Posted: March 31st, 2023
Finding Evidence-Based Nursing Practices: A Guide for Nursing Students
NUR2058 Section 01 Dimensions of Nursing Practice (11 Weeks) – Online Plus – 2023 Summer Quarter
Module 07 Written Assignment – Researching for Evidence
For this written assignment, select one recent (within the past two years) evidence-based article from a peer reviewed nursing journal that describes a “best practice” in an area of nursing you are interested in. For example, if you would like to be a pediatric nurse, select an article that discusses a best practice in pediatric care.
How do I find evidence-based practice articles? Or nursing best practices?
How can I search for articles in only nursing journals?
How do I find scholarly/peer-reviewed nursing articles?
Cite the article and provide a brief overview of how the results or findings were obtained. Then describe the “best practice.” Conclude your discussion by explaining whether you thought the research findings supported the conclusions and the best practice.
This assignment must be no more than 3 pages long. It should include all of the required elements. Use APA Editorial format and attach a copy of the article.
Submit your completed assignment by following the directions linked below. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document. (Mac users, please remember to append the ‘.docx’ extension to the filename.) The name of the file should be your first initial and last name, followed by an underscore and the name of the assignment, and an underscore and the date. An example is shown below.
This week’s assignment is a research paper, so I expect (as I always do) that it follows APA guidelines and that there are in-text citations along with a reference list. You can find evidence-based articles through the library. Please contact a librarian for assistance if you are having any issues. The article can be no more than 10 years old. Here is the rubric:
Scoring Rubric: Researching for Evidence
Criteria (Points)
Select an appropriate evidence-based article describing “best practice” – 3
Provide a clear overview of how results or findings were obtained – 4
Provide a clear description of the “best practice”- 3
Explain whether research findings support the conclusions and the “best practice” – 3
Accurate APA format (including providing sources when appropriate, references, and in-text citations) and include a copy or link to the article – 1
Accurate Grammar (including capitalization, punctuation, spelling, word usage, no run-on sentences, no sentence fragments) – 1
Total 15
Finding Evidence-Based Nursing Practices: A Guide for Nursing Students
In the ever-evolving field of nursing, staying updated with evidence-based practices is paramount to delivering high-quality patient care. This article provides a comprehensive guide for nursing students on how to find evidence-based practice articles and best practices within their chosen area of nursing interest.
How to Find Evidence-Based Practice Articles: A Step-by-Step Approach
Selecting a Relevant Topic: To begin the journey of finding evidence-based practice articles, nursing students should first narrow down their area of interest within nursing. Whether it’s pediatric care, geriatric nursing, critical care, or any other specialty, pinpointing a topic will serve as a foundation for focused research.
Accessing Nursing Journals: One effective strategy to find evidence-based articles is to search within nursing journals. These journals are peer-reviewed, ensuring the quality and credibility of the research. Platforms like PubMed, CINAHL, and Nursing Reference Center provide access to a wide range of nursing journals.
Utilizing Keywords: Formulating appropriate keywords is crucial for efficient search. Students should brainstorm terms related to their chosen topic and use them as search queries. For instance, a student interested in pediatric care might use keywords like “pediatric nursing best practices.”
Filtering Results: Most academic databases offer filtering options. Students can narrow down results based on publication date, study type, and peer-reviewed sources. To meet the assignment’s criteria, it’s essential to select articles published within the last two years.
Selecting the Right Article: After skimming through abstracts and titles, students should select an evidence-based article that aligns with their interest. It’s crucial to verify that the chosen article describes a “best practice” within the chosen nursing domain.
Understanding the Research Article: A Brief Overview
The selected article should be from a reputable peer-reviewed nursing journal. It should provide insight into the research methods employed, such as quantitative or qualitative approaches, data collection methods, sample size, and statistical analysis. Understanding these aspects helps nursing students evaluate the validity and reliability of the research findings.
Exploring the Best Practice: A Deeper Dive
Upon grasping the research’s methodology, nursing students delve into the “best practice” described in the article. This involves understanding the practice’s context, its application, and its potential impact on patient outcomes. A “best practice” can be a specific clinical procedure, communication approach, or patient care strategy that has demonstrated superior results compared to alternative methods.
Analyzing Research Findings and Best Practice Support
Nursing students should critically evaluate whether the research findings support the conclusions drawn and the identified “best practice.” This involves assessing the rigor of the study, considering factors such as sample size, methodology, and statistical significance. If the findings are consistent and well-supported, students can conclude that the evidence-based research indeed backs the proposed best practice.
Finalizing the Assignment: APA Format and References
Completing the assignment involves adhering to accurate APA format, including proper in-text citations and a comprehensive reference list. Students should ensure that they provide all necessary sources when discussing research findings and best practices.
In conclusion, finding evidence-based practice articles in nursing requires a strategic approach, including selecting a relevant topic, accessing nursing journals, using appropriate keywords, filtering results, and evaluating research articles. By understanding the research methodology, exploring the “best practice,” and critically analyzing research findings, nursing students can determine if the conclusions are well-supported. This process enhances their understanding of evidence-based nursing practices and prepares them for effective patient care.
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