RESEARCH

Bonnie Meda Shanteau

Operating within evidence-based practice involves high-quality care based on patient-centered professional research (Alatawi et al., 2020). As a practicing nurse, I am in a unique position to function in multiple departments within my facility to utilize evidence-based practice. This affords me the opportunity to interact with patients and colleagues at many levels throughout the patient’s stay. Because I can develop a relationship with the patient and their families prior to and after surgical procedures, I can begin education on hand hygiene, specifically on dressing changes, coupled with reinforcing the education in the recovery area when the patient has a dressing with an incision. I can use evidence-based practice as my guide for directing the patient and family on the cleanliness of hands and wound healing. The education I can provide will not end with patients and families. I can provide evidence-based education to my fellow colleagues to encourage their participation in the education of our patients and families as well.

In using the knowledge obtained regarding the different research methods, avenues for locating research materials, and analyzing data obtained through research, I feel confident I will be able to create a safe and healthy environment for the patients under my care. I will use the research methods I have learned, such as the Walden Library (with the Librarian's assistance) and Google Scholar, to assist in locating scholarly articles necessary to support the education I am providing to both patients and colleagues as well as validate the care I am providing. This knowledge will continue to grow and follow me as I continue my educational journey as well as my career.

I will continue to utilize the methods previously mentioned to remain abreast of current practices while ensuring my patients, their families, and my colleagues are informed as well. I am now better informed of terminology to decipher studies, thereby allowing a better understanding of outcomes and limitations. Using this knowledge will allow me a greater ability to make informed decisions regarding new advances in practice.

References

Alatawi, M., Aljuhani, E., Alsufiany, F., Aleid, K., Rawah, R., Aljanabi, S., & Banakhar, M. (2020). Barriers of implementing evidence-based practice in nursing profession: A literature review.  American Journal of Nursing Science, 9(1), 35-42.  https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajns.20200901.16