EBP: Implications for Nursing Practice
EBP uses the latest evidence to drive change to patient care policies and procedures to optimize patient outcomes (Brower & Nemec, 2017). A proper understanding of EBP and its influence is critical for nurses to make decisions that fully impact patient care; therefore, it is evident that scholarly writing influences the nursing profession.
EBP is the driving force behind many practice revisions and updates in nursing (Stevens, 2013). From the time nursing students begin their education, the concept of EBP and its vital necessity in nursing practice is reiterated time and again. EBP drives nurses to increase their critical-thinking skills, observing and processing information as they practice and brainstorming ideas to make improvements. EBP takes nurses from being task-oriented to being educated problem solvers who use the scientific process to make relevant changes that impact their patients’ care and outcomes (Brower & Nemec, 2017). A report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) (Olsen, Aisner, & McGinnis, 2009) stated that, “by 2020, 90 percent of clinical decisions will be supported by accurate, timely, and up-to-date clinical information and will reflect the best available evidence,” (p. 9). Following the IOM recommendations, most facilities base their patient care protocols on EBP to render optimal patient care outcomes. EBP is essential to nursing practice and is at the forefront of improving patient care.Providing Quality Nursing Care Essay
Quality Improvements and Patient Outcomes
EBP is the foundation on which quality improvements are made, thus directly impacting patient outcomes. Experienced nurses can see these changes regularly occurring in their daily practice. EBP has the power not only to increase positive patient outcomes, but it also gives nurses a voice and the ability to help create sustainable changes in nursing. The ability to understand EBP’s importance and how its integration impacts nursing is an element of critical thinking that can be attained by learning to construct scholarly papers and being able to glean and apply knowledge presented throughout the baccalaureate program. The correlation and impact of these elements and what they mean for nursing cannot be overlooked. These skills are the foundation for fully appreciating knowledge gained in higher education (Stevens, 2013).Providing Quality Nursing Care Essay
Application of Evidence in Nursing Practice
After evaluating evidence, it became apparent that making small changes for ventilated patients decreased their overall rates of acquiring pneumonia. A ventilator acquired pneumonia (VAP) prevention protocol was created and implemented that included small practice changes such as maintaining the patient’s head of the bed at 30 degrees at all times, administering a chlorhexidine mouthwash twice a day, and administering a peptic ulcer prophylactic medication daily. These implementations led to a remarkable decrease in the occurrence of VAP, thus markedly improving patients’ overall outcomes (DeJuilio, Rivera, & Huml, 2012).Providing Quality Nursing Care Essay
Leadership
Leadership is a defining factor in nursing. Nurses assume the responsibilities of a leader in day-to-day practice regardless of formal role. Nurses lead by delegating tasks to other members of the health care team, as well as managing their patients overall care throughout a given shift. Effective leadership is rooted in ethical behavior; therefore, the element of academic integrity is a stepping stone to becoming an effective nurse leader. Hallmarks of nursing, including honesty, integrity, morality, and professionalism, are all traits of leaders as well. Nurses also have the continued opportunity for growth and career advancement into formal leadership roles such as nurse managers and supervisors. It is essential that nurses consider their ethical behavior and use it as a framework for their developing career as a nurse (Morgan & Hart, 2013). Doing so contributes to personal growth as well as the development of professionalism in nursing.Providing Quality Nursing Care Essay
Reflective Summary
Scholarly writing is not just another hurdle to get through during the education process. Scholarly writing plays a significant role in the learning process and the overall comprehension of knowledge and has a direct effect on the nursing profession. The development of necessary skills, including formatting, are necessary to become a more proficient writer and effective communicator. Essential in this process is the understanding of plagiarism and cheating and its direct impact on the professional integrity of the nursing profession. Given the proper guidance and tools, students can overcome these academic challenges and become effective writers who succeed in advancing their profession