Introduction
Evidence-based practice is significant in nursing practice. Evidence-based practice provides the base for acquisition of best practices. For instance, advanced practice nurses (APNs) are tasked with the responsibility of analysing research materials to come up with the best nursing practices. In this regard, APNs needs to explore best practices to improve care-giving services. It is necessary to note that the here exits a big gap between nursing theory and practice. In fact, evidences show that the number of nurses who spend time to review research articles is reducing. This increases the gap between theory and practice. This paper will explore significance of evidence- based practice to advanced practice nurses (Koh, 2010).
Why a focus on EBP would be good for advanced nursing practice
Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are known to have immense knowledge in nursing. Moreover, unlike novice nurses, advanced practice nurses boast of considerable experience in nursing practice. In essence, advanced practice nurses are expected to command confidence and understanding of nursing theory. Additionally, they are expected to conduct good appraisal of nursing journals with the aim of acquiring best practices. In this regard, advanced practice nurses are well placed to utilise evidence-based practice than novice nurses. Additionally, advanced practice nurses are well placed to understand and appraise research on nursing theories. For this reason, evidence based practice is quite significant for advanced practice nursing. Firstly, the expected outcome from appraisal of evidence-based practice by advanced practice nurses is reliable. Additionally, such appraisals give APNs opportunity to advance their skills in both theory and practice. Moreover, it enables APNs to make effective clinical decisions based on best evidences (Kleinpell, 2010).
Essentially, focus on evidence-based practice would be of great significance to advanced practice nurses. For instance, evidence-based practice empowers APNs with confidence and understanding. Additionally, evidence based practice provides nurses with credible information on nursing practice. Furthermore, evidence based practice enables APNs to score research articles based on their suitability and applicability in clinical decisions. It should be noted that advanced practice nurses are well conversant with terminologies and clinical decisions in nursing. This gives APNs an edge over novice nurses when it comes to application of evidence-based practice. This enables APNs to apply nursing theories appropriately with the objective of realising best outcomes (McEwen & Wills, 2010).
Drawbacks
Although evidence based practice is essential to advanced practice nurses, it cannot be applied fully. In fact, evidence based practice still remains ideal. This is evidenced in the gap between nursing theory and practice. Additionally, it should be noted that evidence based practice is less beneficial to novice nurses as compared to APN nurses. This is evidenced in the fact that novices need more time to examine, comprehend and analyse research materials on evidence-based practice. Additionally, novices have less experience in applying evidence-based practice. Essentially, evidence based practice presents drawbacks on its use and applicability to novices. Nonetheless, it should also be noted that APNs also find it difficult to apply evidence based practice appropriately despite their experience and knowledge in nursing practice (Fineout-Overholt, Williamson, Gallagher-Ford, Melnyk & Stillwell, 2011).
Conclusion
Advanced practice nurses are best suited for evidence-based practice than other groups of nurses. Firstly, APNs have vast experience in nursing theories and practice. Secondly, APNs are well conversant with trends in nursing as well as applications of nursing theories. In addition, APNs have the required skills for appraising research articles and qualitative data. However, evidence based practice remains ideal since the gap between nursing theory and practice exists.
References
Fineout-Overholt, E., Williamson, K., Gallagher-Ford, L., Melnyk, B., & Stillwell, S. (2011). Following the evidence: Planning for sustainable change. The American Journal of Nursing, 111(1), 54-60. Retrieved from the Ovid Nursing Journals Full Text database.
Kleinpell, R. (2010). Evidence-based review and discussion points. American Journal of Critical Care, 19(6), 530-531. Retrieved from the CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.
Koh, H. (2010). A 2020 vision for healthy people. The New England Journal of Medicine, 362(18), 1653-1656. Retrieved from the MEDLINE with Full Text database.
McEwen, M. & Wills, E. (2010). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (3rd ed.). New York City, NY: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.