Prior research has focused on understanding how students perceive and define the concept of evidence-based practice; little is known however, about student perceptions and opportunities for the integration of evidence-based practice into student clinical experiences. The purpose of this project is to build on prior research by surveying nursing students’ abilities to integrate research into student clinical experiences. The research question for this project is: “What are nursing student perceptions of the integration of evidence-based practice into clinical experiences?”

Methodology: Data for this descriptive study is obtained by non-random sampling methods. Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate nursing students studying in the San Francisco Bay Area will be surveyed from January, 2007 through May, 2007. A 4-6 item evidence-based practice survey questionnaire and demographic questionnaire used by the researcher (2004-2006) will be employed for data collection. Content analysis will be used to analyze the evidence-based practice survey qualitative data; descriptive statistics will be used to quantitatively analyze demographic data.

Results: Data collection for this study will be completed by May, 2007 and results will be available in early June, 2007.

Summary and Implications: Evidence-based practice is learned by many clinicians in formal academic programs, especially graduate programs. While information about student definitions and perceptions of evidence-based practice is available, little information is available about how students perceive evidence-based practice is implemented in their student clinical experiences. This information has the potential to enhance understanding of this critical practice area.