Professional blog

As a professional nursing student, utilizing the right evidence is essential for success. It is necessary for nurses to understand the importance of proper research and evidence collection in nursing education, explore strategies for identifying and utilizing relevant evidence, and appreciate the impact of evidence-based practice on professional nursing student development. In this essay, I will discuss these topics in detail to demonstrate why using the right evidence is an important role for professional nursing students.

Research is a critical component of nursing education, as it provides the evidence needed to support evidence-based practice (Abdool & Brysiewicz, 2009). Nursing research is essential for developing knowledge, informing nursing practice, and improving patient outcomes (Abdool & Brysiewicz, 2009). Proper research and evidence collection is essential for nursing students to become competent practitioners and to make evidence-based decisions. In order for the nursing student to acquire the necessary skills for research and evidence collection, the student must be educated in the principles of research and evidence collection, such as the research process, data collection, and analysis (Abdool & Brysiewicz, 2009). Additionally, nursing students must understand the importance of research and evidence collection, as well as how to use the gathered information to make evidence-based decisions (Abdool & Brysiewicz, 2009). This allows the student to develop an understanding of the various methods of research and evidence collection, and how to apply them to their practice. By providing nursing students with the necessary tools and resources, they can make evidence-based decisions and better serve their patients (Abdool & Brysiewicz, 2009). Therefore, proper research and evidence collection is essential for nursing students to become competent practitioners and to make evidence-based decisions.

In their 2012 publication, V Duncan and L Holtslander explore strategies for identifying and utilizing relevant evidence in nursing. They emphasize that evidence-based practice (EBP) is a key factor in quality nursing care and improved patient outcomes. Evidence-based practice is defined as the “integration of the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values” (Duncan & Holtslander, 2012). The authors discuss how nurses must be skilled in searching for, appraising, and applying evidence to practice. They note that nurses are often overwhelmed by the sheer amount of research available and that it is important for them to be able to quickly identify and evaluate evidence relevant to their practice. Duncan and Holtslander provide several strategies to help nurses identify and use relevant evidence, including becoming familiar with the research process, using validated tools to appraise research evidence, and forming partnerships with other healthcare professionals to share best practices. Their publication is a valuable resource for nurses wishing to enhance their skills in evidence-based practice.

The study by A Amit-Aharon, S Melnikov, and S Warshawski, published in the Journal of Professional Nursing in 2020, assessed the impact of evidence-based practice (EBP) on professional nursing student development. Their sample included 77 nursing students from a professional nursing program. The results of their study revealed that EBP had a positive impact on the development of the professional nursing students. Specifically, the students reported increased self-efficacy and an increased sense of autonomy in their nursing practice. Additionally, the study found that the students felt more competent in their ability to interpret and apply evidence-based research to their practice. Furthermore, the study concluded that the use of EBP had a positive effect on the students’ overall confidence and self-esteem. The results of this study demonstrate that the use of EBP can have a positive impact on nursing student development, leading to increased confidence and self-efficacy in their practice.

As a professional nursing student, using the right evidence can help you enhance the quality of care that you provide for your patients. Basing decisions on published literature and research can ensure that you are practicing the gold standard of care and can update your practice to remain up-to-date with the latest research. By staying informed and constantly assessing the relevance of evidence to your practice, you can become a more knowledgeable, efficient and successful nurse.

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