Evidence Based Practice Attributes Across Nursing Roles in A Children's Hospital.

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) attributes are associated with improved patient care outcomes. There is a paucity of knowledge on pediatric nurses' attributes based on their clinical sub-specialties.

Aim: To investigate the relationships between pediatric nurses' EBP attributes and background variables, including their academic degree, years of experience, and clinical specialty.

Methods: A convenience sample of 185 nurses participated in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. The electronic surveys included 11 background questions and the short-versions of the EBP Beliefs Scale, Organizational Culture and Readiness Scale, and EBP Implementation Scale.

Results: EBP belief scores were notably higher in pediatric nurses in neonatology, critical care, and among nurse leaders. No statistically significant difference was found in EBP organizational culture among nurse leaders, clinical nurses, and advanced practice nurses. EBP implementation was favorable in neonatology, acute care, and nurse leaders. No significant results were found in EBP attribute scores related to nurses' age, academic nursing degree, or years of experience.

Linking evidence to action: This study confirmed findings from prior studies acknowledging the impact nurse leaders have on creating and sustaining a favorable EBP culture and implementation science. Organizational attributes such as Magnet status, a shared governance structure, support for specialty certification, and EBP mentorship also reinforce nursing EBP attributes. Further research should investigate unit-level strategies and measure the impact on pediatric patient care outcomes.