Learning Objective #1: Identify the steps of the evidence-based practice model utilized in a clinical practicum

Learning Objective #2: Describe a clinical project to assist students and practicing nurses to become involved in evidence-based practice

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Because evidence-based practice should be guiding what nurses do as direct care providers, an educational strategy was developed to help Nursing students become comfortable with and attuned to evidence-based practice. A clinical project will be described that focused on uncovering the most current, best way to utilize the continuous passive motion machine (CPM), physical therapy, and early ambulation for patients who underwent total knee replacement. This project will be used to explain how the steps of an evidence-based practice model can be successfully utilized to provide the best information to support and drive change in health care practices. An unanticipated outcome arose from the students' interaction with nursing staff and administrators throughout the entire process. This dialogue created a desire by many other nurses to offer other researchable questions about practice problems and seek assistance to find the answers. Subsequently, the hospital created an initiative to begin a program to facilitate the nursing staff's continued involvement in evidence-based practice.