Developing evidence-based practice: experiences of senior and junior clinical nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Healthcare Practice
• Professional Development

Background:

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) achievement is complex, involving diverse evidence types, required nursing skills, and contextual barriers/facilitators.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the comparative EBP skills of junior versus senior nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare factors influencing the development of evidence-based practice (EBP) between junior and senior nurses.
• To identify differences in perceived skills, confidence, and barriers related to EBP implementation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey using the Developing Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire was administered to Registered Nurses (n=598) in two English hospitals.
• Data collected in 2003 allowed for direct comparisons between junior and senior nurse groups.

Main Results:

• Nurses predominantly utilized personal experience and colleague communication over formal knowledge sources.
• Senior nurses exhibited higher confidence in accessing all evidence sources, including online resources, and initiating change.
• Junior nurses reported greater barriers, such as lack of time and resources, and lower confidence in accessing organizational evidence.

Conclusions:

• Senior nurses are advancing their evidence-based practice (EBP) skills and confidence.
• The prevailing nursing culture appears to disempower junior nurses, impeding their autonomy in EBP implementation.