Delivering evidence-based care for the registered nursing associate

The registered nursing associate (RNA) works alongside the registered nurse and other health professionals to provide patient care, support and education in a range of settings. The role of the RNA is to deliver direct care, with minimal supervision, using knowledge and skills that are current and clinically credible. To deliver high-quality, effective and safe care, the RNA needs to establish the evidence, combining this knowledge with practice at a local level to support decision-making. According to Muir Gray (1997), the delivery of evidence-based care is not simply about using the evidence, it also requires engagement with the patient:

‘Evidence based practice is an approach to decision making in which the clinician uses the best evidence available, in consultation with the patient, to decide upon the option which suits the patient best.’

Muir Gray, 1997:3

Although inclusion of patients in the decision-making process is important, it is also imperative that the RNA has the evidence-based knowledge to share with the patient to assist them in making an informed decision.