EBP an Essential Component of the Practice of a BSN-Prepared RN
Discuss why EBP is an essential component of the practice of a BSN-prepared RN. Identify two ways in which you will continue to integrate evidence into your practice and encourage it within your work environment. What obstacles could challenge this plan, and what steps will you take to minimize their impact?
The 21st century has seen the healthcare environment evolving rapidly. This trend is influenced by changes in the healthcare needs of different populations. It has led an increase in the need to provide quality, safe, and reliable healthcare services at a low cost (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). Currently, healthcare practitioners are required to update their practices for the purpose of remaining relevant. For nurses, they are encouraged to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This program focuses on evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP is an approach to care that combines clinical expertise with medical research in making care decisions (University of West Florida, 2017; Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). This is what nurses require in order to effectively deal with the emerging healthcare challenges and needs.
EBP is an essential component in a BSN prepared registered nurse’s practice. This approach gives the nurse an opportunity to incorporate research evidence and nursing theories into his or her practice (University of West Florida, 2017). This leads to the delivery of quality healthcare services for the achievement of improved patient outcomes. EBP hones the knowledge of the nurse (Mississippi College, 2017; University of West Florida, 2017). It equips him or her with good critical thinking skills. Since it is a patient-centered approach, the approach enables the nurse to use patients’ experiences in making effective treatment decisions (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). EBP empowers the nurse to embrace technology in his or her practice (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). Technology saves time and it helps to improve efficiency. The practice also enhances the nurse’s capacity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. It allows him to share professional expertise with other healthcare professionals. Additionally, EBP prepares the nurse for leadership positions both in the healthcare organizations and in various professional bodies (University of West Florida, 2017; Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). These positions give the nurse an important chance through which he or she can make important contributions to the formulation of important healthcare policies. The nurse can as well utilize the leadership positions to actively engage in health advocacy.
As a nurse, I need to continue integrating EBP into my practice. I can do this by actively participating in different nursing conferences (Western Institute of Nursing, 2016; Polit & Beck, 2020). For instance, my current EBP change project centers on effective disease prevention and control among marginalized groups. Active participation in conferences organized by bodies such as Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) and American Nurses Association (ANA) can enable me to access the most current researches pertaining to the health of marginalized populations. I will find it useful to integrate this evidence into my practice. Apart from incorporating EBP into practice, I also need to encourage it in my work environment. I can achieve this by promoting the aspect of continuous learning (Western Institute of Nursing, 2016; Polit & Beck, 2020). I aspire to be in a leadership position in order to be able to do this in an effective way. I can use the leadership position to encourage new nurses on the importance of embracing EBP. This will enable them to become part of my organization’s culture.
One of the obstacles that are likely to hinder the implementation of this plan is lack of institutional support (Mathieson et al., 2019). The organization may not be ready to back my efforts. To overcome this challenge, it will be necessary to involve the management of the organization in the implementation of my EBP (Western Institute of Nursing, 2016; Mathieson et al., 2019). This will enable it to see the importance of adopting and sustaining it. Another obstacle that is likely to frustrate the plan is high nurse turnover rate (Mathieson et al., 2019). This leads to loss of important professional skills required for implementation of the EBP. I can curb this problem by coming up with effective strategies of motivating nurses (Western Institute of Nursing, 2016). For instance, the leadership position can enable me to give out professional development opportunities to interested nurses. I will give the priority to nurses who are ready to incorporate EBP in their work.
References:
Mathieson, A., Grande, G., & Luker, K. (2019). Strategies, facilitators and barriers to implementation of evidence-based practice in community nursing: a systematic mixed-studies review and qualitative synthesis. Prim Health Care Res Dev., 20: e6. doi: 10.1017/S1463423618000488
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
Mississippi College. (2017). Role of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing. Retrieved from https://online.mc.edu/degrees/nursing/rn-to-bsn/role-of-evidence-based-practice-in-nursing/
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2020). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
University of West Florida. (2017). Why Evidence-Based Practice Is Part of an Online RN to BSN Program. Retrieved from https://getonline.uwf.edu/articles/nursing/evidence-based-practice-online-rntobsn.aspx
Western Institute of Nursing. (2016). Creating a Nursing Force for Change. Retrieved from https://www.winursing.org/
