Promoting Evidence Based Nursing Practice

Recently I discovered that some of my nursing staff had decided that they would no longer utilize filter tubing with central lines. Because the facility policy did not state "to use" or "not to use," I could not refer them to policy as a directive or a guideline. There were other staff nurses that were fit to be tied because of the non-use. The debate began. My final words were these: "Bring me the evidence that states "to use" or "not to use" and we will make the determination together.

I am a huge proponent of autonomy but weeks went by without any evidence being provided to me. This had to be settled once and for all. I finally contacted an acquaintance from the Nursing Infusion Society who was able to give me the information and the "Evidence" that I needed. I then provided the information to my staff nurses. They were astonished that this type of information could actually be found so easily and it triggered their curiosity. My plan is to challenge them weekly with a question to be answered with "Evidence." If you can give me the evidence, we can change the practice ...

How do you get your staff involved in EBP? Share your ideas.

By Deanna R Miller, RN MSN/Ed HCE