An experienced nurse says to a new graduate, "When you've practiced as long as I have, you instantly know how to take care of psychotic patients." What information should the new graduate consider when analyzing this comment? Select all that apply

Question

a. The experienced nurse may have lost sight of patients' individuality, which may compromise the integrity of practice.
b. New research findings should be integrated continuously into a nurse's practice to provide the most effective care.
c. Experience provides mental health nurses with the essential tools and skills needed for effective professional practice.
d. Experienced psychiatric nurses have learned the best ways to care for mentally ill patients through trial and error.
e. An intuitive sense of patients' needs guides effective psychiatric nurses.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B
Evidence-based practice involves using research findings and standards of care to provide the most effective nursing care. Evidence is continuously emerging, so nurses cannot rely solely on experience. The effective nurse also maintains respect for each patient as an individual. Overgeneralization compromises that perspective. Intuition and trial and error are unsystematic approaches to care.