Evidence Based Practice Psychiatric Nursing Observation

Evidence-based practice is important in nursing owing to the fact that it makes it possible to provide the best effective care available. According to Willis and McEwen (2014), evidence-based practice involves the utilization of current research while making decisions regarding care so as to improve patient safety and health. In addition, evidence-based practice reduces variations in nursing while reducing costs and burnout in healthcare. In nursing, application of evidence-based practice involves the use of the best preferences and applying the best nursing expertise (Willis and McEwen, 2014). In my practice, which happens to be psychiatric nursing, use of evidence-based practices has led to improved patients outcomes. For instance, use of evidence-based practice has made the achievement of superior outcomes in the mental health realm possible. It is important to note that depression is a major problem in psychiatry as psychiatrists try to come up with ways of managing the same among patients. For this reason, evidence-based management practices happens to be critical on this front. Essentially, use of evidence-based practice such as cognitive behavioral therapy in disorders including depression has resulted in better patient outcomes (Bhui et al, 2012). The said therapy helps in stress management through cognitive restructuring whereby affected individuals are taught how to challenge detrimental thoughts (Bhui et al., 2012).

In psychiatric nursing, application of evidence-based practice helps nurses make sound decisions, evaluate data presented, and examine the patterns of practice. With evidence-based practice, a psychiatric nurse’s expertise is improved through the best research evidence available (Stuart, 2001). Evidence-based research findings that are well-established reduce bias in mental health given that the said research tends to have facts that are replicable and verifiable (Stuart, 2001). There are various conditions that support evidence-based practice in psychiatry. The said factors range from organizational to individual factors. For instance, a nurse with an advanced level of education such as DNP is more likely to engage in evidence-based practice (Kueny et al., 2013). The authors further suggest that individual or organizational beliefs play an important role in EBP practice. Healthcare professionals who believe that EBP has more value tend to be more involved in the same. In addition, evidence-based practice requires access to resources and time. Therefore, an organization keen on allocation of the relevant resources and time to practice EBP will practice EBP. Further, confidence in EBP practice and supportive leadership from organization is associated with EBP practice (Kueny et al, 2015).

On the other hand, use of evidence-based practices in psychiatry involves some challenges that need to be addressed. For instance, it is often difficult for nurses in psychiatry to practically apply research in their practice. This is more so the case given that interpreting research findings into clinically operable findings happens to be a complex process (Stuart, 2001). Junior nurses with few years of experience or lower qualifications tend to have difficulties accessing EBP resources, organizational protocols, and guidelines regarding EBP (Stuart, 2001). Although evidence-based practice is important in psychiatry, it may not be the only consideration while making clinical decisions.

As a DNP-prepared nurse, I intend to be an advocate for the application of evidence-based practice in psychiatry. To start with, I would recommend models that enhance the implementation of evidence-based practice. For instance I would use magnetic models to advocate for change initiatives among other nurses in my organization. According to Kueny et al. (2015), application of such models are important given that they involve sharing responsibilities during implementation of EBP. Moreover, I intend to be an advocate of a culture that will support the implementation of EBP in my organization.