The Innovative Environment of the Engaged Nurse Scholar: Setting the Stage for a Nurse Scholar Program

Background: The purpose of this project was a culture assessment on nurses’ perception about evidence-based practice (EBP) prior to creating an EBP training program. EBP improves patient outcomes, job satisfaction and retention, and decrease healthcare costs. Methods: A descriptive study design was used. Nurses at a hospital and outpatient cancer center were sent a voluntary anonymous survey through work email. 630 nurses were invited to participate, and 245 completed the survey with a response rate of 38.9%. The survey consisted of 3 instruments developed by Melnyk, along with demographic information. Results: Most nurses surveyed answered “strongly agree” or “agree” to questions pertaining to EBP knowledge and implementation. “I believe that EBP results in the best clinical care for patients,” resulted in 93.9% answering “strongly agree” or “agree.” For questions referring to the organizational culture towards EBP, the results were less positive. Only 59.6% answered, “strongly agree” or “agree” to “My organization provides EBP mentors to assist clinicians in implementing EBP.” Discussion: Strengths and current EBP beliefs and practices can be identified through organizational assessment. This project will spur further discussion and knowledge growth of EBP practice, inspiring the nursing organization to examine current culture to create an innovative community. Conclusions: Along with areas of strength including a positive knowledge and use of EBP in the organization, barriers to implementation such as leadership support were identified. These factors will influence further development of mentors and education and the formulation and implementation of the fellowship program.