The Future of Nursing Education: Multidisciplinary Community-Engaged Research for Undergraduate Nursing Students

摘要

Background: Undergraduate nursing students with research experience are more likely to pursue graduate education. Community-engaged research mentoring facilitates not only this process but also student engagement in topics such as cultural relevance and community partnerships. Method: Two cohorts of undergraduate students participated in a novel yearlong multidisciplinary mentored research experience based in a predominantly Black community. A qualitative, descriptive study using semistructured interviews was conducted with undergraduate students to describe effects of a multidisciplinary, community-engaged mentored research experience on cultural sensitivity, acquisition of research skills, and intent to pursue graduate study. Results: Both cohorts of students demonstrated cultural sensitivity, acquired basic research skills, and had favorable attitudes toward or a definitive plan to pursue graduate education influenced by their participation in the mentored research experience. Conclusion: This approach may represent a viable strategy for increasing the number of graduate-prepared nurses and reducing health disparities via the provision of culturally competent care.