Nursing students can help support evidence-based practice on clinical nursing units

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Research Utilization

Background:

• Implementing evidence-based practice in nursing is crucial but faces barriers.
• Staff nurses often lack time to integrate research findings into practice.
• Student nurses can bridge this gap by assisting with research utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if research utilization projects by student nurses impact clinical nursing practice.
• To explore the perceptions of preceptors regarding the influence of student-led projects.

Main Methods:

• Baccalaureate nursing students conducted research utilization projects during their final clinical rotation.
• Preceptors were interviewed telephonically five months post-project to assess impact.
• Perceptions of impact on nursing knowledge and practice were collected.

Main Results:

• Preceptors reported projects were positively received by nursing staff.
• The primary impact was educating nursing staff and patients.
• This education led to an improved level of nursing practice on clinical units.

Conclusions:

• Student research utilization projects can enhance nursing staff awareness of current research.
• These projects offer a method to save time for staff nurses.
• Student involvement can facilitate the integration of research into clinical practice.