Nursing class (Professional Roles NUR 3805-01 AND Evidence Bases Research NUR 4169-01)

Evidenced-Based Research

NUR 4169 01

Spring 2026

Course Information

CRN: 20176

Campus: Main Campus

Location: ONLINE

Class Days:ONLINE

Class Times: ONLINE

Start Date: 05-JAN-2026

End Date: 01-MAY-2026

PTerm: Full Term - Credit

Modality: ONLINE

Course Description: This course introduces the student to the utilization of research in

clinical nursing practice. This course focuses on exploration and assimilation of current

scientific evidence, use of clinical judgement, and evaluation of available resources to

support practice decision-making. The fundamental concepts of critical analysis and

outcomes research, emphasizing the elements of evidence based nursing practice are

covered. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the ADN-BSN program.

Course Modality

This is an online class.

Instructor Information

Darlene Ridley

Office Location: Online

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Office Hours: Online

Phone Number: See D2L course for contact number.

Email: [email protected]

Instructor Response Time for Phone/Email

Email is the preferred method of communication. Students can expect a response within

24 hours during the week Monday-Thursday 7:30am-5pm and within 48 hours Friday-

Sunday. Should an immediate response be required Monday-Thursday, please utilize my

cell number as listed above between the hours of 7:30am-5pm.

Response Time for Posting Grades on D2L

All assignments for this course are due at 1159pm on Sundays. Grades for discussions

will be posted within 72 hours of the due date. Other assignments may take up to five (5)

days before grades are posted. This is not a self-paced course and there may be times you

will be expected to work with other students.

Department Chair: Dr. Anna Hall Kelley DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC

Department Chair Email: [email protected]

Required Curriculum/Textbook and Course Materials

Understanding nursing research: building an evidence-based practice

Authors: Susan K Grove and Jennifer R. Gray

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication Date: 2023

Edition: 8th

Online Bookstore

Optional Textbook and Course Materials

Title: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

ISBN: 978-1433832161.

Publisher: Evolve

Publication Date: 2019

Edition: 7th

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Minimum Technological Requirements and Skills

Minimum Technological Requirements and Skills:

You will need access to a PC or Mac with the following requirements to be successful in

this program:

Processor: A processor of 2GHz or faster.

Memory/RAM: 4GB or greater.

Hard Drive: 10GB or greater for applications and course work.

CD/DVD Drive: Some software may require a CD drive for installation.

Audio: Speakers and Microphone may be required for course content and will be required

for exams.

Webcam: A webcam is required during exams.

Internet Connection: A connection speed of 1.5MB/s or greater, consult your ISP (Internet

Service Provider) on what your options are. You may do a speed test at speedsmart.net to

view your current speeds.

Browsers: Internet Explorer 11 or the latest version of any of the following browsers:

Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari.

Operating Systems: Windows 7, 8, or 10 for PC. Apple OS X 10.10 or higher for Mac.

Microsoft Office: Office 2013 or later for PC, Office 2011 or later for Mac. You can obtain

this software through your included Office 365 Subscription with NFCC.

Other Software: Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, and Oracle java may be required for

course content. All are free to download and install.

For textbook questions, please contact [email protected]

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Grading Policy and Assessment Methods

The following grading scale is used in the BSN program:

A: 90-100

B: 80-89

C: 70-79

D: 60-69

F: Below 60

Evaluation:

Online Discussions 30%

Research article critique quizzes 10%

Introduction, Overview, PICOT, and Problem Statement Assignment 15%

Preparing for future assignment (reflection) 15%

Written Research Proposal 30%

All assignments should be submitted via D2L by the due dates listed in the syllabus and on

D2L.

Students are expected to submit all assignments to successfully complete the courses in

the BSN program.

Late Assignment Policy: All assignments, including but not limited to quizzes, exams,

papers, and discussions with reply, are due on the specified date/time listed on the course

syllabus/course outline. Assignment deadlines may be subject to change at any time upon

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the discretion of the faculty member. Students are responsible for timely emailing their

faculty member regarding any assignment that will not be completed by the due date/

time. Faculty will assess each situation on an individual basis and may assign a late

deduction of 10- points for every day an assignment is late.

Turnitin www.turnitin.com is a web-based writing assessment toolkit which allows

instructors to provide feedback to students through markup tools, rubrics, proofing tools -

grammar check, and online plagiarism detection. Turnitin is utilized for all scholarly written

assignments. Refer to the student handbook and college catalog for issues related to

academic dishonesty and penalties for plagiarism.

AI and TII Policy: NFC faculty are aware that AI (artificial intelligence) is widely available via

different online platforms. However, use of these tools with AI capabilities could

significantly impact the originality and integrity of a student's work. The use of AI is not

appropriate to use when writing assignments in a baccalaureate level course. Tools

acceptable for use may include only those tools specific for spelling and grammar checks.

The use of any tool should not be used as a replacement for a student's knowledge and

judgement. Turnitin gives students and faculty a report that recognizes when a paper is

being plagiarized and when AI is used. The report gives the percentage of plagiarism and

use of AI. If the option is selected by the faculty member, the student will be able to review

the report after submitting their assignment. The Turnitin Similarity Report percentage

should be less than 20. The AI use percentage located on the same report should be less

than 20. If the student has trouble locating either percentage on the report, they should

contact their faculty member or NFC's library services. The student is allowed to make any

appropriate corrections before the assignment deadline, based on the report. If > 20% on

either, the paper will not be accepted, and the student must redo and resubmit the paper.

Late penalties as indicated below may apply to all late submissions at the discretion of the

faculty.

Each student submission may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Mid Term and/or Final Exam Information: There is no mid-term or final exam.

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Program Learning Outcomes

The RN to BSN program prepares the graduate to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of nursing’s distinct and shared perspectives

through the application of theory and research-based knowledge from nursing, the

arts, humanities, and other sciences (Essential Domain 1; QSEN 3).

2. Investigate strategies to advance equitable, safe, effective, and efficient patient-

/community-focused care, including partnerships and advocacy (Essential

Domains 2, 3).

3. Demonstrate an understanding of scholarly nursing practice by integrating best

evidence into practice and promoting ethical conduct in scholarly activities to

advance the scholarship of nursing (Essential Domain 4; QSEN 3).

4. Analyze standardized, evidence-based processes for care delivery and apply

quality improvement principles to care delivery to contribute to a culture of patient

safety (Essential Domain 5; QSEN 4, 5).

5. Use knowledge of nursing and other professions to address healthcare needs by

communicating in a manner that facilitates a partnership approach to quality care

delivery (Essential Domain 6; QSEN 2).

6. Effectively and proactively coordinate resources to provide safe, quality, and

equitable care to diverse populations through the application of innovation and

evidence-based practice (Essential Domains 2,7).

7. Use information and communication technology to gather data, create

information, and generate knowledge to support the delivery of safe person-

centered care to diverse populations in a variety of settings (Essential Domains 2,

8; QSEN 1,6).

8. Contribute to the professional identity of nursing by demonstrating accountability

to individuals, society, and the profession through ethical practice and compliance

with laws, policies, and regulations (Essential Domain 9).

9. Develop leadership proficiency to enhance advocacy for patients and the nursing

profession (Essential Domain 10).

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Outcomes/Objectives

• Apply or employ knowledge from nursing science as well as the natural, physical,

and social sciences to build an understanding of the human experience and

nursing practice.

• Incorporate evidence-based intervention to improve outcomes and safety.

• Demonstrate an understanding of different approaches to scholarly practice and

the application of different levels of evidence, theoretical framework, and models.

• Demonstrate an understanding of basic elements of the research process through

the evaluation of research and the communication of scholarly findings.

• Evaluate clinical practice to generate questions to improve nursing care.

• Identify sources and applications of national safety and quality standards to guide

nursing practice.

• Examine how emerging technologies influence healthcare delivery and clinical

decision making.

• Advocate for social justice and health equity, including addressing the health of

vulnerable populations and supporting policies that promote health and prevent

harm.

Outcomes and Assessments

Outcomes and Assessments

Course Level

SLO #

Gen Ed/

Program

Summative Assessments

(A student artifact: A specific assignment that could be

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Outcome # submitted as evidence of a General Education or program level

competency)

1 1 Preparing for the Future Discussion

2 2 PICO(T) assignment, Research proposal identification

3 3 Appraisal quizzes

4 3 Appraisal quizzes, EBP and Research Review Discussion, Basic

Research Elements discussion

5 3 PICO(T) assignment Research proposal, PICO(T) question

discussion

6 4 Ethics and Safety Discussion

7 7 Problem Statement Discussion, Ethics and Safety Discussion

8 8 PICO(T) assignment, Research Proposal Identification

Course Content and Schedule

Course Content and Schedule

Week Topic Activities

1 Introduction Attendance Quiz due January 11, 2026

ASSIGNMENT: Introduction Discussion due January 11, 2026

2-3 Elements of

research

READ: Grove & Gray Chapters 1, 2, 3

ASSIGNMENT: Basic elements of research discussion due

January 25, 2026

4

PICOT

introduction

READ: Grove & Gray Chapter 13; link provided

ASSIGNMENT: Evaluate and Understanding PICOT

questions.

Discussion due February 01, 2026

5

Finding articles READ: Grove & Gray Chapter 5, 13; link provided

ASSIGNMENT: But how do I find articles? Discussion due

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February 08, 2026

6-7

PICOT and

problem

statement

introduction

READ: Grove & Gray Chapter 5, 13

ASSIGNMENT: PICOT and Problem Statement Discussion

due February 22, 2026

8-9

Appraising READ: Grove & Gray Chapter 5, 12

ASSIGNMENT: Appraisal quizzes due March 08, 2026

SPRING BREAK

10

Research paper

PICOT and

problem

statement

READ: Grove & Gray Chapter 5, 13

ASSIGNMENT: PICOT and Problem Statement assignment

due March 15, 2026

11

EBP and

Research

READ: Grove & Gray Chapter 6

ASSIGNMENT: EBP and Research Review Discussion due

March 29, 2026

12

Preparing for the

future

READ: Grove & Gray Chapter 7

ASSIGNMENT: Preparing for the future Discussion – add

technology due April 05, 2026

13

Ethics and safety READ: Grove & Gray 4

ASSIGNMENT: National Safety Goals discussion due April 19,

2026

14-15 Research

proposal

Written research proposal due April 26, 2026

16 Reflection ASSIGNMENT: Reflection due April 26, 2026

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Course Alert Statement

The Course Alert procedure is an intervention used to assist students in overcoming any

barrier to college success. The procedure allows faculty, advisors, and academic support

staff to identify students in need of an intervention and offer them academic support

services. Course instructors may submit student information through the alerts system

when they have concerns regarding poor grades, lack of attendance or participation,

missing assignments, or other obstacles that deter success. Submission for a Course

Alert may not necessarily indicate that a student is failing a course, but that an intervention

may improve student performance. Students who receive outreach from the Academic

Success Center or Academic Advising staff should consider the communications as a

courtesy effort that will aid in successful academic outcomes. Those not receiving

outreach from the Course Alert process should consider themselves on track with course

progress.

Course Alerts - Spring Term 2026

Term Open Close

Mini A January 26, 2026 February 2, 2026

Full Term February 23, 2026 March 2, 2026

Mini B March 23, 2026 March 30, 2026

*Mini A last date to withdraw: February 6, 2026

*Full Term last date to withdraw: March 10, 2026

*Mini B last date to withdraw: April 10, 2026

Course Policy Statements

At the beginning of the semester, instructors must report "no-show" students for this

course, regardless of modality (HyFlex, traditional, or online). A "no-show" designation

indicates the student will be dropped from the course. For online participation, students

must log in to D2L and complete the Mandatory Attendance quiz by the deadline specified

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in the course schedule. This quiz serves as a verification of attendance for online

components. Students attending in HyFlex or traditional classroom settings will be

considered present based on attendance records maintained for those modalities.

Academic Honesty

NFC is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience to all students, and

students are expected to follow appropriate and honest academic practices. This

information is available in the Academic Regulations section of the college catalog at

www.nfc.edu. All cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Academic

Affairs.

Statement about Generative AI Technology:

Individual course instructors are free to set their own policies regulating the use of

generative AI tools in their courses, including allowing or disallowing some or all uses of

such tools. Course instructors should set such policies in their course syllabi and clearly

communicate such policies to students. Students who are unsure of policies regarding

generative AI tools are encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification.

Use of or consultation with generative AI shall be treated analogously to assistance from

another person. Absent a clear statement from a course instructor, using generative AI

tools to complete an assignment or exam (e.g., for idea generation or for entering exam or

assignment questions) is not permitted. Students should acknowledge the use of

generative AI and default to disclosing such assistance when in doubt.

Instructors use www.turnitin.com to review papers and projects for improper citation and/

or plagiarism by comparing each student’s report against billions of internet pages, a

repository of works submitted to Turnitin in the past, and thousands of academic sources.

A comparison document called the Similarity Report details the areas of a student paper

that may have been documented incorrectly or used improperly. Refer to the instructor’s

course policy statements for usage details.

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Attendance Policy

Regular and consistent attendance facilitates student success. Absences beyond the

equivalent of two weeks of class are considered to be excessive and thus may impact a

student’s course grade.

Students are responsible for the material covered during their absence. Refer to the

instructor makeup policy.

If there is no verifiable participation within the first week of the term, a student will be

dropped from the class for non-attendance. This includes classes delivered in face-to-

face, online, or HyFlex format. See instructor policy.

Students/Visitors: Where to Park on Campus

If you have any questions about parking on campus, contact Campus Security at (850)

973-0280. Park in designated parking spaces only. Do not park on the grass or in

undesignated areas. Faculty/Staff parking areas are to be used only by full- and part-time

employees of the college. Faculty and staff parking spaces are lined in yellow and are

clearly marked “STAFF”. Students and visitors can park in any spaces that are lined in

white. NOTE: Some visitor parking spaces are lined in yellow with the word “Visitor” in

the center. These are for visitors only. Students are not allowed to park in these spaces.

Vehicles cannot be parked by backing into the space. Any vehicle that is illegally parked

will be towed at the owner’s expense. Refer to the college catalog or student handbook

for all other parking regulations.

Enforcement: If a vehicle is parked illegally anywhere on campus, it is subject to be towed

at the owner’s expense ($85.00+). An illegally parked vehicle will be given a WARNING on

the FIRST OFFENSE. There will be no second warning. Illegally parked vehicles will be

TOWED ON THE SECOND OFFENSE. Signs will be displayed near parking areas with the

name and address of the company to contact if the vehicle is towed.

The company that tows the vehicle is an independent company contracted by North

Florida College. The College has no authority to negotiate towing fees and is not in any

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way responsible for damage or liability to the vehicle or its contents. The company that

provides the towing service is:

Jimmie’s Firestone

6025 South SR 53

Madison, FL 32340

(850) 973-8546

Campus Security

The administration of NFC works diligently to make the campus as safe as possible. A few

of the procedures in place include the use of security officers, the placement of security

lights at strategic locations, and the locking of buildings when not in use. Students should

always be alert and use normal precautionary measures. Campus crime statistics are

documented annually and are available in the college catalog. Campus security can be

contacted at 850-973-0280 from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. for assistance while on

campus with non-emergency security concerns. All emergency incidents should be

reported directly to 911.

Library Services

The Marshall Hamilton Library, located in Building 4 at NFC, is open during the following

hours (hours are subject to change):

Fall/Spring Term

Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 7: 00 p.m.

Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Summer Term

Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Resources and staff are available in the library to support student learning in the

classroom. Students are encouraged to visit our website and use the online resources.

Librarians are on duty to help with questions and research strategies. To gain access to

the library’s extensive collection of electronic resources such as eBooks and academic

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databases with full-text articles, students will use the Single Sign-on through the MyNFC

portal or Library Website. Students should contact the library at [email protected] or call

(850) 973-1624 if they are having login issues. Online library resources are available to

students 24 hours a day through the library’s website, https://www.nfc.edu/learning-

resources/. Wireless Internet is also accessible in the library and on the patio after hours.

Specific policies and regulations applicable to the library are available in the Library or by

visiting the Library’s website.

Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center (ASC) exists to provide all NFC students, regardless of

academic proficiency, the help and support necessary to ensure the successful

completion of studies and programs. Services include one-on-one peer and professional

tutoring assistance, online tutoring, organized group study sessions, workshops, study

skills training, academic coaching, web resources, and more. The ASC takes pride in

working closely with faculty and staff to develop resources and to support the various

academic programs offered at NFC.

Walk-in and by appointment services: Students may visit the ASC (Bldg. 4) for in-person

services or make an appointment to receive in-person or virtual academic support

services during the posted hours:

Fall/Spring Term

Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Summer Term

Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Workshops, organized group study sessions, and professional tutoring: See the ASC

calendars and schedules on NFC’s website for specific dates, times, and delivery methods.

For additional information visit https://guides.nfc.edu/asc.

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Academic Success Center Online Tutoring

Online tutoring is available to NFC students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the

Academic Success Center. The ASC offers 1 to 1 tutoring available on demand in a variety

of subjects, 24/7 anytime, anywhere.

For more information about accessing the ASC online tutoring service, see the ASC

webpage or contact Elizabeth Gonzales at [email protected] or (850) 973-1719 and/

or Brianna Kinsey at [email protected] or (850) 973-9458.

For any additional information regarding services provided by the Academic Success

Center, please contact any of the following:

• Elizabeth Gonzales, Academic Success Center Coordinator (850) 973-1719 /

[email protected]

• Brianna Kinsey, Tutor Lab Manager (850) 973-9458 / [email protected]

Americans with Disabilities Act

North Florida College is committed to creating an accessible learning environment for all

students. The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) provides reasonable accommodations

for students who encounter disability-related barriers in their courses. If you have a

disability, or think you have a disability, and need academic accommodations, please

contact the OAS as early as possible in the semester. The office works in partnership with

students, faculty, and staff to ensure equal access to courses, programs, and activities. In

the case of short-term disabilities (e.g. broken arm), students and instructors can often

work to minimize barriers.

To receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, a student with a disability must

contact the OAS to complete an application, participate in an intake process, and provide

appropriate documentation before or at the beginning of each semester. Accommodation

plans from high school (e.g. IEPs or 504 Plans) or other colleges do not automatically

transfer to NFC and do not guarantee accommodations but can be helpful in determining

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appropriate support when submitted as part of the documentation process. Please note

that instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until

verification from the OAS has been provided.

This syllabus and other class materials are available in an alternative format upon request.

For more information or to request accommodations, contact:

Office of Accessibility Services

Building 7, Room 711

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 850-973-9403 (V); 711 (TTY)

Website: www.nfc.edu/student-life/oas

Technology Access

All NFC online learning tools are available on the MyNFC portal. To access the portal,

students should click the MyNFC link at the top of the NFC website (http://www.nfc.edu) or

type the following URL into the Internet address bar: https://my.nfc.edu. When accessing

the portal for the first time, students should click the "First Time User" link and follow the

instructions to set up the account.

Each NFC student is provided an NFC student email account. The student’s NFC email

account is the official email address used by faculty and staff for communication with the

student. A student can access his/her NFC student email account via the MyNFC portal.

Students are expected to check their NFC student email accounts regularly.

Desire2Learn (D2L) is the learning management system that houses all online and

supplemented face-2-face courses. Students can log in to an online or supplemented

course by accessing the MyNFC portal. Students will then see their course(s) listed under

the "My Courses" widget on the D2L homepage. Click the name of the course to begin.

Student Ombudsman

The Student Ombudsman provides confidential, informal, and neutral assistance to

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students seeking to resolve disputes or address issues of importance. The Student

Ombudsman does not serve as a student advocate, but rather serves as a guide to assist

students in the navigation of college organizational structure and in understanding of

policies and procedures. David Paulk is the current Student Ombudsman. He can be

reached at (850) 973-9418 or [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Statement

North Florida College is dedicated to the concept of equal opportunity and access. In

accordance with Federal and State laws, and College policy, NFC does not discriminate on

the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender, age, disability,

pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Inquiries regarding civil rights compliance issues of any nature may be directed to:

Denise Bell, Civil Rights Compliance Officer

325 NW Turner Davis Drive,

Madison, FL 32340

Telephone 850-973-9481 or email [email protected].

Student Rights

Link to NFC College Catalog

Click on NFC College Catalog Tab > Click on link. The Student Handbook is located in the

Student Services section.

As members of the College community, students have certain rights that include the

following. Students have the

• Right to a quality education.

• Right to freedom of expression.

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• Right to hold public forums.

• Right to peacefully assemble.

• Right to a fair and impartial hearing.

• Right to participate in Student Government.

• Right to be a member in authorized student organizations.

• Right to appeal College decisions through established grievance procedures. •

Right of personal respect and freedom from humiliation and control.

• Right to make the best use of the student’s time and talents and to work toward

the goal which brought the student to the College; and

• Right to ask about and recommend improvements in policies that affect the

welfare of students.

Student Responsibilities

As members of the College community, students have certain responsibilities that include

the following.

Students are

• Expected to assume responsibility for knowing the rules, regulations, and policies

of the College.

• Expected to meet the course and graduation requirements of the student’s

program of study.

• Expected to keep college records current with up-to-date addresses and other

information.

• Expected to meet with an academic advisor at least once each term.

• Expected to comply with the College rules, regulations, and policies.

• Expected to behave in a manner which demonstrates respect for others and self.

An online class is a professional environment, and certain expectations are required from

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you regarding your behavior.

Always be respectful and address your instructor and your classmates professionally in all

means of online communication (e-mails, chats, and discussions).

All types of online communications (e-mails, chats, and discussions) should be used for

academic purposes only. These are learning tools and should be treated as such.

Student Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records.

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s educational records to ensure

that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s

privacy or other rights.

3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained

in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes

disclosures without consent.

4. The right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning

alleged failures by North Florida College to comply with the requirements of

FERPA. Please write to the U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Ave.

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20203.

5. The right to obtain a copy of North Florida College’s student record policy from the

Office of the Registrar, North Florida College, 325 NW Turner Davis Drive, Madison,

Florida 32340.

Vulnerable Persons Act

All faculty and staff of North Florida College are required by law to report any type of abuse

of minors that they witness or become aware of through written or verbal communication,

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regardless of the time that has passed since the abuse occurred. Students are advised

that any information, written or verbal, communicated in this class, or to the instructor in

any way, in regard to any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or

sexual abuse, injury, or harm that causes or is likely to cause harm to the physical, mental,

or emotional health of another to be significantly impaired is subject to disclosure as

required per Florida State Statutes.

North Florida College – Quality Enhancement Plan

Career Compass

QEP Outcome: NFC will increase the student success of first

generation PELL students seeking an associate in arts degree,

with success defined as 150% completion and subsequent

transfer into a baccalaureate degree program.

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