A large US Midwestern healthcare system is making the transition from research utilization (RU) to evidence-based practice (EBP) within a shared governance framework. Staff nurses are actively involved in the RU process through educational programs, participation in RU projects and approving practice changes. Typically, practice ideas or questions are generated from staff nurses, through various nursing shared governance councils, or as the result of new guidelines or research findings. A nurse researcher facilitated the RU process and provided research and scholarly support. 

With the creation of a position for a doctorally-prepared Nursing Practice Specialist and more integrative reviews being done for practice recommendations, the change to EBP is needed. Support for EBP is achieved with the Nursing Practice Specialist who is part of the Center for Nursing Research & Practice (CNRP).  The CNRP is composed of two doctorally-prepared nurses, a MSN-prepared nurse research associate, a BSN-prepared performance improvement coordinator, and support staff.  The CNRP Manager/Nursing Practice Specialist operates in both administrative and practice circles with strong links to the Chief Nurse Executive and the Nursing Practice Council, which is the staff nurse shared governance group for practice.  The CNRP is strongly supported by the Chief Nurse Executive who is integral to practice success by providing monies to support continuing education, paying staff nurses' time to assist with data collection, and funding for internal research studies. Another position to support EBP also was created: Nursing Education Specialist. This MSN-prepared nurse provides a variety of teaching methods and facilitates on-line programs and evaluation.  The CNRP is in the process of evaluating all EBP models and making a recommendation for a model to the Nursing Practice Council and Chief Nurse Executive; all parties will give approval. EBP is successful when integrated with nursing shared governance, nursing administration and a hospital-sponsored nursing research center.