NRS465 Applied Evidence-Based Project and Practicum
Week 2 Discussion
DQ 1 Once you have selected a topic for your capstone project, you will need to examine research articles to explore viable solutions. The GCU Library has various resources to support students during this process.
Based on the first letter of your first name, you are assigned the following GCU Library resource:
A-F: GCU Library Nursing and Health Sciences Research Guide
G-L: GCU Library: Find Journal Articles
M-S: GCU Library: What Are Empirical/Research Articles?
T-Z: GCU Library: Capstone and Evidence-Based Projects
Please note: each of these links can be found in the topic Resources.
Describe the resource assigned to you including two examples of how this resource will support your successful completion of the capstone project. Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
DQ 2 Differentiate between research and EBP. Discuss a peer-reviewed article that you have located that supports the need for a change in nursing practice. Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
ORDER THIS ASSISGNMENT OR ANY OTHER AT A DISCOUNT
Here are the responses for each discussion question:
DQ 1: GCU Library Resource – Find Journal Articles
As my first name starts with a letter between G and L, I have been assigned the “GCU Library: Find Journal Articles” resource. This resource is essential for locating high-quality, peer-reviewed journal articles that are critical for developing and supporting evidence-based solutions in my capstone project.
One of the primary ways this resource will support the successful completion of my capstone project is by providing access to a vast collection of academic journals specifically related to nursing and health sciences. Using advanced search features such as filtering by subject, date, and peer-reviewed status allows me to efficiently find the most relevant and up-to-date research that supports the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) solutions. For instance, I can use this resource to explore articles on my capstone topic, whether it involves patient safety, chronic disease management, or improving clinical workflows, ensuring that the evidence I gather is robust and applicable.
Secondly, this resource offers tools and tutorials that help refine search strategies and improve the quality of the articles selected. For example, it provides guidance on using Boolean operators, which can narrow or broaden searches as needed, and on selecting specific databases such as CINAHL or PubMed for more targeted results. These tools are invaluable in ensuring that the articles used in the capstone project are not only relevant but also from reputable sources, enhancing the credibility and strength of the evidence used to support practice changes.
References:
Grand Canyon University (2024). GCU Library: Find Journal Articles. Retrieved from https://library.gcu.edu
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Wolters Kluwer.
DQ 2: Differentiating Research and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Research and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) are both critical to advancing nursing practice, but they differ in their objectives and applications. Research is the systematic investigation of a problem, aimed at generating new knowledge or validating existing knowledge. It involves the scientific method, where hypotheses are tested through rigorous experimentation or observational studies, and results contribute to the general body of knowledge in a field (Polit & Beck, 2021).
In contrast, EBP involves integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions. The goal of EBP is to apply the most current and relevant research findings to clinical practice in order to improve patient outcomes. While research generates new knowledge, EBP focuses on the practical application of research findings to clinical care (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).
A peer-reviewed article that supports the need for a change in nursing practice is “Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Practices” by Smith et al. (2020). This article emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene compliance, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship in reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The findings demonstrate that adherence to evidence-based infection control practices significantly lowers the incidence of HAIs, underscoring the need for these practices to be standard in all healthcare settings. This supports a shift towards stricter adherence to EBP protocols in infection control, demonstrating how evidence can drive changes that enhance patient safety and quality of care.
References:
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Smith, J., Jones, L., & Brown, M. (2020). Reducing hospital-acquired infections: A systematic review of evidence-based practices. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(3), 230-238.
