Nursing Clinical Decision Discussion

Course Context

Nursing courses at Walden University emphasize scholarly discussion, professional reflection, and the practical application of research to clinical decision-making. Courses such as NURS 6052 Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice, NURS 6003 Foundations of Graduate Study, and RN–BSN professional practice courses require structured discussion posts that demonstrate engagement with evidence, peer learning, and reflective practice.

Discussion Title

Applying Evidence-Based Practice to a Clinical Decision

Assignment Overview

The discussion board activity focuses on applying evidence-based practice principles to a real or realistic clinical decision encountered in nursing practice. The task reflects discussion formats used in Walden nursing courses from 2022 through 2025 and aligns with expected expectations for 2026.

Assignment Type

• Discussion board post with peer responses
• Weekly discussion, mid-course module
• Individual submission with peer interaction

Posting Requirements

• Initial discussion post: 300 to 400 words
• Peer responses: two responses of 150 to 200 words each
• APA 7th edition citations and references
• Scholarly tone supported by peer-reviewed sources

Discussion Instructions

Initial Post

Select a clinical decision related to patient care, safety, quality improvement, or professional nursing practice. Describe the situation clearly and explain why the decision required careful judgment.

Explain how evidence-based practice informed or could have informed the decision. Include a brief discussion of relevant research findings, clinical guidelines, or systematic reviews that support the chosen approach.

Reflect on the role of nursing judgment, patient preferences, and organizational factors in the decision-making process. Discussion should show awareness of how evidence, experience, and context interact in professional practice.

Peer Responses

Respond to at least two classmates by extending the discussion. Feedback should compare approaches, raise thoughtful questions, or connect additional evidence to the original post.

Responses should move beyond agreement and contribute meaningfully to scholarly dialogue.

Grading Rubric

• Clinical relevance and clarity of scenario (25%)Clinical situation is clearly explained and relevant to nursing practice.
• Application of evidence-based practice (30%)Use of current peer-reviewed evidence supports the discussion and reflects accurate interpretation.
• Critical reflection and professional insight (25%)Reflection demonstrates thoughtful consideration of nursing judgment, patient needs, and practice context.
• Scholarly writing and APA style (20%)Writing is clear, organized, and supported by correct APA formatting.

Sample Discussion

Pressure injury prevention remains a priority in acute care nursing due to its impact on patient outcomes and length of stay. Evidence supports routine risk assessment using validated tools combined with nurse-led repositioning schedules. Clinical decisions grounded in this evidence promote consistency in care and reduce preventable harm.

 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
• 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
• Sulosaari, V., Kajander-Unkuri, S. & Leino-Kilpi, H. (2020) ‘How nurses apply evidence-based practice’, Nurse Education Today, 85, 104272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2019.104272
• Alatawi, M., Carter, R. & Farooq, M. (2022) ‘Clinical decision-making and evidence use in nursing practice’, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 31(15–16), pp. 2176–2186. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16055