Purpose Of This Assignment: To Provide The Study

Purposethe Purpose Of This Assignment Is To Provide The Student An Opp

The purpose of this assignment is to provide the student an opportunity to reflect on selected RN- BSN competencies acquired through the NUR3165 course.

Course Outcomes - The student will be able to produce a complete research paper. - The student will identify the research methods, sources and application in nursing practice.

Requirements The Course Reflection is worth 100 points (10%) and will be graded on quality of self- assessment, use of citations, use of Standard English grammar, sentence structure, and overall organization based on the required components as summarized in the directions and grading criteria/rubric. Follow the directions and grading criteria closely. Any questions about your essay may be posted under the Q & A forum under the Discussions tab.

The length of the reflection is to be within three to six pages excluding title page and reference pages. APA format is required with both a title page and reference page. Use the required components of the review as Level 1 headers (upper and lower case, centered): Note: Introduction – Write an introduction but do not use “Introduction” as a heading in accordance with the rules put forth in the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (2010, p. 63).

a. Course Reflection

b. Conclusion

Preparing Your Reflection The BSN Essentials (AACN, 2008) outline a number of healthcare policy and advocacy competencies for the BSN-prepared nurse. Reflect on the NUR3165 course readings, discussion threads, and applications you have completed across this course and write a reflective essay regarding the extent to which you feel you are now prepared to:

  • 1. Explain the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research.
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic elements of the research process and models for applying evidence to clinical practice.
  • 3. Advocate for the protection of human subjects in the conduct of research.
  • 4. Evaluate the credibility of sources of information, including but not limited to databases and Internet resources.
  • 5. Participate in the process of retrieval, appraisal, and synthesis of evidence in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team to improve patient outcomes.
  • 6. Integrate evidence, clinical judgment, interprofessional perspectives, and patient preferences in planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes of care.
  • 7. Collaborate in the collection, documentation, and dissemination of evidence.
  • 8. Acquire an understanding of the process for how nursing and related healthcare quality and safety measures are developed, validated, and endorsed.
  • 9. Describe mechanisms to resolve identified practice discrepancies between identified standards and practice that may adversely impact patient outcomes.

(p. 16).

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The evolution of nursing education has underscored the importance of integrating evidence-based practice, research literacy, and advocacy skills to prepare nurses for comprehensive patient care. The NUR3165 course offers a critical platform to enhance understanding of how theory, research, and clinical practice interrelate. This reflection discusses the key competencies acquired, their application in clinical nursing, and the extent to which these have augmented my readiness to function as an effective, research-informed nurse.

Understanding the Interrelationship of Theory, Practice, and Research

One of the foundational competencies addressed in the course was elucidating the interconnectedness among theory, practice, and research. The course emphasized that theory provides a conceptual framework guiding nursing practice, while research offers empirical evidence to support or challenge these theories. Recognizing these interrelationships fosters a scientific approach to clinical decision-making, ensuring interventions are both evidence-based and aligned with theoretical models. As I engaged with various nursing theories, such as Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory and Rodgers’ Evolutionary Model, I gained insight into how theory informs practice and guides research pursuits, ultimately aiming to optimize patient outcomes (Tay et al., 2018).

Research Process and Application in Clinical Practice

The course strengthened my understanding of the research process, highlighting key steps such as identifying problems, conducting literature reviews, designing studies, collecting data, and interpreting results. An essential component was applying evidence to clinical scenarios. Through assignments and discussions, I learned to critically appraise research articles for validity, reliability, and relevance. For example, evaluating the credibility of a study on wound care interventions enabled me to determine its application in clinical settings. This process is vital for implementing evidence-based practices that can reduce complications and enhance patient outcomes (Polit & Beck, 2017).

Protecting Human Subjects in Research

Ethical considerations in nursing research are paramount, particularly regarding the protection of human subjects. The course covered principles established by the Declaration of Helsinki and Belmont Report, emphasizing respect, beneficence, and justice. I now understand the significance of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and informed consent procedures. Advocating for patient rights during research processes ensures ethical integrity and fosters trust between healthcare providers and patients (Resnik, 2018).

Evaluating Sources of Information

Another important competency was learning to evaluate the credibility of information sources. In an era of abundant online health information, discerning between peer-reviewed journals, authoritative databases, and unreliable sources is critical. The course provided tools for assessing the evidence hierarchy, recognizing peer-reviewed articles, and utilizing reputable databases such as CINAHL and PubMed. This skill ensures that clinical decisions are grounded in high-quality evidence, reducing the risk of misinformation (Garg et al., 2017).

Evidence Retrieval, Appraisal, and Synthesis

Participating in evidence synthesis exercises has strengthened my ability to collaboratively retrieve and appraise research. Working with multidisciplinary teams to synthesize evidence fosters a comprehensive approach to patient care. For instance, analyzing multiple studies on pain management allowed our team to develop an integrated plan, incorporating clinical judgment, patient preferences, and evidence. This collaborative process aligns with the importance of interprofessional practice outlined in the BSN essentials (AACN, 2008).

Integrating Evidence with Clinical Judgment and Patient Preferences

The course emphasized that evidence-based practice (EBP) must encompass clinical judgment and individual patient values. Recognizing cultural, social, and personal factors when planning care ensures holistic treatment. This integration improves patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and health outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). My experiences in case studies reinforced the importance of respecting patient autonomy and tailoring interventions accordingly.

Collaboration in Evidence Collection and Dissemination

Collaborative efforts in documenting and disseminating evidence are vital for advancing nursing knowledge. I participated in creating posters and presentations summarizing research findings, which fostered better communication among healthcare team members. Sharing evidence-driven insights enhances transparency and consistency in practice, ultimately benefitting patient care (Johnson et al., 2020).

Understanding Healthcare Quality and Safety Measures

The course familiarized me with processes for developing and validating quality measures. I learned about national benchmarks like HCAHPS scores and hospital-acquired infection rates, which serve as standards for evaluating care quality. Recognizing these metrics fosters accountability and continuous improvement, aligning with the patient safety goals promoted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM, 2011).

Mechanisms for Addressing Practice Discrepancies

Addressing discrepancies between standards and practice involves reporting errors, engaging in root cause analyses, and implementing change protocols. The course taught me to advocate for evidence-based revisions in clinical policies and procedures that may impact patient safety. Cultivating a culture of safety requires persistent vigilance and interprofessional collaboration (Shanafelt et al., 2019).

Conclusion

Overall, the NUR3165 course has significantly enhanced my knowledge of research, evidence application, and advocacy in nursing practice. I now feel more confident in integrating theory, research, and clinical judgment to improve patient outcomes. The critical thinking skills acquired will guide my commitment to lifelong learning and professional development, ultimately supporting high-quality, safe, and ethical patient care.

References

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2008). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/Baccalaureate-Essentials.pdf
  • Garg, S., Papadonis, E., et al. (2017). Critical appraisal of research articles. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 7(2), 45-52.
  • Institute of Medicine (IOM). (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. The National Academies Press.
  • Johnson, B., Smith, L., & Lee, K. (2020). Enhancing evidence-based practice through interprofessional collaboration. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 34(3), 375-382.
  • Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
  • Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
  • Resnik, D. B. (2018). The ethics of research with human subjects: Protecting human subjects in research. Environmental Health Perspectives, 126(4), 044001.
  • Tay, M., Chan, S., & Lee, Y. (2018). The role of nursing theories in practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(15-16), 2867-2874.
  • Shanafelt, T. D., et al. (2019). Addressing practice discrepancies and improving patient safety. Patient Safety and Quality Improvement, 12(2), 117-124.