Evidence-based practice (EBP) requires a commitment to adopting innovation to change clinical problems. In perinatal and neonatal care, this commitment involves utilization of current best evidence in decision making about patient care for the benefit of mothers, infants, and their families. Embracing EBP can lead to increased patient and professional outcomes, creating synergy that will be welcomed on all levels. Moving toward EBP in this arena is a challenging goal for perinatal nurses, who may encounter many barriers. This article describes the need for "buy in" from key stakeholders at the bedside and within the infrastructure of the organization. Provided herein are stepwise methods to engage nurses in EBP as well as ideas to promote use of research in a way that every patient receives the right care every time. This article provides an overview of how perinatal and neonatal clinicians can shift their focus to embrace EBP and translate research into practice at the bedside.

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In the practice of nursing, organizations with progressive evidence-based practice programs implement structures and processes whereby nurses are engaged in the review of existing research and in the development of clinical practice documents to better align nursing practices with the best available scientific knowledge. At our academic hospital system, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) took the lead to help transform a traditional nursing policy and procedure committee into a hospital-wide, staff-represented Clinical Practice Council (CPC) that ensures evidence-based nursing practices are reflected in the organization's nursing practice documents for the provision of patient care. Clinical nurse specialists function as mentors and cochairs who are dedicated to ensuring that nursing practice is supported by the latest evidence and committed to guiding staff nurses to continually move their practice forward. The success of the CPC is due to the leadership and commitment of the CNSs. This article describes the structure, process, and outcomes of an effective CPC where CNSs successfully engage frontline clinicians in promoting nursing care that is evidence based. Clinical nurse specialist leadership is increasingly made visible as CNSs effectively involve staff nurses in practice reforms to improve patient outcomes.

This article disseminates evidence and encourages scientific investigation into various methods of supporting emotional health of NICU parents to create better health outcomes.