Nursing Roles and the Integration of Evidence-Based Practice, Research, and Theory

Provider of Care

As providers of Care, nurses support their clinical decision-making and better patient outcomes by applying evidence-based practice (EBP), research, and theory. According to the AACN, EBP combines the best evidence, clinician knowledge, and patient preferences. Nurses use research to determine efficacious interventions. For example, I applied a wound care study to select the most suitable dressing, and I utilized the Self-Care Deficit Theory presented by Orem to focus on the physical and emotional aspects of the patient to provide comprehensive Care (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021).

Manager of Care

As a Manager of Care, the nurses organize healthcare personnel to make Care effective. Developing care protocols, managing resources, and monitoring outcomes require evidence-based practice (EBP). According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021), EBP in nursing management has boosted health care quality, decreased errors, and improved patient safety. One example is that nurse managers can implement infection control measures using evidence-based policies. Transformational Leadership, as one of the theories, can also motivate teams and high standards of Care, create a positive work environment, and enhance performance, as Alsadaan (2023) mentioned.

Professional Value and Evidence-Based Practice

The professional value I am convinced to select is compassion, as it is closely related to my evidence-based approach to practice. Compassion entails harnessing other persons' sufferings through empathy and Care in an attempt to address the sufferings of others. This attribute is a necessity in the nursing practice. Caring is described as one of the defining qualities of the nursing profession ( American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021), impacting the decision-making process in practice and emotional support. Compassionate Leadership is characterized by the nurse leadership literature (Alsadaan, 2023), wherein the degree of compassion has a direct positive impact on the performance of nurses. Models of compassion among leaders positively impact the team, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Example 1

In my clinical practice, I applied EBP in order to identify the best pain management methods to use on a post-operative patient. Although the clinical guidelines recommended particular medications, I also considered the patient and his or her experience in pain. I was compassionate by using evidence to control pain and by empathizing with the anxiety that the patient felt. It is consistent with the definition of EBP presented by AACN, which blends clinical knowledge with patient preferences.

Example 2

During a pediatric rotation, I used evidence-based communication techniques to ensure that a child and his family comprehended the treatment process. The family's emotional needs were also not left behind, as I ensured that I explained things clearly with a sense of compassion. Such an evidence-based solution combining rationality and empathy supported the family, facilitated improved results, and helped them in stressful scenarios.

Reason for Pursuing a BSN

I have opted to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree as it will equip me with more knowledge on nursing and enable me to take leadership positions in the future. According to The AACN Essentials, a BSN equips nurses with jobs that demand highly developed clinical reasoning and administrative skills, specifically integrating evidence-based practices. This is in line with the findings of Alsadaan (2023), which indicate the essentiality of nurse leadership in enhancing the performance of nurses and safeguarding patients. BSN will provide me with sufficient skills to become a good leader, improve the quality of Care, and participate in the formation of nursing practices.

Comparison of BSN Reasons and Professional Values

The value of caring and advocacy of nursing professional values is in line with my choice to pursue a BSN. Such a BSN will help me treat my patients effectively and offer them compassionate Care based on their psychological, social, and spiritual needs. It will also empower me to support patients in impacting the policies in healthcare and enhancing the patient care systems. This aligns with the AACN's focus on incorporating evidence-based practice, Leadership, and advocacy into nursing practice (AACN, 2021).