Walden University Nursing Assignment

Course Context

Walden University nursing programs emphasize evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, scholarly writing, and ethical decision-making across RN–BSN and MSN pathways. Core courses such as NURS 6052 (Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice), NURS 6003 (Foundations of Graduate Study), and NURS 6501 (Advanced Pathophysiology) require students to analyze peer-reviewed research and translate evidence into nursing practice.

Assessment Title

Evidence-Based Practice Change Proposal for Clinical Improvement

Assessment Overview

This assessment requires the development of a concise evidence-based practice (EBP) change proposal addressing a current clinical or organizational nursing problem. The task mirrors common Walden University nursing assessments used between 2022 and 2025 and aligns with expected 2026 academic standards for RN–BSN and MSN learners.

Assessment Type

• Written scholarly paper
• Assessment 2 or 3 (mid-program)
• Evidence-based practice application

Length and Formatting Requirements

• 1,050–1,400 words (4–6 pages, excluding title and reference pages)
• APA 7th edition formatting
• Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font
• Scholarly tone with third-person academic voice

Assessment Instructions

Prepare a structured EBP change proposal that demonstrates the ability to integrate research evidence into professional nursing practice.

Required Sections

1. Identification of the Clinical Problem

   Clearly describe a relevant nursing or healthcare practice issue observed in a clinical, community, or organizational setting. Explain why the problem warrants change and its implications for patient outcomes, safety, or quality of care.

2. Evidence-Based Practice Question

   Formulate a focused PICOT question that guides the proposed practice change. Ensure each PICOT element is explicitly defined.

3. Review of Scholarly Evidence

   Synthesize findings from at least five peer-reviewed nursing or healthcare research articles published within the last seven years. Emphasize relevance, methodological rigor, and applicability to the identified problem.

4. Proposed Practice Change

   Describe the recommended intervention or practice change supported by the evidence. Explain how the change improves outcomes compared to current practice.

5. Implementation Considerations

   Discuss key factors affecting implementation, including stakeholder involvement, resource needs, potential barriers, and ethical considerations.

6. Evaluation of Outcomes

   Identify measurable outcomes and evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of the proposed change.

Grading Criteria

• Problem identification and relevance to nursing practice (20%)
• Quality and synthesis of scholarly evidence (25%)
• Clarity and feasibility of proposed practice change (20%)
• Application of EBP principles and critical thinking (20%)
• APA formatting, organization, and academic writing quality (15%)

Medication administration errors remain a persistent patient safety concern in acute care settings, contributing to preventable harm and increased healthcare costs. Current evidence indicates that nurse-led barcode medication administration protocols significantly reduce error rates when consistently implemented. Integrating this intervention into unit-level practice supports safer medication delivery and aligns with national patient safety goals.

Peer-Reviewed References

• Melnyk, B.M. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019) Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare: A guide to best practice. 4th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. Available at: https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1050355671
• Sulosaari, V., Kajander-Unkuri, S., Leino-Kilpi, H. & Saarikoski, M. (2022) ‘Nurses’ competence in evidence-based practice’, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78(2), pp. 382–394. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14973
• White, K.M., Dudley-Brown, S. & Terhaar, M.F. (2021) Translation of evidence into nursing and healthcare practice. 3rd edn. New York: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7279-6
• Skela-Savič, B., Hvalič-Touzery, S. & Pesjak, K. (2020) ‘Professional values and competencies for evidence-based practice’, Nurse Education Today, 86, 104322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2019.104322