R.N. Candidates - NCLEX April 2010

NOTE: Dr. Cochran in her teachings has allowed for a consistent, systemic approach to identify the components of a clinical issue resulting in the search for evidence.

Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing is the process by which nurses make clinical devision using the best available research evidence, their clinical expertise and client preferences.   

  • Scientific findings: rigorous, credible, clinically relevant research that, when applied to a specific health situation, contributes to improved care.

  • Nurse experience: a nurse who makes trustworthy observations, carefully analyzes care situation, knows individual clients' preferences, applies pertinent learning from previous clinical situations to the current one, and has relevant knowledge can offer insights that will improve client care.

  • Client preferences: when nurses solicit and respect the treatment-related desires of clients, the most appropriate health-care decisions can be made-client preferences are influenced by values, beliefs, culture, and previous personal or family experiences.

Skill and knowledge in interpreting and using research, evaluating practice, and developing and implementing practice guidelines are competencies important to EBP.

Evidence-based practice is a total process that begins with knowing what clinical questions to ask, how to find the best practice and how to critically appraise the evidence for validity and applicability to the particular care situation

EBP IS:   

  • Systematically developed statements designed to assist practitioners' and clients' decision-making about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances.

  • Best available scientific knowledge

  • Expert consensus

EBP is NOT:

  • A set of absolute rules

  • A recipe for practice

  • A substitute for good thinking

The best evidence then must be applied by a nurse with expertise in considering the clients' unique values and needs.

The final aspect of the process is evaluation of the effectiveness of care and the continual improvement of the process.

Nursing practice needs to be evidence-based in order to:

  • Legitimize and seek greater professionalism in nursing practice

  • Enhance authority and autonomy in practice

  • Improve practice and client outcomes, and raise standards of care

Click below for additional information:
 NCSBN | CGFNS | CA Board R.N. | CA Board V.N. | BCIS


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