Step 0: Cultivate a spirit of inquiry: In the beginning of our research process, our team had a difficult time coming up with a topic. The four of us had different areas of interests in regards to nursing research which made it challenging to decide on one idea. However, our group met to discussed our individual ideas, narrow down our choices, which eventually led to selecting a topic that was of interest to all of us. The collaboration and constant communication amongst our group aided in this area of the research process.

Step 1: Ask the burning clinical question in PICOT format: Once our team agreed upon a topic, it became a matter of formatting that idea into a PICOT question to guide our research. Our group struggled at first to formulate our question to include those variables pertinent to the topic we chose. The team reached out to the professor for help, and learned from her that we did not necessarily need to incorporate the “time” element of a PICOT question in our research. When we were stuck, it helped us a lot to be able to ask for assistance from our professor. After her suggestions, we were able to formulate our PICOT question to begin conducting our research.

Step 2: Search for and collect the most relevant evidence: The team agreed to individually search for an article and to share them with one another when the appropriate evidence was collected. However, we found that some articles provided background information and were not adequate sources of clinical evidence. We submitted articles for feedback to our professor and acted on her advice to continue our search for better articles and studies. We narrowed our search using filters, databases, and other search techniques which allowed for us to accumulate enough information to help answer our question.

Step 3: Critically appraise the evidence – Part I: At this point, we were challenged with being separated from one another due to the COVID-19 virus. We had some difficulties staying connected to be able to complete our tasks at hand. It was hard to not be able to collaborate and communicate as easily as we once could, however we worked to complete these tasks regardless. We divided the worksheets among the four of us to be completed, and held each other responsible for the completion of this step in the research process. Our communication skills were tested at this point, however the clear expectations we had for one another kept us in check and on task.

Step 3: Critically appraise the evidence – Part II: In this step of the project, our group struggled with being concise and to the point in our evidence table and annotated bibliography. Each of us had a lot to say about the evidence we found, and I believe we misunderstood the extent of detail which were were expected to reveal in this part of the project. Our group had a lot of information in our annotated bibliography that belonged in our actual paper, and vice a versa. What really helped our group at this point was the feedback our professor gave us and thus being able to discuss amongst our group what information needed to be included and what did not.

Step 3: Critically appraise the evidence – Part III: Our group shined in this area as we had clear expectations for one another that were decided upon long before we started writing the paper. Each of us understood our roles and responsibilities and no issues in that regard arose. However, as previously mentioned, we found some of our information and conclusions to be repetitive from the annotated bibliography and evidence table. Additionally, our group found it difficult to be concise and clear in our writing. We had accumulated so much information we found to be relevant and it took a lot of revision and consideration to shorten our paper to meet its requirements.

Final Reflection: Through this process, I have gained key research skills related to nursing topics which may be applicable in my future professional experience. Research may be overwhelming at times, as there is a plethora of knowledge out there waiting to be found. However, this instance has allowed me to explore and refine my research skills and has given me tools to further search for answers to clinical questions. I am now confident that I can find the relevant and valid evidence concerning nursing practice that will guide me to provide quality care to patients.