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Evidence-based practice is highly valued in health care literature at this time. But research suggests that U.S. RNs face many obstacles when implementing evidence-based practice including a lack of value for research in practice (Pravikoff et al, 2005). Additional obstacles may exist for traditional U.S. BSN nursing students who may not value the importance of learning about evidence-based practice principles or of implementing evidence-based practice in the clinical setting. If we are to improve the use of evidence-based practice among U.S. RNs, learning and valuing the process must begin during the basic nursing educational program. This presentation outlines classroom research designed to uncover the specific obstacles to learning and implementing evidence-based practice described by traditional BSN students at a small, private, Catholic college just before they complete the final clinical internship before graduation. Several teaching strategies were designed to address the obstacles students described. A post-internship survey of the same students determined the effectiveness of the various teaching strategies. Recommendations for future research and for teaching strategies to enhance the learning and valuing of evidence-based practice among traditional U.S. BSN students are offered. (Contains 3 tables.)

Objective: This study examined potential predictors of nurses' intentions to work during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 1,200 nurses chosen from all RNs and LPNs registered with the Maine State Board of Nursing during the second wave of the flu pandemic. Results: Of the 735 respondents, 90% initially indicated that they intended to work during a flu pandemic. Respondents were significantly more likely to work if provided with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) but significantly less likely without adequate PPE or if they feared family members could become ill with pandemic flu. They were also significantly less likely to work if assigned to direct care of a flu patient; if a colleague were quarantined for or died of pandemic flu; if they feared their own family members might die of pandemic flu; if they themselves were ill for any reason; if a family member or loved one were sick at home and needed care; if they lacked a written family protection plan; or if certain incentives were offered: antiviral medication or vaccine for nurse and family, double pay, or free room and board at work. About 7% of RNs reported that they would not be willing to work during a flu pandemic, regardless of incentives or other factors. An inverse relationship was found between the perceived level of threat posed by a flu pandemic and nurses' willingness to work. Conclusions: To maintain an adequate nursing workforce during a flu pandemic, employers should ensure that policies and procedures include providing adequate PPE for nurses and safeguarding the health of nurses and their families.The level of perceived threat is likely to affect the proportion of nurses willing to work. Some nurses will not work during a flu pandemic no matter what protections and incentives are offered; efforts intended to force or entice all nurses to work are unlikely to succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(2011) Journal of Nursing Management 98-108 The present study reports factors affecting nurses' ability and willingness to work during pandemic flu (PF). Previous studies suggest some nurses may be unable or unwilling to work during PF. A questionnaire was mailed to nurses during October to December 2009, the second wave of the 2009 A/H1N1 flu pandemic. Most (90.1%) reported they would work. Willingness decreased primarily as personal protective equipment (PPE) dwindled, family or nurse were perceived to be at risk and when vaccine or antiviral medication was not provided to both nurse and family although many other factors also affected willingness to work. Ability decreased primarily when the nurse was sick, a loved one needed care at home or transportation problems existed although many other factors also affected ability to work. Certain factors can decrease willingness and ability of nurses to work during a flu pandemic. Managers can anticipate factors that may decrease nurse's ability and willingness to work during pandemic flu. Preparing for staffing during emergencies can retain the health care workforce when it is needed most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]