IV. Translating and Integrating Scholarship into Practice/ Practice Inquiry (AACN, 2011)
Throughout the course of my MSN program, evidenced based practice and knowledge have been instilled into my future practice as an APRN. Research opens the doors to all kinds of possibilities from finding new medications to age the progression of disease to new treatment protocols. In essential four, "the master’s-prepared nurse examines policies and seeks evidence for every aspect of
practice, thereby translating current evidence and identifying gaps where evidence is
lacking" (AACN, 2011, p.15).
I first met essential four by doing a quantitative article critique. The article studied the effects of Watson's Caring Theory on patient care initiatives. By studying the main principles of Watson’s Caring Theory, nurses can help improve their perception of care to provide better quality care for patient. Before this project, I knew very little about Watson's Caring Theory. I can now use this theory to collaborate with other members of the multidisciplinary team to provide efficient patient care. The APRN must always stay abreast on evidenced based research to improve patient centered care.
Quantitative Article Critique
Next essential four was met in this group assignment consisting of myself, Danielle Musick, Kayli Stamper. Our group conducted a research project based on the PICOT question: In pediatric patients diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, does diet elimination or oral viscous budesonide therapy produce fewer eosinophils on repeat endoscopy? Our group conducted various literature reviews and researched evidenced based articles. Based on scientific review, our research group was able to complete a mock form and research poster. Ours research findings led to new health initiatives in the treatment of EOE in our pediatric gastroenterology clinic. The poster we created was transformed into a patient pamphlet to help patients have better understanding of EOE.
Evidenced Based Research Project
In yet another group project, Danielle Musick and I completed an infectious disease case study on the prevention of Group B Strep. Our project consisted of researching the etiology, prevalence, algorithms used by ACOG, hospital implications, and early recognition protocols established in hospitals world-wide. I was able to translate our knowledge from this case study into clinical practice as a neonatal ICU nurse. I have seen the consequences of late GBS infections. The more research that can be conducted on this issue would decrease the rate of fetal death due to late GBS infection. I hope to stay current on this issue to be able to detect late onset infections during infant exams either in clinical practice or at well newborn visits.
GBS Case Study
Finally, I met essential four by completing an evidenced based practice essay on necrotizing enterocolitis. I compiled evidenced based research articles and reviewed different protocols in the treatment and prevention rate of NEC. Being a neonatal ICU nurse, I found this project to be extremely important to clinical practice. Prompt treatment is required in NEC cases to prevent further complications. The provider should be educated on the pathophysiology, etiology, risk factors, screening, and current treatment recommendations for disease conditions in order to provide effective treatment. Education to other members of the healthcare team can greatly improve patient survival outcomes.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Strengths
&
Weaknesses
My strengths for essential four included possessing research methods to change patient care on areas in pediatric gastroenterology and neonatal nursing practice. During the duration of my program, I was able to critique studies and formulate PICOT questions for future to research.
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My weaknesses include working in groups for research projects. I prefer to work on my own but during the duration of this program, I have come to realize that giving individuals specific roles helps with collaboration and effective communication. I plan on the future to be a key team player while working in groups and to always remain open to the idea of working in groups to meet the overall need for quality improvement.