By James McClinton, Masters in Public Administration, 1997**
The Stetler Model design is a structure for using the research conducted and create a vehicle for changing policies and procedures. Individual nurses, such as practitioners, educators, and policymakers, summarize research and use the knowledge to influence educational programs, make practice decisions, and impact political decision making (Burns & Grove, 1997).
The Stetler Model steps are very practical in identifying research conducted on impaired nurses and utilizing that research to develop policy. The Stetler Model steps are: preparation, validation, comparative evaluation, decision making, translation/application, and evaluation.
1. Preparation
Preparation involves identifying the purpose and focus of the review. The research literature might be reviewed to solve a difficult clinical, managerial, or educational problem; to provide the basis for a policy, standard or protocol; or to prepare for an inservice program or other type of professional presentation (Burns & Grove, 1997).
2. Validation
Validating the research is the second step in this model. A key factor in using the data from the research is whether the information is application is applicable and relevant.
3. Comparative Evaluation
This involves a review of findings of similar studies.
4. Decision Making
During this decision making phase the researcher has four choices to make. There is a decision to use the findings, to consider use, to delay use of the findings or reject the findings altogether.
5. Translation/Application
This phase actually prepares for the actual implementation of the findings in practice. The main question here is "how should the knowledge be applied?"
6. Evaluation
The final phase of this utilization model involves determining the impact on the practice, policy or even perhaps the patient.
This utilization model lends itself appropriate for this particular change, impaired nurses. By identifying validated research and utilizing this model, possible administrative policies could be used to address the impaired nurse practitioner.
**Used with permission
James states: When I spoke with a former staff person at the Board of Nursing about my research, it was interesting to hear us referring to this project as a real attempt to solve a real problem. I would have no problem describing my feelings and questions to a group of managers or regulators. I believe this research could influence policy development in nursing organization.
I think the most important steps I learned in doing this project was learning to select a utilization model to implement your research and learning to critique research. Both, I believe will help me in the professional management world. When looking at the fact that I will be graduating in two months, I may have completed this masters degree without ever having been exposed to either - Thanks.