At Tampa General Hospital, nursing research is transforming health care through innovation, scientific discovery and evidence-based practice. Led by expert nurse scientists, our work empowers nurses to investigate clinical challenges and develop solutions that improve outcomes for patients, families, health care teams and the communities we serve.
Nursing research at TGH spans a broad range of specialties and service lines, from cancer care and cardiovascular health to pediatric innovation, workforce well-being, patient safety and health equity. Through collaboration, mentorship and research support, we are building a culture where nurses are equipped to lead inquiry, drive innovation and advance the science of nursing.
What is Nursing Research?
Nursing research is the systematic study of clinical questions, health care challenges and patient care practices to generate evidence that improves outcomes and informs decision-making. It is a vital component of advancing health care quality, safety and innovation.
Nursing research at TGH extends beyond traditional bedside practice. Nurse researchers identify opportunities for improvement, develop research questions, design studies, collect and analyze data and translate findings into meaningful changes that enhance patient care and health care delivery.
Through nursing research, our clinicians contribute to the advancement of nursing science while helping shape the future of health care.
Why Nursing Research Matters at TGH
Nurses are at the frontlines of patient care and are uniquely positioned to identify opportunities for improvement. Our nursing research program partners with nurses, clinical leaders and interdisciplinary teams to advance research initiatives that address challenges across the spectrum of health care. By supporting nurse-led research and innovation, TGH enables nurses to develop solutions to real-world clinical challenges and generate evidence that improves outcomes across the health system.
Additionally, TGH is Florida’s Premier Academic Health System™ and is among just 2% of facilities in the country to have achieved Magnet® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) five times. Our nursing research work reflects the core tenets of this designation, strengthening professional practice, supporting innovation and reinforcing TGH's commitment to clinical excellence.
Advancing Nursing Science at TGH
TGH is committed to advancing nursing science through research, innovation and scholarly inquiry. Our research portfolio includes projects across multiple specialties and service lines, including:
- Cancer care and oncology nursing
- Heart and vascular health
- Pediatric and neonatal care
- Workforce well-being and resilience
- Patient safety and quality improvement
- Health equity and outcomes research
From developing new assessment tools to evaluating innovative technologies and care models, our nurse scientists are helping generate evidence that influences practice both within TGH and across the health care community.
Our growing impact on nursing research includes peer-reviewed publications, national and international presentations, active research studies and initiatives that support the development of future nurse researchers.
Empowering Nurses with the TGH–USF Nursing Research Fellowship
The TGH Nursing Research team provides leadership, mentorship and expertise to support nurses throughout the research process. Our team collaborates with frontline nurses, advanced practice providers and clinical leaders to transform ideas into impactful research initiatives.
By fostering research literacy, supporting professional development and creating opportunities for scholarly engagement, TGH is helping develop the next generation of nurse scientists and research leaders.
A key component of this commitment is the TGH–USF Nursing Research Fellowship, designed to provide nurses with structured mentorship and hands-on experience throughout the research process—from study development and Institutional Review Board (IRB) navigation to data analysis, publication and dissemination.
Our Team
Our nursing research team serves as a strategic partner for nurses and healthcare professionals interested in advancing evidence-based practice, conducting research and improving patient outcomes. Led by Lakeshia Cousin, PhD, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, the research team and the entire TGH health system benefit from her passion for advancing nursing science.
We also have created a Research & Evidenced-Based Council. The Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Council provides strategic oversight and support for nursing research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement initiatives across Tampa General Hospital. The council serves as a resource for nurses, APRNs, and interdisciplinary team members by fostering a culture of inquiry, promoting the use of evidence to improve patient outcomes, reviewing project proposals, and facilitating dissemination of findings through presentations and publications. The council also supports professional development, academic partnerships, and organizational goals related to Magnet® designation and nursing excellence.
Research & Support Services
The Nursing Research team provides comprehensive support to help nurses successfully develop, implement and disseminate research and evidence-based practice initiatives.
Research services include:
- Research consultation and project development
- Funding and grant support
- Study design and methodology guidance
- Pilot project development
- Data collection and analysis support
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) navigation
- Publication and manuscript development
- Abstract and presentation preparation
- Dissemination and scholarly support
- Evidence-based practice consultation
- Implementation science support
Whether launching a new project or expanding an existing initiative, our team provides the expertise and resources needed to support success.
Learn More
Explore our active research studies, publications, fellowship opportunities, educational resources and innovation initiatives to learn how TGH nurses are advancing health care through research, discovery and evidence-based practice.
Whether you are a frontline nurse, researcher, health care professional, student or community partner, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of nursing science. Contact us at (813) 844-7000 for more information.