The State of Evidence-Based Practice in US Nurses, Coursework Example

The use of evidence-based knowledge in Objective 1 is critical because it reflects the importance of bridging gaps to ensure that diagnoses and treatment options are appropriate and timely. However, this process also requires an understanding of how to best communicate these objectives to patients and to provide them with reassurance and confidence that their plans of care will be successful. Nonetheless, the clinical knowledge is a critical aspect of improving patient care, but it requires a combined approach that will satisfy the need to administer high quality care to patients without difficulty. It may be difficult to translate evidence-based practice into practical solutions, but it supports professional growth and development within the nursing environment (van Bekkum & Hilton, 2013).

Evidence-based practice is also essential to the delivery of patient care and diagnostic testing procedures across many different areas (Melnyk, Fineout-Overholt, Gallagher-Ford, & Kaplan, 2012). Patient care involves a number of factors that go beyond diagnostic tests; therefore, nurses must be prepared to share ideas with their patients, to openly communicate regarding issues of importance, and to demonstrate expert knowledge of the areas whereby patient care quality might be optimized. Communication is a key factor in nursing practice and requires a level of compassion and support that is often lacking in the modern nursing setting.

These objectives are well-written and support an overall focus and intent to improve nursing practice. However, there must be a greater warmth regarding nursing that involves compassion and understanding to better communicate with patients and to address their needs more effectively. These objectives must be clearer with respect to how they will improve care at the bedside and in supporting the needs of the patient population through research regarding methods to improve the practice through the acquisition of new forms of evidence. This will bridge any gaps between realistic expectations and the needs of the practice setting and the patients who will be served.

References

Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Gallagher-Ford, L., & Kaplan, L. (2012). The state of evidence-based practice in US nurses: critical implications for nurse leaders and educators. Journal of Nursing Administration, 42(9), 410-417

van Bekkum, J. E., & Hilton, S. (2013). The challenges of communicating research evidence in practice: perspectives from UK health visitors and practice nurses. BMC nursing, 12(1), 17.