The importance of research projects in a higher education arena

Abstract

The role of the nurse globally and in South Africa has evolved significantly during the 21^st century as a result of changing population needs, followed by changes in health and nursing policy and legislation. One of the most recent developments is the transition of all pre-service (basic) nursing education programmes to a higher education level at which all other health professional programmes are currently positioned. The challenge to nurse academics and nursing education to promote and strengthen a research culture is in parallel to this transition as nursing education institutions will function in a higher education arena.