Examine roles and competencies of advanced practice nurses essential to performing as leaders and advocates of holistic, safe, and quality care.

After reflecting on the weekly concepts learned in this course, I have a better understanding of how important evidence-based practice is and am beginning to view my NP role as more of an advocate and leader for holistic, safe, and quality care. I understand that it is through engaging in scholarship that health and healthcare outcomes can be improved in various settings. To engage in scholarship effectively as an NP, I think it’s important to stay abreast of the latest research and advancements so that one is able to make informed decisions about patient care.

I believe some barriers to implementing evidence-based practice include lack of understanding or knowledge about EBP principles by clinicians; lack of access or resources needed to perform adequate research; competing priorities which hinder implementation; poor communication between practitioners or departments with respect to EBP practices; lack of support from leadership or oversight committees when making changes due to EBP initiatives. It will be essential for me to become knowledgeable on these topics if I am going strive towards excellence in my advanced nurse practitioner role.