Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses

1. Which of the following are characteristics of an innovator? (Select all that apply.)
   a. Sense of curiosity
   b. Cynical nature
   c. Inflexible
   d. Self-aware
   True/False


2. Innovators are critical thinkers.


3. Change keeps nursing practice up to date.


4. All change is positive.


5. The culture of the social system can inhibit change.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE 17-1

How did you do? 1. a, d; 2. T; 3. T; 4. F; 5. T

17.2 Developing Oneself

At the end of this section, you will be able to:

‹ Establish two goals to develop oneself in a new job

‹ Explain how to implement at least one characteristic for a team leader as applied to

one’s job

Self-development benefits you as well as your employer and your patients. Each

time you gain new knowledge, whether from reading or a formal class, your

patients will benefit by receiving the latest information. Because this increases

the quality of care, your institution benefits, too. Therefore, it is imperative

that nursing professionals commit to long-term growth and development

(Watson, 2005).

Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning simply means to continue adding skills and knowledge about

the profession as it continues to evolve. Students learn how to do basic nursing

in their undergraduate program, but it is imperative to continue to evolve as a

professional nurse. Florence Nightingale recognized this when she stated her

reason for writing Notes on Nursing (1859/1969): “I do not pretend to teach

her [sic] how, I ask her to teach herself, and for this purpose I venture to give

her some hints” (p. 4). Continued learning is up to each person.

KEY TERM

lifelong learning:

Adding skills and

knowledge about

the profession as it

continues to evolve

454 CHAPTER 17 Developing Oneself as an Innovator