Every nurse, irrespective of his/her age, is committed to providing care, and want to achieve the highest level of professional excellence. This is possible, only if all the nurses are willing to function as a team. This will add more fun to the profession, and help fellow nurses to motivate each other. Such a team effort will enable nurse leaders to develop courage and confidence. Just like care and compassion, evidence based practice is a key component of nursing practice. (Hogan & Costello-Nickitas, 2009)
Evidence based practice, is a process through which nurses make professional decisions, that are based on sound scientific evidences or clinical expertise, as well as taking into consideration the patient preferences. Thus, understanding scientific information, and interpreting scientific information, has become an essential part of nursing practice. Any nurse, who is willing to allot time for learning and developing critical thinking, can develop these skills. Evidence based practice, will help to reduce uncertainties in an every changing healthcare sector, that is concerned with providing individualized care to its patients. (Woodward, 2013)
Evidence based practice, is about doing things in the right way. Though most nurses trust in the healing power of God, clinical decision making needs to be backed by relevant data. Even Florence Nightingale, approved the importance of data in nursing practice. The notes she had made, and the statistical study, she conducted is a proof of this. She recognized the importance of applying logical reasoning and empirical knowledge in the nursing profession. (Hogan & Costello-Nickitas, 2009)
In evidence based practice, it is necessary to ensure that the topic is extensively addressed through research and sufficient publications are made on the specific topic. Only then can a nurse consider the information for implementing change. Evidence based practice enables nurses to solve the problem in a systematic and scientific way. (Woodward, 2013)
References:
Hogan, M., & Costello-Nickitas, D. (2009). Nursing leadership and management. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Woodward, R. (2013). Belief-based and evidence-based practice. The Pharmaceutical Journal. http://dx.doi.org/10.1211/pj.2013.11120750
