Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Evidence Based Practice RN/BSN (Online)

NURS 4361-A30

Course: NURS 4361-A30
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: NURS
CRN: 32878

Course Description

This course is designed to identify the essentials of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) within the nursing profession by looking at theoretical and research-based concepts, application to EBP principles, and how the practice of research complements EBP evaluation, application, and implementation. This course is designed for the student enrolled in the RN to BSN program. Must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): NURS 3101 and (MATH 1031 or MATH 1040) and INFO 1010 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C (NURS 3101, INFO 1010), C- (MATH 1031/1040) Registration Restriction(s): Acceptance into RN to BSN major

Required Texts

American Psychological Association (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
ISBN-13: 978-1433832161
ISBN-10: 143383216X

Learning Outcomes

1. Dissect, investigate, and implement the basic elements of the research process.
2. Examine evidence-based practice (EBP) within the context of nursing practice and explore the local and global resources available to find peer reviewed research that supports evidence-based practice.
3. Evaluate the credibility of sources of information, including but not limited to databases and internet resources.
4. Apply the process of retrieval, appraisal, and synthesis of evidence to improve nursing practice and health care outcomes.
5. Create scholarly work that integrates professional communication skills in writing for the nursing profession through correct use of APA standards including concise organization, grammar, references, citations, and overall formatting.

Course Requirements

Admission to the RN to BSN program

Course Outline

D I S C U S S I O N S -  G r a d e  We i g h t  1 0 %
At the end of some modules, I am going to ask you to answer questions, do a quick assignment or
write a short reflection related to the content from that particular module. These are not busy work;
they serve a purpose. Reflection is proven to expand your critical thinking and deepen learning.
These are not long assignments, so don’t just fake the work and make stuff up. Do the work for
yourself to become the best nurse you can be. You are being graded on participation, not content
(although you will lose points for spelling & grammar issues, incomplete submissions, or responses
that lack required components as outlined). These are also an opportunity to work on your writing
and communication skills. The reason that I would like for you to do this on a discussion board, is
that it gives you the opportunity to see what is resonating with your classmates but also what they
might still have questions about. While most won't require you to comment on each other's posts,
you are most welcome to do so! For any discussions, the following rules apply.
Rules for any feedback on the discussion board:
● Keep it professional (in attitude and writing skills)
● Offer constructive and useful feedback while remaining kind
● Responses should consist of substantive & meaningful content

K N O W L E D G E  C H E C K  Q U I Z Z E S – G r a d e  We i g h t  1 0 %
Many modules will have a knowledge check quiz which covers the content being covered in the
module to follow up what you have learned. Quizzes may include a variety of formats including
multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer. The main goal with these is to
enhance your knowledge on the content, your critical thinking, and testing skills. Use whatever
materials you need to complete the quiz. You can take these quizzes as many times as desired.
The highest score is what will be counted toward your grade. Be sure to take your time in
understanding the material on the quizzes as it will be important for your continued progression in
the course and evidence-based practice.

P R A C T I C E  A S S I G N M E N T S – G r a d e  We i g h t  2 0 %
Some modules will include assignments in relation to the module content that serve as
opportunities to practice certain skills you need to develop. These differ depending on the module
content and skill/s to be developed therefore grading and further instructions will be specific to
each assignment and described within the module in Canvas.

S B A R R A S S I G N M E N T S – G r a d e  We i g h t  2 0 %
This assignment serves as the culmination of what you have learned throughout the previous
modules and forms foundational skills of applying evidence to practice. As consumers of research,
nurses must have a basic understanding of the literature available and critical appraisal skills for
evaluating resources to apply them in practice. Critical to this process is not only the ability to
analyze and assess the information but understanding how to apply it to clinical practice. You will
have an opportunity to practice and deepen your skills in applying information through this SBARR
assignments. This assignment utilizes the common SBAR format/process used in nursing to
formulate a clinical question, find relevant information and develop evidence-based conclusions to
be applied in nursing practice. Further details on these assignments and the associated grading
rubric for this assignment can be found in Canvas.

L I B R A RY  A s s i g n m e n t – G r a d e  We i g h t  5 %
The goal is to explore what resources you have and how to use them. This is something to get
comfortable and confident with so that you can do this on your own and/or know how to get help.
4/30/25, 3:36 PM Syllabus for NURS-4361-A30


C l i n i c a l  P r a c t i c e  G u i d e l i n e ( C P G )  A s s i g n m e n t s – G r a d e We i g h t  1 5 %
The purpose of these assignments is to explore, appraise, and revise CPGs utilized in nursing
practice.

E v i d e n c e  B a s e d  P a t i e n t  E d u c a t i o n  A s s i g n m e n t s – G r a d e We i g h t  2 0 %
As a nurse, you provide a great deal of education to patients and their caregiver(s) throughout the
healthcare continuum. These assignments are an opportunity to create evidence-based patient
education and demonstrate the ability to convey pertinent information, both verbally and in writing,
to a patient and/or their caregiver(s).

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Assignments are due at the time designated by faculty (in MDT/MST). Due dates/times are posted in the syllabus/course calendar. Coursework that is turned in late will be graded to the same standard as coursework that was turned in on-time. However, 10% off the maximum attainable score will be deduced for each day that the coursework is late. No late coursework will be accepted more than 6 days after the deadline. If you know you will miss a class in advance of the due date/time submit materials early IF the assignment permits. If you feel you are falling behind, not understanding something, or simply need help, please reach out early. 

If a student comes into a course late, it is the student's responsibility to get with the instructor ASAP regarding any work/content that may have already taken place in the course. Students are held to the same standards for course work and deadlines.

Attendance Policy

Attendance in online courses is evaluated based on completion of assignments, participation in online discussions, and timely response to instructor’s emails. You should notify the faculty in advance if you know you are unable to complete assignments, etc. by the assignment due date. In the case of emergencies, notify the faculty ASAP.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.