NURS 8201 Research for Evidence-Based Practice

NURS 8201 Research for Evidence-Based Practice

The goal of nursing is to ultimately provide the best possible care to patients, and evidence-based practice leads to higher quality care. Evidence-based practice is comprised of three components: best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient needs and values. In this course, you will explore the concepts and issues related to one of these three components: best research evidence.

In this course, you will examine the strategies and methods used to conduct, collect, and analyze research. You will reflect on your personal and professional experiences with research and evidence-based practice. You will explore both qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of research studies that implement these methods and designs. As you progress throughout the course, you will apply methods introduced to topics of interest in your area of nursing practice. You will engage in a series of assessments in which you will explore the role of research in the field and examine the connections to evidence-based practice that research supports. You will also hone your skills in analyzing research studies and their implications as you consider the connections and meaning for nursing practice and patient care.

Writing Suggestions

Colleagues, just a reminder that there are guidelines for scholarly writing posted on the welcome page. Included is a short video and power points to guide you. When completing your weekly assignments, please follow the directions exactly.  After reading the assignment statement, ensure you have completed ALL the reading assignments.  The next step is to develop an outline of your response to the question.  If you are not familiar with using an outline, please review how to write an outline.  There are many examples on the World Wide Web.  One that I think is useful is at the following link:

What is an Outline?Links to an external site.

After the outline is complete, start writing your scholarly response to the assignment.  You will need to use academic references beyond your textbook for your paper.  It is STRONGLY suggested that you use a heading in your paper, using the assignment questions to facilitate the headings.  Using the heading assists the reader in following your response to the assignment requirements. Review the grading rubric for expectations to ensure your response addresses each element.  The rubric is the template for evaluation.

Keep in mind that every statement needs a reference to back it up. The reference must be indicated using the appropriate APA format. Remember, when stating an opinion or terms that suggest absolute facts, keep them by reference.

Primary sources are textbooks and other types of peer-reviewed journals. The information should be no older than five years, or at most ten years. Having current references is because healthcare information changes so quickly. Use primary sources. Peer-reviewed journals are a requirement for scholarly writing. Please avoid the use of quotes, as they are not considered appropriate for academic writing. Remember, if using a book, to include all APA information.  A secondary source cited in the paper is something like a textbook. If more assistance regarding APA format is needed, please see the resource section on the welcome page. Also, please take advantage of the library’s resources. If grammar is a challenge, please use Grammarly software to assist with reviewing the term paper.  Would you please select the general academic option?  For additional help, particularly for those for whom English is a second language, make an appointment in advance with the Walden Writing CenterLinks to an external site. for assistance, as necessary.

The course is not designed for the faculty member to read drafts and provide comments.  If I read drafts for one student, then each of you should have the same opportunity.  With many students and limited time, I cannot offer this additional assistance. It is suggested that you read your paper aloud, ask a peer to read your commentary, and do a line-by-line review of the document to ensure you have answered each question in the assignment.

As mentioned, all assignments are graded using the rubric. There will be comments embedded in your paper. In addition, there may be video or audio feedback regarding your essay.  If at any time you have questions about understanding the issues in the assignment, how your grade was determined, and so forth, please get in touch with me.  I am not employed 24/7 so please plan so questions can be addressed Monday through Friday.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The focus of this course is to integrate and extend the Doctor of Nursing Practice student’s skills and knowledge of research methods to read, interpret and evaluate research studies. Essential topics will include overview of research concepts and the research process; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research methods and designs, including data collection, data analysis and interpretation techniques; ethical issues in research; and utilizing research findings to guide practice. Basic statistics will be reviewed, including the appropriate use of various statistics, underlying assumptions of the procedures, and the interpretation of results generated from statistical software. An analysis of how research designs and methods support the research process for the translation of evidence into clinical practice will also be examined.

Course Summary: