Running head: EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Evidence Based Practice

Salena Barnes, RN, BSN
NRSG 7410
Georgia College and State University

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EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE
Evidence based practice (EBP) is defined as the conscientious, judicious, and explicit
use of best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients (Facchiano &
Snyder, 2012). EBP embraces knowledge gained from individual research studies and systematic
reviews, as well as, from other sources such as expert opinion, clinical knowledge from
experience, case reports, and patient preferences (Joel, 2013). The systematic approach helps
ensure that clinicians are providing the best possible care and outcomes for the patients.
However, there are obstacles in this process in which we will explore.
Originally, providers decided upon themselves which was the best approach of treating
the patient. Today we have adopted the most appropriate way to treat patients is through EBP.
However, some providers treat patients based on habit rather than evidence. Moreover,
implementation of clinical findings takes several years before it can be integrated into daily
practice. Everyday literature is being published but there needs to be a method of obtaining the
best research to validate change in clinical practices. In addition, the lack of time, credible
information sources, and lack of research skills amongst providers will hinder EBP.
The Beginning
At the onset of my journey to MSN nurse practitioner, I knew that EBP was important
through my employment as a registered nurse (RN) and upon obtaining my undergraduate
degree. Furthermore, I have worked in a variety of settings to include Medical-Surgical, Surgical
Trauma ICU (STICU), Orthopedics, and at a Pain Management Clinic. In these areas, it is
essential that EBP is utilized for positive patient outcomes.
Education and training was disseminated frequently during my time as an RN sometimes,
I did not have an appreciation for new policies and procedures because it seemed to me that most

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changes came from non-clinical personnel. At that time, in my opinion, they had no idea what
goes on in the clinical setting. Additionally, I felt as if every time I got accustomed to a new
practice or procedure, the Powers that Be would come along and change it. Sometimes during
my time as an RN, I would perform a task because I was trained to perform it that way because it
was EBP. One practice I can recall changing during my time in STICU was the implementation
of therapeutic hypothermia on post MI patients. I found it interesting, but never had the time to
investigate the rationale behind it in practice. Through this program, I actually did a research
paper on the topic and learned how this practice came about and how it improved patient
outcomes. Thus, it is just as important to investigate out practices as it is to understand and
utilize EBP.
Becoming More Proficient and Meeting Program Outcomes
Upon taking research, it opened my eyes to how the program has aided me in dissecting
research articles and has given me a better understanding of how to synthesize the information.
When I first entered the program, I had no idea what all the different statistical information
meant and that you must look at this closely to determine the validity and reliability of the
information presented in the article. I also gained a better understanding of the strength of a
study based on how many participants there were, were there any conflicts of interest related to
funding, or if the study could be replicated.
In research, we had some autonomy when it came to choosing the topic to research,
which was helpful in swallowing the assignments. Being able to choose the topic to research
further engaged me and contributed to my interest on the subject matter. I was challenged to
appraise the value of the articles information. Therefore, I craved more of an understanding,
because in my practice as an RN, I carried out tasks because someone told me it was EBP. Now I

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am able to dissect the information in an article and interpret its value. Having this new ability has
increased my confidence in being able to sift through information and choose the most current,
reliable, and valid practices. Since then, I have been intrigued about why we do what we do. I
now am motivated to read more research articles to determine whether my practices are evidence
based.
Doing More to Become More Proficient
In the future, I believe I will become more proficient by utilizing EBP. I will stay current
on EBP by visiting the National Guidelines Clearinghouse available online through the National
Institute of Health. I would also be interested in gathering data and participating in a research
study in the clinical setting. Moreover, furthering my education by obtaining a Doctorate of
Nursing Practice (DNP) is another way I plan to be proficient in EBP. I believe the School of
Nursing (SON) has done a good job of preparing me to utilize and disseminate EBP.
As future advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) it is vital that we use EBP and
serve as knowledge brokers for clinical nurses. APRNs need to have the ability to interpret and
apply knowledge and possess an ability to synthesize different forms of knowledge. They also
need the ability to tailor key concepts from research to the local context while ensuring the
language is easy to understand, as well as, meaningful for different users. Developing trusting
relationships with end users to assist them in incorporating evidence into practice decisions is
another important responsibility of APRNs (Gerrish et al., 2011). In conclusion, utilizing EBP in
my practice as an APRN is essential and I believe that becoming the best practitioner possible
rests firmly in EBP.

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References
Facchiano, L., & Snyder, C. (2012). Evidence Based Practice for the busy nurse practitioner: part
one: relevance to clinical practice and clinical inquiry process. Retrieved from
www.journal of the American Academy of Nurse PR actioners
Gerrish, K., McDonnell, A., Nolan, M., Guillaume, L., Kirshbaum, M., & Tod, A. (2011). The
role of advanced practice nurses in knowledge brokering as a means of promoting
evidence-based practice among clinical nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67(9),
2004-2014. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05642.x
Joel, L. A. (2013). Advanced Practice Nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: E.A. Davis Company.