The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) is committed to advancing evidence-based practice and fostering innovation to enhance patient outcomes and support the professional development of its nursing workforce. This presentation outlines the framework for a Nursing Research and Innovation Network (the Network), designed to create a supportive system enabling nurses to engage in meaningful research activities. The Network addresses existing barriers and leverages enablers through seven core components: capacity-building programs, leadership development, infrastructure and resources, research relevance and alignment, collaboration and interdisciplinary networks, governance and leadership, and knowledge translation and dissemination. By integrating these elements, the Network aims to enhance individual and organisational capabilities, strengthen SCHN’s reputation in paediatric research, and improve clinical care outcomes.
The development of the Network was guided by a structured approach that included:
• A literature review identifying key elements essential for successful nursing research and innovation.
• Analysing existing barriers and enablers to nursing research participation.
• Designing a framework incorporating evidence-based strategies to support nursing research capacity-building and leadership.
Establishing seven core components to operationalise the network, the Network represents a transformative opportunity to enhance patient safety, improve clinical outcomes, and foster professional growth within the nursing workforce. By addressing barriers to research engagement and providing targeted support through capacity-building, mentorship, and leadership development, the Network positions SCHN as a leader in paediatric healthcare innovation and evidence-based practice. Establishing a Network tailored to the needs of paediatric nurses presents an opportunity to empower these clinicians, enhance research engagement, and address the specific challenges of paediatric care.
A commitment to evaluation and continuous improvement will ensure that the Network evolves to meet emerging needs, maximising its impact on nursing practice and healthcare delivery. The establishment of this initiative signifies a strategic investment in patient safety, workforce excellence, and organisational leadership in paediatric nursing research.