Nurses are committed to helping people; it is the very nature of their job. By using evidence-based practice, nursing professionals can provide the very best care for their patients. The skills learned and experience gained through an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing program gives nurses the advantage they need to be leaders in the healthcare industry.
What is evidence based practice?
The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses defines evidence-based practice as using current best research evidence to make decisions about patient care. This problem-solving approach to patient care uses the most relevant evidence, a nurse’s own clinical experience and the patient’s preferences and values to answer a particular clinical question.
According to a 2014 Nursing World report on the impact of evidence-based practice, nurses are more likely to produce the intended health outcome for their patient by using what they have learned through evidence-based practice. The report says that research yields the most dependable understanding about whether a particular strategy will improve a patient’s outcome, and that aligning this knowledge with services is the best strategy for quality healthcare.
Evidence-based practice is a problem-solving approach specific to each patient’s healthcare needs, and nurses with a BS in Nursing have the skills and experiences needed to best offer this type of care.
The higher education difference
A BS in Nursing provides professionals with the knowledge and experience they need to excel in the healthcare industry. According to the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 Future of Nursing Report, this advanced degree exposes the student to a wide range of key areas such as:
- health policy and healthcare financing
- community and public health
- leadership
- quality improvement
- systems thinking
Research shows that hospitals seek nurses with a BS in Nursing because bachelor-level education covers evidence-based practice.
An American Nurses Association 2014 report shows that professionals with a BS in Nursing found post-graduation employment in nursing within four to six months. In addition, the report shows 43.7 percent of hospitals and other healthcare facilities require new employees to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, 78.9 percent express a preference for graduates with a BS in Nursing.
The link between evidence-based practice and quality healthcare delivery is clear. Nurses who choose to further their education through a BS in Nursing program will be best prepared to meet the needs of their patients.
Learn more about the UNCW online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
American Nurses Association, Fast Facts The Nursing Workforce 2014: Growth, Salaries, Education, Demographics & Trends: https://www.nursingworld.org/~4afac8/globalassets/practiceandpolicy/workforce/fastfacts_nsgjobgrowth-salaries_updated8-25-15.pdf
Evidence-Based Practice. https://www.amsn.org/practice/evidence-based-practice
The Impact of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and the Next Big Ideas: http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-18-2013/No2-May-2013/Impact-of-Evidence-Based-Practice.html
Institute of Medicine, The Future of Nursing, Focus on Education: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/12956/Future-of-Nursing-2010-Report-Brief.pdf
