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[SOLVED 2025] How has nursing practice evolved over time? Explain the significance of evidence-based practice and critical thinking in modern nursing

How has nursing practice evolved over time? Explain the significance of evidence-based practice and critical thinking in modern nursing.

How has nursing practice evolved over time? Explain the significance of evidence-based practice and critical thinking in modern nursing.

How has nursing practice evolved over time? Explain the significance of evidence-based practice and critical thinking in modern nursing. Identify one key nursing leader and summarize one historical event that has shaped contemporary nursing practice, the advancement of nursing as a profession, and the development of nursing roles. Select a leader and a historical event different from those identified by your classmates.

Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education

This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competencies 1.1, 9.5.

Verified Expert Answer

How Nursing Practice Has Evolved Over Time

The nursing practice has changed over time to incorporate new and different forms of action and practices. Nurses have become an integral part of modern medicine and have a role to play towards the attainment of effective healthcare performance and improvement of the overall healthcare policies (Ahmadian & Mokhtari, 2017). Conventional nurses were regarded as caregivers and were mainly comprised of women who in their nature, were “loving and caring.” The nurses did not need to acquire an academic profession as their role was based on caregiving and ensuring the stay of the patient at the facility was comfortable.

Significance of Evidence-based Practice and Critical Thinking In Modern Nursing

Currently, the nursing sector has greatly changed with the majority of nurses being required to have a bachelor’s degree and other advanced learning to increase the diversity of the roles. Nurses need to know how to use modern technology and make use of evidence-based strategies to offer patient-centered care (Ahmadian & Mokhtari, 2017). The skills can only be achieved when the nurses are informed of the different issues affecting patients and how to handle the different issues with the needed interventions.

Key Nursing Leader and a Historical Event

There are different events and people that have been at the forefront in advocating for the transformation in the nursing sector. These advocacies have enabled the creation of proper nursing education and an increase in nurse roles in the contemporary nursing profession (Wang et al., 2021). For instance, in 1860, Florence Nightingale came up with the first secular nursing school where individuals could be trained on nursing and become professional nurses. To aid with creating nursing roles and regulations, the American Nurses Association was established in 1911 (Wang et al., 2021). The policies and governmental policies related to nursing changed in 1992 when the first registered nurse was elected as a member of congress in the US.

References

Ahmadian, S., & Mokhtari, J. (2017). A review of the evolution and challenges in nursing role development. Iranian Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine9(6), 48-60.

Wang, Q., Zhu, R., & Duan, Z. (2021). An Analysis of Past Florence Nightingale Medal Recipients: Insights Into Exceptional Nurses and the Evolution of Nursing. SAGE Open Nursing7, 2377960820988392.

Alternative Answer

How Nursing Practice Has Evolved Over Time

The nursing profession along with nursing practice has extensively changed and evolved greatly over many centuries. Nursing has existed for hundreds of decades; however, it became formally recognized as a profession and forever changed with the significant advancements developed by Florence Nightingale in the 19th century. As mentioned by Whitney (2022), Nightingale truly paved the way for and shaped the nursing profession into what it is today due to her abilities during the Crimean War to identify infection as the cause of the deaths of hundreds of soldiers through utilizing research and practice.

Evidence-based Practice and Critical Thinking In Modern Nursing

Nightingale demonstrated the importance of nursing research and the utilization of evidence-based practice to guide patient care. These concepts still hold true to this day and are essential in the nursing profession. Evidence-based practice allows for improved patient interventions and ultimately improved patient outcomes. Also, as nurses utilizing critical thinking is highly essential to patient care. Being able to make connections and think beyond concrete information allows for nurses to be able to make pertinent decisions regarding patient care.

Key Nursing Leader

One key leader in nursing history, in addition to Nightingale, is Dorothea Dix. She was a fundamental pioneer and changed the way mental health patients were not only viewed but treated. According to Sarkar et al. (2016), Dix recognized the inhumane treatment of patients who were mentally ill and worked to establish institutions that treated patients with dignity, respect and empathy.

Although deinstitutionalization occurred years later, Dix paved the way for humane treatment of psychiatric patients and fought for improved care of mental health patients during her lifespan. She went against societal norms at the time and fought for mental health rights which demonstrated her empowerment, dedication and compassion for the nursing profession and highlights true leadership.

Historical Event

One historical nursing event that took place not that long ago in the year 2022 was the development of the suicide prevention and crisis 988 hotline. The creation of this hotline has provided numerous individuals with a safe space when experiencing a crisis. As mentioned by Morris (2023), the hotline also provides healthcare workers with a safe and confidential space to be able to talk about their mental health without having to suffer in silence.

Nursing burnout, especially after the COVID 19 pandemic has drastically increased along with anxiety and depression amongst healthcare workers (Morris, 2023). The 988 hotline also provides alternative resources and brings awareness to the topic of mental health of all individuals including healthcare workers.

References 

Morris, G. (2023). What Nurses Should Know About The 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline. NurseJournal.org. https://nursejournal.org/articles/what-nurses-should-know-about-988-suicide-prevention-hotline/

Sarkar, S., Modak, T., & Sagar, R. (2016). Dorothea dix: A proponent of humane treatment of mentally ill. Journal of Mental Health and Human Behaviour, 21(1), 69. https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-8990.182088

Whitney, S. (2022). History of Professional Nursing. In Grand Canyon University (Ed.), Dynamics in nursing: Art & science of professional practice (2nd ed.). https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000583/epub/Chapter2.html#page_28

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FAQs:

10 Reasons Why Evidence-based Practice Is Important In Nursing

Evidence-based practice is crucial in nursing for several reasons and they include the following:

  1. Improves Patient Outcomes: EBP integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. This approach ensures that patients receive the most effective and appropriate care, leading to better health outcomes.
  2. Enhances Quality of Care: By using evidence-based guidelines and protocols, nurses can provide high-quality care that is consistent with the latest scientific knowledge. This reduces variability in practice and promotes standardized, effective interventions.
  3. Informs Clinical Decision-Making: EBP provides nurses with a structured approach to making clinical decisions. It helps them critically appraise research and apply findings to individual patient situations, ensuring that care is both personalized and scientifically sound.
  4. Promotes Accountability: EBP encourages nurses to base their practice on credible evidence, which fosters accountability and transparency. This helps build trust with patients and other healthcare professionals.
  5. Reduces Healthcare Costs: By implementing interventions that are proven to be effective, EBP can help reduce unnecessary procedures, hospital readmissions, and complications. This leads to more efficient use of resources and cost savings for healthcare systems.
  6. Supports Professional Development: Engaging in EBP requires nurses to stay current with the latest research and advancements in their field. This commitment to lifelong learning enhances their knowledge and skills, contributing to professional growth and competence.
  7. Encourages a Culture of Inquiry: EBP fosters a culture of questioning and continuous improvement. Nurses are encouraged to ask questions, seek out evidence, and challenge practices that may not be effective, leading to ongoing advancements in nursing care.
  8. Aligns with Ethical Standards: Providing care based on the best available evidence aligns with the ethical principles of beneficence (doing good) and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm). It ensures that patients receive care that is not only effective but also safe and ethical.
  9. Facilitates Interdisciplinary Collaboration: EBP often involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, and therapists. This interdisciplinary approach enhances communication and teamwork, leading to more comprehensive and coordinated care.
  10. Addresses Gaps in Practice: EBP helps identify and address gaps between current practices and the best available evidence. This can lead to the development of new protocols and guidelines that improve patient care.

How has nursing practice evolved over time? Explain the significance of evidence-based practice and critical thinking in modern nursing.

15 Nursing Evidence Based Practice Examples

1. Preventing Pressure Ulcers

  • EBP Intervention: Using evidence-based protocols such as regular repositioning of patients, using pressure-relieving mattresses, and maintaining skin hygiene.
  • Evidence: Research shows that repositioning patients every 2 hours and using specialized support surfaces significantly reduces the risk of pressure ulcers.
  • Application: Nurses implement repositioning schedules and educate patients and caregivers on skin care techniques.

2. Hand Hygiene to Prevent Infections

  • EBP Intervention: Strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols, such as washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers before and after patient contact.
  • Evidence: Studies demonstrate that proper hand hygiene reduces healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), such as MRSA and C. difficile.
  • Application: Nurses follow WHO or CDC hand hygiene guidelines and encourage patients and visitors to do the same.

3. Managing Pain with Non-Pharmacological Interventions

  • EBP Intervention: Incorporating non-pharmacological methods like guided imagery, relaxation techniques, or heat/cold therapy alongside medications.
  • Evidence: Research supports that combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches improves pain management and reduces reliance on opioids.
  • Application: Nurses assess pain levels and tailor interventions based on patient preferences and evidence-based guidelines.

4. Early Ambulation Post-Surgery

  • EBP Intervention: Encouraging patients to walk or move as soon as possible after surgery.
  • Evidence: Studies show that early ambulation reduces the risk of complications like blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle atrophy.
  • Application: Nurses collaborate with physical therapists and educate patients on the importance of early movement.

5. Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) Prevention

  • EBP Intervention: Limiting the use of urinary catheters and removing them as soon as they are no longer medically necessary.
  • Evidence: Research indicates that reducing catheter use and ensuring proper insertion and maintenance techniques decrease CAUTI rates.
  • Application: Nurses follow evidence-based protocols for catheter care and advocate for timely removal.

6. Fall Prevention in Older Adults

  • EBP Intervention: Implementing fall prevention strategies such as bed alarms, non-slip footwear, and regular risk assessments.
  • Evidence: Studies show that multifactorial fall prevention programs significantly reduce fall rates in hospitalized and elderly patients.
  • Application: Nurses assess fall risk upon admission and implement individualized prevention plans.

7. Breastfeeding Support for New Mothers

  • EBP Intervention: Providing education and support for breastfeeding, including proper latching techniques and addressing common challenges.
  • Evidence: Research demonstrates that breastfeeding reduces the risk of infections and chronic diseases in infants and promotes maternal health.
  • Application: Nurses use evidence-based guidelines from organizations like the WHO or AAP to support breastfeeding mothers.

8. Managing Delirium in Hospitalized Patients

  • EBP Intervention: Using non-pharmacological interventions like reorientation, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and minimizing environmental triggers.
  • Evidence: Studies show that non-pharmacological approaches are more effective than medications in preventing and managing delirium.
  • Application: Nurses assess for delirium risk factors and implement evidence-based strategies to reduce its occurrence.

9. Vaccination Education and Administration

  • EBP Intervention: Educating patients about the importance of vaccinations and administering them according to CDC guidelines.
  • Evidence: Research confirms that vaccinations prevent infectious diseases and reduce morbidity and mortality.
  • Application: Nurses provide evidence-based information to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure timely administration.

10. Smoking Cessation Counseling

  • EBP Intervention: Using motivational interviewing and providing resources like nicotine replacement therapy or referrals to smoking cessation programs.
  • Evidence: Evidence shows that structured counseling and support significantly increase quit rates among smokers.
  • Application: Nurses assess smoking status and offer evidence-based interventions to help patients quit.

11. Preventing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)

  • EBP Intervention: Following strict sterile techniques during insertion and maintenance of central lines.
  • Evidence: Research demonstrates that adherence to sterile protocols reduces CLABSI rates.
  • Application: Nurses follow evidence-based checklists and protocols for central line care.

12. Diabetes Self-Management Education

  • EBP Intervention: Teaching patients about blood glucose monitoring, diet, exercise, and medication adherence.
  • Evidence: Studies show that patient education improves glycemic control and reduces complications in diabetes.
  • Application: Nurses use evidence-based educational materials and tailor teaching to individual patient needs.

13. Reducing Hospital Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients

  • EBP Intervention: Providing comprehensive discharge planning, including medication reconciliation, follow-up appointments, and patient education.
  • Evidence: Research indicates that structured discharge planning reduces readmission rates for heart failure patients.
  • Application: Nurses ensure patients understand their care plan and have the resources to manage their condition at home.

14. Using Chlorhexidine for Skin Preparation Before Surgery

  • EBP Intervention: Applying chlorhexidine gluconate for preoperative skin antisepsis.
  • Evidence: Studies show that chlorhexidine reduces surgical site infections compared to other antiseptics.
  • Application: Nurses follow evidence-based protocols for preoperative skin preparation.

15. Promoting Sleep in Hospitalized Patients

  • EBP Intervention: Creating a sleep-friendly environment by reducing noise, dimming lights, and clustering care activities.
  • Evidence: Research supports that improving sleep hygiene in hospitals enhances patient recovery and well-being.
  • Application: Nurses implement strategies to minimize sleep disruptions during hospitalization.