Focusing on the nurse researcher's dual role as practitioner and researcher, as well as research ethics and the relationship between practitioner and academic agendas, The Reality of Nursing Research helps to: locate the practical dilemmas of nursing research in historical and policy context prepare those about to embark on research for some of the issues they will face reassure researchers that they are not the only ones to encounter the complexity of real life research support the research teacher or supervisor in preparing and mentoring their students share experiences of others who have encountered similar issues and provide some practical advice on their solution. With illustrative case studies and practical advice, this book looks at the real life dilemmas faced by nurse researchers at key stages of the research process from developing a research question through to disseminating the findings. It is an essential text for nurse researchers, teachers of research, research supervisors and nurses undertaking research at diploma through to doctoral level.