What do you do if you're a nurse trying to keep up with the latest research and evidence-based practices?

1 Identify your learning goals

The first step to keeping up with the latest research and evidence-based practices is to identify your learning goals. What are the areas of nursing that interest you the most, or that you need to improve on? What are the knowledge gaps or challenges that you face in your practice? By setting clear and specific learning goals, you can focus your attention and efforts on the most relevant and useful sources of information.

2 Use credible and reliable sources

The second step to keeping up with the latest research and evidence-based practices is to use credible and reliable sources. There are many websites, journals, books, podcasts, and videos that claim to offer the latest and best information on nursing, but not all of them are trustworthy or accurate. To avoid wasting your time and money, look for sources that are peer-reviewed, evidence-based, up-to-date, and endorsed by reputable organizations or experts in the field.

3 Join professional networks and communities

The third step to keeping up with the latest research and evidence-based practices is to join professional networks and communities. These are groups of nurses who share their experiences, insights, questions, and resources on various topics and issues related to nursing. You can join online forums, social media groups, newsletters, blogs, or podcasts that cater to your interests and needs. You can also participate in local or national associations, conferences, workshops, or webinars that offer opportunities for learning and networking.

4 Apply what you learn to your practice

The fourth step to keeping up with the latest research and evidence-based practices is to apply what you learn to your practice. This means that you should not only consume information, but also reflect on how it relates to your practice, and how you can use it to improve your outcomes, skills, or processes. You can also share what you learn with your colleagues, patients, or supervisors, and seek feedback or suggestions on how to implement it effectively.

5 Evaluate your progress and adjust your plan

The fifth step to keeping up with the latest research and evidence-based practices is to evaluate your progress and adjust your plan. You should periodically review your learning goals and assess whether you are meeting them or not. You should also check whether the sources and strategies that you are using are helping you achieve your goals or not. If not, you should look for alternative or additional sources and strategies that can better suit your needs and preferences.

6 Celebrate your achievements and keep learning

The sixth and final step to keeping up with the latest research and evidence-based practices is to celebrate your achievements and keep learning. You should acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and results that you have made in your learning journey. You should also recognize that learning is a continuous and lifelong process, and that there is always more to discover and improve in nursing. You should keep your curiosity and passion alive, and seek new ways to enhance your knowledge and practice.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?