Translation to practice: developing an evidence-based practice nurse internship program.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Establishing a culture of inquiry is crucial for advancing nursing practice.
• Nurses' engagement with evidence directly impacts patient care and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a pragmatic approach for developing and sustaining an evidence-based practice nurse internship program.
• To provide a resource for nursing colleagues interested in implementing similar initiatives.

Main Methods:

• The article details the recruitment process for the nurse internship program.
• It describes the educational components and clinical projects undertaken by interns.
• Lessons learned during program development and implementation are shared.

Main Results:

• The evidence-based practice nurse internship program stimulates critical thinking.
• It enhances the analysis of evidence underpinning nursing practice.
• The program serves as a catalyst for professional growth among nursing staff.

Conclusions:

• Nurse internship programs focused on evidence-based practice are effective.
• Such programs are key to improving patient care and clinical outcomes.
• A pragmatic, guided approach facilitates program development and sustainability.