From Evidence to Practice

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) and clinical decision-making (CDM) are essential for nursing students, yet traditional teaching often fails to foster these skills. Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of the RICOSRE learning model on nursing students’ EBP and CDM competencies compared to traditional lectures. Methods: In 2024, a quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2 Iranian nursing schools with 158 undergraduate students (second to fourth year). Participants were randomized into 2 groups: experimental ( n = 78, RICOSRE, 7 sessions) and control ( n = 80, traditional lectures). Data were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 months using the EBP Competency Questionnaire, CDM Scale, and simulation-based performance assessment. Results: The RICOSRE group demonstrated significant and sustained improvements in EBP knowledge, skills, attitudes, CDM dimensions, and clinical performance, whereas the control group showed minimal change. Conclusions: The RICOSRE model is more effective than traditional teaching in enhancing EBP, CDM, and clinical performance among nursing students.