In an effort to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practical realities of nursing, the undergraduate Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) course recently hosted a panel of AUCON alumni (who now work in diverse healthcare settings) to share firsthand experiences with current students that illuminated the profound impact of EBP on their daily practices. Dr. Rachel Helms and Mrs. Whitnie Willis created and facilitated the panel.
The panel offered valuable insights into how EBP is integrated into everyday nursing practice. Their candid reflections underscored the importance of EBP and its role in shaping their professional journeys, even if they didn’t fully appreciate it during their time as students.
During the panel, alumni openly discussed their initial skepticism about the EBP course, noting how they struggled to see its immediate relevance while they were students. One panelist candidly admitted, “I didn’t enjoy the EBP class and, frankly, thought it was a waste of time. But once I started working as a registered nurse, I realized how much of my day-to-day work is influenced by EBP.” This perspective was a common thread among the panelists, highlighting a transition from viewing EBP as a theoretical exercise to understanding it as an integral part of professional nursing.
The discussion highlighted the transformation in perception that often occurs when students enter the workforce. Alumni shared that EBP is not merely an academic requirement but a vital aspect of nursing that influences patient care and outcomes. They explained how EBP guides their decision-making processes, supports continuous improvement in patient care, and empowers them to advocate for best practices within their teams. “The expectation is that every nurse contributes to EBP, whether through small changes in practice or larger projects that can transform patient care,” one panelist explained, emphasizing the pervasive nature of EBP in their roles.
For current students, the panel offered invaluable insights into how EBP principles are applied in real-world settings. The alumni’s stories illustrated that EBP is a dynamic and essential tool for enhancing patient care, which provides a clearer and more concrete understanding of its importance. The direct connection between EBP principles learned in the classroom and their application in clinical practice was a powerful realization for many students.
The event not only clarified the significance of EBP but also inspired students to view it as a crucial component of their professional resources. By sharing their experiences, the alumni helped demystify EBP and motivated students to embrace it with a renewed perspective.
The success of this panel suggests that it could become a valuable and recurring part of the EBP course, reinforcing the relevance of EBP in nursing, and motivating students to engage with it as an essential aspect of their future careers.
