The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 37 No. 6 November/December 2006
By Kelly L. Penz, MN, RN; Sandra L. Bassendowski, PhD, RN
ABSTRACT
To improve patient outcomes currently and in the future, it is important that an evidence-based approach to nursing care be incorporated into clinical practice settings. Nurse educators and clinical nurse educators have a mandate to model and facilitate evidence-based nursing through learning activities. Unfortunately, issues present within clinical practice settings have made this approach difficult for registered nurses to fully incorporate into practice. This article outlines issues inhibiting evidence-based nursing, such as time factors, access to information and resources, nurses’ research knowledge, skills, and learning opportunities, and the current nursing culture. Strategies for change that can be used by clinical nurse educators to enhance the use of evidence-based nursing in clinical practice areas are also described.
AUTHORS
Ms. Penz is a PhD student in nursing, and Dr. Bassendowski is Assistant Professor, Graduate Studies and Research, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Kelly L. Penz, MN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
