Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an evidence-based practice (EBP) learning module within a nursing residency program (NRP).
BACKGROUND: Utilization of EBP has been shown to improve patient outcomes; however, new-graduate nurses lack the practice application ability, attitudes, knowledge, and skills to incorporate EBP into their personal practice.
METHODS: New-graduate nurses in a hospital NRP participated in this nonexperimental, descriptive, correlational, study. The Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire was utilized in a prestudy-poststudy format to collect data for analysis.
RESULTS: Statistically significant changes occurred throughout the EBP module in regard to new-graduate nurse practice and knowledge of EBP.
CONCLUSION: Enabling novice nurses to foster a spirit of inquiry through EBP literacy is essential to patient outcomes; nonetheless, new-graduate nurse readiness must be further assessed in order to determine appropriate timing of EBP education within NRPs in an effort to improve the application of evidence at the bedside.