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Inside scoop from our experts: Get staff nurses interested in evidence-based practice

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, May 5, 2009

This week, a reader asks how to get staff nurses interested in evidence-based practice. Read the response below from our advisor Barbara Hannon, RN, MSN, CPHQ, an ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® (MRP) coordinator at a Midwest organization.

Q: As an MRP coordinator, how can I get staff nurses interested in evidence-based practice (EBP)?

A: Changing practice based on current evidence and best practice has been found to increase nurse satisfaction and produce better patient outcomes. You can generate interest by going to the unit level and talking about evidence-based practice within the specific patient population of that unit. Be sure to provide the following ideas:

• Host unit-based focus groups where bedside nurses detail practices that are archaic, filled with ritual, time consuming, and produce frustration—all ideas that could be prime topics for EBP projects.
• Get on the agenda of unit staff meetings and talk about EBP and how to improve practice on the specific unit you are visiting.
• Challenge the unit nurses to brainstorm one idea on their unit that might improve outcomes.
• Provide incentives for the development of an EBP project. Utilize time away from the unit for those willing to do a project.

Editor’s note: Do you have a question for our experts? If you'd like us to consider your query for publication, please send it to associate editor Cameran Erny at cerny@hcpro.com.

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