Nursing administration research characteristics, themes, theoretical perspectives, and research designs: 1976-1986

Development of a scientific base for nursing administration is achieved through research that addresses topics of theoretical and practical significance. An analysis of research in nursing administration has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics, themes, theoretical perspectives, and designs in nursing administration research, published from 1976-1986, and to recommend directions for future research. The sample consisted of 220 research reports published in Nursing Research and in the Journal of Nursing Administration that met the definitional criteria of nursing administration research. The majority of the research was conducted by doctorally prepared nurses. The studies predominantly focused on evaluation and job satisfaction. Nursing theories were seldom used to structure the studies. Organization and organizational behavior theories were used in the majority of the studies. Sound research designs were described in the most recent studies. The study provided a foundation for future research in nursing administration.