Evidence Based Nursing Practice and Professionalism in Nursing

Koehn and Lehman (2008) attempt to answer questions about properly

implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) in their article entitled Nurses Perceptions
of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice. The purpose of this article is clearly expressed
throughout the abstract and introduction. Koehn and Lehman (2008) wrote, This paper is
a report of a study to investigate Registered Nurses perceptions, attitudes and
knowledge/skills associated with evidence-based practice (p. 209). They go on to point
out that current research recommends a thorough understanding of collective objectives
before attempting to implement evidence-based practice in an organization. The purpose
of this study was to identify a baseline of practice, attitudes, and knowledge/skills, to
implement EBP within the culture of the organization (Koehn & Lehman, 2008, p. 210).
Upon reading their abstract and introduction, it is clear that they are trying to convince
the reader to assess their work environment prior to initiating any culture change
regarding evidence-based practice.
The data presented by Koehn and Lehman (2008) makes a convincing argument
for the use of nursing research councils or evidence-based practice committees. This data
revealed that nurses believe in the importance of evidence-based practice, however many
do not subscribe to professional nursing journals in order to utilize current data. Koehn
and Lehman (2008) remarked that, these inconsistencies in the ndings suggest
implications not only for further exploration but also for developing an educational plan
to assist nurses with the process of EBP and the associated skills (Koehn & Lehman,
2008, p. 213).
Nursing research councils or evidence-based practice committees should be led by
nurses thoroughly trained in EBP who can empower the staff in addition to creating a
comprehensive education plan. The purpose of these councils is to promote the
integration of nursing research and EBP, and to offer support and advice to help
interested nurses get started in research. I have seen a positive change in my practice
setting because of an active nursing research council, although many barriers have caused
these changes to take years to come to fruition.
Koehn and Lehman (2008) report several barriers for the implementation of EBP
in an organization. The most commonly cited were: lack of time, limited knowledge,
cost, availability of nurses with research knowledge, leader support, and understanding
EBP (p. 213). Nieswiadomy (2012) further adds that nurses negative attitudes toward
research, inadequate means of disseminating nursing research findings, and study
findings that are not ready for use in nursing practice (p. 268) can have negative affects
on EBP usage. Organizational support of a nursing research council with a strong
educational plan is key to creating an environment that develops and employs EBP.
Bronson Hospital created a Nursing Professional Advancement Ladder (NPAL)
with financial rewards for those nurses who use EBP in their current practice. They offer
comprehensive classes to teach EBP with mentors who assist with chosen projects. After
taking these classes, many nurses have a better understanding of the importance of EBP
in our profession and make a concerted effort to utilize it on a daily basis. The key to
success organization-wide is to thoroughly assess attitudes and barriers in order to create
a culture that reveres the use of EBP.

References
Koehn, M. L. & Lehman K. (2008). Nurses perceptions of evidence-based nursing
practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing 62(2), 209215. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-
2648.2007.04589.x
Nieswiadomy, R. M. (2012). Foundations of Nursing Research (6th ed.). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson.