Why Did You Decide To Pursue Your BSN? What Is Your Definiti

Why You Decided To Pursue Your Bsnwhat Is Your Definition Of Nursing

Why you decided to pursue your BSN? What is your definition of nursing research and evidence-based? How do you differentiate them? In your daily work as RN, do you use the best evidence to provide patient care? If yes, please provide one example.

Have you participated in evidence-based practice projects? If yes, please provide a brief description. List and discuss the reasons why we should never exclusively rely on our intuition when making practice decisions. When is it necessary to make practice decisions based solely on intuition? Explain and discuss in detail using a nursing example in your discussion.

Please answer those following questions with a minimum of 300 words. Use APA format and at least 2 references.

Paper For Above instruction

The decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often motivated by a desire to advance one’s knowledge, skills, and credibility within the nursing profession. For many nurses, obtaining a BSN represents not only personal and professional growth but also a commitment to providing higher quality care grounded in evidence and best practices. My personal motivation to pursue a BSN stems from a desire to improve patient outcomes, to understand the scientific foundations of nursing practice, and to assume roles that involve leadership and research. This educational journey enhances critical thinking, fosters evidence-based decision-making, and prepares nurses to meet the evolving healthcare needs of diverse populations (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2021).

Nursing research is defined as a systematic inquiry that aims to develop knowledge about issues related to nursing practice, health care, and patient outcomes. It involves rigorous investigation to generate valid, reproducible results that inform clinical practice. Evidence-based practice (EBP), on the other hand, involves integrating the best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences to make informed care decisions (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). The primary differentiation lies in their focus: research seeks to generate new knowledge through studies and experiments, whereas EBP applies existing evidence to guide immediate clinical actions. In essence, research discoveries feed into guidelines and protocols that nurses use to deliver care.

In my daily practice as a registered nurse (RN), I actively utilize evidence-based resources to ensure optimal patient outcomes. For example, I routinely consult the latest clinical guidelines on infection control measures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing evidence-based interventions such as proper hand hygiene, appropriate PPE usage, and room disinfection protocols has significantly reduced nosocomial infections in my unit. This commitment to applying current best evidence aligns with the principles of EBP, which emphasize continuous learning and adaptation based on emerging scientific data (Hoffmann et al., 2017).

I have participated in evidence-based practice projects, such as a hand hygiene compliance initiative. This project involved collecting data on handwashing adherence among staff, identifying barriers, and implementing targeted interventions to improve compliance. The result was a measurable increase in proper hand hygiene, which correlated with a decrease in hospital-acquired infections. Such projects exemplify how EBP directly improves patient safety and care quality (Grol et al., 2013).

Relying solely on intuition in nursing practice is risky because intuition is inherently subjective and prone to cognitive biases. While experienced nurses may develop a 'gut feeling' based on clinical experience, exclusive reliance on intuition can lead to errors and overlooking critical evidence. For example, a nurse might sense that a patient’s deteriorating condition warrants urgent intervention without tangible clinical signs. In such cases, intuition can be a valuable trigger for further assessment rather than a standalone decision-making tool (Benner, 1984).

However, there are situations where intuition may be necessary, such as when immediate action is required, and there is no time to gather comprehensive evidence. For instance, in emergency scenarios like cardiac arrest, nurses often rely on their gut feeling rooted in experience for rapid decision-making—initiating CPR before full assessment. Nonetheless, even in these situations, intuition should be complemented by foundational knowledge and quick verification to avoid misjudgments. Ultimately, a balanced approach combining evidence, experience, and intuition ensures safe and effective patient care (Benner, 1984; Tanner, 2006).

References

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Monkey-Cage/ArticleID/3077
• Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice-Hall.
• Grol, R., Wensing, M., Eccles, M., & Davis, D. (2013). Improving patient care: The implementation of change in health care. John Wiley & Sons.
• Hoffmann, T. C., Glasziou, P., Boutron, I., et al. (2017). Better reporting of interventions: Template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide. BMJ, 348, g1687.
• Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
• Tanner, C. A. (2006). Thinking like a nurse: A research-based model of clinical judgment in nursing. Journal of Nursing Education, 45(6), 204-211.