Description/Overview: Evidence-based practice as the standard of professional nursing is reflected in STTI’s policy statement (2008); “…the responsibility of nurses to deliver care based on evidence, for nurses to be able to access, evaluate, integrate, and use the best available evidence in order to improve practice and patient outcomes”. Because nursing leaders shape the context and culture for nurses’ work environments, they are a significant force in the success of EBP. They are integral to creation of organizational cultures and supportive, resourced environments where EBP is possible. These environments support; practice based on clinical inquiry, answering questions and making practice decisions utilizing best available evidence, and implementing and sustaining evidence-based practice changes. There is limited research or literature about whether nurse leaders measurably or effectively implement EBP in their own practices or influence it in their healthcare organizations. This symposium will present findings from recent and ongoing research addressing the roles and responsibilities of nurse leaders in influencing the shift to EBP. Attendees will reflect on their EBP knowledge and behaviors and gain understanding of the unique influence leaders have on EBP attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of staff nurses. In session one, the current state of EBP amongst nurses will be presented. Findings from recent research studies will be presented. EBP barriers, both old and new will be discussed. Particular attention will be directed to the implications of recent research findings for nurse leaders. The second session will focus on the study findings of about the influence of nurse leaders on EBP beliefs and practices of registered staff nurses. The findings provide information to guide nurse leader in leveraging their influence to support an EBP culture. The final session will describe an innovative re-design of the CNS workforce at a large academic medical center to build an effective, sustainable EBP infrastructure.

Learner Objective #1: The Learner will be able to identify strategies for nurse leaders to implement to create and sustain an EBP culture.

Learner Objective #2: The Learner will be able to describe the relationships between nurse leaders and staff nurses’ evidence-based practice beliefs and evidence-based practice activities.