Nursing professionals have more than one option to advance their nursing careers at Lamar University. While a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is becoming the new “normal” for registered nurses (RNs), a path to earn an advanced degree — such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — is becoming increasingly important. Students can choose from either the online RN to BSN program or the online RN to MSN program at Lamar University, allowing them to build their career how they see fit.
Nursing professionals should know the similarities and differences between the two degrees. A BSN degree gives nurses the educational foundation and credentials to pursue RN licensure. An MSN is a master’s degree that helps nurses apply for an advanced practitioner RN license, pursue leadership and research positions, and seek other career advancements. Both programs help nurses expand their career and develop skills in evidence-based practice (EBP) — a core foundation for improving patient outcomes.
EBP is critical for patient care and population health and essential for building nurse resilience, but practice guidelines also help nurses stay updated with research, information, healthcare trends and changes. Another goal is to reduce burnout and improve the clinical experiences of nurses using EBP intervention to enhance resilience.
What Are the Three Components of EBP?
EBP is a problem-solving approach in healthcare that integrates a three-pronged system leveraging current evidence, clinical expertise and patient values and preferences:
- Best research evidence. The best available research comes from leading peer-reviewed journals and clinically relevant publications. In addition, since healthcare is constantly changing, nurses can explore unpublished abstract posters, podium presentations or best practice information. For example, ginger is often an effective intervention for nausea. However, no extensive, well-designed, randomized control studies or meta-analyses exist. BSN and MSN degrees help nurses learn effective strategies for finding, evaluating and disseminating research.
- Clinical expertise. Clinical expertise refers to education, experience and skills. Clinical nursing experience and academic education help nurses make informed patient-care decisions. Furthering nursing education, starting with a BSN degree, can prepare professionals to better evaluate guidelines and critically appraise recommendations.
- Patient input. EBP aims to individualize patient care by incorporating their personal preferences and values. Nurses must assess patient perceptions, barriers and overall expectations. Exploring cultural or ethnic considerations, health literacy levels and gender inclusivity encourages personalized care — another critical component of effective nursing.
What Are Examples of EBP?
There are numerous examples of EBP to improve population health, patient outcomes and nurse resilience to prevent burnout. For example, mindfulness-based interventions can enhance the psychological well-being of nurses and patients. These two examples demonstrate the power of nursing interventions in improving patient outcomes:
Population Health
One article in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (JAANP) explains how EBP increased influenza (flu) vaccinations by 597%. Nurse practitioners were concerned about the low flu vaccination rates at a southeast Florida clinic for uninsured patients. Even though the vaccine was free, vaccination rates remained low.
Through the EBP process, they searched the literature, assessed barriers and patient concerns, and explored workflow patterns and communication efforts. For example, common reasons for patients’ refusal of the vaccine were fear of side effects or contracting the virus. Then, they bundled their interventions to include mass communication, leadership, improved workflow and improved access.
Inpatient Care
A recent study focused on the effect and safety of gum-chewing in an effort to prevent postoperative ileus (POI) — an abdominal surgery for cancer patients — after gynecological cancer surgery. Researchers used controlled trials and an EBP approach to measure how gum-chewing lessened patient pain and complications. The study found that gum-chewing aids in early recovery of gastrointestinal function after gynecological cancer surgery and may be a low-risk intervention for POI.
Choosing Between a BSN and MSN Degree
EBP empowers nurses to be change agents to transform healthcare. By using evidence-based or clinical practice guidelines and understanding different levels of evidence, nurses can ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
A clear path for nurses to advance their education — either through an RN to BSN program or an RN to MSN program — helps nurses fast-track their careers and meet the changing face of healthcare. Lamar University allows nursing professionals to find the right program for their career goals and gain foundational skills in EBP for holistic patient success in nearly every specialty.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online RN to BSN program and online RN to MSN program.
