Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a fundamental aspect of nursing practice, particularly for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. EBP involves the integration of the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences in order to provide the highest level of care to patients (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). As a BSN-prepared nurse, I recognize the significance of incorporating evidence into my practice to optimize patient outcomes. In this discussion post, I will explore how I plan to integrate evidence-based practice into my care by utilizing journal articles and publications from reputable nursing associations, as well as attending conferences related to labor and delivery.
To stay up to date with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines, I intend to regularly read journal articles. These articles provide valuable insights into current practices and emerging trends in nursing care. Specifically, I will focus on reading journals that publish research related to women’s health, obstetrics, and neonatal nursing. For instance, I will utilize publications from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN) to access evidence-based guidelines and recommendations that are specific to my field of practice. By keeping up with the latest evidence, I can ensure that my nursing interventions are based on the most current and reliable information available.
However, despite my commitment to integrating evidence into my practice, there may be obstacles that challenge my ability to implement the information I learn. One potential obstacle is the hospital’s policies. Sometimes, hospital policies may not align with current evidence-based practice guidelines, making it difficult for nurses to provide the highest level of care to patients. To overcome this challenge, I will actively participate in hospital committees and focus groups that are responsible for policy decisions. By sharing the latest evidence with these groups, advocating for necessary changes, and engaging in collaborative discussions, I can contribute towards aligning policies with evidence-based practice. Additionally, I can also utilize the hierarchy of evidence to strengthen my arguments for policy changes. For example, presenting findings from high-quality research studies with significant sample sizes and rigorous methodologies can reinforce the need for policy modifications.
Apart from reading journal articles, another strategy I plan to employ is attending conferences that focus on labor and delivery. Conferences provide opportunities to learn from experts in the field, gain knowledge about the latest research findings, and discuss best practices with other healthcare professionals. Attending these conferences can help me stay abreast of advancements in labor and delivery care and relevant evidence-based interventions. However, attending conferences may present challenges if not all nurses in my unit have the opportunity to attend the same conferences. In such situations, I can overcome this obstacle by requesting permission to present the information and key takeaways from the conferences to my labor and delivery unit. By sharing the knowledge gained from conferences with my colleagues, we can collectively work towards implementing necessary changes and ensuring that evidence-based practices become standard in our unit.
In their study, Farokhzadian, Khajouei, and Ahmadian (2015) discuss common barriers to implementing evidence-based practice in nursing. Some of these barriers include nurses’ inability to distinguish quality in research, lack of resources, and difficulty finding time to read or attend conferences. These barriers may hinder nurses’ ability to effectively integrate evidence into their practice. However, as a BSN-prepared nurse, I recognize the importance of overcoming these obstacles in order to provide the highest level of care to my patients. To address the issue of distinguishing quality in research, I will continue to refine my skills in critically appraising and evaluating research studies. This will enable me to confidently identify reliable and valid evidence that can guide my practice. Additionally, I will actively seek out available resources like clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and evidence summaries to support my decisions and ensure the use of high-quality evidence. Furthermore, managing time effectively and prioritizing professional development activities like reading journal articles and attending conferences will be crucial to overcome the challenge of limited time. By recognizing the barriers to implementing evidence-based practice and adopting strategies to overcome them, I can successfully integrate evidence into my practice and provide the best care possible to my patients.
