I’ll never forget the reaction I got the first time I mentioned to a nurse resident that they’d be completing a “professional experience” as part of their time in the Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP). You know the one—wide eyes, slight panic, maybe even a flashback to nursing school research papers or class projects. For many, the idea of evidence-based practice (EBP) feels intimidating, like something reserved for academia or experienced nurses who specialize in the topic.
But here’s the truth: EBP isn’t just for school or a select few. It’s for every nurse, every day.
In a recent episode of our Beyond Nurse Residency podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Kirsten Hanrahan and Dr. Laura Cullen from University of Iowa Health Care. These two live and breathe EBP every day. Not only did they share their expertise, but they also reinforced just how important it is for nurses—especially those new to practice—to engage in this type of work.
New nurses often underestimate the value they bring to practice. But as Kirsten pointed out, they have something incredibly powerful: a fresh perspective. They’re not bound by sacred cows or “the way we’ve always done it.” Their curiosity and willingness to ask “why” often spark meaningful conversations and improvements.
That’s why introducing EBP early—through residency programs like the IONRP—is so important. When new grads are exposed to these concepts early in their careers and given the opportunity to engage in meaningful change, they not only learn vital skills that will carry them into the future, but they begin to see EBP not as an extra task, but as part of who they are as professionals. It becomes second nature. It becomes an integral part of their practice.
Of course, getting from panic to purpose doesn’t happen overnight. Supporting new grads through these EBP experiences can be tricky. Not all nurse leaders or nursing professional development practitioners feel confident in their own EBP skills. If that’s you, I encourage you to check out the free and paid resources shared by Laura and Kirsten.
It can also be hard to know what support should look like. Too little, and new grads flounder. Too much, and they miss the chance to lead. The sweet spot? Empowering them with:
Clear goals
Simple, focused topics
Consistent processes
And most importantly—time.
Dedicated time to think, explore, learn, and grow.
When we give new nurses the space and support to engage in professional experiences that allow them to apply EBP in the practice setting, we’re not just taking the panic out of the experience and helping them succeed in their first year—we’re building their confidence and empowering them to flourish in the future.
If there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s this: EBP isn’t just a project. It’s a mindset. It’s about asking questions, seeking better ways, and using evidence to guide our practices. And when we nurture that mindset in our newest nurses, we’re not just helping them grow—we’re shaping the future of our profession.
Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC
Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program Director
nicole-weathers@uiowa.edu
Wanting a Program Overview? Need to schedule a meeting? Book time with Nicole
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