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Evidence-Based Practice Discussion

Evidence-Based Practice Discussion

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peer one: Evidence-based practice (EBP) affects patient care in positive ways. The healthcare system is constantly changing, and patient’s needs are becoming more complex. Due to this, nurses must be highly trained and use “problem-solving approaches” to achieve the best outcomes for patients (University of North Carolina Wilmington [UNCW], 2016). EBP plays an important role in this process.

It can sometimes be difficult to get the support needed to back evidence in your practice as a nurse, especially when you do not work with other healthcare professionals. Working in a school setting, you alone have to advocate for the students when it comes to health, and keep up with EBP. As a school nurse, EBP is integrated in the school setting through in-services with staff and include such topics as blood-borne pathogens, asthma and epi-pens, and communicable diseases. These in-services are presented each year and new information and practice is provided accordingly. Any EBP with students is utilized hands on in the health office while caring for the patient. One example is how we care for children with a nosebleed (epistaxis). In the past, it was recommended that when a nosebleed occurs it is best to pinch the nose and tilt the student’s head back. EBP now recommends pinching the nose and tilting the head forward to avoid blood from entering the esophagus, which can cause the patient to cough, choke, or lead to irritation of the stomach, causing vomiting (Hayes, 2019). Attending school nurse workshops regularly, and reading journals related to school nursing, are the best ways for me to keep up with best practices. My mentor also provides me with any EBP changes she receives from any state school nursing sites. The new information will allow me to continue to integrate EBP, by encouraging it in the workplace with both staff and students.

Obstacles which could challenge this plan are individuals who are resistant to change, and lack of support from administration. Also, time restraints are a challenge in a special needs school environment, when behaviors are escalated and lots of time is spent on de-escalation, counseling students, and caring for any injuries. In any healthcare environment, one way to minimize the impact of obstacles is to exhibit professionalism at all times, in order to form strong working relationships. In doing so, you are taking a leadership role in which you can influence change.