Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Perceptions of Learning in Mentored and Simulated Research Practica

Abstract

Background: A simulated research practicum was developed in our nursing program to increase the number of quality research placements for our students. In order to evaluate the success of this simulation activity, we compared students' experiences in simulated and traditional mentored research placements.

Method: A convenience sample of baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in an introductory research course in Ontario, Canada, was surveyed. A two-group posttest survey design was used to assess the research activities students experienced and their satisfaction with placements. Data were compared between the traditional mentored research placements (MRP) and simulated research placements (SRP) using descriptive and inferential statistical testing.

Results: Students in the SRP group had a statistically significant higher level of exposure to several aspects of the research process, although course satisfaction ratings were slightly better in the MRP group.

Conclusion: The simulated practicum provided our organization with a feasible means of providing high-quality research placements by exposing undergraduate nursing students to several aspects of the research process. [J Nurs Educ. 2019;58(5):290-293.].