Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing

Evidence-based practice in Nursing can be defined as the process of providing quality care by combining three concepts: Clinical expertise, Patient Values & Preferences, and the best available research. Instead of relying on traditional methods, EBP in Nursing integrates the nurse's clinical experience, their understanding of the patient as an individual, and the most comprehensive up-to-date information to provide well rounded care. To better understand these pillars see the definitions below:

Clinical expertise - Refers to the implicit and explicit knowledge a nurse accumulates throughout their career. 

Patient Values - Refers to the patient and the context they bring with them when needing care. These can include things like religious beliefs, cultural norms, expectations, fears/ comfort levels, and personal circumstances such as socioeconomic status.  

Research - Refers to the empirical evidence that is gathered during the systematic testing of a hypothesis. 

Terminology: Is there a difference between Evidence-Based Medicine and Evidence-Based Nursing?

You may have seen terms such as Evidence-based medicine, evidence-based nursing, and evidence-based practice. Both evidence-based medicine (EBM) and evidence-based nursing (EBN) are forms of Evidence-Based Practice. There are some minute differences in these terms but most of the steps and focus are the same. Nurses aim to provide holistic care by treating and working with patients and their values by gathering and assessing the research. EBN is patient centered, well informed, and comprehensive. 

The Basic Steps of EBP in Nursing:

1. Ask a clinical question
2. Acquire the evidence
3. Appraise the evidence
4. Apply the evidence
5. Evaluate the outcome

Need help searching for a project? Request a consult with me!

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When filling out the request please describe your topic or need in as much detail as possible - A PICO formatted question is a great start. During our meeting we will discuss your project details, best databases to use, and how best to tackle your search. If you would like a demonstration of a database or searching tips - that's fine too! 

Please make sure to add several dates and times that you're available and know that we can meet virtually or in-person. Just let me know your preference! 

- Ori O'Malley, MLIS 

This guide is not an exhaustive resource on all things Evidence Based Nursing. This resource is to help you get started and cover the basics of EBP. If you would like to see a particular topic added to this guide - please contact the library. Thank you. 

If you have suggestions for how to make this page better, please contact Elizabeth Jerow, Library Director (jerow@msoe.edu).