NUR 4169 - Evidence-Based Research Utilization

College of Nursing

Credit(s): 4
Contact Hours: 45
Effective Term Fall 2024 (640)

Requisites

Admission to Nursing (Bachelor of Science) (NURS-BS) and
Pre- or Co-requisite NUR 3805 with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This course introduces elements of the research process and the use of evidence-based practice in safe, quality nursing care and emphasizes critical appraisal of current evidence that guides professional nursing practice. NOTE: NUR 4169 may have sections offered at both 3 credits as well as 4 credits. Students in a program requirement prior to Fall 2024 (0640) should register for the 3-credit course; students in a program requirement term of Fall 2024 or later, need to register for the 4-credit offering.  Please contact the program if you need assistance.  

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. MLO 1: The student will explain knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required to facilitate EBP in the provision of care by the baccalaureate-prepared nurse.
  2. MLO 2: The student will apply concepts of evidence-based practice to nursing practice, administration, education, research and health policy.
  3. MLO 3: The student will evaluate legal standards and ethical practices related to research which generates evidence-based practice.
  4. MLO 4: The student will appraise health-related research findings in nursing and related fields for use in practice.
    THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED WITH A MODULAR BASED CURRICULUM. BELOW ARE THE LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF EACH MODULE.
  5. MODULE 1: Introduction to Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice:
    1. describe broad historical trends and future directions in nursing research.
    2. explain the characteristics of each level within the evidence hierarchy.
    3. distinguish between qualitative and quantitative research.
    4. ASSOCIATED MLOs: 1, 2, 4
  6. MODULE 2: Introduction to Research Problems and Hypotheses/Variables:
    1. differentiate between the functions and forms of purpose statements and research questions.
    2. describe the purpose and characteristic of research hypotheses.
    3. apply an appropriate PICOT question for a selected clinical problem.
    4. ASSOCIATED MLOs: 1, 2, 4
  7. MODULE 3: Ethical Issues in Research:
    1. discuss historical events that led to the creation of various codes of ethics for research.
    2. analyze ethical dilemmas associated with research.
    3. describe nursing actions that protect study participants.
    4. identify vulnerable groups who may require extra protections in participating in research.
    5. ASSOCIATED MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4
  8. MODULE 4: Finding Research Evidence in the Literature:
    1. describe components of a literature review.
    2. explain the steps in performing a systematic review.
    3. ASSOCIATED MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4
  9. MODULE 5: Introduction to Quantitative Research Designs:
    1. discuss key research design decisions for a quantitative study.
    2. identify criteria for causal relationships.
    3. differentiate between experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs.
    4. explain ways of controlling confounding variables.
    5. evaluate limitations to quantitative studies.
    6. ASSOCIATED MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4
  10. MODULE 6: Introduction to Qualitative Research Designs:
    1. discuss key research design decisions for a qualitative study.
    2. describe how emergent design in qualitative research impacts nursing practice.
    3. evaluate limitations of qualitative designs.
    4. ASSOCIATED MLOs: 1, 2, 4
  11. MODULE 7: Critically Appraising Research Studies:
    1. describe the process of appraising research evidence.
    2. distinguish between the critical appraisal of quantitative and qualitative studies.
    3. synthesize the evidence-based literature to support a change in nursing practice.
    4. ASSOCIATED MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4
  12. MODULE 8: Introduction to Theoretical Frameworks:
    1. compare elements of conceptual models, theories, and frameworks frequently used by nurse researchers.
    2. discuss how theories are used in quantitative and qualitative research.
    3. ASSOCIATED MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will demonstrate mastery of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors with a minimum of 70% accuracy. 

History of Changes

C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: 08/20/2013, Effective Term: Spring 2014 (480). C&I Approval: 11/20/2015, BOT Approval: 03/15/2016, Effective Term: Fall 2016 (520).
C&I Approval: 02/17/2024, BOT Approval: 03/19/2024, Effective Term: Fall 2024 (640)

Related Programs

  1. Nursing (NURS-BS) (670) (Active)