Increasing knowledge level of evidence-based nursing through self-directed learning: lessons learned for staff development.

Recent literature and Magnet standards emphasize the promotion of evidence-based practice in nursing. Nurses prepared over 5 years ago may not necessarily have received education regarding the principles of evidence-based practice. Therefore, an independent study was developed to educate staff nurses regarding the basics of evidence-based practice. The development of a self-directed independent study is described, including the rationale, benefits, course content, and lessons learned when teaching evidence-based practice through self-directed learning.