Evidence-Based Practice: The Essential Competency of Nursing Students for the Aging World

The qualitative research explored the perceptions toward evidence-based practice competency of nursing students in caring for older adults. Nine participants met the criteria using purposive sampling and were invited to join in the study of evidence-based practice experiences in nursing students. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: 1) Knowledge enhancing evidence-based practice with three sub-themes: implementing the nursing process, searching for trustworthy information, and selecting appropriate guidelines; 2) Skills driving evidence-based practice with three sub-themes including nursing practice skills, critical thinking skills, and language skills; and 3) Attitude fostering evidence-based practice with two sub-themes as well as increasing the quality of care for older adults and improving the nursing profession. Therefore, the following study should test component factors of evidence-based geriatric nursing competencies for nursing students, leading to developing the competency of nursing students in care for older adults in the future.