NR 439 Week 1 Discussion

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-439: RN Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Week 1 Discussion Posts

Week 1 Discussion: Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice (graded – 50 points)

Assigned Readings

Chapter 1: The Importance of Research as Evidence in Nursing
Chapter 3: Ethical and Legal Considerations in Research

Purpose

The objectives of this week’s graded discussion align with the following course outcomes (COs):

Course Outcomes (COs)	Program Outcomes (POs)
CO 3: Identify ethical issues common to research involving human subjects.	PO 6
CO 5: Recognize the role of research findings in evidence-based practice.	PO 7 & 8

Discussion

This week’s focus is on understanding the role of research in shaping nursing practice, particularly through the lens of evidence-based practice (EBP). To engage with the readings and lessons, the following questions are addressed:

1. Analyze the evolution of research since the era of Florence Nightingale.

Florence Nightingale is widely considered the founder of modern nursing research. During the Crimean War, she systematically collected and analyzed data on soldiers’ living conditions and health outcomes using statistical methods. This evidence highlighted the importance of sanitation, nutrition, and environmental conditions in patient recovery (Houser, 2018). Her work laid the foundation for incorporating scientific inquiry into nursing, which later contributed to the establishment of formal nursing education and the creation of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR, 2019).

Over time, nursing research has expanded beyond observational methods to include randomized controlled trials, qualitative research, and systematic reviews. These advancements have strengthened nursing’s evidence base, enabling healthcare providers to address diverse health issues across populations with more accuracy and reliability.

2. Differentiate between research and evidence-based practice (EBP), and discuss how research underpins EBP in nursing.

Research and EBP, while interconnected, serve distinct purposes in nursing.

Concept	Definition	Application in Nursing
Research	A structured, systematic process of inquiry aimed at generating reliable and unbiased evidence (Houser, 2018).	Produces new knowledge through experiments, surveys, or qualitative studies.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)	The integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values (Houser, 2018).	Applies existing research findings to guide decision-making in patient care.

Research acts as the foundation for EBP. Without high-quality studies, there would be limited evidence to apply in clinical practice. For example, clinical guidelines on infection prevention, medication safety, or pain management are all derived from years of rigorous research. EBP ensures these findings are translated into real-world healthcare settings, ultimately improving patient outcomes and healthcare quality.

3. Identify a historical unethical breach in research practices, and explain how you would ensure the protection of study participants using a specific ethical or legal research guideline.

One of the most disturbing examples of unethical research occurred in New York City, where more than 500 foster children were used in clinical trials for experimental AIDS drugs and vaccines between 1985 and 2005. Reports revealed that 80 children died, while others suffered severe side effects (Vera Institute of Justice, 2009). These trials were conducted without proper informed consent, as many of the children had no advocates to represent their best interests. The involvement of government agencies in permitting such studies in exchange for compensation highlights a profound breach of ethical responsibility.

To ensure the protection of vulnerable participants, several ethical principles must be applied. First, adherence to the Belmont Report principles—respect for persons, beneficence, and justice—is critical. Every participant, especially minors or those unable to consent, must have an independent advocate to safeguard their rights. Additionally, research should comply with legal regulations, such as the requirement that “no study should expose participants to significant risk of death or disability” (Chamberlain College of Nursing [CCON], 2020). If harm is observed, immediate termination of the study is necessary. These measures not only protect participants but also restore public trust in nursing research.

References

Chamberlain College of Nursing (CCON). (2020). NR-439 RN Evidence-Based Practice; Week 1: Introduction of Evidence-Based Practice [Online lesson]. Downers Grove, IL: DeVry Education Group.

Houser, J. (2018). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). (2019, December 19). National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-nursing-research-ninr

NR 439 Week 1 Discussion

Vera Institute of Justice. (2009). Final report: 80 NYC foster children died in AIDS drug trials. Alliance for Human Research Protection. https://ahrp.org/2009-commissioned-investigation-absolves-nyc-of-80-foster-children-deaths-in-aids-trials/