Discuss how understanding and using statistics can be beneficial to nursing practice.

Statistical tools are used in our everyday lives. Discuss how understanding and using statistics can be beneficial to nursing practice.
Please include your initial post with 400 words and two scholarly references.Attached you can find the rubric to following.
ANSWER
Understanding and Using Statistics in Nursing Practice
Statistics play a crucial role in nursing practice, providing nurses with the tools to make informed decisions, improve patient care, and advance their profession. Nurses who possess a strong understanding of statistics can effectively analyze data, evaluate research findings, and apply statistical principles to enhance patient outcomes.
1. Evidence-Based Practice and Research:
Nurses rely on evidence-based practice, which involves incorporating the best available research evidence into clinical decision-making. Understanding statistics allows nurses to critically appraise research studies, assess the validity and reliability of findings, and apply research findings to their clinical practice.
2. Patient Assessment and Monitoring:
Statistical tools are essential for accurately assessing and monitoring patient conditions. Nurses use measures of central tendency, such as mean, median, and mode, to summarize patient data and identify trends. They also use measures of variability, such as range, variance, and standard deviation, to assess the spread of data and identify outliers.
3. Clinical Decision-Making and Intervention Evaluation:
Nurses use statistical tools to make informed clinical decisions, such as determining appropriate medication dosages, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and predicting patient outcomes. They also use statistics to identify patterns in patient data, which can inform risk assessment and preventive care strategies.
4. Quality Improvement and Performance Measurement:
Statistical tools are crucial for measuring and improving the quality of nursing care. Nurses use statistical methods to track performance indicators, identify areas for improvement, and evaluate the effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives. They also use statistics to benchmark their performance against national standards and best practices.
5. Research and Evidence Generation:
Nurses who understand statistics can actively contribute to nursing research by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They can also collaborate with researchers to design and conduct studies that address critical questions in nursing practice.
6. Patient Education and Communication:
Nurses can use statistical concepts to effectively educate patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits. They can also use statistics to communicate patient data and outcomes in a clear and understandable manner.
References:
American Nurses Association (ANA). (2021). Scope and standards for nursing practice (4th ed.). Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and using evidence for practice (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.