LAUSR

T he health care industry acknowledges a 17-year gap from research completion to implementation of an evidence-based practice (EBP) change in the clinical setting—known as the leaky pipeline. Typically, clinical nurses comprise the largest workforce of any hospital or health care system; therefore, they are the leading providers of EBPs. However, there are indications of a disconnection between the evidencebased daily practice of nurses and the actual conduct of literature reviews and appraisals to determine best evidence. Additionally, the literature indicates that in order for nurses to engage in EBP they need the proper education, supportive leadership, and resources. Moreover, during their fundamental education, the majority of clinical nurses receive minimal exposure to research methods, quality improvement frameworks, and EBP models. Once embedded in the practice environment, they are ill-equipped to challenge, sustain, or improve current practices with confidence and competence. However, nurses demonstrate natural curiosity, a passion for learning inquiry work, and a drive to provide the best possible care to their patients. To that end, the Center for Nursing Inquiry was developed.