Student Profile: Christina
Midland, Texas
Evidence-based Practice Certificate/Master of Science in Nursing, UT El Paso
Expected completion: May 2008
UTTC: What is your current job in the health care profession?
I am a Quality Specialist with the Surgical Care Improvement Project, working out of our county hospital in Midland – the Midland Memorial Hospital.
You are pursuing the Master of Science, and taking the 9 hours that comprise the Evidence-based Practice Certificate (EBP) as part of that degree plan, right?
Correct, I’m doing both concurrently and plan to graduate this May.
The EBP certificate program requires students to identify a clinical problem in their facility, then research evidence to support a practice change, and finally to implement that change. What practice change are you researching for the program?
The clinical problem I have identified was maintaining normothermia in surgical patients. Normothermia is the condition of maintaining normal body temperature. I looked at the all of the research that was available, identified a plan of action, implemented the action plan, and collected and analyzed data pre- and post-implementation. I designed a poster to inform hospital staff of the problems and importance associated with maintaining normothermia, as well as the evidence, action plan and results of my study.
Has conducting this research changed the way you approach your work?
Absolutely. It’s made me view any action I propose to take in a new way, even actions I’ve always taken. My new mantra is “show me the evidence!”
How did online learning work for you as the delivery method for this?
I chose to learn online because it allowed me the flexibility to continue my studies without costly relocations or commutes. It’s convenient for my lifestyle. What I’ve discovered as I complete both this certificate program and the Master of Science in Nursing, is I’ve attained my personal goal in a manner that was convenient to my family, my lifestyle and my job commitments. I have a great support system. The tutors were very hands on and always available. I had a study buddy and we were always there for each other.
So you would recommend this program to other healthcare professionals?
I already have! I’ve recommended the program to many of my colleagues, some of whom are in the program now. It’s great for people who aren’t in close proximity to a university but want to continue their education.
Do you have any advice for potential students considering these programs?
I would let them know this provides a great way to attain a personal or professional goal. It can sometimes appear as if you constantly have a book to read, but it is achievable. The material you learn and the skills you pick up are so readily applicable to your practice there are immediate rewards. It’s been a very enlightening experience for me.