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

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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. [J Nurs Educ. 2020;59(6):341-344.].