Once the nurse understands the process of EBP, the challenge is to be able to interpret the results of clinical and professional studies and then use the results in practice. One barrier is the fact that many nurses have not been taught clinical epidemiology, the foundation for interpreting EBP results. This session will introduce the APN to concepts of clinical epidemiology that will help them interpret the results from clinical research. Content for this session will assume a basic understanding of the EBP process and will include an introduction to clinical epidemiology and information for understanding and interpreting commonly used statistics reported in clinical and professional research (ie, odds ratios, relative risk, effect size) for use in practice. Examples from published research will be integrated throughout this session. CNSs will benefit from this content by becoming more comfortable with the statistics reported in clinical research studies, and this knowledge will increase their ability to explain EBP statistical results to their colleagues and staff to facilitate the translation of research and evidence into practice. Participants will leave the conference with practical knowledge they can use in practice and an up-to-date bibliography.
Section Description
The 2010 National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) Annual National Conference is planned for Portland, Oregon, on March 3 to 6. More than 375 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), graduate faculty, nurse administrators, nurse researchers, and graduate students are expected to attend. This year's theme, "CNS as Internal Consultant: Influencing Local to Global Systems," demonstrates the breadth and depth of CNS practice and leadership at multiple levels in organizations and on healthcare.
A total of 142 abstracts were submitted for review, and 58 (not including student posters) were selected for either podium or poster presentations. Again, this year, there is a CNS student poster session; student abstracts will appear in a later issue of the journal. The abstracts addressed CNS practice in all 3 practice domains as described in the Spheres of Influence Framework for CNS Practice. Abstracts emphasized patient safety and quality care outcomes, leadership, CNS education, evidence-based practice, and new ways to shape CNS practice. Topics include CNS work activities incorporated into the 3 Spheres of Influence, the role of the CNS in developing clinical inquiry skills among staff nurses, use of simulation technology, strategies to maintain clinical excellence, the role of the CNS in National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) activities, and many new and thoughtful ideas to support CNS education, practice, and research. Collectively, the abstracts represent the breadth, depth, and richness of the CNS's contribution to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, as well as contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession.
The conference abstracts are published to share new knowledge with those unable to attend the conference. As you read each abstract, appreciate the intellectual talent and clinical scholarship of your CNS colleagues who are advancing the practice of nursing and contributing to the health of society through improved outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations. We encourage you to contact individual presenters to network, collaborate, consult, or share your thoughts and ideas on the conference topics.
Watch for next year's call for abstracts and consider submitting for presentation at the next NACNS annual conference scheduled for March 9-12, 2011, in Baltimore, Maryland.