Examining the Evidence Assignment

Examining the Evidence Assignment

The paper should be carefully written in a formal style, based on primary sources, provide an integration of ideas, and be approximately 6 pages in length, excluding title page, and reference list. Organized flow, logical progression of ideas, and clarity in thought are essential. Only include evidence related to this assignment and not all of the evidence you have rated since doctoral school.

Some of you may continue the issue you began in NU 608. If you want to change issues/problems/topics, and that is fine. We do recommend that you choose a topic for NU 611 and stay with it throughout this particular course. Choice of an issue does not mean that you are approved for this topic for your project. Remember to choose an issue that is appropriate for your educational track. For example, if you are in the Adult Acute Care NP track, choose a topic that is in the adult acute care population. If you have questions about the appropriateness of your topic, discuss with your instructor.

Step 1: Identify a local practice problem. Consider using the same problem that you identified in Assignment 2. You already have 10 articles addressing that problem.

Step 2: Identify the 3 best interventions to address your practice problem and select the best one to implement locally.

Step 3: Think about a theoretical framework for moving your intervention into practice.

Step 4: Complete the written assignment address all of the criteria outlined in the rubric.

Remember you MUST have headings corresponding to rubric points except for “introduction”. The title serves as the “introduction” heading in APA. See the rubric for details.

Check Tips on How to Do Your DNP Project Assignments. 

Examining the Evidence Assignment

Tips for Success

Here are some helpful hints regarding Examining the Evidence.

1. The introduction section of your paper should begin with a general statement that identifies a practice issue. The last sentence in the introduction paragraph (one paragraph) will be your thesis statement which tells the reader the purpose of the paper and what will be discussed. Don’t pose your thesis statement as a question. It should clearly state that the purpose of the paper is to… Remember that APA does not use the heading “introduction.” Therefore, simply put the title as the first heading.
2. As part of the background, describe the significance of the problem and the system in which the problem is occurring. Why did you choose this issue? Is there a problem on your unit/in your system that really needs your focus? Has some problem resulted in negative patient outcomes? What has been done locally to address the problem? How does this problem relate to the IOM quality care aims? Be clear and succinct.
3. State the purpose of the project. The purpose of the project is not to review literature or explore the research. It involves implementing a strategy to address the problem that you identified earlier in the paper. Next, state why is it important to advanced nursing practice? Many things in health care are important but what influence does nursing practice have on the stated problem? Please note that the purpose of the project is different from the purpose of the paper in the introduction.

Examining the Evidence Assignment

1. Select a nurse theory and describe how the underlying concepts are guiding the interventions outlined in your project idea. For example, is it a health promotion intervention? Nola Pender’s model may be a good fit. Is it a systems change? Betty Neuman’s systems theory or Kirk Lewin’s model of change may be a good fit. Include a figure of the theory as an appendix.
2. Identify the best 3 strategies (also called best practices or interventions) recommended to address the clinical issue. You can refer to clinical practice guidelines, research studies, systematic review – whatever the best rated evidence you have. Choose the 3 interventions that are best supported; identify and discuss those and the supporting evidence. Tell the reader what level of evidence supports the strategies. What is the level/quality of the evidence using the Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP model? NOTE: If you are adopting a bundle or guideline, you still need to pull out 3 strategies from that guideline and discuss the evidence supporting the practice.
3. With all of the new technology we are using in and around healthcare, choose something either on the patient or the administration side that could help improve outcomes surrounding your topic, examples include apps, computer charting protocols, telehealth, mobile health, text messaging, artificial intelligence, etc.
4. A successful project will require a number of people to participate in bringing it to fruition. Describe the interprofessional team that will address your problem. What role will each member play? What is the role for a DNP prepared nurse?
5. The conclusion paragraph is just a restatement of the main points of the paper. This section should be short and sweet and to the point. Do remember though that paragraphs are at least 3 sentences. Make your point in a succinct, but substantive way and move along. Be sure to state how this project will guide future research/EBP.