Role of Magnet®‐recognized hospital nurse managers in implementing evidence‐based practice: A mixed‐method study

Abstract Background Healthcare systems recognize evidence‐based practice (EBP) as the prestigious standard for providing safe and high‐quality patient care, nursing excellence, and Magnet Recognition. Despite the well‐documented benefits, implementation of EBP is inconsistent and remains elusive in the US and throughout the world and many patients still fail to receive evidence‐based care. The literature revealed a huge gap between nursing science and practice but provided evidence that nurse managers (NMs) had a pivotal leadership role in implementing EBP. Aim To gain a deeper understanding of Magnet‐recognized hospital nurse managers' (MRHNMs) leadership roles, the influencing factors, and their experience in implementing EBP to enhance EBP initiatives and sustain Magnet recognition. Method This mixed‐method study guided by Goodall's ( Australasian Psychiatry , 2016. 24, 231) theory of expert leadership used a sequential explanatory method with a quantitative‐driven design based on a national correlational survey augmented by a qualitative descriptive component using semi‐structured interviews. Results The findings of the study demonstrated that MRHNMs had a 54.6% effective leadership role in implementing EBP and produced numerous themes indicating that MRHNMs did implement EBP with struggle. MRHNMs in this study viewed EBP as a healthcare priority and leadership of NMs is necessary to promote EBP. However, lack of knowledge, difficulties with the EBP process, time constraints, and staffing issues negatively impacted EBP. Postgraduate degree, formal EBP education, critical care units as workplace, collaboration with doctorally prepared nurses, and Magnet culture enhanced EBP among MRHNMs. Linking Evidence to Action EBP is essential for Magnet recognition and is a hallmark of nursing excellence, however, is a complex and challenging process. The leadership of NMs is necessary to shape evidence‐based care, and NMs require EBP preparation during leadership training, necessary resources, and time to complete the EBP process. EBP cannot become a reality without leaders being engaged, supportive, and persistent.