Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses

implement good communication skills, they can be innovators, thus enhancing

quality patient care for the facility. It is imperative that innovators continue to

learn and assimilate ongoing changes about new evidence into their practice.

Normally, practice is incorporated into education programs and initiatives

by “what practitioners do (and choose not to do) but also what they are and

the knowledge and thought that underpin their actions” (Coles, 2002, p. 8).

In today’s ever-changing world, knowledge is not always adequate; one must

incorporate knowledge gained into one’s practice.

FYI

Nurses have a duty to give back to the profes-

sion. All nurses have a responsibility to assist

novice nurses. EBP is more likely to thrive in

environments where nurses feel supported

and are provided with resources necessary to

develop both personally and professionally.

17.4 Keeping It Ethical

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

‹ List three behaviors important to maintaining professional integrity over the course of

your career

It may not be evident to you at this point in your career, but nursing profes-

sionals have an obligation to develop self-awareness. In your nursing program,

you are being socialized to become a lifelong learner. Developing yourself is

necessary if you are to remain current about practice issues and new technolo-

gies. A sense of self-awareness can bring a level of maturity that is necessary

for ethical decision making.

Professional nurses need to promote themselves and the profession by

making others aware of their accomplishments. There are many ways to

achieve this. For example, when you earn a certification,

be certain that your accomplishment is recognized by

your organization. Make yourself available to promote

nursing as a career through interactions with youth.

Writing an editorial on a health topic that interests you

or that you are passionate about is another way to make

nursing more visible. The Code of Ethics for Nurses with

Interpretive Statements (American Nurses Association

What is your professional ethical duty, according to the Code of Ethics for Nurses (ANA, 2001),

when you see any unsafe practice or see another nurse “fudging” patient assessment data?

CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 17-3

464 CHAPTER 17 Developing Oneself as an Innovator