Medical-surgical nurses' EBP beliefs and competencies

The lack of evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge and inability to implement EBP among nurses is a major barrier to quality nursing care. The literature shows that nurses highly value the use of EBP, however, they lack necessary EBP competencies. Although medical-surgical nurses were included in studies examining cross-sections of the nursing workforce, no studies exist specifically investigating their EBP beliefs and EBP competencies.

The purpose of this study was to describe medical-surgical nurses' self-reported EBP beliefs and competencies.

A descriptive, cross-sectional design employing survey methodology was used.

A total of 1,709 medical-surgical nurses participated for a response rate of 13%. The findings revealed that medical-surgical nurses had positive beliefs about EBP. However, they rated themselves competent in only 2 EBP competencies of 24. Medical-surgical nurses working in units or organizations that had a special designation such as Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Premier Recognition in the Specialty of Med-Surg (AMSN PRISM; p = .001) or Pathway to Excellence (p = .006) reported greater EBP competency scores. Also, nurses educated at the master's level or higher had better EBP competency scores (p < .0001).

Medical-surgical nurses need support at the personal and organizational levels to improve their EBP competence and increase uptake of EBP in their practice. Therefore, individual nurses must reflect on their EBP competence level and pursue opportunities to develop these essential attributes. Leaders must also create practice environments where EBP is valued, and barriers to EBP implementation are eliminated. Faculty in prelicensure and graduate programs should integrate EBP into their curricula and assess students' EBP competencies.