence-based program efforts," said Lt. Col. Elizabeth Mann-Salinas, USAISR Systems for Care of Complex Patients Task Area Manager. "Most importantly, we can offer our junior officers and staff nurses the opportunity to develop professional skills in dissemination of their great work and improve patient care."

According to Mann-Salinas, the USAISR nurses presented 11 research and evidence-based practice posters and eight podium presentations.

"I believe that this course provides a wonderful framework for nurses to share relevant ideas and evidence-based practice," said Michael G. Barba, a registered nurse at the USAISR Burn Center Progressive Care Ward. "It's good for nurses to attend these types of events, but more important for them to participate in them as this fosters professional growth and reinforces nursing as a profession."

Barba presented a poster titled "Developing Nurse Competency and Clinical Reasoning: An Evidence-Based Toolkit for Preceptor Development." The objective of the study is to develop and implement and evidence-based preceptor development program for experienced burn center nurses that is designed to improve preceptor knowledge and preceptee satisfaction.

"It is important that we have an evidence-based preceptor program in order to professionally and effectively develop the burn center nurses in a consistent manner to reduce variability and economize our efforts," Barba said.

In addition to presenting a poster titled "Preparing Nurses for Future Combat Operations: Evaluation of the Role 2 Registry to Inform Pre-Deployment Training," Mann-Salinas and members of the Burn Flight Team, Capts. Rebecca Fern and Sarah Hensley, participated in a separate meeting sponsored by TSNRP -- the Research Interest Group for En Route Care.

"The primary goal of the group was to identify best practice for training and sustaining competency in providing en route nursing care," she said. "It was attended by members of all services that included researchers, policymakers and nurses who provide direct patient care at staging facilities on both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. It was a fantastic opportunity to synergize our efforts. Having our Burn Flight Team members attend provided a great opportunity for them to network with Air Force and Navy colleagues. "

The TSNRP course is for all military active and reserve and guard nurses, scientists, researchers and DOD civilian nurses designed to encourage research questions and effective clinical interventions.