Creating an Environment Where EBP Is Reality: Engagement and Critical Contributions of the Nurse Executive

Purpose:

There are critical components of an organizational culture that must be embraced and imbedded in order for EBP to become a reality. These components must be actualized throughout an organization; however a commitment from the executive level is absolutely essential for success. The critical components include: a philosophy, mission and commitment to EBP; an environment where the spirit of inquiry is encouraged, acknowledged, and rewarded; a cadre of EBP mentors who have in depth knowledge and skills in EBP, mentoring others, and overcoming barriers to individual and organizational change; administrative role modeling of EBP and provision of the needed resources to sustain EBP; infrastructure (tools, space, time and resources) to promote and enhance EBP across the organization; and meaningful, timely recognition of  individuals and units for EBP work.

Methods:

The commitment and work of the nurse executive in a large, complex healthcare organization to create an environment that effectively integrated EBP Mentors and the EBP process to guide problem solving and practice change decision making will be presented.

Results:

Challenges faced, solutions enacted, and unexpected champions discovered will be discussed.  Critical aspects related to setting the strategic vision as well as innovating within the operational context of a complex nursing enterprise will be highlighted.

Conclusion:

The rewards and return on investment of integrating  evidence-based, best practice solutions experienced by individuals, teams, patients and the organization overall will be shared.