Next Generation Nurse Scientists: A Systems Approach to Engaging Undergraduate Students in Research

Author(s)

Cynthia F. Corbett PhD, RN, FAAN, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
Pamela J. Wright PhD, MS, MEd, RN, CEN, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
Sara B. Donevant, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
Karen E. Wickersham, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
Kate Chappell
Demetrius Abshire, University of South CarolinaFollow
Robin Dawson, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow
Jeannette O. Andrews

Document Type

Article

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nursing Doctor of Philosophy program enrollment has declined. Undergraduate nursing student (UGS) research engagement is associated with future graduate education, an essential element for building the nursing faculty pipeline.

PURPOSE: (a) To describe the infrastructure and culture-enhancing resources and strategies associated with building UGS research engagement and (b) to evaluate UGS research engagement.

METHODS: Guided by a socioecological systems model university and college documents, databases, and college of nursing survey results were used to identify approaches to, and outcomes of, engaging UGS in research. Descriptive statistics were calculated to illustrate 5-year UGS research engagement trends.

FINDINGS: Resources and strategies included grant funding, research assistant funding, student research showcases, and faculty mentorship. UGS research 5-year engagement trends included (a) a 75% increase in the number of students mentored, (b) a 30% rise in funded research proposals, and (c) a 54% increase in paid research assistantships.

DISCUSSION: Purposefully using existing resources, growing the college of nursing infrastructure, and cultivating a culture recognizing faculty contributions were approaches associated with increased UGS research engagement.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2023.102054

Publication Info

Published in Nursing Outlook, Volume 71, Issue 6, 2023, pages 102054-.

APA Citation

Corbett, C. F., Wright, P. J., Donevant, S. B., Wickersham, K. E., Raynor, P. A., Vick, L. L., Chappell, K. K., Abshire, D. A., Dawson, R. M., & Andrews, J. O. (2023). Next generation nurse scientists: A systems approach to engaging undergraduate students in research. Nursing Outlook, 71(6), 102054. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2023.102054

Rights

© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.