Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing

Answer

Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing

Evidence-based practice in nursing is an important consideration today in the field of medicine.  It features medical practice that has been based on solid research rather than mere assumptions and opinions of the nurses. It also adheres to specific quality and safety standards while still giving patient needs a priority. In my current workplace, evidence-based practice takes place in various ways as discussed below.

Using EBP for Controlling Infections

            Nurses tend to be keen on hospital acquired infections, especially when the visiting patient has compromised immunity. Thus, nurses in my current workplace have adopted a culture where specific policies are strictly adhered to when handling patients (Underhill et al., 2015). Aside from constantly disinfecting the hospital’s surfaces, personal protective clothing are used when necessary. Additionally, correct hand washing techniques are followed along with the use of barriers where needed. These measures are considered because there is a strong body of evidence that supports the practices by proving their success in infection control. For instance, Dellinger (2016) argue that hospital acquired infections can be prevented by ensuring proper hygiene like handwashing, the use of barriers when handling patients, and proper disinfection of the hospital environment.

Handling Patients with COPD

            Treating COPD has always been challenged by the belief that using oxygen will lead to serious issues such as hypercarbia, acidosis or even death. However, nurses in the current Workplace make the decision to use the oxygen intervention since evidence-bases practice has shown that it will lead to improved quality of life, and even help the patients live longer (Underhill et al., 2015).  The protocol is followed since it has been proven to trigger certain benefits such as reducing the risk of organ failure (Balkissoon, 2017).

Measuring Children's Blood Pressure

            When taking blood pressure, it is imperative that the accurate measurements are taken. That is why nurses in the current workplace have learned to use an evidence based practice approach. It is expected to lead to effective treatment for the children especially since taking their measures is often challenging since it varies from what adults use. Evidence-based practice has ensured that non-invasive methods are not used since it impacts impatient outcomes negatively (Underhill et al., 2015). That is why the nurses tend to use other recommended approaches such as auscultator methods that are later compared to data from oscillometric methods. 

Decisions in Blood Administration

            In most cases, patients complain of a lot of discomfort during blood transfusion.  That is why nurses in my current workplace have opted to follow evidence based practice when using intravenous catheters. The protocol based on evidence indicates that nurses should make use of smaller gauge catheters which are more comfortable (Falkner-Radler et al., 2017). Hence, the nurses will always ensure that the more comfortable options are used since they have learnt that it helps keep the patient comfortable by avoiding any additional unnecessary pain (Underhill et al., 2015). Also, more measures are taken to help keep the patient comfortable, such as considering the right time and educating the adults on what to expect.

Conclusion 

            It is clear that the current workplace has embraced evidence-based practice. This is because it is used as the basis for all decisions when caring for patients.  This has led to improved patient outcomes since the best practices are considered. These nurses do not base their decisions on assumptions. Rather, the institution considers various pieces of evidence before using the findings to formulate policies and standards of practice. The results are expected to be similar to the study findings or even better since various researches are compared and used.  Hence, evidence-based practice is considered to be an important part of nursing care.

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