Walden University MSN Nursing Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change Proposal

Walden University nursing students often complete assignments focused on evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. This assessment brief outlines a common type of written assignment seen in courses like NURS 6052 Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice or similar MSN core courses. It requires developing a proposal for an evidence-based change in a clinical setting.

Assignment Overview

Course Context: MSN Core – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice (similar to NURS 6052 or related leadership/population health courses)

Assessment Task: Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper proposing an evidence-based practice change to address a specific clinical or organizational issue.

Due Date: End of relevant module/week (varies by course pacing).

Assignment Instructions

Select a healthcare issue or problem in your current or desired practice setting (e.g., reducing hospital readmissions, improving pain management, enhancing patient safety protocols, or addressing nurse burnout). Then, complete the following:

1. Describe the selected practice problem or issue, including its significance to nursing practice and patient outcomes. Provide background data or statistics to support the need for change.
2. Conduct a literature review of at least four peer-reviewed sources (published within the last 5 years) that provide evidence supporting a potential intervention or change.
3. Propose a specific evidence-based intervention or practice change. Explain how it addresses the problem and why it is feasible in your setting.
4. Discuss potential barriers to implementation and strategies to overcome them, including stakeholder involvement and resource needs.
5. Outline a plan for evaluating the outcomes of the proposed change (e.g., metrics, timeline, tools).
6. Reflect on how this change aligns with professional nursing standards, organizational goals, and Walden’s emphasis on positive social change.

Formatting and Submission Requirements

• Length: 1,050–1,400 words (excluding title page and references).
• APA 7th edition format, including title page, headings, and reference list.
• Use scholarly tone with clear, concise writing.
• Include at least 4–6 scholarly references.
• Submit via the course classroom by the due date.

Grading Rubric Criteria

• Description of problem/issue (20%): Clear, supported with evidence.
• Evidence synthesis (30%): Accurate review and application of sources.
• Proposed change and rationale (20%): Feasible, evidence-based.
• Implementation and evaluation plan (20%): Realistic, detailed.
• Writing quality, APA format, originality (10%).

This assignment helps develop skills in translating research into practice, a key competency for MSN-prepared nurses. Walden University MSN programs emphasize evidence-based approaches to improve population health and healthcare systems. Students searching for similar nursing assignments often find examples related to quality improvement projects in online resources from recent years.

Evidence-based practice remains central to advanced nursing roles in 2025–2026, supporting better patient care and policy advocacy in diverse settings.

 References

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023) Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. 5th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. Available at: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty/evidence-based-practice-in-nursing-healthcare (Accessed: 30 December 2025).

Dang, D., Dearholt, S. L., Bissett, K., Ascenzi, J., & Whalen, M. (2022) Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals: Model and guidelines. 4th edn. Indianapolis: Sigma Theta Tau International. doi:10.1002/9781119674412.

Stevens, K. R. (2019) ‘The impact of evidence-based practice in nursing and the next big ideas’, Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 24(2). doi:10.3912/OJIN.Vol24No02Man04.

Brownson, R. C., Fielding, J. E., & Green, L. W. (2021) ‘Building capacity for evidence-based public health: Reconciling the pulls of practice and the push of research’, Annual Review of Public Health, 42, pp. 27–43. doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-090419-102346.

Harvey, G., & Kitson, A. (2020) ‘Implementing evidence-based practice in healthcare: A facilitation guide’, International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, 18(1), pp. 1–10. doi:10.1097/XEB.0000000000000224.