Next generation nurse scientists: A systems approach to engaging undergraduate students in research

• Published in: Nursing outlook 2023-11, Vol.71 (6), p.102054-102054, Article 102054
• Main Authors: Corbett, Cynthia F., Wright, Pamela J., Donevant, Sara B., Wickersham, Karen E., Raynor, Phyllis A., Vick, Lori L., Chappell, Kate K., Abshire, Demetrius A., Dawson, Robin M., Andrews, Jeannette O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Baccalaureate; Education; Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate - methods; Experiential learning; Faculty, Nursing; Humans; Mentoring; Mentors; Nursing; Nursing research; Students; Students, Nursing; Systems Analysis
• ISSN: 0029-6554; 1528-3968
• DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2023.102054

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. (a) To describe the infrastructure and culture-enhancing resources and strategies associated with building UGS research engagement and (b) to evaluate UGS research engagement. 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. 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. 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. •Engage undergraduate nursing students early and frequently in hands-on research.•Use external, university, college, and individual research resources and strategies.•Track career trajectories of alumni to evaluate the impact on Doctor of Philosophy pipeline.•Advocate for resources to integrate research into the undergraduate experience.