Introduction:
Modern, professional nursing is moving away from the traditional nursing model, focusing on evidence-based interventions (EBP). The practical use of scientific research results in professional work which translates positively into an increase in the quality of nursing care provided.

Aim of the research:
Comparative analysis of professional competences of nursing staff in relation to practice based on scientific evidence in the Mazowieckie, Lubelskie, and Swietokrzyskie voivodeships.

Material and methods:
A total of 173 professionally active nurses working in the Mazowieckie (n = 62, 36%), Lubelskie (n = 56, 32%), and Swietokrzyskie (n = 55, 32%) voivodeships took part in a voluntary and anonymous online survey. The following research tools were used: the Standardised Evidence-Based Practice Profile Questionnaire and the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale. The research was conducted in accordance with the descriptive statistics methodology.

Results:
It was found that 71% of nurses were aware of the existence of practice based on scientific evidence, and the same number of respondents claimed that EBP is a modern model of practicing the nursing profession. As many as 90% of respondents intended to expand their knowledge about the idea of EBP. Only 9% of nurses declared that they would not develop professional competences based on scientific literature. For more than half (55%) of nurses, lack of time was the main barrier limiting the use of EBP principles in their professional work.

Conclusions:
We can conclude the following: 1) a higher level of professional competence obtained by nursing staff directly translates into the degree of practical use of EBP, 2) evidence-based nursing practice significantly improves quality in nursing. 3). Lack of time and workload limit the frequency of using EBP.