Why evidence-based practice is vital for college kids

(Editor’s note: This post, originally published in February 2017, has been updated with recent information.)

There was a time when milking through a breast tube and bathing babies in alcohol were standard practice. Although nursing interventions can have seemed rational on the time, evidence-based practice has proven otherwise.

EBP continues to alter the best way nurses take care of patients. For example, during one in every of my clinical rotations, an experienced nurse corrected me for not aspirating the syringe during an intramuscular injection. Current evidence-based research suggests that intramuscular suctioning isn’t any longer the usual of practice because no evidence supports this practice and it could cause injury to patients. One of the important thing things we learn in nursing school is the importance of evidence-based practice. As students, we learn that we’re the generation that gives quality care. This high-quality care is supported by evidence that, over a few years, has develop into the usual of care by transferring research into clinical practice. Nursing EBP is always evolving and there are various resources available, similar to journals, models and books, to assist nurses understand the concepts and process. Gaining knowledge about EBP and learning implementation strategies are key skills for nurses, no matter setting. Expand your knowledge of EBP with the following pointers:

Know what evidence-based practice means

Evidence-based practice is a clinical decision-making process during which clinicians use knowledge based on theory and research to make decisions concerning the delivery of care. Individual needs, preferences and resources are also taken under consideration. EBP replaces policies and procedures based on other sources of evidence, similar to tradition or authority. It takes under consideration three things that nursing students should at all times consider: evidence of best practice, patient preferences, and clinical knowledge.

Understand how these practices have modified nursing care

Here are some examples of how EBP has modified nursing care. There are many more examples within the literature.

• The BRAT weight loss program (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) isn’t any longer a dietary suggestion for gastrointestinal disorders in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that children be returned to a well-balanced weight loss program as soon as possible.
• Nurse-instructed protocols now guide nursing practice regarding one of the best time to remove urinary catheters to stop urinary tract infections.
• Aspirin was previously used to regulate fever in children and adolescents, but this isn’t any longer standard practice since it increases the danger of Reye’s syndrome.
• The ABCDEF ICU Bundle is a mix of multiple evidence-based interventions that together can reduce delirium, improve pain management, and reduce long-term consequences for patients within the ICU. (: Awakening trials in ventilated patients; : Spontaneous respiration trials; : Coordinated efforts of the RN and respiratory therapist to perform a spontaneous respiration trial after the patient awakens by reducing or stopping the patient’s sedation; : Standardized delirium assessment program, including treatment and prevention options; Early mobilization and mobilization of patients requiring intensive care.)
• Turning patients every two hours isn’t any longer the usual of care. The moment of adjusting the patient should rely on his condition and the danger of skin damage. For example, one patient may should be turned every quarter-hour, while one other may should be turned every hour.

Appreciate the importance of EBP for nursing students

The evidence-based interventions we learn can improve patient outcomes, help provide high-quality care, reduce costs, and eliminate practices which have develop into outdated or ineffective. As nursing students and future nurses, we promise continuous learning, and constructing evidence-based knowledge is important over time. As students, it isn’t too early to begin pondering like a nurse guided by evidence-based practices.

Learn tips on how to seek for EBP

You will likely find that the departments you’re employed in have specialized populations and patients with similar conditions. To provide a better level of care, it is necessary to develop into acquainted with evidence-based practices for this specific population. Hospital facilities or a university library normally have nursing databases where you possibly can seek for specific journal articles.

Talk to others about it

One of my clinical assignments each semester is to discover recent, evidence-based practices that might help nurses on the unit improve care. As nursing students, not only can we educate staff, but we also can function a superb resource to assist staff provide higher care and improve patient outcomes. As a student, you possibly can propose implementing evidence-based practices as an ordinary of practice. Embrace his positivity, knowing that he’ll help care to your patients. You can print out evidence-based practices to your unit and maybe leave them on the nurses’ desk or within the break room. Start or join a journal club and meet with nurses who need to make changes on the units where you’re employed. Evidence-based practice change starts with you as a student. Be an agent of change and never be afraid to talk up concerning the care of your patients.

Key points to recollect:

o It is vital for student nurses to learn the worth of evidence-based practice to make sure high-quality care. It’s never too early. o EBP relies on research, best practice evidence, and consideration of individual patient needs and preferences. o During clinical trials, conduct research on the conditions your patients suffer from. It will assist you to provide a better level of care. o Be proactive by suggesting EBP in clinical trials or helping to bring more attention to EBP research.

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