Grand Canyon University (GCU) College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Course Code and Title

NRS-433V: Introduction to Nursing Research

Assessment Title

Assessment 2: Evidence-Based Practice Change Proposal Brief

Assessment Type and Weighting

Written academic paper. Individual submission. Weighting determined by course syllabus.

Length and Format Requirements

• 1,050–1,400 words, excluding title page and references
• APA 7th edition formatting
• Scholarly tone and third-person academic voice
• Minimum of five peer-reviewed academic sources

Assessment Purpose

This assessment evaluates the student’s ability to apply nursing research principles to a practical clinical problem. Emphasis is placed on locating, appraising, and synthesising current evidence to justify a feasible evidence-based practice change within a healthcare setting aligned with professional nursing standards.

Assessment Instructions

Select a clearly defined clinical or professional nursing practice issue relevant to acute care, community health, leadership, or patient safety. The issue must be supported by current literature and aligned with nursing scope of practice.

Required Paper Sections

I. Introduction and Problem Identification

1. Describe the clinical practice issue and its relevance to nursing practice.
2. Identify the healthcare setting where the issue occurs.
3. Explain the significance of the issue for patient outcomes, quality of care, or safety.

II. Review of Evidence

1. Summarise current peer-reviewed research related to the selected issue.
2. Critically appraise the strength and relevance of the evidence.
3. Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or limitations in the existing literature.

III. Proposed Evidence-Based Practice Change

1. Describe the proposed practice change informed by the literature.
2. Explain how the change aligns with nursing standards, ethical principles, and organisational priorities.
3. Discuss feasibility, including required resources and stakeholder involvement.

IV. Implementation Considerations

1. Identify potential barriers to implementation.
2. Discuss strategies to address resistance and promote adoption.
3. Explain how outcomes would be measured and evaluated.

V. Conclusion

1. Summarise the importance of evidence-based decision-making in nursing.
2. Reinforce the expected impact of the proposed change on practice.

Grading Rubric and Marking Criteria

Content and Critical Thinking

• Clear identification of a relevant nursing practice issue
• Depth and accuracy of evidence appraisal
• Logical integration of research findings

Application to Practice

• Feasibility and clarity of the proposed practice change
• Alignment with professional nursing standards
• Practical consideration of implementation challenges

Organisation and Academic Writing

• Logical structure and coherent flow of ideas
• Clarity, precision, and academic tone
• Correct grammar, syntax, and scholarly language

Use of Sources and Referencing

• Use of current, peer-reviewed scholarly sources
• Accurate APA 7th edition citations and references

Patient falls remain a persistent safety concern in acute care environments and contribute to extended hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. Recent evidence demonstrates that structured hourly rounding significantly reduces fall incidence while improving patient satisfaction and staff accountability. Implementing a standardised rounding protocol supported by leadership engagement offers a practical strategy for strengthening patient safety outcomes.

Peer-Reviewed References

• Melnyk, B.M. and Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019) Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare: A guide to best practice. 4th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?id=Y8d_DwAAQBAJ
• Stevens, K.R. (2023) ‘The impact of evidence-based practice in nursing’, Journal of Nursing Administration, 53(2), pp. 67–73. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000001247
• White, K.M., Dudley-Brown, S. and Terhaar, M.F. (2021) Translation of evidence into nursing and healthcare practice. 3rd edn. New York: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0820-4876-8
• LoBiondo-Wood, G. and Haber, J. (2022) Nursing research: Methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice. 10th edn. St. Louis: Elsevier. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/books/nursing-research