Evidence-based practice and school nursing.

School nurses need to demonstrate that their practice is based on the best evidence available, which is usually data obtained from research. Evidence-based practice involves combining the best evidence available with nursing expertise and patient and family preferences to determine optimum care. Evidence-based practice guidelines are developed by carefully reviewing the available evidence on a topic and synthesizing this information into recommendations for practice. This article defines evidence-based practice and best evidence, describes the development of evidence-based practice guidelines, discusses factors that affect the use of research and evidence-based practice guidelines in school nursing, and reviews current sources of evidence-based practice guidelines for school nurses. Strategies that school nurses can use to incorporate evidence into their practice are discussed. One recommendation is that school nurses partner with nurse leaders and nurse researchers to develop evidence-based practice guidelines relevant to school nurse practice.     

Nursing harm reduction education and care for people who use drugs or who engage in sex work

Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that could promote health equity through the implementation of pragmatic strategies for people who use drugs or who engage in sex work. The purposes of this study were to describe whether nurses received harm reduction education in their nursing programs, whether nurses are practicing harm reduction, and strategies for integrating harm reduction within nursing curriculum. An online survey was delivered to nurses and an interview with a nurse harm reductionist was conducted. Among the 30 survey participants, only 17% (n = 5) stated they were taught about harm reduction in their nursing programs. On average, survey participants practiced harm reduction less than "half of the time" by meeting people where they are in their drug use or sex work. The nurse harm reductionist described how harm reduction should be taught as a skillset for evidence-based nursing practice. By incorporating harm reduction principles into nursing education and nursing practice, nurses can provide competent care for people who use drugs or who engage in sex work.     

Increasing the impact of the clinical nurse specialist through activity in a shared governance organization.

For the CNS frustrated by traditional placement in an organization, participation in a shared governance organization increases opportunities to improve nursing practice and staff satisfaction. CNSs provide nursing expertise and leadership skills for specific committees as they assist staff nurses in meeting committee objectives. The authors also propose the use of a shared governance organization committee structure as a mechanism for CNSs to increase meaningful interaction with staff nurses and influence their professional development. Their model displays four pathways for CNS-staff nurse interaction through shared governance organization activities: examination of the goals of the profession, evaluation of personal needs and goals, assessment of the characteristics of one's work, and transmission of information. The support provided by the CNS in dealing with these issues increases the staff nurses' sense of a "professional self" and, it is postulated, enhances job satisfaction, decision making, and commitment to the organization's goals.     

Development and implementation of the specialized nurse practitioner role: Use of the PEPPA framework to achieve success

In 2003, amendments to the Nurses' Act in Quebec, Canada, allowed for an expanded nursing role. Specialized nurse practitioners were introduced to the health-care system in 2005. By merging medical knowledge with advanced practice nursing, the specialized nurse practitioner is gaining in popularity and acceptance with staff members and patients. To guide our team through the process, we used the PEPPA (participatory, evidence-based, patient-focused process for guiding the development, implementation, and evaluation of advanced practice nursing) framework. By using a framework specifically designed for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an advanced practice nursing role, we were better prepared for the path that lay ahead. Ultimately, the goal of the implementation of the specialized nurse practitioner role is to improve the quality of care to a specific population of patients, whether it is through individualized clinical follow-up, evidence-based practice, patient teaching, or promoting continuous education for the nurses.     

The importance of work environment: evidence-based strategies for enhancing nurse retention

As the nation faces a growing nursing shortage, it is imperative that home care leaders implement evidence-based strategies to improve nurse recruitment and retention. Previous research indicates that characteristics of the work environment that support nursing practice enhance nurses' job satisfaction and reduce turnover. Yet, there is little evidence to assist in prioritizing initiatives to improve the work environment of nurses. In this nationwide survey, home care nurses were asked to rate the importance of specific agency work environment traits, as listed on the Nursing Work Index-Revised, in supporting their home care practice. The 10 agency traits rated as most important are presented, and evidence-based recommendations for creating a culture of nurse retention are discussed.     

低年资临床护士循证护理知信行现状及影响因素分析与实践障碍研究

目的:探讨低年资(护龄≤5年)临床护士循证护理(EBN)知信行与循证实践(EBP)障碍现状及相关性,分析影响EBN知信行的因素,为EBN实践的有效开展提供依据.方法:2020年4月1日～6月1日采用方便抽样法,选择济南市3所三甲医院407名低年资(护龄≤5年)临床护士作为研究对象,采用一般资料问卷、循证护理知信行量表(...     

Evidence-based nursing in clinical practice: implications for nurse educators

To improve patient outcomes currently and in the future, it is important that an evidence-based approach to nursing care be incorporated into clinical practice settings. Nurse educators and clinical nurse educators have a mandate to model and facilitate evidence-based nursing through learning activities. Unfortunately, issues present within clinical practice settings have made this approach difficult for registered nurses to fully incorporate into practice. This article outlines issues inhibiting evidence-based nursing, such as time factors, access to information and resources, nurses' research knowledge, skills, and learning opportunities, and the current nursing culture. Strategies for change that can be used by clinical nurse educators to enhance the use of evidence-based nursing in clinical practice areas are also described.     

Clinical coaching: a strategy for enhancing evidence-based nursing practice

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe how clinical nurse specialists can promote the development of knowledge and skills in nurses as one step toward making evidence-based nursing practice the norm in all patient care settings. BACKGROUND: The need for the use of evidence in nursing practice has been highlighted for several decades. Moving evidence more quickly into practice requires that nursing use many strategies. DESCRIPTION OF STRATEGY: The strategy of clinical coaching is proposed in this article for the development of skills in nurses specifically to promote evidence-based nursing practice. Clinical coaching is a relationship for the purpose of building skills. This strategy is aimed at increasing foundational staff nurse knowledge and skills. CONCLUSION: The achievement and maintenance of evidence-based nursing practice take continuous attention from clinical nurse specialists. Clinical coaching is only one part of a comprehensive approach for establishing and sustaining evidence-based nursing practice.     

The meaning of spiritual care in a pediatric setting

In the previous issue of the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, one type of evidence-based practice (EBP) format was provided for potential nurse scholars who utilize the EBP process [MacPhee, M. (2002). Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 17(4);313-20]. There are, however, many potential formats to present evidence-based clinical practice innovations. I am eager to work with nurses who have been involved in promoting evidence-based nursing practice. The Journal of Pediatric Nursing will use this column as a forum for sharing evidence-based clinical practice innovations, such as case studies, clinical teaching exemplars, and interdisciplinary programs highlighting collaborative practice among nurses and other health care professionals. Please contact me at maura80521@yahoo.com for editorial advice and assistance. The following article is a clinical contribution from a nurse on the Neurosurgery-Rehabilitation Unit of The Children's Hospital, Denver. This evidence-based clinical project evolved from a nurse's recognition of the importance of spiritual care for families of children with serious brain injuries. It is an example of how an EBP formula can facilitate change and innovation. Start with a clinical problem; get help; look to the literature for best research evidence; look to other clinical sources for best practice ideas; evaluate what you have; and make a decision to maintain the status quo, gather more data, or change practice. This clinical project is an example of the collaborative, interdisciplinary nature of EBP, and it is also an example of the collaborative work among differently skilled nurses. In this instance, a clinically based nurse identified a practice problem and recruited a nurse researcher to help design, analyze, and evaluate the findings from an interview study. The results are being implemented via nursing leadership to change practice.     

Clinical nurse specialists shaping policies and procedures via an evidence-based clinical practice council

In the practice of nursing, organizations with progressive evidence-based practice programs implement structures and processes whereby nurses are engaged in the review of existing research and in the development of clinical practice documents to better align nursing practices with the best available scientific knowledge. At our academic hospital system, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) took the lead to help transform a traditional nursing policy and procedure committee into a hospital-wide, staff-represented Clinical Practice Council (CPC) that ensures evidence-based nursing practices are reflected in the organization's nursing practice documents for the provision of patient care. Clinical nurse specialists function as mentors and cochairs who are dedicated to ensuring that nursing practice is supported by the latest evidence and committed to guiding staff nurses to continually move their practice forward. The success of the CPC is due to the leadership and commitment of the CNSs. This article describes the structure, process, and outcomes of an effective CPC where CNSs successfully engage frontline clinicians in promoting nursing care that is evidence based. Clinical nurse specialist leadership is increasingly made visible as CNSs effectively involve staff nurses in practice reforms to improve patient outcomes.     

The shackles of abuse: unprepared to work at the edges of reason

The shackles of abuse: unprepared to work at the edges of reason Childhood sexual abuse is an international public health problem. Research suggests similar prevalence rates in both Western and non-Western societies. The long-term consequences of child sexual abuse include wide ranging mental health problems in adult life. Psychiatric services and, in particular, counselling has been highlighted as being the most helpful to those who have experienced child sex abuse. This evidence base should be informing mental health nursing education and practice. However, we argue there is a divergence between the discourse of evidence-based theory and practice reality. The aim of this paper is to explore the preparedness of mental health nurses to work with adults who have experienced sexual abuse during their childhood. It is the first part of a three-part research project and reviews the literature relating to how (and if) mental health nurses are prepared to work with those who have sexual abuse histories. An important issue considered in this review is the impact upon patient/nurse relationships as a consequence of the nurse themselves being survivors of sexual abuse. We argue that a number of conflicting discourses need to be addressed, if mental health nurses are to be appropriately prepared to offer cogent, sensitive care to those in their care who are shackled to their past sexual abuse through the confines of their current mental illness.     

Clinical effectiveness and evidence-based practice

An essential component of clinical governance is clinical effectiveness, which is achieved through evidence-based practice. This has enormous implications for the way nurses work, and the qualitative approach often taken by nurse researchers can be difficult to incorporate into the new systems. Clinical governance should have benefits for patients and NHS staff alike. If the goals are to be achieved, a multidisciplinary approach will be needed, with greater encouragement being given to creative research methods. In addition, nurses will have to become more powerful inside healthcare organisations.     

Review of the centre for evidence-based veterinary medicine’s “using an evidence-based approach in your practice” course

The practice of evidence-based veterinary nursing is a day one skill expected of veterinary nurses, and veterinary nursing educators are required to prepare student veterinary nurses to meet this competency. This article reviewed the Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine’s course “Using an evidence-based approach in your practice” from the perspective of two Veterinary nursing educators. This four-month blended learning course covered the importance of evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) to veterinary professionals, how to ask answerable questions, search and review the evidence, and how to utilise EBVM in a practical way through goal-setting, evidence reviews and clinical audits. The authors found this course rewarding and beneficial to their role as educators and reflective practitioners.     

Attributes of nursing work environment as predictors of registered nurses’ job satisfaction and intention to leave

Aim To examine how front-line registered nurses’ perception of their work environment associates with and predicts nurse outcomes in terms of job satisfaction and turnover intention. Background Mounting evidence has pointed to an inseparable link between attributes of the nursing work environment and nurse outcomes. However, there is a paucity of research examining nurses’ perception of their work environment beyond the Western context. Methods This cross-sectional survey involved 1271 registered nurses working in 135 inpatient units in 10 public hospitals in Hong Kong. The instrument comprised items developed from in-depth interviews with front-line nurses that explored nurses’ perception of their work environment. Results Factor analysis identified five dimensions (professionalism, co-worker relationship, management, staffing and resources, and ward practice) of the nursing work environment. Logistic regression analysis further identified professionalism, management and ward practice as significant factors in predicting nurses’ turnover intention, and staffing and resources as an additional factor in predicting their job satisfaction. Conclusions Attributes of the nursing work environment have a significant bearing on nurses’ job satisfaction and intention to leave. Implications for nursing management Managerial effort should focus on improving nurses’ work conditions through detailed resource planning, effective management and removal of work constraints that affect nursing practice.     

The first evaluation of the advanced practice nurse role in Finland - the perspective of nurse leaders

fagerström l. & glasberg a.-l. (2011) Journal of Nursing Management 19, 925–932 The first evaluation of the advanced practice nurse role in Finland – the perspective of nurse leaders Aims The aim of this study is to explore and describe nurse leaders’ (NLs) experiences of the role of advanced practice nurses (APNs). Background The first group of advanced practice nurses (17) in Finland graduated in 2006 and were thereafter employed by seven different organizations in more or less clearly defined advanced practice nurses roles. Methods Seven nurse leaders at the relevant organizations were interviewed a year after the introduction of the advanced practice nurses role. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results All of the nurse leaders emphasized the importance of the advanced practice nurses role in their organization. The advanced practice nurses’ scope of practice comprised a more autonomous and independent role than registered nurses. Advanced practice nurses are an important resource in the care of patients with chronic diseases and acute health problems. An important aspect regarding support for the advanced practice nurses role is the provision of information to all health-care personnel and patients about the role and clearly defined areas of responsibility. Conclusions Advanced practice nurses are an important resource in the development of evidence-based nursing and improve the availability of health-care services for patients. Implications for nursing management Nurse leaders are responsible for creating sustainable structures and the prerequisites needed for advanced practice nursing through the formation of supportive organizational systems.     

Development of the Nursing Career Preference Inventory

The Nursing Career Preference Inventory (NCPI) was developed to assist nurses in determining which of the four primary nursing practice areas--clinical, administration, research, or education--are most reflective of their personal work activity interests or preferences, and which of 14 customary hospital nursing role positions most often encompass the preferred work activity patterns. This report describes NCPI development and the reliability and validity of the instrument for VA and non-VA hospital nurse reference groups. Correlations between work activity responses of VA and non-VA nurses in the same positions ranged from .71 to .96, and alpha reliability coefficients for the four practice and activity item subsets ranged from .86 to .93 for the two nurse populations. Although additional work is needed to explore item consistency over time, the NCPI can be a useful tool in career development programs that are designed to assist nurses toward selecting nursing role positions and building career plans that reflect their own personal talents and interests.     

三级甲等医院临床护士循证护理实践障碍因素的质性研究

目的深入了解三级甲等医院临床护士参与循证护理实践障碍因素的主观体验,为发展循证护理实践提供参考依据。方法 2013年5-8月,采用目的抽样法选取广西医科大学附属口腔医院15名护理人员为研究对象,运用诠释现象学的理论和方法,对其进行半结构式、面对面的深度访谈,采用Colaizzi资料分析原则对资料进行整理分析,提炼主题。结果临床护士参与循证护理实践障碍因素主要有:护士对循证护理认识不够;缺乏循证护理相关知识及获取信息的能力;医院开展循证护理实践的资源不足;尚没有上级指令性文件要求改变常规的护理操作。结论护士循证护理实践状况不容乐观,影响因素众多,解决护士循证护理实践中存在的问题是今后循证护理实践的重点之一,医院应采取相应的对策促进循证护理实践。     

Beyond the Magnet award: The ANCC Magnet Program as the framework for culture change

The nursing shortage has turned the national spotlight onto the need to improve the conditions under which nurses work. The American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program offers an evidence-based model for nurse leaders interested in transforming the practice climate. The author describes a community hospital's experience in using the magnet standards as the framework for change. The author describes 5 successful standard-driven strategies that have strengthened department infrastructure and refined processes for retaining a professional nurse workforce.     

Factors facilitating and inhibiting evidence-based nursing in Iran

AIM: This paper is a presentation of a study to clarify the concept of evidence-based nursing and to explore the factors that influence evidence-based nursing by Iranian nurses. BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice was introduced as an approach to high-quality care intended to improve results for patients. Several nurse researchers have studied factors affecting implementation of evidence-based nursing in western countries. However, there is little or no research on the perceptions of evidence-based nursing and its barriers in eastern countries, especially Iran. METHODOLOGY: Grounded theory method was used. Interviews with 21 participants and 30 hours of observation were conducted in hospitals in Iran during 2005. Constant comparative analysis was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS: Two main categories, 'the meaning of evidence-based nursing', and 'factors affecting it', emerged from the data. From participants' perspectives, evidence-based nursing was defined as 'caring for patients based on the nurse's professional knowledge in meeting patients' needs'. The second category, factors affecting evidence-based care, had six subcategories: possessing professional knowledge and experience; having time and opportunity; becoming accustomed; self-confidence; the process of nursing education; and the work environment and its expectations. CONCLUSION: Managers and educators need to be committed to the principles of EBP, provide resources and create a supportive environment for its implementation. Individual nurses also have a responsibility to carry out evidence-based nursing, and researchers should work with practitioners to generate high quality evidence to support nursing practice.     

Translation to practice: developing an evidence-based practice nurse internship program

Creating a culture of inquiry in which nurses are engaged in the pursuit of the best evidence to support nursing practice ultimately improves patient care and clinical outcomes. So, how do we do that? Implementation of an evidence-based practice nurse internship program has proven to be a key ingredient for success in stimulating critical thinking and subsequent analysis of the evidence behind nursing practice. A pragmatic approach to developing and sustaining an evidence-based practice nurse internship program can be a helpful guide for those who are considering a similar proposition. The recruitment process, education, clinical projects, and lessons learned are detailed in this article as a resource to nursing colleagues in the spirit of professional growth.