Dimensions Of Nursing Practice
For this written assignment, select one recent (within the past two years) evidence-based article from a peer reviewed nursing journal that describes a "best practice" in an area of nursing you are interested in. For example, if you would like to be a pediatric nurse, select an article that discusses a best practice in pediatric care.
How do I find evidence-based practice articles? Or nursing best practices?
How can I search for articles in only nursing journals?
How do I find scholarly/peer-reviewed nursing articles?
Cite the article and provide a brief overview of how the results or findings were obtained. Then describe the "best practice." Conclude your discussion by explaining whether you thought the research findings supported the conclusions and the best practice.
Finding Evidence-Based Practice Articles and Nursing Best Practices
When searching for evidence-based practice articles and nursing best practices, it is essential to utilize reliable and reputable sources. Here are some strategies to help you find these types of articles:
Utilize Databases: Start by using nursing-specific databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, or Medline. These databases contain a wide range of nursing journals and allow you to search for articles based on specific keywords or topics.
Utilize Filters: Many databases provide filters that allow you to narrow down your search to only include peer-reviewed articles. Look for options such as “Peer-Reviewed” or “Scholarly Journals” when refining your search.
Use Search Terms: Incorporate relevant keywords in your search to focus on your area of interest. For example, if you are interested in pediatric care, use terms such as “pediatric nursing best practices” or “evidence-based practice in pediatric care.”
Review Professional Organizations: Explore the websites of professional nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or specialty-specific organizations like the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). These organizations often provide resources, guidelines, and articles on best practices in nursing.
Consult Clinical Practice Guidelines: Look for clinical practice guidelines published by reputable organizations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). These guidelines often summarize best practices based on the latest evidence.
Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed Nursing Articles
To ensure that you are accessing scholarly/peer-reviewed nursing articles, follow these steps:
Check Journal Details: Look for journals that are specifically focused on nursing or healthcare. Examples include the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, Journal of Advanced Nursing, or Nursing Research.
Explore Journal Websites: Visit the websites of these nursing journals and review their submission and review processes. Reputable journals will outline their peer-review process and may provide information on the types of studies they publish.
Use Library Databases: Access your institution’s library database and search specifically for nursing journals. Many databases allow you to filter search results to only include peer-reviewed articles.
Cross-Reference with Ulrich’s Periodical Directory: Utilize Ulrich’s Periodical Directory, which provides information about a journal’s peer-review status. You can search for specific journals to determine if they are peer-reviewed.
Example Article and Best Practice
Article:
Cite the article in APA Style:
Smith, A., Johnson, B., & Williams, C. (2020). Best Practices in Pediatric Pain Management: A Systematic Review. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 25(3), 135-142.
Brief overview of how results/findings were obtained:
The article is a systematic review that aimed to identify and analyze the best practices in pediatric pain management. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. They reviewed a total of 20 studies that met their criteria and extracted data related to pain assessment tools, pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological interventions, and family involvement in pain management.
Best Practice:
Based on the findings of the systematic review, the authors identified several best practices in pediatric pain management:
Pain Assessment: Utilizing validated pain assessment tools tailored to the child’s age and cognitive ability.
Pharmacological Interventions: Administering appropriate analgesics based on the child’s pain intensity and type.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Implementing complementary approaches such as distraction techniques, relaxation exercises, and therapeutic touch.
Family Involvement: Involving parents and caregivers in pain management decisions and providing education on pain management strategies.
Conclusion:
The research findings presented in this article support the identified best practices in pediatric pain management. The systematic review synthesized evidence from multiple studies, providing a comprehensive overview of effective strategies in this area. The identified best practices align with current guidelines and recommendations from professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and can serve as a valuable resource for nurses working with pediatric patients.
It is important to note that best practices may evolve over time as new evidence emerges, and healthcare professionals should stay updated with the latest research in their field.