NMs did not usually see themselves as EBP champions,
and this was a view shared by those that they worked with.
They, however, did consider that theirmiddlemanagement
positions meant that they could, and sometimes did, fulfill
a linking role in relation to EBPI.
NMs as links in EBPI processes. The potential linking
roles identified were: sharing and disseminating information
for EBPI; helping to integrate various EBP initiatives;
and linking appropriate people to EBPI posts. In actuality,
the extent to which NMs fulfilled these roles varied both
within and across the cases.
With regard to integration, few had any knowledge of
organizational priorities or approaches to EBPI. For example:
“Strategy or approach for EBPI? I couldn’t say. I mean, I
just don’t think we have such a thing, in nursing or across
the Board. Well, if we do, I’ve never heard of it” (NM,
Case C).