The key areas of this center are assessment, research, and evaluation activities that provide knowledge to improve nursing practice. Nursing practice is interpreted broadly to include administration and education. Research, assessment and evaluation are differentiated for purposes of the center. Research focuses on development of new knowledge, and, while it underpins practice, it does not by itself prescribe practice. Assessment activities in the center will be directed at surveying different stakeholders/constituents for their perceptions about various aspects of nursing practice. Furthermore, assessment will include identifying and tracking measurable work environment and outcome indicators. Evaluation in the center will use program evaluation and impact analysis approaches. The work of the Research and Evaluation Center is integral to the other two centers. It is here that the information to guide pilot projects will be developed and “best practices” can be identified.

The scope of responsibility for Research and Evaluation Center is as follows:

• Promote nursing research and knowledge dissemination
• Track student enrollments and RN employment
• Evaluate student recruitment and retention initiatives
• Evaluate RN recruitment and retention initiatives
The main priority for the work of all centers is quality nursing care in west central Ohio. The assumptions underlying this priority are as follows:

• Research findings should guide nursing practice
• Assessment and evaluation are key to evolving RN education and practice
• Utilization of best practices developed through research and evaluation makes sense both economically and for highest quality health care

The ability to ground their work in research and evaluation findings is necessary for nurses to keep their social contract with the people they
serve.

The work of Research and Evaluation Center will include the following functions:

• Disseminate research and best practices findings
• Develop Web site for dissemination of findings including links to other key sites (e.g. National Institutes of Health)
• Facilitate collaborative research between organizations
• Regularly surveying stakeholders:
• Potential nursing students in high school
• Public
• Student nurses at partner organizations
• Nurses at partner organizations
• Other health care professionals regarding nursing
• Develop and implement evaluation plans for pilot initiatives